ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 192, 10 May 1921, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

"MARA MA.” "Maram,” the musical comedy mods in New Zealand, attracted another enthusiastic (audience to the Grand Opera House last evening. The strongest feature of "Marama.” is the contrast between th® two groups 'into which the company divides itself. A chorus of pretty pakeha girls emphasises the demure sedateness of the Maori maidens, with their whirling pois. Miss Mere Amohau, who has the name part, has a pleasant mezzo voice and plays with easy assurance. Miss Marian Bainbridge and Miss Bertha Manson were both successful in solo and concerted numbers. Mr. Noel Allen, Mr. Leon Fail, and Mr. Harry Poppelwell' were prominent on the male side. The audience was particularly demonstrative in its approval of the Maori dances, which included a stirring haka by the warriors and a graceful poi dance by the maidens. The ballets and incidental dances were also much enjoyed. KING'S THEATRE. "The Better 'Ole” was a picture wnique in its style, humour, and popularity, but its companion film, “Alf’s Button,” now being screened to crowded houses at the King's Theatre, is in all respects a better picture; certainly it is much more laughable. It is a tale of modern Aladdin, for one Alf Higgins finds when cleaning his buttons on the battered plains of Flanders that one of his buttons has the same power as had Aladdin's lamp of old. He is dumbfounded, and brings into his confidence .his old pal, Bert, Alf and Bert call on the genie to their hearts’ desire, and the fun is fast and furious. Miss Kathleen O'Brien furnishes with clever dances an •xcellent prologue to the picture. The King’s orchestra, specially augmented for the occasion, renders first-class music. Excellent supports are,also screened. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. "The Whisper Market,” starring Corinne Griffith, is the special attraction at Everybody’s Theatre this week. It is a mystery and adventure story with a new *urn. While thu narrative is gripping and dramatic, all of the events are well within the bounds of possibility. There is an excellent supporting programme. EMPRESS THEATRE. "Darling Mine,” screened at the Empress Theatre this week, features Oljye Thomas as a charming Irish "colleen. ’’ The picturesque scenes of Ireland furnish an atmosphere of peace that is in startling contrast with the hustle and bustle of America, whence "Darling Mine” goes to her relations. Olive Thomas does some of her best work in this etory. A strong supporting programme is also shown.