ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4549, 11 April 1923, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

CENTRAL THEATRE PICTURES* TONIGHT. IS MARRIAGE A FAILURE? An excellent programme has been secured for this evening, when the comedy-drama, “Is Marriage a Failure ?” will be presented. This picture is played by an all-star cast., including Lois Wilson, Roy Barnes, and Walter Heir. Also on the programme is the ni'nts episode of “Robinson Crusoe.” ‘THE CRUCIFIXION.” ENJOYABLE RENDERING. Despite the wintry weather there was a very large attendance at the Central Theatre on Sunday evening last, the seating accommodation being fully taxed. The rendering of “The Crucifixion” was most impres--1 sive, and was thoroughly enjoyed. One hesitates to comment on the efforts of tlie local Methodist Choir individually, but it is safe to say that Mr GFoster made the most of the fine tenor passages. Mr J. A. Briggs’ voice was not heard to the best advantage in some, of tlie bass solos, but his solo work was rendered with expression and feeling. The piano and orga 1 accompaniments were very enjoyable, particularly the “Procession to Calvary.” The effects produced were most impressive. As one listened .□ the strains the feeling was produced that he was actually taking part ia the saddest of all processions. Mrs Cooke and Mr L. Mitchell certainly excelled in their work. In the tenor solo “The Mystery of the Diviye Humiliation,” Mr G. Foster was probably heard at his best, while Mr Briggs was particularly pleasing in the solo “And as Moses lifted up the Serpent.” The quartette “God iso loved t.hc World” was very impressively sung by Mesdames Foster and Hague-Smith and Messrs G. Poster and J. A. Briggs. The tenor and bass’duet “So thou liftest Thy Divine. Petition” was particularly fine. The choruses and hymns were splendidly sung by the whole choir. The attack all through was good. The enunciation was clear, every word being distinctly heard by the audience, and the expression throughout was full of feeling, and well interpreted, indicating very careful preparation. The singing of the hymn “The Mystery of the Intercession” was of outstanding notice, and the chorus “It it nothing to You” was exceedingly impressive. It was almost impossible not. to have felt deeply moved during the chorus by the music and singing. In oratorio, music “The Crucifixion” is quite one of the best ever composed. The rendering on Sunday night by the Methodist Choir and friends was a distinct credit in every way. All who assisted are to be congratulated oh the success attained. Mr L. Foster, in particular, showed unsparing efforts as choirmaster to achieve such splendid resu'ts. and deserves full credit for the success of the production.