ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10610, 8 June 1920, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

HIS MAJESTY’S. A largo attendance was registered last evening at His Majesty’s Theatre, when ' . the usual weekly change of programme ■ was given, it: proved eminently to the 1 taste of those present, Mr Harry. Bur--1 gess ami his clever revue' people staged "The Manieas, isle,” a musical absurdity with more than the average attractiveness, it has an amusing theme, and is provided with capital musical numbers and ensembles. Tabloid operetta in the lighter vein would perhaps best describe it. An advantage was that the piece, introduced the members of the combination on different lines to those of previous productions. Mr Burgess was a distinct success as a sailor shipwrecked on a Chinese -island, who marries th© Queen thereof, and ■ thereafter tules with a firm hand. Uis comedy work was excellent. Mr Gus Franks, as another marooned seaman, of the Hebrew persuasion, aided and abetted Mr Burgess in the conspiracy to make everybody laugh, and was a good foil to him. Mr Iks. Warton, able for once to discard the Irish character, was admirable in his portrayal of a high-caste Chinese, and used his fine voice fo advantage in hie solo, "I’m A Wise Old Man,” and in other numbers. Mr Ernest Crawford, f.s a gallant young marine officer, acted with dash, and sang most acceptably. His duet with Miss Linda Hale —vciy dainty as a Chinese' maiden—was pretty in itself, and was made the more enjoyable by its pleasing interpretation. The song was "You and I.” and in ,it both vocalists excelled themselves. Miss Lola Hunt sacrificed her looks to the requirements of the grotesque role of the island Queen, and was successful in creating mirth. Mr -Ernest Lashbrooko and Miss Thelma Duff .performed a dance effectively, and Miss Ivy Moore was also well placed Tiro members ot the chorus had rather more to do than in previous productions, and acquitted themselves well. The whole piece was adequately staged. In the first half of the bill the 10markable balancing turn of The Kadomas, a'man and a little girl, was the most attractive item, and the finished and daring nature of the feats performed placed the turn on a high level as to quality. Pasdon and Stanley, now in their third week, were entcr-tainim' , in their interlude, submitting a iitti* comedy and patter. Vince ,Courtenay was monl; successful in his original songs 1 and jokes, and scored a-big hit with bis own composition, "The Silver In My Mptfier’s Hair.” Unfortunately his partner, Miss Eva Courtenay. was unable to appear, owing to tbe “props” not arriving from Lyttelton. Pollard and Jackson were wel) received in sever;)! songs, which included "Alma.” 'anil "My Sweetheart 'When A Boy.” Little Mona, the child trappzist, again mad? a good impression with her wonderful skill on the hanging rope. Mr Prank Crowtlur’s orchestra as usual played up to its high standard. The same pro gramme will be presented each evening fbiu week, and*at the, usual matinee on Saturday. THE DANDIES. All the features and qualities that go towards making the success of a costume comedy company are possessed by The Dandies of WhO, showing nightly in the Conceit Chamber of the Town Hall. The. members are bright and clover, they sing well, and dance lightly with the latest steps. Xu comedy the company is particularly strong. The present programme includes many highly attractive items, pleasing songs, charming violin solus, monologues, and concerted numbers, U will bo repeated until Friday evening, when an putirely new bill will be presented. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. There was another large audience at Everybody's last evening, when the wonderful production, "The Miracle Man,” was .screened. This wonderful picture derives its reality from the fact that it expresses unuttered feelings and a.-pua-tions of the multitudes who witness it, emotions .and sentiments which lie deep in the hearts of men and women everywhere. Its appeal is sentimental, but eo' is the human mind. People can Ire dazzled by .pageantry, thrilled by magnificent spectacles and the simulation of dramatic perils, but they become satiated with these mechanical ingenuities ' and extravagance.' It is when tlie seme; places of the heart are -opened to them that the response is greatest, os in ibis revelation of the eiicnt power of faith and purity, in a story unfolding in the beauty and I'rugrifncc of a liowo'r. The beautiful song, “Sweet Spirit, Hear My Prayer,” is perfectly rendered ,by Miss Rosa Field, while an* aiigumented orchestra of tea instruments arc heard m specially selected music. THE EMPRESS. “The Great White Trail” is a thrilling drama, abounding in hair-raising episodes, smoothly connected, and well acted. Doris Kenyon, the prettiest girl ot tho screen, is seen iu the leading role,, that of a much-iVrongd woman, and later as a good and faithful nurse, and in that capacity does some splendid work. Groat stretches of snow -and glaciers form the background of this lino production, and. with a good story, . makes up a splendid picture, both entertaining and picturesque. Tho usual supporting pictures are shown, including the last episode of ‘‘Tho Man of Might.” THE KING’S THEATRE. Once more, under tho skilful handling of Raymond Longford, the three creations, the ‘‘Bloke,’’ “Doreen,” and ‘‘Ginger -Mick,’’ figure in ‘‘The Story of Gin(jer Mick,” a« told by his cobber, ‘‘The Sentimental Bloke,” now. being screened at The King’s. With such a largo circle of^admirers it is inc-viaible that "Ginger Mick” would come into his own and some day feature as a star screen attraction. His vigorous, whimsical personality, his love affairs, his escapades lua penchant; for a bit; of “open slather”, afford great opportunities for screen reproduction, and ho lives again in the person of Gilbert Eiuerv, who gives a splendid portrayal of this fine Australian tvpe. Ibe story is skilfully wound around the doings of both tho' “Bloke” and “Ginger Mick,” without departingin any essential from the “Ginger Mick’ - as given to us by Dennis. Tho production !a . true To .type and atmosphere, and will possibly cixeeetl in popularity its famous record-making predecessor, “Tho Sentimental Bloke.”