MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 30, 28 April 1927, Page 15

MAJESTIC

“UPSTAGE” “Upstage," Norma Shearer’s latest starring vehicle, comes to the Majestic to-morrow. The story of “Upstage" is the “inside" of vaudeville life —its players are

all vaudeville folk, on the stage, in booking agencies, in actors’ boardinghouses—it shows a people who are literally a little world in themselves — children of the night who play while others sleep. Norma Shearer plays the feminine half of a song and dance team—a wistful bit of humanity when in trouble —a gorgeous creature indeed when, in glittering gowns, she parades in the spotlight. The story gets down to the human souls behind the glamour of the footlights; it takes the audience back “behind the scenes” and shows how the “other half” lives. Walter De Leon, the author, knows what he writes about. He was a vaudeville player himself for many years, until his fiction of the vaudeville stage won him recognition as a novelist. Monta Bell, who directed the picture, has produced vaudeville acts—be was thoroughly at home on the sf “Upstage” is a corned} . played by actor-folk. There are laughs galore, with a romance, a few heart throbs —and even a thrill—all in all, it is intensely human. Norma Shearer as the “show-off actress” is supported by Oscar Shaw, famous musical comedy of the stage, as her dancing partner, and the cast includes Dorothy Phillips, Ward Crane, Gwen Lee, and others. A big attraction will also be presented on the stage to-morrow. It is called “The Moulin Rouge,” and takes the form of a scintillating little revue staged in the gayest cabaret in Paris. A cast of over twenty furnishes fun, song and dance. Miss Bathie Stuart, the vivacious comedienne, will delight all audiences with her sparkling interpretation of “Follow Me” and “She Lives Down in Our Alley.” Valeska, the popular Auckland dancer, and Mr. ! Len Wilson will interpret ‘‘The Spirit jof the Red Mill,” in.an acrobatic dance | novelty. Haydn Murray, the leader of the Majestic Orchestra, will give a violin solo, and Mr. George Tarr will add a dash of humeur with “A Cup of Co-Ho-Co.” The Majestic Follies will appear in ballet and chorus numbers. The usual excellent supporting film and music attractions will complete this magnificent Majestic programme