THE NEW REGENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 81, 27 June 1927, Page 13

THE NEW REGENT

SEMI-FINALISTS* AT THEIR BEST

On Saturday night the New Regent Theatre was packed by an audience which paid a remarkable tribute to tiie perfect stage presentation of the 16 semi-finalists in the “Miss New Zealand 1927” great screen quest, and to the wonderful setting in which the girls appeared before those who were asked to vote upon thejpi for the choice of- “Miss Auckland” and her Maid of Honour. The Regent has oft-times proved the wisdom of its directors in providing a lighting scheme and a stage of such dimensions as to permit of prologues and the like being presented in a manner unique in the Dominion. Every possible endeavour has been made to ensure that the semi-fianists are seen at the Regent to the very best advantage, and tha.t has been achieved by using the setting that created such widespread discussion during the fashion parade . week, and augmenting the gorgeous lighting effects. It was the Regent’s brilliant setting that the Press described as “a triumph of stage art.” The applause accorded the girls on Saturday by an impartial and generous audience followed on an outburst of clapping which greeted the setting as the curtains drew back and revealed it in all its charm. The semi-finalists appear at the evening sessions only. Synchronised music, arranged by Maurice Guttridge, is played by the Operatic Orchestra, which also gives the overture “Italians in Algiers” (Rossini), and selections from “Faust,” “Rienzzi,” “In a Persian Market,” and the whole of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5. The star picture attraction is the most appropriate film that could have been chosen for this week’s bill. It is the Paramount success, “Blonde or Brunette,” in which Adolphe Menjou has to choose between beautiful Greta Nissen and ravishing Arlette Marshal. The events, which lead up to a great climax, are riotous to a degree. Eddie Horton’s programme this week is a notable one, including “Waiata Maori,” “In a Monastery Garden,” and his own composition, “New Zealand Maid,” which has proved a big- hit. A new feature of the matinee performances daily at 2.15, is the grand organ accompaniment by Eddie -Horton for the entire programme.