ROUND THE SHOWS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 666, 18 May 1929, Page 14

ROUND THE SHOWS

“KING OF KAWAU”

STUDENTS MAKE MERRY ENTERTAINING PRODUCTION •’Kins of Kawau,” a musical farce in two acts and four scenes by J. Niguel Wilson and J. C. Andrews. Music by Trevor Sparling. Presented at St. James Theatre last evening by the Auckland University Students’ Association. CAST Six* Joseph Hoard P. Martin Sneezer J. F. Ford Dickie Downwilit R. Fenwick Willie Sykes D. Plumnuer King of Kawau J. L. Gregory Prince Dolphin A. Fryer-Raisher Mary Avagadro Freda Gaudin Phyllis Curzon Jean MacCormick Fliza Bilkins F. Brodie Persephone Avagadro .. .. Ruth Walker Napoleon Avagadro R. Aubin The Kingdom of Kawau, it seents, was tottering into bankruptcy and the heir to the throne tottered with it. A bright idea, suggested apparently by current politics, brought forth a scheme to raise £70,000,000 “without cost to the public.” Why not raffle the Prince? And. so it came to pass that the Lord High Chancellor scattered his heralds round the countryside, ordaining that every lady in the land purchase a ticket or else lose her head. The Kawau coffers were soon filled. Meanwhile the Prince, masquerading as plain Mr. Franks, dietitian, had succumbed to the charms of Mary Avagadro, who was busily selling flowers in aid of the widows of League referees.

Love continued to run its rosy course until Mary’s mother drew the winning ticket in the lottery. She had dreams of wearing the crown jewels of Kawau, even at the expense of a divorce from a dyspeptic husband, but a musical play, farce or otherwise, could not end on such a sombre note and so . . .

There, briefly, is the plot round which Mr. Wilson and Mr. Andrews have woven this year’s production by the University Students’ Association. Throughout the story, an amusing conception and delightfully topical, local dignitaries are amusingly lampooned. One expects this and is disappointed if the tilts are missing. The annual outburst of Varsity wit this year is at its best in a quartet sung by Messrs. Fryer-Raisher, Fenwick, Plummer and Aubin, in which local affairs and persons are alluded to in several flippant verses.

A motley collection of students in the “gods” helped the production along with facetious comment, though for a Varsity show they were quieter than for years past. Neither were there any flying streamers. Between acts the theatre was unusually peaceful. An excellent cast, for the most part, has been selected to interpret “King of Kawau.” Miss Gaudin, in the leading role, sings delightfully and acts with ease and grace. She was not hampered by that self-consciousness w\hich usually gives the amateur the appearance ot a mechanical figure. Mr. Fryer-Raisher, who is no newcomer to the stage, was thoroughly at his ease as the hero. Me, too, is the possessor of a good singing voice. He and Miss Gaudin share the majority of the most melodious numbers. They are excellent in duets, though the orchestra troubled them at times. This, however, should be remedied after last evening’s performance.

One or two members of the cast might take a lesson from Mr. Martin. Mis speaking voice is excellent and lie carries himself with the dignity demanded by his role. Mr. Brodie gave the most amusing performance of the evening as a loquacious and elderly maid. His quiet methods were most effective. One could have wished that he had been provided with a song and dance number, especially in the last act. Mr. Aubin admirably sustained his role of the liarrassed husband. In this respect he gave one of the best performances of the evening. Mr. Fenwick and Mr. Plummer, two popular players in Varsity productions, rambled round in light-hearted roles. They burlesqued their way through the performance and cracked their jokes freely. Both worked assiduously in extracting as much fun as possible from their parts. Mr. Ford, Mr. Gregory, Miss MacCormick and Miss Walker did all that was required of them in their respective roles. A highly-decorative bodyguard sang its choruses with vigour and lent colour to the scenes, and an agile ballet twirled an athletic ankle when and where it was required. The chorus made a fitting background fpr the principals and swelled in volume the concerted numbers. “King of Kawau” is most effectively staged and when the first-night nervousness has worn off should go with a freedom which a student production demands. Mr. Trevor Sparling waved his baton over a large orchestra which needed just a little more rehearsing. “The King of Kawau” will save his island kingdom from degradation for another week at St. James and there is every indication that the box office receipts will satisfy everyone concerned.

DANCING AT DIXIELAND The delightfully-situated and comfortably arranged cabaret at Dixieland will be open for dancing as usual this evening. Music will be supplied by the famous and up-to-date Dixieland Dance Band. Miss Gwenth MacNuughton, principal of the St. Andrew’s Academy of Dancing, will give an exhibition of Russian dancing.

MISSING EVIDENCE

“TRENT’S LAST CASE” NEW MAJESTIC PROGRAMME All the world loves a mystery—especially a murder mystery; witness the present vogue for detective stories, plays and films. That is one of the reasons why “Trent's Last Case,” which opened at the Majestic last evening, is bound to become increasingly popular during the coming week. The feature picture was accomijanied by a really excellent selection of shorter subjects, including news reels and a graphic record of the Southern Cross on he.r most recent flight. There was a capacity audience, proving that the silent screen still holds its legion of enthusiastic patrons. “Trent’s Last Case” is a brilliant and outstanding photoplay, excellently cast, wonderfully

photographed, and directed witli consummate skill. _lt grips one’s attention from the outset by reason o* a strong appeal to the reasoning side of human nature. We are not introduced to a detective who is a super-man—one. of those mysterious and unreal fellows

who, faced with an array of puzzling facts, looks wise, says nothing, and r-eevals it all in the final scene. On the contrary, the audience is. “in the know” throughout and has the pleasure of watching the investigator discover the facts for himself. Only a story of exceptional strength and a plot of careful structure could stand up to this technical handicap, and it is to the credit of “Trent’s Last Case” that ther«* are certain surprises right in the final reel. A sinister cripple described by a cheerful subtitle as “a man who has lived too long” finds that his wife is dallying with his secretary. Carefully he plans to commit suicide in such a manner that the sec-rotary shall be caught in a maze of circumstantial evidence. Briefly, that is the basis of the tale. A horrid shadow of suspicion hangs over tlie house of death when the refreshing personality of Trent breezes in at the front door and proceeds to show the police just where they arewrong. But the infallible Trent, though'he discovers the whys and wherefores of many things, makes one mofat important mistake. And thereby hangs portion of the tale which, in fairness to everybody, must be told only by tlie Majestic screen. The cast of “Trent’s Last Case” is one of its most attractive features. Popular Raymond Griffith, one-time musical comedy star and later film comedian, returns to pictures after an overlong absence in the name part. Into it goes his inimitable characteristics, his breezy personality, and his capacity for well-modulated fun. Next on the list is Ma.rceline Day in the leading feminine role. Raymond Hatton, who has returned to character part, plays the sinister uncle and makes an excellent job of it. The Majestic programme opened with a budget of world news from every corner. It included an exhibition of trick dancing by Alma Mackie, recently in New' Zealand with a musical comedy company, and views of the sensational attempt on the motor speed record when Lee Bible, the American, lost his life. The search for the Southern Cross provided a cinema opportunity that has not been missed by the Majestic supplies, and the film of the departure, the rescue, and the last flight of Keith Anderson is both topical and historic. A beautiful film is “Songs of Italy.” placed third on the list. It was accbmpanied by special numbers played by the Majestic Orchestra, and Mr. Ripley sang the solos with splendid effect. Then came a screamingly funny Max Davidson comedy. The stage interlude was a delightfully mounted song scena. “Fireside Memories,” in which the Majestic Quartet sang such favourites as “Grandfather’s Clock” and “Timbucktoo,” and the “Soldiers’ Chorus.”

SUBURBAN THEATRES At the Prince Edward Theatre this evening the pictures are “Revenge” (Dolores Del Rio) and “Scarlet Seas” (Richard Barthelmess). Eve Bentley’s orchestra will play. The Capitol Theatre, Dominion Road, is to show “Beggars of Life” (Louise Brooks, Wallace Beery and Richard Arlen), also “Blue Skies” (Helen Twelvetrees). An exhibition of Japanese foot-juggling will be given by Kodama. The Empire Theatre, Dominion Road, is to screen “Drums of Love” (Mary Philbin and Don Alvarado). An excellent vaudeville will be presented by “The World’s Entertainers.” At the Edendale Theatre the picturs are “The Danger Rider” (Hoot Gibson) and “Drums of Love” (Mary Philbin and Don Alvarado). The Grey Lynn Cinema is to show “Tesha” (Maria Corda and Jameson Thomas), also “A Woman Against the World” (Georgia Hale and Harrison Ford). At the Parish Hall, Devonport, the films to be screened this evening are “Outcast” (Corinne Griffith) and “Tlie Price of Fear” (Bill Cody). At the Foresters’ Hall, Birkenhead, the films to be shown are “Captain Lash” (Victor McLaglen) and a new episode in the “Collegians” series.

ROYAL AUCKLAND CHOIR PROGRAMME FOR FIRST CONCERT A particularly interesting and varied programme will be presented by the Royal Auckland Choir at its concert in the Town Hall next Thursday. The Choir will sing the following part songs: “To Arms,” “Evening Song.” “Sword of Ferrara.” “Mynheer Van Dur.ck,’ “Jabberwocky,” “Vineta.” “On the Banks of Allan Water,” also Sullivan’s “Long Day Closes,” in memorj’ of the late Mr. Martin Trenwith. Miss Naomi Whalley, soprano, from Palmerston North, will sing: “One Fine Day,” "The Night Wind,” "A Pastoral,” "The Big Brown Bear,” and "Tlie Jewel Song” from “Faust”: Mr. Trevor L. Thomas, baritone, from Wanganui, will sing "Myself When Young.” "The Lute Player,” and “To the Forest.” Finally two pieces. "Spanish Dance” and "Rondo,” will be played by the brilliant Auckland violinist, Mr. Ronald C. Muston.

FROLICS HERE AGAIN

CLEM TO HAVE BIRTHDAY None of the sting lias disappeared from the repertoire of the Midnight Frolics, the vicacious company of variety artists which is back again to His Majesty’s Theatre enjoying a successful season. A night of genuine fun is provided by Clem Dawe.und his merry band of players, to whom has been added a capable and talented comedienne in Miss Mona Magnet. The programme abounds in new material —sketches, playettes, catchy songs, original jokes and clever patter, sprinkled all-over with dancing turns and amusing by-play, all with an original twist. Clem Dawe himself, who is too unexpected in his comedy performances for his audience to become tired of him, appears in a variety of roles, from a fractious, bad-tempered child sucking a "dummy" in a toyshop, to a perfect burlesque of Harry Lauder in a clever eccentric dancing turn. -At one time he is a. bridegroom showing a comparison of the honeymoon couple of 35 years ago and today; at another he is in the suicide club, having drawn the unlucky number. Everything goes well with the crowd, who enjoyed a burlesque cantata, arranged harmoniously, but amusingly, upon the theme, “Horsey, Keep Your Tail Up.”

Miss Magnet does some fine acting in her playettes, both in amusing and serious parts. In the opium den she is seen at her best, while in her bright songs the audience found her thoroughly enjoyable. All the old favourites in the company—Eric Edgeley, Miss Dorothy White, Gregory Ivanoff, William Perryman, Gertie Cremer —have prominent parts, and do their share in making this visit of the Midnight Frolics the brighteSTuesday next is Clem’s birthday. He is to celebrate in the evening by putting on a souvenir performance at the theatre, and all patrons will, as they enter the show, receive a token from Clem Dawe, not only as a mark of general greeting, but as an intimation of appreciation of the good run he has enjoyed at Ilis Majesty’s Theatre during his visits there.

TIVOLI AND EVERYBODY'S “THE FREEDOM OF THE PRESS” For sheer sweep and power, “Freedom of the Press,” the production now at the Tivoli and Everybody’s Theatres, has few equals. From the very beginning when one sees Lewis Stone as the crooked political boss fighting his boyhood chum, now the editor of the “Free Press, played by Henry B. Walthall, who is conducting a fierce campaign to bring out the identity of the members of the vice ring, one knows that one is in for a thrilling hour or more of entertainment. One is as ruthless in his pursuit of good as the other is of evil. Both men give remarkably powerful characterisations meriting praise as fine performances. The love story is moving in its

pathos but finally emerges triumphant. Marceline Day and Malcolm McGregor furnish the juvenile interest with sincerity. The story, itself, is revealing. Accurate in its newspaper detail it also discloses the heart of a newspaper in a way which many other pictures have

failed to accomplish. From a newspaperman’s viewpoint the story is without a flaw. It all could happen just as it does. In fact, it w’ould seem that the story by Peter B. Kyne from which this was taken, was actually based on the murder of Don Mellette, the courageous Canton, Ohio, editor. The second feature at both theatres is a mystery thriller entitled “Seven Footprints to Satan,” starring Thelma Todd and Creighton Plale. Jim Kirkham, a young man of wealth, devoted to exploration and to the collection of curios and antiques, is taken to task by his uncle for his extravagance. In his home he has a laboratory and seems addicted to all sorts of queer experiments. He and Eve Martin are in love. Eve is the daughter of a collector of gems. At the Tivoli Theatre Miss M. Anderson’s orchestra provides the music, and’plays “The Merry Wives of Windsor” for the overture. The incidental selections include: “Manon” (Massenet), “Children’s Suite” (Ansell), “Romance” (Wieniawski), incidental music to “Faust” (Coleridge-Taylor), “Ballet Sylvia” (Delibes), “The Mill on the Cliff” (Reissiger), “Sigurd Jorsalfar” (Grieg).

DANCE IN PONSONBY DRILL HALL Commencing this evening a series of weekly dances have been arranged by the 15th North Auckland Regiment to be held in the Ponsonby Drill Hall. The object is to raise funds for the purchase of colours. The Symphony Seven Orchestra will play.

CHARLIE CHAPLIN AT ROYAL Charlie Chaplin plays the role of a poor old tramp taken on as a handy man, in his latest picture, “The Circus,” now at the Royal Theatre, Kingsland. But the tramp prove--

vellous dumb-bell in the try-outs of the old clown tricks like “the William Tell act” and “the barber’s shop,” and is heaved outside the tent. His chance comes when the property men quit in a body and he gets a job carrying in the magician’s stock -in - trade. There is one gorgeous scene when

he presses the wrong button on the magic table. But the magnificent climax is Chaplin as a tight-rope walker, 100 ft above the sawdust. Ramon Novarro is the star of the second picture, “Across to Singapore,” a romantic and thrilling sea story. BAND AT ZOO TOMORROW The Municipal Band plays at the Zoological Park on Sunday, at 2.45 p.m. A fine programme includes the marches, “The Blue Ridge Division,” United States national march, and “The Grey Dragoon”; overture, “Jubilant”; selections, “Classical Memories,” and “Memories of Schubert”three dances from Ed. German’s “Nell Gwynn”; cornet duet, “The Tyrolean Lovers,” by Messrs. Bowes and Davies hymn tunes, and other interesting items. AL JOLSON’S NEXT A 1 Jolson’s amazing singing and talking Vitaphone special, “The Singing Fool,” which is now being shown in Auckland, is to be followed by “Mammy,” which is at present in production. The star will again feature several musical numbers, which have been described as “natural” successes. “Sonny Boy,” the great song number of “The Singing Fool,” has reached staggering sales figures, following the release of the production. “Sonny Boy” is also to be recorded by John McCormack for the Victrola Company. ORGAN RECITAL Mr. Maughan Barnett, city organist, has selected an interesting programme for the recital in the Town Hall tomorrow (Sunday) evening. Original works for the organ will include a set of Bach choral variations, and three movements from Widor’s “First Symphony,” including one of the finest marches written for the instrument. Transcriptions will consist of a charming movement by Sullivan, and Schubert's “Serenade.”