GALA OPENING

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 851, 20 December 1929, Page 17

GALA OPENING

CIVIC’S BIG NIGHT

PICTURES, MUSIC AND DANCING

A truly spectacular programme has been arranged for the gala opening performance at the Civic Theatre this evening. The best in music and the best in pictures will be presented, making a programme that will be remembered as an event in New Zealand’s theatrical history. The musical features will comprise selections grave and gay on the magnificent grand organ by Fred Scholl, master musician from Graumann’s Chinese Theatre, Hollywood; a novel stage band presentation under the leadership of Ted Henkel, the Civic’s famous “Personality” conductor, and in addition a good deal of incidental music by a specially selected and trained symphony orchestra of 30 players. Other attractive items on this entertainment will include the dancing by the Civic’s own Corps de Ballet, which has been under rehearsal for some time, and an international vaudeville act by Ramon, Madeline and Pedro. Commented upon as “brilliant” by the American Press when it began its long run as a play, “Three Live Ghosts,” the Civic’s big talkie • attraction, is said to be considerably greater entertainment as a motion picture. The Frederick Isham hit was transferred to the talking screen by Max Marcin, himself a distinguished dramatist, who in adapting the dialogue to the new medium has been commended for having acquitted himself of a masterly bit of craftsmanship, at once virile, refreshing and exciting. The comedy of the play suffers nothing through these changes. The complete and minute adventures of the three soldiers who returned to London Town and found they were listed as “dead” are told with all their original pathos, humour and drama. The merry chase they lead detectives as one and then another of the three steps on the toes of the law, is told with all the colour and dash of the play, heightened by the greater latitude of treatment by the motion picture camera. “Three Live Ghosts,” directed by Thornton Freeland, features an allstar cast, which includes Beryl Mercer, Charles McNaughton, Robert Montgomery, Shayle Gardner, Joan Bennett, Claude Allister, Hilda Vaughn, Harry Stubbs, Jack Cooper, Jocelyn Lee, Nancy Price and Tenen Holtz. Looking over the theatre tonight one will get now a splendid idea of the magnificence of the interior decorations. The grand circle, which seats 1,500 people with the utmost comfort, is most attractive and from this vantage point the visitor has a splendid view of the atmospheric ceiling and the Hindu villages that are built into the walls. The foyer is a revelation of the decorative plasterer’s art. During the morning and afternoon session the "Winter Garden will be open. This fine tearooms occupies the whole of the ground flodr of the Civic and dainty afternoon or morning teas will be served during the presentation of the full screen and stage programme.