BRILLIANT PREMIERE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 852, 21 December 1929, Page 20

BRILLIANT PREMIERE

CIVIC THEATRE S OPENING PROGRAMME “THREE LIVE GHOSTS” With a stage show that assumed the proportions of a glittering pageant, a musical feast from a magnificent orchestra and sonorous organ, and an excellent motion picture programme, Auckland’s newest theatre greeted a huge audience .ast evening. The premiere of the Civic took place on a. scale probably unprecedented in the history of New Zeaiand theatrical enterprise. For the thousands assembled beneath the urchin# blue of the ceiling the evening was tilled with surprises and not a little wonder. As a. whole the show was one that realised the most lively expectations. Its magnitude and quality was fitting to the occasion and the setting. One of the features of the evening was the detailed completeness of the entertainment. Just as the controlling power behind the big organisation had arranged and presented every detail of house service and effect from U e richly-garbed Indian ushers in the fe.yer to the stars that twinkled high above the wide sea of faces in the circle, so the production was marked with a careful efficiency that earned for it the hall-mark of a show de luxe. Considering that the Civic’s little army of entertainers and technical workers was being put through its manoeuvres for the first time after the rush and scurry of installation and rehearsals, the smoothness of the programme was a matter for congratulation. The crowds were handled with the same ease that was demonstrated as stage and screen items followed each other in quick and colourful procession. Remarkable success was achieved by Mr. Ted Henkel and his band, both in the luxuriously-conceived barge that took the place of the usual orchestra well and rose majestically out of the depths of the building, and on the spacious and brilliantly mounted stage. The Civic’ 3 music master obviously is a man of exceptional executive ability. His players were drilled to the almost machine-like efficiency that is so necessary, especially in modern novelty numbers, and their work brought round after round of unstinted applause. The overture “The Dance of the Hours” was given with a smooth and delightful instrumental blending and, later, lively dance numbers were played with a crisp polish that was irresistible. The stage show entitled “The Sunrise of a New Show World” was an entertainment. in itself. Colourful, varied and produced with admirable skill, it captured the imagination of the onlookers by the sheer efficiency of its individual attractions. RHYTHMIC DARING Ecceptric, acrobatic dancers of the calibre of Ramon, Madeline and Pedro are rare. Their performance—the best item of the evening—was an exhibition of rhythmic daring, the slim Madeline being swung and whirled aloft in a series of wonderfully-executed poses and movements. Instantly successful was tho Civic ballet, an excellently trained and cunningly costumed corps pretty dancers, Appearing against the melodious background of the stage band, the girls danced with exceptional grace and precision, proving themselves as good a combination of its kind as has been seen in Auckland. Each item had the subtle virtue of brevity. It was introduced smartly and whirled away when the effect had reached its maximum height. Though relegated by circumstances to a late place on the programme Mr. Fred Scholl became one of the most popular personalities of the evening. He is a master of his organ—a beautiful instrument with a full, thrilling tone —and his admirable versatility was demonstrated in “Melody Classics,” an immensely satisfying number. “The Clown” was a lighter but admirable show item for an instrument of such resources. Last, but by no means least, the pictures. It has been proved time and again in the world of the cinema that the film’s the thing. The best theatre and the most captivating supporting features are lost without thoroughly good motion pictures. “Three Live Ghosts” was a happy choice on the part of the Civic management. An excellent stage comedy has been transformed into an outstanding talkie and one conspicuous for its excellent atmosphere, capable acting, and genuine humour. Fresh from successes in the South, it made a direct appeal to the Civic audience. “Melodies of Spring,” a charming film with orchestral accompaniment, and “The Evolution of a Wonder Theatre,” a series of views of the construction work, completed a long and novel show.