AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 November 1915, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

" POTASH AND PERLMUTTER." At the Theatre Royal to-morrow night at 8 o'clock the curtain will rise on the first and only production of the worldrenowned laughing success, "Potash and Pcrlrmitter," which i 3 said to be the funniest and best-acted comedy yet staged in the Dominion. It is said that no more entertaining, more original or funnier comedy has ever been staged on the English-speaking stage than "Potash and Perlmutter,'' and certainly there hasn't been a more successful play, musical or dramatic, produced during the past twenty years, The J. C. Williamson, Ltd., management must be truly thankful for being able to secure the five principals out of the original New York production, because, if we miiy go by reports, it is their exceptionally fine portrayals which have gone a long way to make "Potash and Perlmutter" the wonderful success it has proved. Mr. Sam Le Bert, who plays Mawruss Perlmutter, is one of America's best-known .Jewish impersonators. He has played suoh parts since lie was 17 years old. He explains: "I have lived among these types sueli as you see in "Potash and Perlmutter'; I have studied them and know their humor and their pathos. In 'Potash and Perlmutter' you do not see the caricatured Jew, who is made to look ridiculous, but the real thing—a humorous but a sympathetic Jew, and there is no more humorous person in the world." Air. Paul Burns, too, has made a special study of the character he represents in the Hebrew play, and it is this special knowledge, coupled with their dramatic genius, which has helped to make the names of Messrs Burns and Le Bert household -words in New York, and already they have established themselves in the affections of Australian and New Zealand audiences. One of the most fascinating actresses who has ever visited Australasia, it is said, is Miss Margaret Vinton, who plays the important role of Ruth Goldman. The ladies, of the company, it is said, wear some magnificent dresses during the evening, and the scenery and mounting is of the usual J. C. Williamson, Ltd.. order. A full operatic orchestra will play some specially-composed music. The box plans aTe now open at Collier's.

"MOTHER GOOSE" PANTOMIME. During the recent Auckland season of the "Mother Goose" 'Pantomime Co. the artists raised a sum of over £BOO by means of a mock court held at Her Majesty's- Theatre. Mr. Will Rayner was the judge and Mr, James GeTald the prosecuting attorney. They were ably assisted by Mis 3 Essie Jenning, the charming principal boy, who, disguised in a policeman's hat and coat, arrested all and sundry. In each town in which the company plays Miss Jennings sings the patriotic song. "Your King and Country Need You," her efforts being rewarded by a generous shower of coins, all of which go to the local funds. Miss Jennings is the fortunate possessor of an excellent figure, a good soprano voice, and is an actress of no mean order. She is ably assisted in her part of Boy Blue by Miss Rosie Coleman, who makes a charming Little .Red Riding Hood. Another artiste of exceptional ability in the comedy line is Miss Carmen Coleman who plays the part of Johnny Stout. Among the clever specialities are the Wahine Haka trio, acrobats and whirlwind dancers, and Miss Rubqe Raymond, a charming exponent of the art of toe dancing. "Mother Goose" will be staged at the Theatre Royal next Friday night and again at a matinee on Saturday. On Saturday night the compny will appear in the fascinating extravaganza, "Cinderella." The box plans for the season open at Collier's this morning.

MARY PTCKFORD'S TRIUMPH. "Ruth a Little Queen," which was presented at the Empire Theatre last night, is' one of the most delightful photo-plays that has ever been screened here. There is not a dull moment in the whole story. Miss Piekford covers herself in "lory by her magnificent performance of Queen Anna, Victoria of Herzegovina. The house was packed, and the audience kept in a high state of enthusiasm throughout the whole representation. There are episodes that cause waves of laughter, while at tunes the deeper emotions are stirred by the action of the romance. "Such a Little Queen" is the most artisieally produced attraction ever staged by the Famous Players Company, equal praise being due to the camera man and the laboratory forces. The story concerns the political intrigues of the statesmen in the kingdom of Herzegovina and Bosnia, two of the smaller Balkan States, at a time when chaos holds sway. Romance, adventure and love are blended into a charming whole, and the action is easily followed. As Queen of Herzegovina Miss Pick-ford has a part that fits like the proverbial glove, and 3hc sways with happiness and sympathy as one follows the chequered fortunes of the delightful heroine. The work of "Little Mary" has never been excelled. The cast is a strong one. An excellently chosen programme supports the "star"' feature, the Thanhouser offering "Bud Blossom," and the "European War Gazette" deserves special mention. To-night "Such a Little Queen" will he screened for the last time.