THE HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1929.
CATHAY HOTEL
THE BUND
THE MOST MODERN HOTEL IN CHINA. -
CATHAY HOTEL
4
SHANGHAI
OINTED
D
LS
IMPORTED
DOLLS
ND OTHER DOLLS
SHANGHAI
214 ROOMS AND
SUITES, EACH WITH
PRIVATE BATHROOM.
HOTEL RESTAURANT with Spring Dance Floor opening on to the Roof Terraces.
"TOWER" a la Carte RESTAURANT on the "Ninth Floor.
BANQUETING and PRIVATE DINING ROOMS on the Tenth and Eleventh Floors.
E. CARRARD, Manager."
CABLE ADDRESS :-
'CATHOTEL,"
SHANGHAI
DOLLS!
"THE GEISHA.”.
Mra, E. Davidson took over the Mr. M. M. Maas and Mr. Anniss "Take- part of "Laily Constance Wynne "had not much to do s
"Captain Katana " right at the last moment, and did mini" and amazingly well under the circum respectively but did it very well.
The scenery, designed and built stances. As the words become more familiar to her, I have no doubt under the direction Mr. W A. that she will score an even bigger Cornell, A.R.I.B.A., was very effec- success than she did last year in tive especially the second set in the not dissimilar role of " Maria
the pala gardena, AT in "On Approval."
PHILHARMONIC AND A.D.C. JOIN FORCES.
WONDERFUL RECEPTION
FIRST NIGHT,
가
A
BOUQUETS,
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The Orchestra.
4
The orchestra, „as always, con
ENGLISH HOTEL LIFE.
HIGHER STANDARD NEEDED FOR FOREIGN VISITORS.
The three English girls, guests of
The Earl of Derby, president of Lady Constance, suffered from hot having enough to do or to say.tributed much to the success of the the National Travel Association,.
SOME CRITICISM AND SOME They should make a very effective piece. It is hard to convince agapeaking at a luncheon of the Bri- group from the point of view of lish audiences that the orchestra
at the Hotel Victoris, London, last stage décor, but "pretty as their introduction to an opera is played tish Passenger Agents' Association dresses were, I felt that they failed for any other purpose than to en, in that respect.
courage conversation, but some of month, stressed the importance of With such a charming ensemble of patterned and us were enabled to enjoy the pro-attracting visitors to this country, improvement in hotels to accommo- date them. broken colour, these three who had loque to the second act. So big and emphasised the need for an "I want to sco people with nothing really to give to the play and well chosen an orchestra is a in the way of words or actions, privilege not often accorded «to
money come here to spend it here," should have struck in their dresses those who go to the theatre, and the key note of strong pure colour it has an equal right to the res-
I am convinced that which would have held the picture pectful attention of the audience as he said, "in preference to other together. How successful such a key the people on the stage. How big countries, note can be was demonstrated by a share they play after the curtain the only way to support any Minis painters of the early Italian school, goes up is not always realised in ter in our mission for peace is to in particular by Pinturicchio and the auditorium, but those on the get the people of other countrica atage would not make a similar to mix with ours, and for our peo Botticelli.
mistake. Their playing was imple to mix with them. mensely helpful and one of the most important contributory causes of a
E.M.B. delightful evening.
"The Geisha,” a musical comedy which took London by storm when it was first produced in 1996, had the wonderful reception at Theatre Royal on Saturday night.. a joint production of the Philharmonic Society and the Hong Kong A.D.C. under the direction of Mrs. F. G. Hunt of the latter So. ciety-
It was
Very nearly every seat was filled and the applause and laughter were continuous, number after number That is the best being encored. thing the Philharmonie have ever done," said & vnice behind me as there are probably many who will I was leaving the Theatre, and agree with this rordict. I do not, however, entirely concur for various
reasons.
Excellent Stagedraft. Having made the criticisms it is pleasing to be able to hand out the bouquets.
From one point of view it is cer- tainly true to say that The Geistä is the best production- at all events during the last three years when I have had the pleasant task of attending them that the Philharmonic Society have given. mean from the technical aspect of The part of "O Mimosa San "
stage craft generally. The credit originally taken by Marie Tempest, for this must, I think, undoubted- fell, of course, to the prima donnay be given to Mrs. F. G. Hunt. of the Philharmonic Society-Mra The grouping, entrances, exits and A. M. Bowes-Smith, In many ways acting. the part suited her. The costume become her admirably, far better than the old English dresses she wore in "Tom Jones" for example, but Mrs. Bowes-Smith is more im- portant to the Philharmonic Society As a singer than as an actress or a decoration and the songs did not suit her. Her delightful bird-like voice was hampered by the staccato beat of much of the music and ber principal song* were in a key lower than that in which her voice i heard to its best. advantage. Quite obviously the music which she had to sing did not really ap. peal to her.
Mr. Archibald Bruck too has had parts better suited to his very great talents than that of the "Marquis Imari." He had little singing to do, and we all know how good he can be in Gilbert and Sullivan's patter songs, and what an ideal Squire Western he made. It would appear that like Mrs. Bowes-Smith. Mr. Brock felt that his style wne some- what cramped by the limitations
of his role.
DOLLS!
DOLLS!
Dolls are still most popular among the girls and one of the most acceptable gifts at this festive season to your little girl friend. We have a larger selection than ever- this Christmas.
Baby Dolls.
Baby Dolls in Basket.
Baby Dolls & Long Clothes.
$1.25 to $6.50
Mascot Dolls
Character Dolls
Dressed Dolls
$1.00 to $12.50
"
LENCI" DOLLS
We have just received a further consignment of the true to life "LENCI" DOLLS in popular models. Dolls Prams
Dolls Houses
Dolls Trousseaux.
In order to get the Best Selection
Do Your Christmas Shopping Early
AT
WHITEAWAYS
аге unmistakeably more skilful than in previous years, and give evidence of the exact drilling which one associates with the pro- duction of drama rather than apera, at all events where amateurs are concerned. According to the pro- gramme Mrs. Hunt was respon- sible for the arrangement of musical numbers, dances and ensembles, bat her hand was evident every
where.
The Decorative Scheme. Again, I think, that I have never seen quite so charming a decora tive scheme on the stage in Hong Kong. With the exception I made earlier of the dresses of the Eng- fish girls, the costumes were per- fect in choice of colour and pattern. Far better I have no doubt than those of the original production in London, because those who chose them had better knowledge and n better choice of genuine Japanese dress.
SPA
The Chorus. The chorus work both in singing and and action
excellent, needless to say the chorus ladies looked very charming indeed The inen though they did not have the opportunity, which earlier produc- tians have afforded them of display- ing handsome figures and well turned" legs, looked very well, and their sombre costumes made a good background for the brilliant pat- tern of the Geisha's kimono.
The Principals. Mr. Bowes-Smith as "O Mimosa San looked very charming, and as she always, docs--served na point of focus to all the rest of the cast. She has that enviable gift of making those who play with her give of their best, unlike so many leading ladies of professional rank, whose main endeavour is to be the "bright peculiar star" which out- shines, all others.
Mrs. Bellamy had what was, per- haps, her beat" part as the French girl. The songs were well within the compass of her voice,although two of them were omitted-and the gave a living and sprightly interpretation of her part.
Miss Leila Clarke has a delight- ful stage presence. She has not, to be frank, much of a singing voice, but she managed to use it to good advantage, especially when she had the support of the choru dancing and general happy assur- ance did much to contribute to the -success of the evening.
Her
The Cast.
Reginald Fairfax......H. V. Parker. Dick Cunningham... G. Marriott. Arthur Cuddy D. C. Mackay George Grimston.....E. M. Hutton. Tommy Stanley....Margaret Chubb.
(Officers of H.M.S. Turtle). The Marquis Imari (Chief of
Police and Governor of the Prosince) Archibald Brock. Captain Katana (Captain of the
Governor's guard) Wun Hi (A Chinese, proprietar
of a tea-house)
Hubert. Annias.
You are
visits of foreigners to this country going to get far more good out of to see England as it is, and not as it has been pictured in school books, than you will out of any thing else I know.
If they will come to this coun- try and you can help them to away with a strong sense of British come,-I am certain they will go hospitality and with a different con- ception of the ideas and alms of the British people. We are con- tinually being rightly lectured on how we are losing ground abroad. Representatives of our manufac turers and merchants are saying: We are not going to do exactly What has been what you want. good enough for our fathers is good enough for you.'
Reggie Greensmith, Lady Constance Wynne (on) English visitor in Japan
"The people of other countries travelling in her yacht)
Mrs. E. Davidson.
are not ready to take this view, Miss M. Worthington. Joan Honess. and we have got as far as possible. Miss Ethel Hurst...Daphne Stanion.to fall in with their wishes and Miss Mabel Grant... Eileen Lammert.make foreigners feel that when they (English ladies, guests of Lady come to this country they are hav
Constance),
ing the same attention and lux- Miss Molly Seamore...Leila Clarke.uries that they get in their own Juliette Diamant (& French girl,
countries.
attached to the ten-house as interpreter)......Eileen Bellamy Nami (Ware of the sea), an
attendant)......Evelyn O'Hagan o Kiku San (Chrysanthemum)
Doreen Smith.
Nellie Fickl.
Hana San (Rlossom) Kinkoto San (Golden Harp)
Phyllis Hunt.
Kommurasaki San (Little Violet)
Nina Valentine. (Geisha). Minosa San (Chief Geisha)
Margery Howes Smith. Act 1.The Tea House of Ten Thousand Joys."
Act 2A Chrysanthemum Fete in the Palm Gardens."
The action of the play takes place
in Japan outside the Treaty Limits.
Ladies of the Chorus. Dorothy Bradley, Muriel Burrage, Rita Cole, Queenie Deane, Annic Towler, Peggy George, Bessie Gill, Evelyn Gray, Doris Hunt, Bessie Hirst, Gladys Chittenden, Ruby Kew, Violet Keogh, Ellen McLeod, Marjorie Scott, and Edith Paak
hurat.
Gentlemen of the Chorus, M. Bell, A. T. Bates, A. I. Cole, F. C. Densum, H. J. Fountain, G. W. R. Griggs, W.. W Mackenzie, W. Nettleship, A. L. Parsons, E. M. Ponsford, H. W. Bray, F. S. W. Smith, R. S. Spencelah, W. Stoker, A. E, Taylor, and D. 1, Valentine.
Programme Girls,
Eileen Aris, Frances Dunn, Ivy Gladstone, Molly Groundwater, Kathleen. Murphy, and Maude Wit-
chell.
Wahers.
Messrs. Clemett, Grey, Woods, and Tricker.
Walter Gill. Prompter Property Master...E. Hanlon.
Thanks.
"There is no doubt that in the
smaller hotels and I am not speak- ing of the big hotels-you are not getting the same comforts that pea- ple expect to get in their own homes, whether in this country or abroad. I hope that the hotels will conte up more to the social stan- dard that is requited. I know it is said, "We cannot afford to do this.' Perhaps here the Govern- ment might take a turn in help. ing people who cannot for the mo- ment find the capital to put their house in order and without alter- ing the main characteristics of what I will call English hotel and. inn life, to bring it more in con- formity with present views and pre- sent wishes." (Cheers.)
Mr. A Ponsonby (Uuder Secret- ary for the Dominions) said that since speaking on the wireless on emigration he had received a large number of letters. "I am afraid," he added, "that a large number of them want nice comfortable johs and very commodious farmhouses oversens, but there are a good many whom we shall be able to help."
He announced that Mr. Egan, the emigration officer for Canada, would shortly be visiting Great Britain, and he hoped that their
conversation would result in cer- tain new forms and perhaps a loosening of some of the regulations with regard to emigration.
PROBATIONER CLERKS. FORTHCOMING EXAMINA-
TIONS.
A qualifying examination för ap- rointments of probationer clerks in the Government Service will be held in Queen's College hall on Monday, January 6, 1930, at 9 t.m., when all candidates will be
Thanks are due to the following for kind help in the production:- The A.D.C., J. Grenham, J. H. Donnithorne, R. A. Reid-Chalmers, examined in English dictation, Mrs. M. Kunihira, and Kotor & and on Thursday, January 0, when only those who have passed in Komor.
dictation will be examined in arith- metic, composition, general know- ledge, translation from English to Chinese and from Chinese to Eng- lish.
The Orchestra. Violins-Miss R. Judah, J. L. P. Macnair, R. Jacobson, H. C. Leong,
A. E. Gutteres.
Celli.-C. Bonenfant and N. U. Botelho.
Of Mrs. Davidson, as Lady Con- stance, I have already spoken, and the only other ladies whose pro minence demands special notice were the four chief Geisha, who
Special thanks are due to Hong were so attractive that I wondered Kong "Amusements, Ltd., who, at why the "foreign devil shines inconvenience to themselves, have officers" did not run themselves given the services of their musical heavily into debt to buy them-if director, Mr. M. Bakaleinikoff, in merely for ornaments-when they the capacity of conductor. were put up to auction! Miss Nina Valcutine as Komurasaki San (Little Violet) was particularly 'charming.
Mr. Greensmith's 'Triumph, Then the gentleman. I have men- tioned Mr. Brock already and need say no more than that he looked very imposing in his robes, and spoke his lines with good effect. Mr. Reggie Greensmith as Wun Hi had the time of his life I should imagine, though it was certainly a strenuous time. He certainly gave the audience the time of their lives and kept us all in fits of helpless laughter especially during the first Hare again local knowledge especially of correct pidgin helped, and I cannot believe that any professional in England could have equalled him. Even 'bad no one else been good, Wun Hi would have made "The Geisha" a memorable production.
act.
Mr. H. V. Parker å "Reggie Fairfax" was good, though his voice is not quite up to the standard required by his songs. He acts well' and kept his little team of the H.M.S. Turtle well in hand, the songs they had together going very well. Here I muust make a mention ven lady wlie medo a most siitac-- tive little gentleman-Mrs. Chubb.
ל
Intending candidates must for- ward to Assistant Colonial Secret- ary on or before Monday, Decem- ber 30, 1929, a copy of a certifi cate ag to character and education from the Headmaster of their school together with one unmount- ed photograph on the back of which should be written their name, ad- dress and date of birth.
Bass.M. C. Sacz.. Flute. Musician A. T. Neal, Oboe. Musician A. C. Jennings. Clarinet.-*Band Sergt. G. Ware. Bassoon. Musician C. J. Adams. ⠀ ****** Horn.-*Corporal C. Perkins, Trumpet. Musician. H. Latimer. G. G. Cruickshank: Assistant Stage Trombone.-Musician G. Wharte. Manager, A. T. Bates; Lighting, H. Timpani, Drums, etc.-Drum Smith; Business Manager, H. J. Major W. Dalrymple..
At the piano.-Mr. G. W. R. Griggs.
*
Conductor-§M, Bakaleinikoff.
Best.
Musical numbers, dances' and. en- Rombles, arranged by Mrs. F. G.
Hunt.
By kind permission of Major the direction of W. A, Cornell, Scenery designed and built under R. H. Crake, D.S.O. and A.R.I.B.4., assisted by Carpenter Officers, K.O.S.B..
Sam.
t-By kind permission of the Kwong Nam and Painter Wu Lin
Chief of Staff, H.M.6. Kent. §-By, kind permission of Dong
Kong Amusements, Ltd.
-The Production.
Produced by Mrs. F. G. Hunt. Musical Direction by M. Bakalci- nikoff,
Assisted by:-Stage Director, E.
(Continued at foot of next colume).
Samisens and Japanese drums kindly lent by Peckichi Seki
English ladica dresses by Roland. Barrault..
Ladies shoes by Nakro. Javanese costumes by Horiuchi, Kunihire of Daimyo Silk Store, Pioneer Silk Store and Nakamura, -Kyuto-
"Wige by Burringaw, "Liverpool:"""