ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 73, 19 December 1907, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"HIS HIGHNESS THE BEY." Whilst it would be doing an injustice- not to heartily commend tlio sprightly cleverness, tlie verve aiid "tang" which the Pollard Juvenile Company threw into "His Highness the Bey" Inst evening, it cannot with truth be chronicled that tlio standard sot in "Bluebell in Fairyland" was reached, which was attributable to the calibre of the piece more than the performers. "His Highness the Bey" is neither musical comedy, comic opera, nor pantomime, but is vaudeville, thinly disguised as extravaganza. It is a tiling ol "shreds and patches ,, —tlio merest shred of a story, patched ingeniously with tlio product of the music If nil , and given an elaborate colouring in keeping with the title. It relates how a curious little Herman bandsman (who says "Sure!" at intervals to prove his origin) arrives at Harran when there happens to be a ruler in demand. He accepts tlio job, and sings a Yankee lilt "In Kankarkee" to give significance to the occasion. A Russian Count, in constant need of "change," who as Jlussia's envoy makes demands and issues ultimatums in an off-hand way, permeates the piece, and with inconsequent song and dance makes it quite obvious that nothing matters anyhow. Everything is ontcrtaingly irresponsible, except the scarlet insurgent who obtrudes himself every now and then to-declaim "•β-remomberl'' with an earnestness that would carry weight if he would refrain from pronouncing fire, as "fi-yer," and- require ns "re-', qni-yer." A girl character sings about her girl lover, i a histrionic anachronism that is apt to make one puzzle as to what is meant. It is really a halfhour's sketch stretched into a two hours' entertainment, but what of all this.so long as the audionce applaud loudly and 'laugh heartily, which they unmistakably, did. Master Bert Nicholson, as the pseudo Bey, oxhibitcd a vein of comedy far beyond his years right through the elongated comic role, and whether lie was singing, dancing, playing the fool, or mimicking a Turkish delight, ho proved himself to the footlights born. Ho has what is a rare quantity with comedians— a good voice—and his catchy song, "In Kankarkco," tickled the ear pleasantly. Mr. Charles Albert, as Count Casino, took a hand in most things that happened, and his duet, "Lucy Linda Lady," with Miss Minnie Topping was a gem in a dainty terpsichorean setting. That little lady enhanced the good, opinion formed of her ability in " Bluebell," in the sweet sodatoness she lent the part of an American heiress, Gladys- Coyne. Miss May Topping was the funny Bey's wife, who lias deserted a circus to hunt for' her wayward spouso. Sho gavo very gracefully an energetic coon dance, relieved from the ordinary with several new steps. Miss Lily Thompson was a love-sick "special correspondent" in khaki, who, between ''scoops," sighs, for the love of the boautiful slavo Georgia (Miss Cissio O'Koefo). There are numerous ballets danced with maximum neatness and " go," one in particular, " The. Scarecrow Ballot" (with kiricinatograph clfects), being unique to a degree. Tlio opulonco of the Near Bast.is admirably suggested by Mr. Leader Wil3' -.ms in tlio two gorgeous sets of scenery presented, and the dresses are very beautiful in their vivid diversify.

" His Highness tho Boy " will bo ropoatodagain this evening. THEATRE ROYAL. • Dig business is being dono at tho Theatre Royal this weak. A particularly bright turn, and ono moreover suited to the season (when most people think of the little ones), is Davy's Iloyal marionettes, which aro worked very clovorly, and avo umusing to a degree Other "star" items aro iho lolecns, wiro-walkers. and sharp-shooters, Pastor and.Merle, comedians, Miss Marion Hall, serio, aud A. L. Cropp, a baritono good- to hear. "WONDERLAND." It goes without saying that "Wonderland" will ho onq of the most popular resorts in Wellington''during tho holidays;'"lt is within half an hour of the city, and is 'reached by' means of a breesjy tram ride through Mount' Victoria, Kilbirnio : , and Mjramar, whjch in itself is a tonic to city folk. : Tho. list of attractions is, erer increasing. There is to bo a grand I pyrotechnieul demqnstration this evening, when a realistic picture of tho Battlo of Trafalgar will be presented on Wonderland , Lake. -Special attractions are in preparation for Christmas week. The half-guinoa prize given by tho Wonderland Company was seemed by Mr. H. A. Miliar. No. li Nowtoiyn A yon fl.fi, ho being the three hundredth and thirtieth person to pass the turnstile yesterday. ' '~ . THE-BLUE MOON. , .... Mr. J. 0. Williamson's new musical comedy company, .formed for ,tho purpose of present* ing a series of the latest London musical succosses, will inaugurate their Wellington season on Boxing Night at the Opera House, Apart from tho reputed general excellence of tho company, which has just concluded a very successful tour of Australia, there will bo an added interest in tho performance owing to Miss Amy Murphy, a well-known New Zealand artist, having an important musical part. According to the unanimous opinion of tlip critics in Australia,' Miss Murphy's voico is far above the comic opera standard, The company is rich in comedians, having, in addition to Mr. Harold Parks, two English artists of high repute in Mr. Victor (Jouriet and Mr. Mylcs Clifton. Tho formor is of the nuick and eccentric type of the Louis Brndficld school. The baritone, Mr. Reginald Kenneth, hails from London, and has a striking similarity, both in stage appearanco and voica, to Mr. Wallace Brownlow. Tho soubrettes arc. Miss Daisy Wallace, Miss Maud Thome, and Miss Dulcio Murphy. The box-plans aro advertised to open at tho Dresden on Saturday morning at 9 o'clock,.- . . ' ■.. ■

WEST'S PICTURES. ... : "Tho Royal-.Acadomy.of Cinematographic Art." 1 This is the tonn am ployed by several Australian newspapers in eulogising West's pictures, which nro held to liavo sot tho sfcanclard of animated picture shows in the Commonwealth. Another visit from that enterprising entertainer with an entirely now and elaborate repertoire of cineuiatograms will bo welcomed by all who havo pleasant recollections of tho attractions he provided wlion last here somo twelve months ago. Tho season is to bo'oponed in tho Town Hall on Christinas night. The items comprises tho latest productions in.ovory branch of animated photography. The prograramo is to contain a larger number ana n greater varioty of subjoots than hitherto, whilst special provision is made for full orchestral accompaniments. ABOMAH. . The giantess, Madame Abomnh, is attracting a considerable number of people to lior afternoon and evening levees, which are held in Manners Street, noxt door to the' Royal Oak Hotel; An additional attraction is Prince Olraoj described as a "human volcano and fire-eater." ' MARIST BROS. , SOCIAL. The Marist Brothers' annual school concert takes place to-night at His Majesty's Theatre, and, judging from the way in , which the pupils acquitted themselves at tho rehearsal yesterday, a most successful entertainment is assured. His Grace Archbishop Redwood is to preside and distribute tho prizes. Mr. J. C. Williamson's " Biwster's Millions " Company, headed by Mr. Thomas Kingston and Mrs. Robert Brqugh, arrived from Sydney by tho Warrimoo yesterday. They prooeed on to-day to Dunedin, whero the Company opens on Boxing Night. Mr. George Portus, advance representative for tho Concert Company headed by Mmo. Clara Butt and Mr. Konnorley Rumford, arrived from Sydney by the Warrimoo yesterday. Ho says that the. tour has boon a triumphal one so far, and tho trouble has boon to find balls largo enough to hold the pcoplo wishing to hear "the voico of tho contury." Mmo. Butt is to leavo Sydney for Auckland on December 28, and, after a brief visit to Rotorua, two or three- concerts aro to bo givon in that city. Wellington is to bo visited towards tho end of next month. Mr. J. Ncvin Tait, as manager for the Company, was fined £40 in Perth for ovorcrowding the theatre.