ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 482, 15 April 1909, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

« "THE MERRY WIDOW." At tho Opera House last night, the various fascinations of Frank Lehar's delightful opera, " Tlio Merry Widow," charmed another packed house. It is a work that gains on acquaintance, when olio begins to look for the little picturesque bits of orchestral music which punctuate the score throughout. Charming effects wrought by the oboe, harp, and piccolo peep out hero and there in tho maze of melodies, with over and anon a suggestion of the waltz theme that is being whistled throughout tho world. Miss Florrie Young as Soma gives a delightful impersonation, and sings tho music with a clarity of tone and intelligence in expression that is altogether pleasing. Her singing of her first solo (against the counter melody of tho male ohorus) of tho ballad " Villier," and tho pretty "Cavalier" number, was a feature. Mr. Higginson as Prince Danilo, has become a firm favourite. His graceful acting and good comedy stamp him as a performer of marked ability. Miss Nellie Wilson is an admirable Natalie, and Mr. Reginald Roberts sings Jolidon's music like an artist. Half the pleasure of " The tMerry Widow" is the comedy, capably handled by Mr. Victor Gouriet as liaron Popoff, and Mr. W. S. Percy as Nisch, who, "if I may say so," is so admirably equipped for the part.' The opera will be produced until further notice. THE ROYAL PICTURES. "Standing room only" was tho managerial announcement at His Majesty's Theatre last evening, when the usual change of ' programme was presented. It is not in the least degreo surprising that the public should bo so consistent in extending their patronage to His Majesty's Theatre, for the pictures are always new, interesting, and well produced. A notable film produced last evening Was that of Russian cavalry manoeuvres. Tho Slav horsemen are noted for thoir skill in tho saddle, and after seeing them charge, break, and cut as they do in this picture, ono cannot but admire them. A troop of about 100, leaping a sod wall, dashing through a donga, climbing and descending stiff hill-faces was exhilarating in tho extreme, and to watch them charging from tho distance right out of the picture almost takes one's breath away. Another picture that deals with the clank and clatter of tho military was a fine series of views depicting a section of '■ lie Swedish army.going through manoeuvres. Another graphic film of great dramatic interest and singularly well acted and produced was "The Castaways." "Madame's Fancies," "Was It a Snako Bite?" and "Harry is Fond of tho Ladies" were a trio of laughterpromoters of the first order. A remarkably interesting film, entitled "Dancing Through the World," showed the audionco the national dances of a dozen strange peoples, most of them remote from our ken. Gottenburg's. Lakes and Parks" displayed the beauties of that model German city, and a series of views gave ono a good idea of the scenic resources of Corsica. The story pictures included "The Saint' and the Profligate," 'A Squire's Folly," "A Bad Example," and "Tho Heroine of the Forge"—all pictures of distinct merit. "THE WOMAN PAYS." For tho lovor of melodrama there is plenty of thrill in "Tho Woman Pays," now being played by tho Edwin Geach Dramatic Co. at tho Theatre Royal. Of several good performances that characterise tho production those by Mr. Robert Inman, Miss Ethel Buckley, and Mr. J. P. O'Neill are especially acceptable. The company will appear in the drama Lured to London" on Saturday evening. This play has been produced with success elsewhere, and is said to have a strong plot and well-drawn characters. WEST'S PICTURES. ' Tho management of West's Pictures announce their third complete chango of programme for this evening. Excepting for retention of tho famous art study "The Red Hand," all tho subjects will bo found to be new and up-to-date. "The Red Hand" is a wondorful production from a kinematographic point of view, and those who appreciate animated art should not miss the last fewnights that it can be shown. MB. HAMILTON HODGES. At Mr. Hamilton Hodges's farewell concert to-morrow night a splendid programme will be given in addition to the many popular items to be presented by Mr. and Mrs. Hodges. The talented baritone will bo heard in Mendelssohn's great aria from "Elijah" "It is Enough." Instrumental solos by Mrs. Ernest H. Queree, Miss Arline Thackcry, and Mr. Frank Johnstone will greatly add to the enjoyment of tho concert. MADAME MELBA. Tho box plaji for the reserved seats at Madame Melba's concert in the Town Hall on April 27 and 29 will be open at the Dresden this morning for a limited number of guinea seats. Madame Melba will be supported by a strong company, and Wellington people will have the privilege of hearing, after an absence of six years, Mr. John Lemmone, the eminent flutist. At Madame Melba's Invorcargill concert there was a very largo audience, and she had a magnificent reception. WELLINGTON SOUTH CARNIVAL. Yesterday afternoon the carnival which the Roman Catholics are holding at tho Skating Rink was opened for the purpose of providing amusement for the children of tho various schools. Tho children were marched to the Rink in charge of the teachers. Bran tubs and fishponds were i well patronised. Tho sweets stall, with its novel enticements proved a great attraction to the young folk f d a fine business. Tho Rink was again w-ell filled last evening, and tho returns from tho stalls wore highly satisfactory. There | will bo a matinee this afternoon.