ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 544, 26 June 1909, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

CHUNG LING SOO. The audience which braved wind and weather last night to go and see the last performance of tho Riokards Company's Wellington season was amply rewarded. Chung Ling Soo was in excellent form, and carried through all his marvellous illusions as calmly as if ho woro making a simple demonstration of a well-known experiment Thongh his conjuring was tho star act of tho entertainment, tho other performers woro not neglected, the audience not hesitating to show its appreciation alike of musical and humorous turns. THEATRE ROYAL. Tho excellence of Messrs. Fuller and Son's picture entertainment still contmues to draw good audiences To-night a complete change of pictures will bo shown, tho programme including a very sensational dramatic picture, entitled "A Voice from the Dead," which will be produced for tho first time m Now Zealand tins evening. Tho new singing pictures are entitled "She's the Only Bit of English that We'vo Got," sung by Arthur Gilbert (London) "If those Lips could only Speak" will bo sung and acted by Mr George Platts An entire programme of new films to bo presonted this evening will abound with kmomatographio gems of very ploasmg variety. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE His Majesty's Theatro has always beon a popular place of 1 entertainment since tho Royal Pictures became tho attraction, and last night was no exception to the rule "A Life for a Life," "A Football Wamor," and "Tho Cohens of Coney Island" were among tho many films which amused and interested tho audience To day thoro w ill bo a matinee exhibition of tbo pictures ' . "MISS HOOK'OF HOLLAND." At last tho much-talked of "Miss Hook of Holland" is here, and this evening at tho Opera House this populai little lady will cast hor magic spell for tho first time over Wellington audiences Few who have Been havo faded to succumb to her charming influence, and it seems safo to assert that the theatre-goers of this city will not bo far behind in their tribute, if tho big booking at the Dresden is any indication. The costly scenery and numerous accessories aro now lnthe theatre, and active preparations aro boing advanced for the opening Miss Ruth Lincoln—who will play the leading role of t"Miss Hook of Holland"—is described as an exceptionally olevcr actress, with a soprano voico of wonderful range and flexibility Sho has some delightful numbers, including "The Sleepy Canal" duet with Mr •lhorloy, "Littlo Wooden Shoes," and "Cream of tho Sky." Miss Emmahne Orford also comes with excellent credentials as a sonbrctto, and as she amgs her songs with a daintiness and vim that quito captivate, Mis 3 Orford should mako many friends Mr William Cromwell will present tho noted Sliaks—an impersonation which is said to possess remarkable originality and cleverness Tho same remark, it'is said, may also bo applied to tho delightfully qumnt characterisation of Mr. Edwin Brett in tho part of Mr, Hook. Mr. Brett has proved himself a comedian of rare versatility, and is very popular with Australian audiences In no less degreo this may also bo said of Mr. Tom Payne, whose sensational dancing with that winsome littlo favourite, Miss Essie Pomn, has been a themo of general comment Quite exceptional interest attaches to tho first appeal anco of Mr Harold Thorloy—first, from tlio fact of the prominent position ho holds on the London stage, and, secondly, by reason of his great success when out in Australia some fivo jears ago— a success which ho soems to havo repeated on this visit Mr. Thorley will phy tho dashing Bandmaster Van Vuyt. Other characters will bo filled by Miss Holono Rose, as Grctchen, Miss Dora Denton as Freda Voos, and tho popular baritone, Mr. Phil Carlton, as Captain Pajp. His principal song, "The Soldiers of tho Netherlands," introduces a full bras 3 band on tho stage. The chorus and the orchestra, under Mr Victor Champion, are described as excellent Mr. Charles Wonman will direct this delightful production through its mazes of music and mirth. Tbo company arrive from north this morning. Tho plan will be on view at Abel's, tobacconist, from Ipm. to-day, after tho Dresden is closed. WEST'S PICTURES. Another Pathe art film secured by tho West management will be tho chiof attraction during their coming season in tho Town Hall, commencing on Saturday, July 3. This study 19 adapted from tho novol of Emil Zola, entitled "L'Assommoir," which, under the English titlo "Drink" made tho name of the late Charles Warner famous for his powerful interpretation of "Conpeau." This picture is claimed to bo one of tho longost OTor produoed, as it occupied over 40 minutes in unreeling. The production consists of two acts and seven scenes, in which a life-like representation of tho various romantic and tragic incidents in this well-known story are portrayed by such celebrated artists as Messrs Arguillicro and Grctillat, and Miles and Catherine Fontcnay, each artist being specially chosen for the character. "Dnnk" lias been reproduced by Mi. West m each of the Australian centres, and is now stated to hold the unbeaten record of being the chief attraction for tliree consecutive weeks 111 each centre. Great indeed has beon its attractiveness to old and young, as it unfolds a powerful story of human interest and supplies an object lesson to bo understood and appreciated by everybody. Mr. West promises to support this subject with an ail-now programme of his best piotures. OLYMPIA SKATING >RINK. All sessions at the Ingestio Street' Rink aro being well patronised On Tuesday next the push-ball event will make its fii3t appearanco Push-bali has been a popular pastime in England and America for some timo, and being the first exhibition of its kind horo should arouse popular interest 111 many of the local skaters. Tho Black and White Carnival takes place on Wednesday, July 14, and a large number of entries havo boon received. A fine programmo is being arranged by tho managemont. ALFRED HILL CONCERT On Monday evening, the concert to be tendered to Mr Alfred Hill by tho musical peoplo of Wellington will take place at tho big Town Hall By this> time the public know pretty woll the causes that havo induced Mr Hill's friends and admiicrs to bestir themselves in his honour. He has been very ill for seven months past, and it is but I meet that somethms of the kind should bo I done for ono who has done so much for music. Mr Hill's enthusiasm for tho Maori idea in music has mado him a national asset, and as conductor of tho Exhibition Orchestra and tho Wellmgton Orchestral Society, ho has given a tasto of his quality as a conductor Monday's concert promises to bo a notablo one A big orchestra has been rehearsed especially for tho occasion It is to play Schubert's "Unfinished," , "Dornroschen ' (Tschaikowsky), tho overture from "Rosamund" (Schubert), and tho slow movemont from Mr. Hill's "Maori Symphony " In addition, tho orchestra will accompany Mr. John Prnuso in Mr Hill's song, "Tangi," and in Mies Plioobo Parson's' Verdi number Novelty will bo lent to the programmo by tho recital of "Scenes from tho Past," by tho Hon A T Ngata (a great admirer of tho boneficiairo), and the singing of "Waiata Pol" by Mrs Tal to Tau (of Mastcrton) Mr. E J Hill 15 to sing, and Mr Frank Johnstone will contribute a 'cello solo. Such a programme should surely draw a vory largo house. STUDENTS' CARNIVAL The Town Hall Concert Chamber was orowded again last evening, when tho students of the Victoria College gimbollcd gaily.undor:tho : influence of tho capping day spirit. Tho first ho If-of tho programnio consisted of ejever . college choruses and solos, and the second of tho quaint farce entitled "Shackleton.. Oiit-shackeo," in -'which. some very well-known characters were cleverly hit off. The entertainment;'was succeeded by a danoo, which vu thoroughly enjoyed by all prosoat. .-."

CHORAL SOCIETY. A Bocial evening in connection with the Wellington Choral Society was held in. St. John's Schoolroom lastevcning. The gathering was a thoroughly enjoyable one, and was made tho more attractive by an address by tho conductor CMr. J. Maughan Barnett). whotook as his subject "The Full Score." or "The Conductor's Score," in which he dealt with the. details of the conductor's work other than that appearing.on the surface. 'Mr. Barnett combined advice and information, and ..incidentally .congratulated various branches of the society on their work, pointing out instances where improvement could be inade. Referring to last Tuesday's concert, the conductor congratulated the" members of tho, chorus on their efforts, and said he had no doubt that the hard work of the past five yoare was beginning to tell: He could say without hesitation that he was delighted with the chorus work at that, concert. During the evening songs were given by Misses F. Coote, A. G. Ross, and G. Watkins, and Messrs. A. Alexander, Egerton Pegg, and Godfrey. ■ Mr. Horace Hunt played a piano solo. ::;';■■•' : organ recital. . ,• To-night Mr: Maughan Barnett will give his weekly organ recital in the Town Hall on the grand organ, when he will play:— Overture to "Zarhpa,". " Dornroschcn V (by Bach-Gounod), " Serenade " '■'; (by Tschaikowski), Mendelssohn's Third Sonata, and Guilmant's March on a tbome by Handel. This "programme should prove very popular. -'-;.;[ Y.M.C.A. CARNIVAL. ".■ .■ Tho ladies' auxiliary of the Y.M.C.A.havo organised a great winter carnival for next week. The proceeds' are in. aid of the debt extinction fund. There will be a largo number of stalls with articles of every description for. sale* : The' young men, are'arranging, sideshows, •;-which'' promise to be both novel 1 and "attractive. --.: - ;.