ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 645, 23 October 1909, Page 10

ENTERTAINMENTS.

RICKARDS'S VAUDEVILLE. CO. ■ ' The present Eioltarda's Vuudcvillo Company at tho Opora Housa is certainly one of tho best tho veteran manager has sent to Now Zealand. A company which can boast such performances as laose given by Mile. Rosiua Casselli and her niarvollously-traincd dogs, tho Kromka Bros., Florence and Lillian, Fred.' Graham, and Walker and Sturm is wealthy in "stars," whilst tho backing is also above tho usual standard for such shows. ■ Tils first and only matinee of tho season is announced for this afternoon, when children will bo admitted at half-price to all parts of tho theatre. To-night tho performance will be witnessed by Sir Joseph and Lady Ward, also tho Hon. A; R. Guinness, Speaker of tho Houso of Representatives, and a large party. Tho Srogramme will bo repeated for tho last time, n Monday next a number of novel items will be presented. The management announces tho last fivo nights of tho season, which concludes on Thursday evening next.

THEATRE ROYAL. Thore was a largo arid enthusiastic audienco at-the Theatre Royal last night, when tho current week's programme ■of Fullers' Pictures was shown for tho last time. To-night thero will be a complete change of programme. Among the principal.items to bo shown is a picture of the explorer, Dr.. Cook, landing at Copenhagen.. A fine historical series, "Joan of Arc" will also be exhibited. Another picturo which should bo of considerable interest is Dickens's "Oliver Twist." Several pretty scenic subjects will bo projected on tho screen. One picture of "School in New: Guinea" is said to be very realistic, as also is "Tho. Interior of Mexico." "An Old Sweetheart of Mine" is a charming fantasy. A number of other items of a serious or comic nature go to maka np a programme that should draw gopd attendances during tho ensuing week. •■ THE ROYAL PICTURES. Crowded houses aro ovor the rulo of His Majesty's Theatre, Courtenay Pla«e, where at present is being shown an excellent programmo of .moving pictures. Chief among these is a series of pictures showing the arrival back from tho Arctic regions of tho explorer, ■ Dr. Cook. Another diverting- pictaro is entitled "A Dash for tho Polo.". A matinee will bo given this afternoon. . STAR PICTURES. "A Greek Slave" is one of tho most artistic of classical studies that have been presented in kinematograph form in Wellington. It 'is only ono-of the many excellent pictures that are being shown at St. Thomas's Hall this week. There will be a matineo this afternoon. "WONDERLAND." "Wonderland" will bo opened this afternoon, and also in tho evening, when tbo electric light display will amply repay the visitor. The grounds and side-shows mako this spot an ideal ono to wilo away a Saturday afternoon.'

! s "WELLINGTON LIEDERTAFEL. ■:. • . Th r ■ c ? D < !ert ,e iv «n last night by the Wclling- ■ tonLiedertafcKwas a conspicuous success, and , it was perhaps.ono of the most delightful which' , tho society; has,ever given in Wellington. The , programme was an' almost entirely new one, _ the selections' were fresh and/attractive,'and they were.admirably rendered. Remembering . former concerts, one felt that insomo way a [ new spirit had been imparted to the society: , it had gamed in.strength, and had sot out on , a new, track, with excellent results. The" I choruses went very well, and, in their-render- ■ ,n fV-rS® was , a marked improvement. They . exhibited much more light and shade. "• The . farst two items.*ero-perhaps, the least attractive of all. In _the part-song "Spring's De- . lights'aro now. Returning," the falsetto was too much in evidence.. Threo part-songs-thc words taken-from the Greek anthology, and set to music by idward Edgar-were enthusiastically received by'the audience.- Thoy were.delightJul things—interesting, and full of unexpected l harmonies and variety, and Mr. Parker brought out their full beauty;-Tho cantata for tenor 1 nol^and I '-chorus; Shelley's "Chorus of Spirits and Hours also 'met with great appreciation, tho music is full of an elusive witchery ibefitting' the-charm of the words, and it was most artistically sung. The solos wcro admirably taken by Mr. Bannister, and the choruses worked up, to a crashing olimax that was-ren-dered with great spirit, and filled tho- audience with enthusiasm. Other songs given were the part-song,; tho "Hymn of Cynthia," which was uninteresting, "Tears of Anguish," given with a humming ■ accompaniment that was beautifully dpno and for which on' encore was loudly demanded, and tho chorus, "Soldiers' Chorus, from "Faust." Messrs. Longinore, Carr, 'Warren, and Laycock, as a quartet, led the gleo, "Sjtrike tho Lyre." Mrs. B. M. Wilson contributed two items, "Phyllida," a quaint little song was charmingly sung, and suited to Mrs. Wilson's voice,'but she was not so successful with "Pur Dicesti," which struck one as being unconvincing.' Mr. Tombs played two violin solos-ra romance jby Max Bruch, and a polonaisoiby .Mlynarski.- He.was in very, good form, and his; accompaniments. .were, charmingly played by Miss Etholwyn Kirk. Mr. Carr' sang the Maori "Canoo.Song,": which is perhaps, on© of the very prettiest: of ! Mr. Alfred Hill's songs, and he did ample justice) to it. Mr.- Boar sang ."Oh, Maiden; Mine," ' with a ■rather nasal'intonation, and Mr. Laycock sang "Oh, -'.Mino's /the.. Best Philosophy." Mrs. Cachemaille played tho accompaniments : for Mrs. .Wilson, and for the cantata Mr. Wright, who took the solp in "the part-song, "Tears of Anguish,'' did it admirably, with sympathy and charm. ,'..' ( . ; TO-NIGHT'S ORGAN RECITAL. Grieg's Suite,, "Peer Gynt," proved so popular to the ■ audience ,of Mr. Barnetfs last recital-... that, he has decided to play this piece again to-night. Hollin's "Spring Song" will again be 'performed, with' Wagner's ' Waldwebon, from "Siegfried," and variations and fugue on tho English National Anthem, by Max. Roger,, one of-the'.'most distinguished of modem composers, should provo of special interest. ■':; .;' ; WELLINGTON MUSICAL 'UNION. ; '', On: Tuesday ovening 1 tho Musical Union will present Haydn's "Creation" to their subscribers and tho public. This beautiful oratorio ; is always wolcome. It appeals alike to tho studont of eighteenth century music and to tho general public, .who lovo melody and broad, simplo effects. The genial,, good-natured temperament of Haydn makes the, work a cheerful ono to : listen to., Tho J&emo is on a groat scale, but i it is treated in a tender and romantic vein, | which softens down the stupendous effects j which, might otherwise, bo overpowering. | Those who know tho work will be glad to j renew acquaintance with it, while thoso who ( do not will, no doubt, seize this opportunity , of hearing it. All indications seoin to point to ( a very fino performance. j

PIANOLA. RECITAL. An informal pianola recital will bo given at the. showrooms of the British and* Continental Piano Company, 35 Willis Street, this after-' noon. To hear tho "Themodist" Pianola is a musical treat.