ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 824, 24 May 1910, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

".MADAM BUTTERFLY." Oincomo Tucciiii's brilliant opera, "Madam Hutterily," with its splendid stayo selling, luxurious Eastern colouring, ami magnificent orchestration, was again produced at tho Opera House by the members of iUr. J. O. Williamsons Grand Opera Company last evening, lhe production was the occasion of iMdlle. ljel : Sorel's second appearance in tho t l /, role, and the tragic story of poor little Cho Clio San lost nothing by Mademoiselle's interpretation of the tragic role. Her clear and dramatic voice; her finished noting, the artistic intensity of her whole ell'ort, in fact, leaves nothing to be desired. The other leading artists of the company were artistically good, and witn tho splendid music of Signor llazons fine orchestra, supplied a magnificently dramatic setting for the pathetic central figure of the story—Cho Cho San, Japanese wife. The opera will be repeated this evening, with Miss Amy Castles in the prima donna role. THEATRE ROYAL. The quality of the entertainment provided by Fuller's Vaudeville Company was brightened last evening by t.ho appearance ill the new week's programme ot Mr. Carden Wilson, raconteur and mimic, a performer of outstanding merit, whose imitations of actors wo have known are exceptionally faithful and convincing. Mr. Wilson introduced his performance by recalling the dry humour of George Fuller Golden (a polished American humorist and raconteur who visited New Zealand seven or eight years ago). It was a delightful experience to renew an acquaintance with "Casey" and his friend "Riley." A number of people will remember the story of Casey at the musichall. lie is seated behind a "vision" in tho stalls as a soubrette on the stage, sings "I'd Leave my Little Home For You." Casey, hard of hearing, leans forward and touches the "vision": "Would ye moind tellin' mo the victim of tV song she's singin'?" The lady answers over her shouldor: "I'd leave my little home for yon!" "Yis, yis, I know, but phwat is the name \iv the song?" Humour such as Goldon's is rare in the halls nowadays. Mr. Wilson who "makes-up" before the audience, gave a life-like impersonation of tho lato Mr. John F. Sheridan as the Widow O'Brien, Mr. Rickaby, the London comique, and Mr. Maurice Dudley as Lively in "Sunday"—an admirable piece of finished mimicry. Another newcomer was Miss Pearl Hellmrich, a refined soubrette, who sang "Bedtime at tho Zoo," anti another pretty song very daintily. Frank Yorke tickled tho audience with jokes ancient and modern, and raised the xoof with his mighty bass voice in well-remembered, songs ot long ago. He is a great favourite with Royal audiences. Miss Cecile Stephano sang .Tude's best song "The Mighty Deep" with good effect, exhibiting a range and quality of voice almost masculine for a contralto. Comic effusions were contributed by Bert Warne, Warwick Lumloy, and Ranee Smith. Mr. Joe Lamb, the singing collier, sang a colourless song called "Matador." Ilis voice wants bringing forward and his enunciation is a weakness. . Victor the Groat is still in the bill, and a number of biograph pictures call for loud applause. On Monday next Atlios, tho skating dude, is announced to appear. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. The excellence of tho present programme at His Majesty's Theatre has been testified to by the large attendances of a public which has become educated up to Ihe highest form of the art of kinematography during the past few months. The selection of films is such that every t.isfo is cafercd for, industry, drama, scenery, and humour being so blended as to make as perfect a combination of pictures as anyono could desire. The pictures aro screened ill a manner which gives the public tho fullest benefit of varied fare. A complete change of programme will be given tomorrow night. ■ THE . KING'S THEATRE. Although entertainment is the primary object of the present programme at the King's Theatre—and therß is certainly entertainment in plenty—tho films on the industrial side of tho outside world are refreshingly instructive The.pictures are ptvfecUy screened and taken from end to end offer a variety which the most exacting patron could not cavil at. This evening each lady patron will be presented with a special post-card of the Royal Family to commemorate Empire Day. A complete change of programme is to lie given to-morrow evening. STAR PICTURES. Tho love ot motion pictures in Wellington South is just as koen as it is in town, .if one may judge by tho large audiences' which nightly attend the Star Pictures in St. Thomas s Hall. The prograuimo was completely changed last evening when a most interesting and varied programme was submitted. The star dramatic film was one entitled "Under Pield Instructions." It relates a wnr-liino episode, in which a young officer is entrusted to make a journey' with valnablo papers. En route he calls nt the home of his fiancee and thither lie is followed by his arch enemy. By threatening to show some letters to her oflirer-lovcr, ho is afforded the opportunity of pouring some, mixture into the young man's glass. When the latter is stupefied the villain seizes the papers and makes olf with them. After « .time his victim recovers, becomes aware of his loss and, through an envelope carelessly dropped, gains tho address of his despoiler, and after a scene of intense excitement, in which tho young lady plays an important part, the papers are secured and all ends happily. A very good industrial picture details the Swiss method of condensing milk—from the cow to tlie can. The comic pictures of the new programme are unusually funny. They are entitled: "Wouldn't it Tire You?" "A Sticky Proposition," and "The Uncontrollable Motor-car.*' There are also some very fine scenic films in foreign lands to charm the eye and educate tho non-b'nvelled. THE OLYMPIA SKATING RINK. There is no doubt but that roller slcatins is going to be a very popular pastime this winter, judging from the enthusiasm that is- shown already in these early days. A great many people were whirling merrily round the rink last evening thoroughly enjoying themselves, even if some did t'eel not quite secure to begin with. That feeling, however, evidently soon passed, as, once the art has been mastered, easo and security arc soon regained after a round or two. A bund, placed up 011 high in the gallery, added the inspiration of music to tho scene, and a great deal of brightness. The door, is evidently perfect, and 011 all sides one heard appreciation of its merits. The beginners' classes have already been very large, twice as lariy us those of last year, and they are most keen to become proficient skaters, some of them coming tile moment the rink is opened and staying to the Inst moment at all the beginners' sessions. Later on, in about a month's time, there will probably bo a carnival, at which all kinds of' entertainments will be arranged. LIVING NEW ZEALAND. The heart of New Zealand is to be laid open to view by tho New Zealand Picture Company at the Town Hnll this evening. "Living New Zealand" includes many pictures of interesting sights within the Dominion, while historical events of days gone by will be recalled in the pictures of tho visit of their Majesties King George and Queen Mary to New Zealand. "Life 011 Sheep and Cattle Stations" will show in detail the handling of sheep and cattle. "Fun in tho Blue Bath, Rotorua," in which a number of small boys arc soon disporting themselves in tiie warm mineral waters of the thermal regions. Dominion Day celebrations of 10(18 will also he shown. Pictures taken 011 Saturday of the Boy Scouts will be shown during the present season. Mrs. M. Saldino will recite Clomcnt Scott's "Midnight Charge." Mr. D. Kenny will conduct the orchestra. The programme will be repeated on the three following nights, and 011 Saturday afternoon a children's matinee will be held.