ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 828, 28 May 1910, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

GRAND OPERA COMPANY

"CAMIKN" TO-NIGHT. Puccini's melodious masterpiece "Sfadam Huiicrlly" was produced again last evening before a crowded Opera House. Siiss Amy Castles.was 'the Gho Clio San, and all who have seen the young Australian in this tragic role know what a captivating performance it is. It seems incrediblo thai three months ago Sliss Amy Castles had never appeared on the grand opera stage, and that in one step she has rescued a high plane that other singers have to struggle through years of training and experience to attain. Her Clio Clio San is a very charming performance. Mr. John Zerga made an emotional Lieut. Pinkertoii, and Sir. Arthur Crane repeated his sterling performance as Sharpless. The scenery, Hazon's admirable orchestra, in fact the tout ensemble was of a high order of merit.

The initial presentation of Bizet s famous work iias been the topic of conversation for some time and as Sldlle. Bel Sorel is to sing the part there is every reason to believe a great treat is in store for all lovers of good music. A Sydney critic thus refers Jo the artist's impersonation: "Tbo tifle role was sung' by Sldtle. Bel Sorol from whom great things wore expected, and the audience were in nowise disappointed, her work being quite up to anticipations." Signorina Panipari is in the cast and also comes with excellent credentials for her work as Slichaela. Another part which ' always appeals to everyone acquainted with this fine opera is that of Eseamillo, which will be in the hands of Signor Antonio Zanclli. whilst Sir. Frederick Blarney, whose artistic work during the present season has w-on for him a host of admirers, will appear as Don Jose. A special feature of the performance will be tho chorus —and it is reported by all critics in Australia to be an exceptionally lino one —and last, but not least, the orchestra under the distinguished maestro, Signor Hazon. The curtain wili rise at 7.45 sharp this evening. Signor Hazon'has decided to play tho delightful intermezzo preceding eacli act of "Carmen." This will be tho first time the music has been introduced in Wellington and it ,is trusted by the management that patrons will be in their scats prior to the maestro taking his position in the orchestra. AN AUSTRALASIAN NIGHT. On Slay 10 an article by "Sylvius" appeared in The Dominion, entitled "Voices of tho South," in which the writer pointed out that the day was not, in ln's opinion, so, very remotewhen Australasia would be able to perform grand opera without going abroad 'for talent. In the course of the article mention was made of the voices of Mclba, A Ida, Lalla Miranda, Amy Castles, Sldlle.- Nora D'Argel, and Sliss Rosina Buckman, who are either New Zealand or Australian-born. Something approaching an Australasian night «.*ill actually happen on Wednesday evening next, when Sir. Alfred Hill, of Wellington, will, at tho suggestion of Signor Hazon, conduct the Grand Opera Company. On that occasion the title role will be sung by Miss Amy Castles (an Australian), who will bo supported by Sliss Rosina Buckman (a New Zcalander) as Suzuki, and Sir. Arthur Crane' (an Australian) as Sharpless. Sir. O'Keefe, who also plays a small part, is. believed to bo a New landcr. Taking for granted that most of tho orchestra, led by Sir. Ernest Toy (an Australian), aro native-born, which is the case with 90 per cent, of tho chorus, the performance of AVeclncsday next will go as near to being truly Australasian as possible,' and an especial interest must attach to the performance, the last to bo given in Wellington of "Sladani Butterfly."

THEATRE ROYAL. Vaudeville continues to givo pleasure to the numerous patrons of the Theatre Royal, and there is certainly variety enough in the present hill to plcaso tln> most exacting visitor to the popular house of entertainment. The programme, which has hcen running throughout the present week, will be produced for the lust time this evening, when some of the company will make their iiunl bow. A complete change of hill is announced for Monday evening.

. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. It may bo merely coincidence, but it is noticeable that American subjects figure largely in the current programmo of moving pictures at His Majesty's. The most remarkable film is, perhaps, that which exposes the methods of the United States in what is known as the "third degree," a revival of the system of torturing prisoners, which was generally supposed to have- belonged only to a dark and semi-barbaric past. Two thrilling dramas from America —"The Final Settlement" and "The Thread of Destiny"—arc also included in the programme, and there aie many other features of interest. There will bo • a matinee- at 2.30 o'clock this afternoon, and the programme will be repeated this evening.

KING'S THEATRE. There is much of special interest in the present programme which is being submitted at the.King's. Theatre. The public have been educated up to a point where nothing but the best is appreciated, and the "management of the theatre appear to thoroughly reaJiso this fact. Evory picture screened is well up to the standard, and the applause won by each succeeding film is sufficient testimony as to what tlie public think of the fare provided. A gift matinee is to be held this afternoon, when each child attending the theatre will receive a present.

STAR PICTURES. The proprietors of the Star Pictures are showing good things at St. Thomas's Hall, Nowtown, every evening. "Under Sealed Instructions" is one of the most interesting films. There will be a matinee and evening displays today. • . _

LIVING NEW ZEALAND. A final presentation of New Zealand's scenic beauties and thermal wonders, per medium of the kinematograph picture, will be made at'the Town Hal] this afternoon, a grand matinee Tor :school-children being announced. Last night, the Dominion Scouts,"who were present in force, showed by their hearty applause their appreciation of the scenes presented. The inarch of the troops from Government Buildings and Lord Kitchener reviewing cadets and scouts at Dunedin particularly won their admiration During changes ot the films Mrs. M. Sutcliffe recited, and gave a magnificent rendering of "The Man from Snowy River."

HAMILTON-MAXWELL DRAMATIC . COMPANY. Next Saturday evening, at tho Opera House, tho 'Wellington public will' have an opportunity of seeing the Allan Hamilton-Maxwell Company in tho stirring Bland Holt drama, entitled "Woman nnd Wine," a play in four nets by Messrs. Arthur Shirley and lien Landuck. 'Die management has secured from Wand Holt the sole Australasian rights of several of his most popular dramas, nnd theso will ho duly presented by a strong and specially-selected company, many of whom are old favourites of the play-going public. The whole of the scenery for Ihe season, which includes, besides •'Woman and Wine," "In lionrlou Town," "Woman's Hate and Koveuge," was painted by, tho

Into, Jno. Brunton. The wardrobe and various stage effects have all boon obtained lien-, and oi' tlio finest possible description, and the company carries somes 'JOG tons of scenery and effects. Of tlie principals, Sir. Slax Slaxwcll lias been with the Bland Holt Company for some 14 years, and tbe whole of the productions are under his immediate supervision. Messrs. Charles Brown and G. Cass aro also old members of Sir. Holt's company, as also is Sliss Dale. The other ladies of the company aro well known in New Zealand, 'Miss Beatrice Holloway, wlio will be the leading lady, being a most popular actress in the Dominion. The box plan _ opens on Tuesday morning next at Holliday's.

PROFESSIONAL ORCHESTRA. At the. Town Hall on Friday next, King's Birthday, the Star Pictures and Wellington Professional Orchestra ivill combine for a magnificent moving-pic-ture and orchestral entertainment. The films to be shown will he bright and humorous, as well as educating, and will include dramatic, scenic, and comic pictures, and illustrated songs by leading local artists. The specially-re-hearsed orchestral effects to bo given by an orchestra of thirty members will he under the conductorship of Sir. F. Oakes. fiox plan will bo opened on Monday evening at Sir. L. Ckristeson's. Popular prices will bo charged.

"MENDLE'S MARRIAGE." Tht> Wellington Catholic Club Dramatic Club, which has staged several well-known Irish dramas at the local Upora House very successfully, has' decided to stage the three-act comedy "Mendlc's Marriage" at the Town Hall, \m. aid of the club funds. A strong cast has been selected and the scenic effects are being specially painted for the production.