ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 847, 20 June 1910, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE HAMILTON-MAXWELL COMPANY. "REVENGE." "Rcvcngo," a melodrama in four acts, by Mr. E. Hill Mitchelson. Cast:— Queen Corona Beatrice Holloway Draga. Vanessa Nellie Strong Cora. Brook Vera. Bemco Tusha Muriel Dale Captain Loris Vanessa ... Ma-x Maxwell Count Henri do Mussant S. A. Fitsßcrald Tho King Godfrey CaE3 Prince Ortoff Richd. Bcllairo Jim Jennings Charles Brown Capt. David Oarr, B.N John Bruce Stephen Trovitch ... Sydney G. Do Vino Lieut. Mauriie Mabel Eusscll This play depicts the King of some imaginary State-(which is profligato in highly-coiourcd but picturesque uniforms), who roams about calling himself a coward; a nice little Queen, who is obviously tired of her royal poltroon, and who loves a minor married officer, a brave and honourable soldier who would die for. his Queen, but would much rather live for her. Prince Orloff is the chief plotter, who, working with the bravo young soldier's falso wife, seeks to bring about a revolution, kill tho King, and succeed to tho throne, which ho is prepared to share with the dear littlo Queen. T'hero is also the youthful son of someone difficult to accurately locate; a French Count, who is allowed to roam about the royal palaces flourishing a six-shooter; a pretty American" girl with a headful of smart Western, aphorisms; a captai of a British warship, who is in love witn tho fair Arizonian, and a bold Jack Tar, who takes tho liberties usually allowed tho "handy man" in melodrama. The whole of the plot concerns Orloff's scheme, which, of course, is frustrated by the bravo soldier (blinded early in tho play by the ready Orloff), and tho youth of problematical parentage. The cowardly King is killed by the traitorous prince, who, in turn, dies by the hand of the, young soldier. The latter, it is almost needless to mention, wins tho charming Queen in the end, and presumably is happy for ever afterwards. \ Miss Beatrice Holloway cut a very sweet littlo figure as Queen Corona, and was quito charming in her distressful progress through the play. This actress always displays the nicest taste in dress, and her costuming throughout tho play was admirable. Mr. Max Maxwell, as Captain Loris Vanesso, tho blind hero, would be convincing enough were ho to vary his inflection a trifle. Ho looked very well in his military trappings. Mr. Bcllairs was quito admirable as Princo Orloff, giving the character tho proper touch of sang-froid. Miss Nellie Strong was Draga Vanessa, whoso character was as highly-coloured as tho uniforms of her lovers, and Miss Vera Remee as tho Cora Brook (from Arizona) looked 6mart and delivered her siangy dialogue with commendablo glibness. Mr. S. A. Fitzgerald was highly amusing as Count do Mussant, and Mr. Godfrey Cass made the King a rather wearisome person, and the moment when tho King, becoming tired of being a coward, invites Orloff to stab him to death, was made amusing by tho Prince's prompt acceptance of the chance. Mr. Charles Brown extracted legitimate fun from tho part of Jim Jennings, A.8., and Mr. do Vino did justice to tho idiotic humour of Stephen Trovitch. Miss Muriel Dalo, who acts brightly and intelligently, and drcises in conformity, mado tho Queen's maid Tusha a most young person, and Mr. Bruce was quite equal to tho requirements of Captain Carr, R.N. The melodrama is well mounted, and splendidly costumed. "Revenge"- will be played again this evening. THEATRE ROYAL. Tho cheerful countenances of tho patrons who gathered in the cosy Theatre Royal on Saturday evening were a striking contrast to the pinched, r-old faces . of the outside world. . Tho programme presented was bright and well-balanced, tho most attractive items being those of Brown and Wilmot, a pair of exceptionally clever American dancers, Mr. Ward Lear, whoso imitation of a Chinaman robbing a hen-roost is particularly good, the Musical Shirleys, and Miss Beryl Gilman. A complete change of programme is to bo given this evening, when the Do Re Mi Trio of musical comedyartists will appear in an act in which Guillaume, Baby and Co. burlesque a Spanish bull-fight, in which three famous dogs are disguised as bulls. Miss Lolita, a Spanish dancer, adds a finish to tho "turn." Another of the now attractions is Mora, tho White Mnhatma, who, whilst blindfolded, will answer any questions put ■ by members of the audience. • KING'S: THEATRE. After n hurried journey half round tho world, an historical film, showing the vast London crowds waiting for bulletins regarding the late King's health, will bo screened, this evening at tho King's Theatre. The sorrow of tho English pc-oplo at the death of King Edward is said to bo vividly depicted, nnd tho picture, which is expected to arrive by the Main Trunk express this afternoon, rihould prove a great attraction. Tho programme to .be presented to-night contains many films of undoubted entertaining merit. HIS MAJESTY'S PICTURES. Despite the bad. weather conditions on Saturday night, there was a very largo attendance at His Majesty's Theatre to witness the last screening of the current week's programme. To-night there will bo a complete change of programme, the, chief attraction being tho death of King Edward Vll, or London in Sorrow, giving an idea of how the sad news was received in the capital city of the world, tho multitudes of people that gathered outside Buckingham Palace being utterly dumbfounded at the news. Also showing the reading of the proclamation of King George V from the steps of the Royal Exchange, and many other stirring incidents in connection with the death of King Edward VII. : STAR. PICTURES. Both. the matinee and evening exhibitions of the Star Pictures at St. Thomas's Hall on Saturday received their due share of public support. A conspicuous item ou the programme was the film showing scenes at the Otira Tunnel works. SKATING'RINK. A band now plays at the Olympia Rinit erery afternoon, as well as in tho evenings, so that patrons who desiro to avoid the moro crowded condition of tho rink have the same helpful accompaniment to their skating as do those who visit tho rink at night. Tho early advanco of winter has induced quite a large number to turn their attention, to skating, and tho learners' sessions during the past; week were crowded. Tho rink will be open as usual to-day. MADAJIE CAERENO. Madame Carrcno's return to New Zealand is heralded by. the announcement that the box plan will open at the Dresden to-morrow morning, and that the director, Herr Benno Scherek, has decided to give all admirers of music tho privilege of hearing a woman who stands ' shoulder to shoulder with Busoni and ; Paderowski, at ordinary concert rates. THE ELLWOOD TRIO. At Mastcrton to-night the Ellwood Trio, assisted by Miss Winnie Nixon, will give their last concert prior to the bifr farewell arranged for them at the Welling? ton Town Hall for to-morrow night. During their tonr, they have been most industrious, and prepared several selections which they have not played hero before. Two now trios will lie given, namely, Gniles Opus 4 nnd Moment Musical Schubert, nnd as soloists Harry will play Musin's "Mnr.urka do Concert," and George will be heard in fbc Cantilena from Goltermann's Concerto in ! A Minor, nnd Kquire's Danso Orientale. Tho Goltcrmann Concerto was written for Jean Gerardy, who played it for the first time in London under Hugo Gor- ' life's dircclion, when 1G years of ago. Mr. John Prquse, who is heard but too I rarely now-a-days, will sing "The Wan- : ilerer" (Schubert) at the Ellwoods' con- •■ cert to-morrow ninht, Amongst the vocal ■

items is a now song by Mr. R. A. Home, rarely nowadays, will sing, "The WanPlayer," which will be sung by Hiss Winnie Nixon. The box plan is at the Dresden. Mademoiselle Antonio Dolores, the great song singer, who has been obliged, owing to the late arrival of tho Vi7ii° ia ' to spl;n<l a weck ' s holiday in Wellington, will tako the opportunity to attend the farewell concert of tho Ellwood Trio at tho Town Hall to-morrow night. Sho is desirous of helping, them in every way. WELLINGTON PROFESSIONAL ORCHESTRA. The inclemency of the weather notwithstanding, a very large audience attended tho Sunday concert which was given by tho Wellington Professional Orchestra at tho Town Hall last evening, and, to judge from its frequent demonstrations i>f appreciation, tho programme of items was thoroughly enjoyed. In tho temporary and unavoidable absence of Mr. F. J. Oakes, conductor of tile orchestra, Mr. Herbert Bloy acted as director, and was in intimate touch with his musicians froin tho very first heat of the baton. For his services at this and tho- monthly concert on July 31 nest, tho orchestra desires to acknowledge its thanks! Tho concert opened with Volpalti's imposing march, "Caballeros on Plaza," played with commendablo spirit and precision. Then followed Suppe's bright "Light Cavalry" overture, part of which had to bo repeated in deference to the insistent demands of tho audience. Thomas's dainty and ever-welcome "Mignou" gavotte was tastefully played. A fine number was Wagner's introduction to the third act of "Lohengrin," tho full rich cadences of tho magnificent music, and the majestic finale being very creditably interpreted. Tho overture to "Fiquo Dame" (Suppe), and Eileuberg's "Bersagliori" , march constituted tho remaining items of the orchestral portion of the concert. Tho orchestra was assisted by Mr. Ernest Wiseman, a basso of distinct merit. His voico is of pleasing timbre, admirably disciplined, and excellently suited' to his items—"Nazareth" (Gounod), and "Tho Bandolero" (Leslie Stuart)—for his singing of which he was deservedly encored. Mr. Davo Kenny played his accompaniments. The was given in aid of tho instrument fund of the Wellington Garrison Band. ORGAN RECITAL. Tho organ recital given by Mr. J. Mauglian Barnctt, city organist, in thb Town Hall on Saturday night, was fairly well .attended. Tho principal items on tho programme were tho beautiful Prelude and "Angel's Farewell," from Elgar's "Dream of Gerontius," which was repeated from the previous week, the famous Prelude, Act 111, "Lohengrin," and part of Widor's fifth organ symphony. Mr. Barnett's interpretation, of his excellent programme was very rnuch. enjoyed. WELLINGTON ART CLUB CHAMBER CONCERT. Despite the severity of the weather on Saturday, there was a very good attendance of members at the Chamber con-, cert, which was held at the Club House, Bowen Street, in tho evening, tho comfortable little music room being taxed to its utmost seating capacity; and if the entertainment which was provided for tho occasion is a pleasant augury of future ovents, the club may well consider itself securely established in the . estimation of its members. The programme included a 'cello duct by Miss Montague and Mr. F. Johnston; three charming songs, from Schubert, by Miss Lloyd Hassall; Wieniawski's "Legende," for tho. -violin (Miss M. Donaldson); two 'cello numbers from Popper—"'Memory," and a gavotte —by Mr. F. Johnston; a Tschaikowsky trio by Miss M. Donaldson (violin), Miss Beatrice Richmond (piano), and Mr. F. Johnston; and two songs by Mr. G. Parsons. Miss Tewsley played tho accompaniments. The. proceedings were not too formal; short intervals were allowed between tho items for general conversation, and before tho final number was played supper was handed round. Before the commencement of the concert, Mr. Rayward, who presided, announced that tho club had been presented with a framed souvenir programme, in water-colours, of this their, first concert, tastefully designed by Mrs. Montague. (Applause.) Mr. Horace Hunt,-who was to. have opened tho concert with a Chopin number, was unable, through indisposition, to be present.