ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 854, 28 June 1910, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

CARRENO, AN ENTHUSIASTIC AUDIENCE. C'arreno is no stranger to Wellington. On tho previous occasion when she visited this city the great pianist came with comparatively little notice, but left an indelible impress'ion on the memories of all who heard her. With her powers, undimnied, her youthful vitality unimpaired, Carreno reappeared at tho Opera House last evening. Ono feels on seeing this ideal grand dame of the silver hair that if Carreuo had not been, a great pianist, Nature would have ordained some other form of greatness for her—she dominates with her remarkable personality. On her entrance, and as her magic fingers ripple over the keys, there is the consciousness of an artistic attitude in her work that disarms criticism. With her prodigious technique, subtlety of touch, and profound intellectuality there is no trace of theatricality, no posing, none of the petty little tricks or mannerisms that so often occur in instrumentalists of talent. • Her methods are quiet, her action unostentatious, and whilst extracting the soul ot every piece on her programme, not the slightest di-. minution in uower is perceptible. The compilation ot the programme- of last evening, played entirely from memory, was a work of art in itself. It opened with : Beethoven's .famous sonata in A flat (Op. 57), known as the "Appassionata." Carreno's masterly interpretation of this beautiful work, with its splendid emotional depths, and melodic dignity, was a notable one that should stand as a lesson to all lovers of Beethoven. Tho technical difficulties were as nought under her inspired fingers, nnd the effort—which was apparently no effortreceived instant' and enthusiastic recognition from a delighted audience. Then came Chopin in moods various—what a feast to lovers of the peerless poet of composers for the pianoforte! The subdued' charms of tho Nocturne (Opus 15) were coaxed by fingers that coloured each phrase with tho most delicate.shading. The Etude in G flat followed. This is the popular "Butterfly" study, and never did the gaudy insect's wings rest lighter on tho petal of a rase than did CaTreno's fingers in their fluttering flight over the keyboard. The dainty brilliance of the pianist's fingering is something to cherish in the musical momory. So insistent and hearty was the applause that the number had to be repeated. Tho same composer's Ballade in A flat, familiar as it is, took now life and colour under Carreuo's touch. ' She made its placid melody almost heroic, in character, leaving ono amazed at the possibilities of tho number. Still Chopin—the Waltz in A flat,. played with Tare fascination and technical elegance. Stirred to a high pitch of enthusiasm, the audiem» ' would not rest satisfied with Madame's mere acknowledgments, and ehe gave them an alluring interpretation of Chopin's Berceuse. Schumann was represented by "Abends," "Warum," and "In der Nachfc," the dulcet qualities of the two first-named pieces strongly contrasting with the riot and clamour of the third. The Paganini transcription of Liszt's "Carapanelli" exhibited Carreno's digital speed and endurance in a manner which inndo one marvel. It roused the audience to a pitch of enthusiastic excitement, and Madame had to supplement the number with a charming waltz of her own composing, entitled "Teresita." Tho programme concluded with the. serious "Soneto del Petrarca," tho technically brilliant "Etude in D flat." and the familiar "Rhapsodie Hongroise" of Liszt, each- plaj«l with that suggestion of reserved force so valuable to any artist; yet given to so few. Again audience signified .its recognition of Carreiin, nnd sho was forced to respond with Hensett's beautiful "Si Oiseau j'etais," a charming finale to a perfect pianoforte concert. At this evening's concert Carreno will play Bach's Fantaisie and Fugue," Beethoven's Sonata (Opus 27), the Prelude (No. 15), Polonaise in E flat minor, and the one in A flat by Choipn, and numbers by MacEwell, Schuhsrt, Schubett-Liszt, and Poldini; .. TEEATEE R.OXAL.,,;, ~: , ,! , l l^,l Last evening was the occasion of a change of programme at the Theatre Boyal, when'the "star" .artists, capably assisted by.the remainder.of the company, displayed themselves in new roles. It was a really good vaudeville programme, bright and varied, and brimful of merriment. The "Do Be Mi" trio, whose amusing comicalities.so captivated frequenters of the Theatre Boyal last' week, repeated by special request their side-splitting burlesque representation of a Spanish bull-fight, 'in which they were assisted by Lolita, the graceful Spanish dancer. The . Coleman Sisters, clever comediennes, ■ again appeared on the boards, and received a hearty welcome. I Mora, the White llahatma, guvo a lnys-: tifying display of her' .thought-reading powers, answering, blindfolded, a number of "thought" questions put to her by members of the audience. Full of genial humour was "Doctor" Bowe, an entertainer parts. Beryl Gilnian, soprano, was very successful with, her items, and earned the enthusiastic appreciation of her audionce. The Scott Brothers, described as "dancing humorosities," act up to their description, a compliment they are justly entitled to. Ward Lear and Nellie Leslie must also be mentioned for their entertaining contributions to the evening's programme. There is also, by way of special attraction, a very fine film depicting scenes at the Royal funeral. The whole entertainment is a credit to the management, and by ,its reception last evening should be assured of a successful run this iteek. THE KING'S THEATRE. Last evening, in addition to the usual programme of pictures, there was thrown on the screen at the ■ King's Theatre a noteworthy series of scenes from various poiiits , of the funeral procession of tho late /King Edward. ' The' great pageant of mourning was kinematographed very successfully in London, and dispatched the same day all over tho world, that the sons and daughters of the Empire might, as it were, take part with the sorrowing multitudes which thronged tho route of the procession. The picture gives a thoroughly representative review of the main features of tho proceedings, presenting an imposing ceremonial. The notabilities of the procession—visiting Royalties, naval, military, and civic personages of Imperial distinction— are shown at various; points, while- the military parade is a most imposing one. j HIS MAJESTY'S THEATEE. , The special attraction at His Majesty's Theatre last evening was the fine series of scenes at various poioits of tho funeral procession of his late Majesty lung Edward . VII. The series were beautifully clear, full of interest, and altogether offered an imposing display of the sombre pageant, its magnificent procession of military and naval' troops, the vast crowds, of silent spectators, the notabilities of the Empire, and, lastly, the guncarriago drawn by the bluejackets. Altogether the scene is one of the most impressive yet reproduced by the kinematograph. In addition, were a number of other films of high quality and varied types, of which the roost notablo were The Twisted Trail," "Lieutenant Rose and the Spy," "Ho Hoy's Comet," "The Irish Boy, "Logging in America." Tbo programme will be repeated this evening. To-morrow evening the usual weekly change of pictures will take place. KING'S FUNERAL. Messrs. Fuller and Sons exhibited a striking series of moving pictures of King Edward Vll's funeral in the Town Hall last evening. They will be exhibited again to-night. The pictures give nn excellent impression of the funeral proceedings up to tho time of the entrance into Windsor Castle and commencement of the religious service. First comes the lying-in-state, and the procession to Westminster Hall. The procession is seen from various points of near advantage, and the solemn pomp and circumstance of the great occasion, tho slow passing of the abased host of rulers, statesmen, generals,. and soldiery, and the reverence of tho immense onlooking crowds arc impressed forcibly upon the mind. Ono sees repeat- - edly the gun carriage bearing the Royal coffin, surmounted by the crown, the present King, and the half dozen Europeanouters, moving eudly in tho ci'ocessiuiu

and the late King's charger stepping riderless behind. Later the film shows the Royal train, bearing the remains, speeding from London to Windsor, with great crowds gathered to sen it jiasa. Last comes the procession at Windsor and tho ontrance to tho castle. The film is unusually clear and strong throughout, and the "captains and the kings," all the great personages, the immense procession of 1 troops, and the police. and military who lined tho way are shown with great distinctness. An excellent programme of other views was shown last evening, including thoso of the Proclamation of Georgo V, which also will be repeated tonight. Beethoven's Funeral March was played by a special orchestra while the funeral pictures were being shown.' STAR PICTURES. One of the main' features of the now. programme of pictures,at St. Thomas's Hail, Newtown, shown last evening under the auspices of the Star Picture Company, was to have been the film showing the proccssion at the funeral of his late Majesty King Edward VII, but by an unfortunate error in transhipment this film was sent via the Bluff, instead of direct to Wellington, and the management was therefore unable', to meet its engagemept in this particular respect. In announcing the fact to -the audience, which accepted tie situation with good ■ grace, it was stated that the film would 1 arrive on Wednesday. Notwithstanding this hitch, the programme went off vepwelt, some of tlie new items being of distinct merit and interest. The "star" films were "The Indian," a Wild West ' drama, and "Tho Engineer's Daughter," a dramatic study of absorbing interest. ' Two excellent examples of the artistic developments in kineruatography v;ere the coloured scenic films—"Dutch Types" and "k Trip through Jeo-sey." The sporting ' picture, "Leopard Hunting," is a particularly fine one. The comic pictures are good, there being no fewer than five mirt.h-pro voters. '• Mention' must also be made of another . notable "star" film, : "Cosette," an adaptation of Victor Hueo's "Les Miserables." Other good 1 films a,re "The Miniature" and "The Lady Detective." Tho programme will be repeated this evening. "MENDLE'S MARRIAGE." 1 Great credit is due to tho members of ' tho Wellington Catholic Club for their excollent performance of tho lively farce, "Mendle's Marriage," given in the Municipal Concert Hall last evening. The play presents , a constant succession of humorous intrigues, misunderstand--1 ings, and exposures, and tho amateurs who - flayed it last'- evening ' did not let its mirthful developments hang fire. 1 When'the first act opens Mendlo is in an anxious quandary. He has been receiving large cheques from a step-father, on the two assumptions that he is unmarried and is making rapid progress in a military career. In reality, Mendlc is a peaceful solicitor, and has lately married for love.. He has to conceal both facts from the opulent step-father,, who suddenly decides to pay him a visit. His wife, Lydia, conspires with him to deceive tho old man, but her position is embarrassed by the, fact that, unknown to her husband,. sho has previously had a breach of promiso case with Captain Cullendar, a susceptible military gentleman of the smiling and "haw haw" type. Hendle receives his step-paTcnt' in the uniform and character of* a colonel of Hussars, but the adventure leads to complications which cause' him much humorous distress. Another flame of Captain Cullendar is Miss Geraldine Morrison, who is escorted through life by a mercenary mother. A business marriage' is maternally arranged for her with Cullendar's friend, Lieutenant Allison, who feels at first no happiness in the prospect. .Miss Ivy Scott discharged the part of Lydia Meudle very- satisfactorily; though a ; little more dash might possibly liavo been imparted to some of the more oxciting scenes. Mr. Charles Gamble gave a good rendering of the part of the distracted Montague Mendlc, always at the mercy of some new ridiculous disaster brought on by his own, aiid his wife's, plot to deceive. Miss Nora Kenny was admirably diverting as the servant girl, Martha, and her scencs with her soldier lover, Michael O'Doclierty (Mr. ■ Denis Kelly) were played with real humour by both'.'" The' 1 parts of Captain Cnllendar and Lieutenant Allison were well taken i by Mr. Daniel, Moriarty' and Mr. Gordon . Weight respectively. Mr. Carl Pfaff i gave a lifelife and entertaining imper- • sonation of tho crotchety step-parent who ■ shares "in theabsur'd vicissitudes produced by his step-son's conduct,. and in . the ■ scenes where he is confronted by the : real colonel-of tho Twelfth Hussars, ivho , takes him for the impostor Mendle, and whom lie takes for a lunatic, Mr. Pfaff specially excelled. Mi. James M'Donald ■ was vigorously effective in the ipart of ' the infuriated colonel, who learns that i another man has been masquerading in L his uniform. The parts of Mrs. Morrison' • and Geraldino Morrison, which did not i call for the exhibition of much variety , of emotion,' were smoothly takemby; Mi;s . Juliet O'Neill and Miss Ida Barrington. ; Tho play ran very lightly and brightly ! from start to finish, and tho appreciation ■ of the large audience was expressed by constant laughter and applause". Between . the acts an excellent orchestra, under the direction of Mr. D. Kenny, played > selections. A second performance of . "Mendle's Marriage" will bo given to- : night. , ' ; "PETE." At. the Opera House on Monday, July 4, Clarke and Meynell's specially organised company, headed by' Mr. H. It. Roberts and Miss Beatrice "Day, will.appear for tho first timo here in "Pete," the famous play ,by .Hall Caine and L. N. Parker, dramatised from the former's novel, "Tho Manxman." "Pete" ran for over 200 nights .at tho Lyceum Theatre, London. At the present time, it is still being tourned by no fewer than eight companies throughout the English provinces; and is to be again revived at the Lyceum/ London, on the completion of the present lesseeship. Many situations in the play, according to tho London "Daily Telegraph," aro undeniably effective. The . scene wliere Peto resolves to cloak his wife's flight by pretending she has gone away for her health; that in which he gets Philip to write, a letter to her for him; that, in which Kate' rhieatens to denounce Philip in the judgment seat (for ho lias realised his ambition and been appointed Deemster): that in which Philip conf3sscs; are among those which grip the audience with intensity of feeling few plays have awakened. "Peto" has been one of the great successes of the dramatic stage in England, and'its presentation here will bo awaited witli keen interest. Tho box plhn opens to-morrow (Wednesday) morning at 9 o'clock at the Dresden. \ . Y.M.C.A. FESTIVAL. The Ladies' Auxiliary of the Y.M.C.A. are holding a winter festival to-day and to-morrow. Mrs. M. A. Williams will declare -the festival open this afternoon at throe o'clock. All sorts of ornamental articles will be for sale, and the various clubs of the association aro arranging sido shows. There will be a great challenge basket ball match this evening. The proceeds are in aid of the liquidating of the building debt of the association. . MR. JOSEPH M'CABE. Mr. Joseph M'Cabo has had a remarkable career, and an exceptionally wido training and experience. For four years he was Professor of Philosophy in St. Antony's College, and he took a courso of Oriental languages at Louvain University. This part of his' career closed at tho early age of twenty-eight, when ho was Rector of Buckingham /College. Since then he has devoted much of his time to the study of the scientific side of modern culture, especially in its bearing on evolution. Mr. M'Cabe addresses hini,sclf to the general public, and has been particularly successful in presenting tho more fascinating results of modern science ill clear, simple, and attractive language. His collection of many hundreds of beautiful lantern slides includes a large number from his own photographs of raro objects in British and Continental scientific collections.