ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1005, 21 December 1910, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

NEW COMIC OPERA COMPANY. This morning at nine o'clock the box plan for "The Dollar Princess"—the new comic opera to bo played by Mr. J. C. Williamson's company next Monday, will bo opened at the Dresden. "The Dollar Princess" will be presented, for the first six nights and will bo followed by "A Waltz Dream," another new and delightful opera; a wildfire farce-comedy with music, also ' for the first time here, entitled "A Knight for a Day," and a special revival of the popular "Merry Widow." It is said that in "The Dollar Princess" we have music of a,very high grade. It is described as a story of love, mirth, melody, and romance, and as "The Merry Widow's" legitimate successor. It is also affirmed that the new comic opera company had never been seen' to better advantage than in "The Dollar Princess." The setting is Viennese, romantic, and picturesque, and the mounting of an unusually elaborate nature.

- KING'S THEATRE. The King's Theatre, which is much favoured by lovers of tho moving scene, was well filled last evening, when an entirely new change of programme was presented, comprising examples of all the latest phases of kinematography. The story picture appears to be the typo most in favour, to judge by tho programmes, but there aro times when ono would- wish to see scenic and industrial pictures brought into greater prominence. One picture shown last evening, called "A Holiday in the Highlands," gives a vivid idea' of the land of. the heather—its beautiful lakes and rugged mountains, "tho banks and braes," and the little Scottish villages, in the life of which the outer world plays no part. Such sccnes are' photographed readily on the memory, and cannot fail to rise to the mind's eye when their names occur. "The Iconoclast" is a splendid picture. Through a chain of circumstances a bright young man attempts to commit a crime against his employer, is caught in the act, and through tho mediation of the employer's daughter is taken back into the printing-house, to become a better man. "Henry of Lusignae" is another picture full of action and colour, and was heartily received. "The Pathe Gazette," one of tho happiest ideas in' recent developments, .pictured a string of the week's events in England and on the Continent with splendid fidelity. Other good dramatic pictures were "Lest tfe Forget" and "The Little Match-Seller" (a pathetic incident of the streets). Comedy must always have a place, and in, "The Gold Necklace," "Foolshead Between , two ]?ires," "Tweedledum Wants to be-- a Jockey," and "How, Hubby got a Kiss" tho audience found plenty of matter for 'laughter. / •

THEATEE ROYAL. Judging by the large attendance at the Theatre Royal last evening this week's programme, has found much favour with local lovers of vaudeville. The act of Martinetti and Grossi was distinctly novel and entertaining. In the hands of these artists almost everything they ; touched produced excellent music,' and theirs is really the star item of the .evening.' Hiss Nada Moret received a very ■ enthusiastic reception, her character songs and impersonations being most entertaining. In "Annie Mine" she was, perhaps, at her best. Mr. Nat Clifford'is very popular, his turn being delivered in his usual inimitable style. Harry Sadler, comedian, was also well received. This artist is,a special favourite with patrons, his appearance being the signal for rounds, of applause. Other artists who deserve mention include Mr. E. Martin, Miss Beryl Oilman, and the Two Rosebuds. Harry Sadler, E. Martin and Beryl Gilman appear for the last time to-niglit. On Thursday night several new artists will appear tor the first time here, prominent amongst them being Bob Harper and Tim Howard, comedians; Miss Jessie Leo; Tom Vivian, baritone; and the Seyffer Twins, singing, dancing, and acrobatie juveniles.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATEE. ■ The programme presented at His MaTheatre last evening was practically a new one, only two or. three of the best pictures of Jlondayfs programme being retained. These included a striking representation .of Goethe's "Faust" (accompanied by excerpts, of Gounod's operatic setting-of the .story), the scenes in mystic Tibet, and the new series of Sydney views, including a' splendid view of Manly beach and the harbour front by day and night. One of the most beautiful pictures of the new series is that of the Island of Malta, which gives one' a very perfect idea of Valetta and its fine l.arljonr—a veritable pearl of the Mediterranean. "The Iconoclast" is a strong, well-acted dramatic film, showing the extent to which tho folly of a discontented young man will lead him, and how' he seeks to rob those who are prepared to help him, and do so even after his attempted crime is discovered. A good "comic" is that entitled "The Wooing O't." It is distinctly humorous, in a breezy, rollicking fashion. A number of schoolgirls have> rented,a summer cottage for convenience in the study of botany, and, strangely enough, the cottage next door has been 1 taken by a number ■of young men from the university, bent on polishiug up' their geology. .during■ the summer rest. Both subjects for study are however, utterly routed by 'Dan Cupid, who even wounds the old professor, and the prim old schoolmistress with his shafts. Tho old, people are continually happening upon the young ones , lovemaking, and so catching are their tricks that at length the two find themselves picking petals from ilowcrs to the, accompaniment of an old love rhyme, in which pursuit they are fairly caught by the young people. This is no picture for misanthropes. Other good pictures are: "The Emperor's Message," an interesting bit of Napoleonic imagery, "The Gold Necklace," "How Hubby Got a Rise," "Transporting Timber," and "Foolshcad Bchveeii Two Fires."

"A CHRISTMAS CAROL." On Christmas . night Mr. Lawrence Gampbell will give a recital of Charles Dickens's "Christinas Carol",- at the Opdra. House. The Wellington public are- no doubt familiar with the Rev. Charles Clarke's recital of the carol, consequently it would be interesting to know the comparison made by tho Sydney "Daily Telegraph" :—"As an elocutionary entertainment the recital'of' 'A Christmas Carol' was unusually successful, and rivalled the accomplished efforts of the Rev. Charles Clarke." At . the Concert Chamber' .(Town. Hall) on Monday, TuesdaS', and .Wednesday next, Mr. Campbell will give scenes from Shakespeare's plays, also - humorous and k dramatic items. The box plan is now open at the Dresden.'

FIREWORKS AT DAY'S BAT. ■_ A display of fireworks on a large scale is at all times a fascinating form of entertainment, The announcement that Mr. R. T. >Bickerton, the well-known pyrotechnical expert, will give a large display at Day's Bay on Monday evening next, will no doubt be received with pleasure by amusement lovers. A striking feature will be the large number of set pieces. Several of these,, aro of novel design, and present a beautiful effect. An item which should command a good deal of interest is one depicting iluiley's Comet, while amongst other popular sets are massive rainbow and Saxon wheels, and pieces representing a cascade fountain, and a waterfall of

large dimensions. The effect of several of the sets will bo enhanced by the introduction of ingenious mechanical devices. A liberal supply of .rockets. and aerial shells will also be fired, throwing out numbers of coloured stars. Special fireworks steamers are advertised to leave tlio Ferry Wharf on Monday evening.