ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1493, 16 July 1912, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

■'■■ MISS MARGARET COOPED. The inimitable.art :of Miss Margaret Cooper delighted a largo audience at the Opera House last evening.'. The talented, singer (of quaint songs.and her superb accompaniments provided .an entertainment of a class that .is .heard' too' infrequently in Wellington. Many of the gems of her extensive repertoire: were included in the .programme. A bio'..support was given by Mr. Horace Witty, Mr. H. Scott Leslie, Signor Mnnzoni, and Mr. Charles Lawrence (accompanist). Miss Cooper will make her final appearance in Wellington this evening, when an ■■'especially attractive programme will be presented, including;,".lame," "Peter,'"Catch Me,''. "Agatha •Green," "Pluiii-. stones," aiid' other, -classics, in 'vocal, frivolity. ''• ■'■' •; .

"BEN HUR." . To-morrow night's production of "Ben Hur" should witness a particularly smooth first-night performance, as, apart from the early arrival in town of the company, the fact that Mr. J. C. Williamson's staff have had ..(through; the courtesy •of .Messrs. J. and N. Tait and' Miss Margaret Cooper) the use of the sia'ge during the past three days has facilitated matters considerably in connection with tho numerous necessary preparations, and so far advanced is the work that the picco could be_ staged perfectly this evening. The stage manager will supervise a final rchearsalof'"Ben In "Ben Hur" l the rising of the curtain slowly uncovers a scene of the great desert, in which the majesty of an awe-inspiring stillness makes itself felt. Hero the "Three Wise Men" of Biblical fame meet, and as they gaze towards the' East, in lonely splendour rises the Star of Bethlehem. . Tho music, ' which is of a classic character, was composed by Edgar Stillmau Kelley, who first claimed attention in Australia by his line incidental numbers for "Mn.cbeth" when staged there by Nance O'Neill. • Mr. Eric Maxon created a fine impression in Auckland as Ben Hur, and he is sdid to bo one of the best actors who has yet visited the Dominion. Seats for the opening and subsequent performances can be selected at the Dresden, and day sales can- he purchased at Christeson's. / •

PIANOFORTE RECITAL.--Cnder the patronage of his Excellency the Governor, Mr. liaxter Uuckley will give a third recital at the Concert Chamber, Town Hall, to-night.'" Much interest is being taken' by the music-loving public in the Schumann pianoforte concord this being tho first time that the work has been performed in the Dominion'. Miss Phyllis. Hanify will play tho orchestral parts on a second piano. Other items are the "Moonlight Sonata" of Beethoven, and items by both ancient and modern composer's. Miss Hannah Sweeney will be the vocalist, and Mr. 1\ R. Johnstone will ploy new ''cello solos. Tho box plan is a: the Dresden.