ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1764, 31 May 1913, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"I'USS IN BOOTS." On Monday morning the box plans will bo opened at !) o'clock for the iirst four nights, and for tlio initial malineo performance of "Puss in Boots," which is to be staged at the Opera llouso for a seaeon of nine-nights, commencing on ThursI day night next. A queue will bo formed from S a.m. The performance of tho Gaudsmidts and their two black French poodles is said to be very clever and entertaining. One animal especially is extraordinarily intelligent. On his iirst appearance ho comes down to the footlights carrying the placard "Tlio Gaudsmidts and Me," and having shown it to all portions of the house, takos his place at the side of the two acrobats. When they do intricato tumbling he, if is said, does the same. When they roll oil tho ground ho is with them overy time in all their antics, and finally, when they throw somersaults, he does so, too, cleanly and admirably, and as if ho thoroughly enjoyed the fun for its own sake. "This dog alone," said a Sydney paper, "would make the fortune of any pantomime." It is said that he always modestly responds to tho applause which follows his performance. Gaudsmidts themselves are under 25 years of age, and are twins. After giving a performance at Berlin recently, the Kaiser presented them each with a diamond scarf pin, and tliey have also another memento, in the shape of a portrait group which includes the Kaiser and the Empress of Germany and themselves taken together. Another specialty act is that performed by Messrs. Collins and Hart, who hail from tho New York music halls. At first they appear as au extraordinary horse, which is said to provoke slirieks : of laughter, and later on in tho pantomime as a pair of strong men, whose feats of strength simply "beggar description." "It was really wonderful," said a Sydney critic, "to watch ono of the partners being thrown in the air, caught and balanced on the other's upraised hands, or being held out at arm's length." "The climax was reached," said another critic, "when after some astounding feats, Collins rested the whole of his body on his finger, and swung .round upon the other's face. This is claimed to be one of the most wonderful, and at the same time funniest acts which has ever been witnessed on the Australasian stage." A quaint and novel item is a ballet entitled "Tho Plays of the Year," in which groups of characters from half u score of plays appear in costume. In this way typical scenes from "Kismet," "Our Miss Gibbs," "La Boheme," "Ben Hur," and "Tho Quaker Girl" are made to pass in rapid review. The' Catland wmrtiers' march has been described as the most brilliant spectacle yet attempted on the stage.

THEATtiE ROYAL. Well-filled houses continue to enjoy the fare provided by the ' Brennan-Fuller Vaudeville ontertainers. The Serenaders were in great demand Inst evening. The Comedy Cockatoos were in excellent form. Fritz von Listou's clever imitations and bird-like whistling were much appreciated. To-night will bo tho last opportunity of seeing Percy Dalton and ' Miss Lillie Moore, also Messrs. Sharratt and Lang, and Amo and Almo; A change of programme is advertised for Monday night.

HIS MAJESTY'S. "In a Fix," a picturo-comedy which affords scope for some clever work by Miss Asta Neilson, is the principal item in the programmo which will be screened for the last time at His Majesty's Theatre tin's evening. Other good items are: "The Man He Might Have Been," "The Liverpool Grand, National of 1913," and "The Engraver." The management promise an attractive programme for children at the matinee entertainment this afternoon. THE NEW THEATRE. The last opportunity will bo available to-day and to-night of witnessing tho present programme of tho New Theatre continuous pictures, headed by Hie ICalem "masterpiece" drama, "Tho Shaughraun." The leading subject was produced with beautiful scenes in. Ireland as a background. There will bo special films added for children this aiternoon. The complete change on Monday will introduce a sensational spectacular drama, "Zjgomar, tho Eel's Skin."

THE KING'S THEATRE. ' A sensational detective story, entitled "Shadows of tho Night," takes pride of place in tho current picture programme at the King's Theatre. It is well stocked with exciting incidents, and leads up to an effective climax. Patrons of sport will bo interested in the fine picture of the Liverpool Grand National of 1913, and special vaudeville items are another excellent feature of the programme. Theso pictures will be screened for the last time this evening, and there will be the usual matinee in tho afternoon.

THE EMPRESS THEATRE. This afternoon and this ovening the present programmo of the Empress Theatro continuous pictures will be screened for the last time. The principal item is the sensational detective drama "Tho Secret Cupboard." The hero is Nat Pinkerton, the renowned detective, and ho again proves his. prowess as a criminal catcher. There are also: 'Talse to Their Trust," an Edison ""masterpiece," "Tho Female Detective," a stirring Western drama; and "Deep-Sea Trawling in Australia," an instructive industrial and natural history item. Tho comic clement is also well sustained. A lavishly staged "feature" drama', "The Black Countess,' will bo introduced on Monday.

SUNDAY CONCERT. At His Majesty's Theatre' to-morrow (Sunday) night tho Wellington Professional Orchestra, under the conductorship of Mr. 1 Herbert Bloy, will give ' the seventh concert of tho 1913 season of Sunday concerts. Tho programme is an attractive ohe, and will include Cole-ridge-Taylor's Symphonic Poem "Ballade" in A' minor, overture "Bohemian Girl" (Balfo), two numbers I'roni Tschaikovsky's "Casso Noisette" suite—(a) "Danse Russe" and (b) "Danso Chinoise"—"Turkish Patrol" (Michaelis), and "Tornk Magyar'-' (L. do Reeder). An instrumental duet for flute and clarinet (with orchestral accompaniment), "Lo, Here tho Gentle Lark" (flute Mr. A. P. Truda, clarinet Mr. H. Moschini), will be another feature. A silver coin collection, will bo taken at the doota. 6HORTTS' THEATRE. "Sagacity v. Crime," a picture which deals with the efforts of burglars to rob a bank, is ono of the best items screened at Shortts' Theatre vesterday. Other good pictures were: "Old Colonist's Gratitude," "The Grand National, 1913," and "The Pathe Gazette." The same pictures will be screened to-day.

THE "WIZARD OF THE NORTH." On Monday flight tho "Wizard of the North" will give a mirth-provoking entertainment in the Lyceum Theatre, Potone. The "Wizard" inll be supported by a company of vaudeville artists. Tho prices of admission are: Circle and stalls, 25.; back seats, Is.; children, 3d. Intending patrons are advised to secure their tickets at once. The proceeds will be devoted to tho Petone lire Brigade's-sports fund.

JOSEPH M'CABE. A Presbyterian elder who had attended orie of Sir. Joseph Sl'Cabe's illustrated lectures' on "Evolution" was afterwards asked for his opinion. "Oh," reflectively replied the canny Aberdonian, "it was a gran' lecture—of course it was all lies, but it was a gran' lecture." Mr. Sl'Caba begins his Wellington season at the Town Hall Concert Chamber on Monday evening next with tho entirely new "lecture, expressly prepared for Australasia, viz.— "Tho Story of Life on the Earth, or Wonderful Chapters in Evolution." The lecture, it- is slated, is beautifully illustrated with rare slides. < SUCCESSFUL CONCERT. Tho concert organised as a benefit for Sirs. Sutcliffe, held last night, was a great success. Tho big Town Hall, gaily decorated, was crowded with people, who, as their dress .indicated, did not intend to go home beforo the dance. The concert programme was begun with a joTlv chorus that put the audience in a happy frame of mind for the thirteen items which followed. Sir. I'. Jolmstoile's 'cello solo (Traumorni and a Gavotte) was ,1 sample of his bost work. Miss D. Isaacs and Miss A. Segriof both contributed songs, the formor "The Skylark's Sonff," tho

latter "Tho Garden 'Where My Soul Was Horn." Mr. I). A. Kenny, with his humorous song, "A Handy Lilllo Thing to Have .About You," made tho audience laugh honrtijy. Dr. Jsnncs's humorous, item, "Mary's Little Lamb," was well nigh lis successful. A selected whistling solo by Mr. Borneo Gardiner was one of tho feature items. Miss B. Purdom and Messrs. S. J. Culford Bell, and A. AV. Newton also contributed to tho programme. "A Sailor's Song," by tho Orpheus Quartet Party, was tho only quartet, and it was much appreciated. Tho last item, "Bai Jove," by. Messrs. Newton and Kenny, was, to many, tho best of all. It was a happy ending to an enjoyable concert. Mrs. F. Johnstone, Miss Fruhauf, and Mr. D. A. Kenny wero the accompanists, and M'r. A. W. Newton tho stage manager. Towards the end of tho programme'the Prime Minister (Hon. \\ J . F. Massey) was asked to speak. On rising, ho was" greeted with a round of hearty applause. He Raid ho wished lo move a hearty vote of thanks to all those ladies and gentlemen who had worked so hard and lieartilv to make tho concert such a great success. Ho thought that everyone present would agree with him that it had been n success. _ Mr. Massey expressed the hops that it would also be a financial success. Tt was very gratifying to hear that Mrs. Sutcliffe did not know a word about the concert or dance. She had ever been forward in helping deserving eases. He particularly wished to compliment Mrs. Coull upon the efficiency of the arrangements, although it was rather invidious to compliment any one person where there were so many willing helpers. He also mentioned Miss Kane, Mr. Fraser, and Mr. D. Kenny in this respect.

THE DANDIES. . Mr. Edward Branscombo's talented costume company, The Red Dandies, who hare been delighting large audiences at tho Opera House during • the past few evenings, will anpear for the last time this evening. Standing room only was available at the theatre last evening, and each member of the company had to pond to two and more encores Seats for to-night's performance may be reserved at tho Dresden.