ENTERTAINMENTS,

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1927, 9 December 1913, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS,

, t , THE GEISHA. Notwithstanding ike inclement nature of the woalner, the Opera Honso was full last night when "Tlio Geisha" was produced fur tho second last time by the Wellington Amateur Oporftliu ■Society. As on tin* preceding nights the wiiich lends itself admirably to elfcHive grouping and dressing, was very well received, and flic work of the principals and chorus alike left little l<i he desired. The production is to he staged for the last time to-night. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE, l' l ®, «wkly change of programme at Ins .Majesty's Theatre attracted a larjjo ' and a'ipifi::;itii: wiiich showed !>V its applause that it appreciated tho items presented h.y Hie iireniiau-Knller management. An innovation wiiich opened the performance was the British Biograph, visualising tho latest topical happenings of the 01(1 World. The star turn ol the evening wait the lirst appearance of the .Mahonev Druthers and the iast-namcd bci,,- a t'rinoo Usanes spaniel «l extraordinary intelligence. Ihe educated canino aided tho Cider performance of tlio pi'iiseipals, oeine very nitric,"ito dimcing was a leatuio of tne turn. Tho Mahoney Brothers iiml Daisy will possildy bo re-m-omoerea as ;i vancloviiio specialty when a number of other emilempurary turns arc forgotten. The Vienna Trio, who are in their last week, added to their popularity by artistically blending lUgh-class music and popular melodies with great artistry and efl'eet, • Tho Ariel Bonos presented some now features, wlueli won plaudits, while Henry and May, 3ii ss Eileen Ca.ple, the Creislit°ns, Jack Shields, and George liowlev were vaiuablo adjuncts in a good prosrramnie. Tho comma' attractions headlined ny tho management are:—Francis and Hnbaiick and company in tabloid grand opera ; George Rowley, a comc- ■ thiiii, described as "a fashion plate"' ,; r °'«sor Lewis, and Vcbo Lewis (who nave n wiue reputation as entertainers). ?"V.' a | pt * lal stniriiiir oncagoiwnt of Inn.g isiiyies and Les. Wharton. coon impersonators.

THE KING'S THEAT.UE. One oi the best pictures seen for £ome tune is being shown at tho King's ncatro this week. It is a powerful uamauc study, "The Scud of Uio I'atncrs,*' winch occupies tho. whole of tiic second part, of tho performance, ana vividly portrays I.lk great problem o/ nercdity versus environment. Tho him tells tho story of a jjirl . whose father is shot during tho progress of war nt America for playintr tjso traitor to his trust and Belling valuable plans to Use enemy, In time tho irirl marries man is ;tb]e to give iier a beautiful home, and for rears tiiey live happily. Then the husband, in order to be ablo to gratify reeenUy-aequircd tastes for tho society of coarse women, steals fronj liis employer, and is sentenced to lifelong imprisonment. The hrokenhrnrted mother surrounds their son with every comfort and he has every inducement to (to slraiglit. but tits taint is apparently too 'strong in his olood, ami he launches cut into a career of crime. Pursued by tho police be flecii homo one Slight, and after drinking heavily falls on bis bed in a drunken stupor. There ho is found by his mother, and his terrible life reads clear to her b.v burglar's implements, a mask, revolver, ot;v, which ho has neglected to bide in his room. Tho picture has an intensely dramatic climax when the mother, evidently realising tho hopelessness of tho situation, shoots her sou to save him from a further career of crime. The polico arrive to find' tho .voting man's mother in a dying state through shock. This film is supported by a number of admirable representations. Chief among those is a pathetic study in colours entitled "Lave Ye One Another," a most interesting film depicting the great progress which hats been made in aviation; a truly humorous film, "The Fatal Taxieah" ; and tho ever-popular "G.turnout Graphic," presenting topical subjects of interest.

EMPRESS THEATRE. "A Hero After All" is the Principal "feature" of the change of proßraimao introduced at the Empress Theatre continuous pictures yesterday. The pro. duct ion is lengthy and elaborate, .and includes somo actual views of events associated with the repent war iu Tripoli, and also scenes at the front. The staging is above tho commonplace, and tlio acting is dccidcdly good. A young array captain gambles heavily, and loses much, money. Ho commits defalcations, and, under stress, appeals to his married sister to help him. Sho meets her brother secretly to '.rive him her jewels to save his name. Her husband chances to observe tho surreptitious meeting, and, not knoving tho identity of tho man whom his wife is talking to, lie. immediately abandons her. Tho captain is expelled from his position' as an officer. Later he nroeccds to Tripoli as a private soldier in the ranks. During a skirmish with the enemy he perform?, a heroic deed, but is fatally wounded. When dying he communicates to hia brother-in-law that it was ho who the other's wife met secretly. Tite supplementary items include "When tho Monsoon Blows" (a rare scenic study), "Tho Winning Punch'* /A.B. farce-comedy), "Oscar's Heroic Poses" (tiaumont comedy), and others. The Empress full orchestra will contribute new selections this evening.

"THE MESSIAH." It will not be tho fault of the committee of the Royal Wellington Choral Society if the performance' of "The Messiah," to bo given next Mondnv night, is not one of the most notable ever given in New Zealand. An exceptionally strong east of soloists has teen engaged. Madamo Evelvn Selig, of Brisbane, is to sing the "soprano, Miss Mina Caklow, the Wellington singer who has just- returned after a six yean;' experience on tho 1 English concert stage, is taking the contralto numbers. Mr. Pan! Dufaiilt, who is regarded as one of the finest tenors that has ever visited Australia, has been engaged to sustain tho tenor part, while Air. Andrew Black in to take the baritone part. If arrangements can bo made to obtain a trumpeter, Mr. Andrew Black will sliisj that beautiful solo, "The Trumpet Shall Sound," with trumpet obbligato. Tho final rehearsal will take place in the Town Hall on Friday, >it 7.1)0. Only members of the chorus and orchestra will be admitted to tho rehearsal. The box plan is open at the Dresden, where seats can be reserved without extra charge. Trains and boats will be delayed till after tho performance. Lord Liverpool and the Countess of Liverpool and party will bo present at the performance. "WUiL7ATM'E!,L." A very successful filial rehearsal of "William Tell" was held in the Town llnll last night by (he Musical Vnion, all the principals being in excellent voice, especially Madam Ashley, whose charming voice rang out in the beautiful music allotted to her, and a great treat is promised to patrons who attend the concert at the Town Hall to-night. The box plan is at the Dresden, where Us. and 2s. seats can ha reserved. Doors will be opened at T.lo p.m.. and patrons are requested to be in their seats h.v I T.'lo p.m. The suburban trains wiil be delayed until the close of the eoncert.