ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1960, 17 January 1914, Page 14

ENTERTAINMENTS.

J. C. .WILLIAMSON'S NEW COMIC OPERA COMPANY 'At the Dresden on Mondnv morning at 9 o'clock tlio box plans u ill bo opencd for tlio five representation , ) of Fnnz Lohar's comic opera success, "The Count of Luxembourg," ■which is to be staged by J. C. Williamson's New Comic Opera Company on Wednesday next and four following, nights, and for the five productions of the pretty nnd humorous military comic opera, "Autumn Manoeuvres," to be staged on Tuesday, January 27.. A queue will bo formed outsido tho box office from 8 a.m. It would, it is said, be a very hard matter to decide- which has proved the most popular of tho above two operas, as they both enjoyed the same length of seasons in Europe, and strangely enough there was only a matter of a fortnight between their respective runs in Sydney and Melbourne, whilst in Auckland they both attracted record audiences. Quito's foature of "The Count of Luxembourg" is the introduced dances, and the waltz up tho staircase. The latter is executed by Miss Florence Young and Mr. Frank Greene, they waltz up a flight of stairs, thenco along a balcony, and down the steps nn tho opposite aide, .and ail the time they have to keep time to Franz Lftlinr's delightful waltz melodies, tho effect is said to be gracefully artistic, and at the same time most uniauo. The new comedian, Mr. Phil Smith, bns, it is stnted, fully accounted • for the splendid Teports whidh preceded him from London and Sydney. Ho is also the possessor of a good Voice, and is an excellent dancer. Mr. Robt. Whyte, jun., is another comedian who 'has proved a great.asset to the rompany. "Danse. Pompenette" executed by the fascinating young Russian dancer, Vlasta Novotna, and Charlie Albort, created a triumph in Sydney and Melbourne, the action of tlie opera having to bo stopped nightly for many minutes owing to tho recalls demanded by the rindhenees. Vjasta Novotjna. in" this feat of acrobatic grace moves, it is said, with a delightful freedom, and when tho final eccentricity comes, in ft. dive of two swaying bodies, the effwt, it is stated, is rather sensational. The late boot to Day's' Bay will bo (Waved on Wednesday night nest until after the performance. ,:,■- ■ ■ "PSYCHE." : ,".' . : ■■? On Monday nig Tit, at the King's Theatre, the will 6ubmit for the first time here what is described ns a highly extolled Pathecolour reproduction in 3000 ft. of motion, pictures of the old mythological legend "Psyche." ' Tho captivating story deals with tlio love of the God Eros or Cupidfor the mortal Psycho. Psyche arouses the joalousy of Venus who orders Cupid _to kill her rival, bat Cupid falls a victim to Psycho's charms. Further angered by this, Venus strikes tlio girl's father with illness,, the only cure for which, the oracle maintains, is the sacrifico of his daughter. Psycho is exposed on a mountain, but Cupid rescues and marries her exacting from her a promise never to lift her veil. This promise sho breaks and is banished to tho outer world, Brought to Venus sho is told that she may win pardon if eho can obtain the casket of beauty from Proserpine, goddess of the lower world. This she succeeds in doing after a perilous journey and hands it to Venus. Tenus is now immune from all rivalary and restores Psyche to Cupid. A lino supporting programme includes: "The Children's Home" (drama), "Beautiful Scenes in Chovreuso" (ti coloured ecenw), "The Railroad Inspector's Peril" (an exciting drama), "Schintz tho Tailor" (Keystone comic), "Tho Last Pathe Gasiette," and "Which Way Did Hβ Go?" (a- Bunny comedy).' Tho King's orchestra will officiate as usual. Seats may bo reserved at tho Dresden. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. It is a very'strong company of entertainers that is appearing in His Majesty's Thcatro this week. Nightly the big theatre is well filled, and as there is not a weak turn on the bill, the audiences are invariably well satisfied, ' THE KING'S THEATRE. To-night "A Message fwm Mars" will bo shown for the last timo at the King's Theatre. Tho picture has proved to bo a universal favourite, and the' other films on the programme are also very good. There will bo a matinee this afternoon. THE EMPRESS THEATRE. The concluding sessions of the eiir.rent programmp of tho Empress Theatre continuous pictures are announced for to-day and to-night. The A.B. Company's "feature" drama, "In v tho Elemental World," is a stirring story of tho wilds of a great forest in North America. A striking dramatic story of Indian, "Tho Hindu Charm," by the Vjtagraph Company includes a scene in which Indian snake-charmers are seen handling dangerous hooded cobras, and there aro other views of actual life in India. Mr. Maurico Costello figures in the heroic role. The supporting programme includes "Tlio Baby Elephant" (an elephant act at a circus), "Reaping the Harvest" (Comet drama), "Making a Hero of Himself" (Reliance comedy). "Two Men and a Mule" Cfaree-comedyj| "Trout Fishine," and others. A now programme will bo presented on Monday. , THE BRITANNIA THEATRE. The new programme at the Britannia Theatre includes a well-enacted, if somewhat unpleasant, picture entitled "The Dragon's Breath," which tells how a white woman becomes a -slavo of tho opium habit. Another good picture of another typo is "A Muddy Romance," a very amusing comedy. Specially selected subjects for children will be shown to-day during tho day sessions. THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS. _ Tho painting which Mr. Edwin Kilpatrick is oxhibiting will bo on view as usual in Harcourt's Rooms, Panama Street, this afternoon. The mystery abont the picture interests all who view it as a mystery, savouring of the super* natural, never fails to interest. COMPLIMENTARY BENEFIT. The complimentary concert which is being held in the Town Hall on Wednesday in aid of the widow and daughter of the late Mr. H. N. Fletcher, is expected to bo a great success. The performers include: Misses Denhard, Segrief, Driscoll, Cecil Haines, Betty Purdom, and Janio P&trie, Messrs. Harry Phipps, G. J. Blackio, JV'Culford Bell, Frank Johnston, Norman Aitken, Hamilton Hodge 3, Clias. Hickmott, E. B. Gilchrist, and Dr. Norman Hales; tho Orpheus Quartet, and Wellington Liedertafel. Any lady or gentleman desirous of helping in tho direction of selling tickets may obtain same from tho secretary, Mr. James Dykes, of Gaulter, Dykesj,and Co., 149 Featherston Street. A uniform chargo of 2s. is being made for seats in all parte of the hall.