ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1963, 21 January 1914, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

-— "THE'CPUNT OF LUXEMBOURG." At tho Opera House this evening the curtain will rise at T.oO oil the initial production in Wellington of l'ranz ijoliar's delightful and gorgeously-mount-ed musical comedy, '"Hie Count of Luxembourg," in ■ which J. O. Williamson's New Comic Opera Company will make its reappearance, after an abscnce of over twelve niontns. The booking is so well distributed over the five representations that seats in excellent positions lor this evening's performance" may bo selected at the Dresden, and tickets for the early, door stalls and gallery can be purchased at Christeson's, or at the Opera Houso this evening, l'esterday's full scenic and lighting rehearsal passed off without a hitch, so to-night's production should prove a particularly smooth one. Gorgeous dresses, effective groupings, attractive ballets, lavish appointments, and elaborato 6cejiery are adjuncts to the pretty music, the clever comedy, and an unusually interesting story, t'he interest of which is sustained right up to the final fall of the curtain. The appearance of Miss Florence Young will doubtless be the signal for an outburst of enthusiasm, as the famous soprano is particularly popular with local playgoers. On her last visit she appeared very successfully in tho title role of "The Merry Widow." On that occasion she demonstrated that her voice was as sweet and as powerful as ever, and playgoers will doubtless be glad to once again welcome tho famous soprano. From a singing point of view, t'he Ne« Comics are particularly strong, as the organisation includes Mr. Reginald Roberts, the brilliant tenor; Mr. Frank Greene, the popular baritone; and Miss Celia Ghiloni, the charming contralto. Special interest will be centred in the first.appearance here of Mr. Phil Smith, who hails from the leading London theatres. Mr. Smith, it is said, although quiet in his methods, yet has tho audience in roars of laughter tlie whole time he is on the stage. Mr. Robert Whyte, jun., who will' appear as the Grand Duke Ilutzpinov, last toured the Dominion in "Gct-Rich-Quick Wallingford," in which ho proved himself an exceedingly clever comedian. Mr. Victor Prince and Mr. Charles Albert also figure in the "Count of Luxembourg." Brunton,. who recently toured the Dominion with "The Girl in the Train," is always a tower of strength to a cast, and tho inclusion of Vlasta Novotna, tho Russian dancer, is also a. big asset to the organisation. A specially augmented orchestra and chorus is under the baton of Herr Gustavo Slapoffski, and Dick Shortland is stage manager. THE EMPRESS THEATRE. Those who h'ave not yet witnessed the Lubin Company's sensational detective "feature" drama "Partners in Crime,"" at tho Empress Theatre Continuous Pictures, will have a final opportunity of doing so to-day and to-night. The principals in tho plot are iivo prominent citizens who live a double life. During the day they are wealthy business men, but at night they are leaders of a dangerous gang of motor-boat bandits who terrorise tho residents of the fashionable suburb in which they operate. Ignorant of his father's connection with the gang the son of one of the leaders, a-young.newspaper reporter, ably assists a detective in the tracking and' capture of his own father, and the rest of- the gang excepting the other leader, who sacrifices' his lite to save the reporter from being shot by tho criminals. Tho film occupies nearly an -Jiour ill tho screeniug. The remaining subjects include: "Flowers That Bloom in the Spring" (nature study), "Applegrowing iii Washington State" (industrial), and "An Interrupted Courtship" (Lubin comedy). A new programme will appear to-morrow. HIS 'MAJESTY'S THEATRE. Another large audience witnessed the second production of the new programme at His Majesty's Theatre last night. All' the new artists appearing, along with those who had already been appcaring>tl)e previous week, wore given a most flattering reception. Especially worthy of mention in-this regard were the Franco Midgets, a nd the threo pairs of performers doing various kinds- of athletic acts. THE KING'S THEATRE. The beautiful Patho film "I'syc'ho and Cupid," which is tho feature of the King's Theatre programme this week, met with the whole-hearted approval of the assemblage which witnessed it last night. It is a remarkably artistic production. For those who prefer thrills to beauty there is "Tho Railroad Inspector's Peril," a drama with lots of stirring incident and sensation. A spccial holiday matinee performance is to- bo given to-morrow afternoon. BRITANNIA - THEATRE. The big -picture in tho Britannia Theatre programme now is entitled "Aissa's Dream," and it is a drama with enough sensation and action to compel interest. Other items in a good bill include Love Sickncss at Sea," "Slim Driscoll," "Samaritan," "Man's Lust for Gold," and the latest topical Gazettes: "THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS." The painting with 'the mysterious property which gives it its name, "The Shadow of the Cross," is still being exhibited in. the afternoon by Mr. Edwin Kilpatrick in Harcourt's Rooms. Daily it is witnessed by numbers of people, some of them sceptical at first, and invariably thev leave the exhibition puzzled at 'something to them inexplicable about tho picture. ' COMPLIMENTARY BENEFIT. Tlie concert to be tendered to-night by tlie citizens of Wellington to the widow and daughter of the late Mr. H. N. Fletcher in recognition of his valued public services promises to be a groat success. Tickets arc being disposed of readily, and the public will no doubt bo delighted with tho entertainment, in which all the leading artists in Wellington are taking part. Tickets may be obtained from tho secretary, Mr. James Dykes, of Messrs. Gualter, Dykes, and Co., Feathcrston Street, or at'the Dresden, whe'ro seats may be booked free of charge. A uniform chargo of 2s. is being made for seats in all parts of the hall. Mr. Petersen,' advance agent for Wirtlis' Circus, arrived at the Bluff by tho Manuka on Monday to arrange tho New Zealand tour which opens in Invercargill on' February 3.