ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2129, 22 April 1914, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE, "The Grafters" will ho played for the last time at the Opera House this evening. To-morrow night it- will give place to a new musical travesty,, entitled "Dream City," tho music 'of which is composed by Mr. Victor Herbert, tho talented American composur. This pieco has a very comical theme, and is said to bo studded witlr a good selection of solos and concerted vocal niiisie. On Friday afternoon a *'tango ten" is to bo given by tho American Musical Burlesque Company, in aid of tho Upper Hutt Disaster Fund, when all tho members of the company will appear in a- programme. Tho function will, of course, include an exposition of tlio tango, ancient and modern.

THE THEATRE. A picturo laconically catitM "Honesty"'is tho principal attraction in the current programme at the King's Theatre. The story, which it sets out is simplo in construction, bat none tha less effective on that account. It dedetails tho adventures or a mail wh.o bravely persists in honest courses ill iii spite of many discouragements, and ti tnnatelj triumphs o>or all 'Us niliiculties. ■ Tho picture is admirably .produced in colours, and tho detail scenes are capably stage-managed, and very interesting., Tho progvatfiHio also jn* eludes clear views of the Easter racing carnival at Auckland, and s&njo fiao pictures of Scottish scenery. "fbo Lackey" is a cleverly-ctmceaved' dramatic study, and "Why I Am Hero" is a picture-comedy which justifies a good deal of laughter. The main attraction next -week -.will-be,.®? pictorial.,rgpresen- . tation 'of Charles!, 'Klein's play'.. "Tho Third Degree."

HIS MAJESTY S THEATP E The vaudevillo programme at -His Majesty's .Theatre this .week is good -,at every point, and includes many items of more, than ordinary merit. It again drew a largo attendance last ovenin-g. Weston's Living Models (two ladies and a man) appear ill a series of beautiful representations of classic statuary. Herr Henri Kubeliek -contribute® . ail entertaining novelty musical turn. "Come Aboard, Sir," is aft amusing comedy skotch, and another {rood sketch is staged by Phillips and Morritt. Other capablo artists who contribute to an -excellent programme aro "Tho Juggling Normans," "Biff and Do Anno." Call-ill and Moran, and Willwm Sumner, a talented negro comedian and dancer.

THE EMPRESS THEATRE. To-day and to-night for tins last lime will appear the Kalem Company's "featuro" drama, "The County Scat War," and supporting programme of the Empress Theatre continuous pictures. The, principal film depicts an esoifcing story of tho election of a district attorney in a rural district in tho' United States, 4htenvovon in which is a love story. "Thtj Eclair Journal" includes a lUHnbet <jf illustrations of recent happenings in far-off lands. "Scenes to unfolds the mountain charms of Switzerland. Other attractions include "Low and Gasoline" (Keystone comedy). "The Engineer's Daughter" (Michigan dratta) and "An Innocent Victim" (Ifllbin comedy). A complete change will ,bo introduced to-morrow.

MAUD ALLAN SEASON. ' : The'interpretation of the music that fills her very being lifts Miss Maud Allan in her dancing until siio seems the embodiment of all that is sweet and childlike aud natural, says oho who has seen her dance. Her art is almost primitive in -its simplicity end beauty. _Ii is said by a critic that on© novo? 'wearies of seeing that slim., beautiful figure swaying gently- to ' and fro as'though borno on the wings of somo stiffc broMe that just stirs her diaphanous draperies and lifts a strand of hor soft brown hair, which she brushes back froni lief brow with tho movement, of an unconscious child. Aside front tho music, ti» mere technique of her body is simply superb, but when this is coupled with tho beauties of Grieg, Chopin, Mendelssohn, and Strauss, tho vision'sho creates is inspiring beyond description, and makes all othor hearings of the mnsie colourless aind devoid ©t meaning. Miss Allan dances tho eiitiio Peer Gynt suite, closing with a weird, fantastic dance of the gnoftjes. She is iiko oi» bcwitchcd as hor arms writho and whifl and her lips sißsla in elfish delight. Whether ■ it is because* the music is familiar from childhood, or because tho dancer Ims s.o perfectly caught tho spirit of tho dattco,' tho Blue Danube ttalte carries ths audi* onco quite off its feet. Tho charming littlo Tschaikovsky_ number from the Nutcracker Suite, i.s captivating in its artless witchery, as tho grey piper with her reed-pipes mows in graceful ruymtli to tho luring music. Tho season opens on April 27.