ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2145, 11 May 1914, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. - Several new star importations will appear at His Majesty's Theatre to-night. The new bill will bo Leaded by CarTton Max, who has acquired considerable faino in different parts of Europe for his great powers of ventriloquism, as- ■ sisted by several excellent figures. A special reappearanco from the Continent_ will bo "La France," a famous Parisian poseur.: La Franco's act is said to even bo. more beautiful than wlicn last seen Here. A strong company will support, including tho La Stella , Trio, Russian entertainers; Juno Salmo, tho wonderful contortionist; Dorothy Harris, ragtimo specialist; Phillips and ■ Merritt; Jolly ' Mario, comedienne;' and Knowlcs and Leo, comedy harmonisers , . "THE PRISONER OF ZENDA." This evening at the King's Theatre the first exhibition will bo given in Wellington of a 4400 ft. reproduction in filmic form of Anthony Hope's famous romance of love and stirring adventure, "Tho Prisoner of Zenda," with James K. Hackett, America's accepted leading romantic actor, in .the principal character. Mr. Haekett will be supported by the "Famous Players' Company" of New. York. Tho success of the picture at Auckland is said to have-'boon most pronounced, and concerning it the "Herald" said: "Keenly analytical of human passions and emotions, tho story portrays loyalty and treachery, lovo and hate, good and evil, and makes a powerful dramatic appeal.'/ The.lavish mounting and elaborate staging of the niece are among its very numerous excellent features, A special supporting programme includes: "The Frog, Salamander, and Toad," "A-Lesson in Jealousy," "Among tho Esquimaux of Siberia," "A Bottled Romance," and "Graphic."" Box plans are at the Dresden. . . ■ . . THE EMPRESS THEATRE. "Tho Mystery Lady," a feature drama by tho Domino Company, will bo tho chief draw in the change,of programme at the Empress Theatre continuous pictures to-day and to-night. The scones are laid in Jamestown, tho first- permanent English settlement in tho United States. The- central figure is a mystery lady, whose neighbours view her with suspicion and curiosity. She is in reality none other than Lady Constance, a political refugee from England. The plot introduces a captivating story reminiscent of Cinderella, and the play is said to be attractively staged. "Quillan and Its Neighbourhood" is eaid to give a picturesque series of views in Franco." A microscopic study of a sub-aqueous insect is embodied in "The Rotifer." The Universal Company will bo represented ■bv a dramatic story entitled "An Apacho Dog's Sagacity." Other items will include: "The Golf Game and the Bonnctt" (Vitagraph comedy), "The Coonvillo Suffragette" (Lubin comedy), aiid "Blinlc's .Beard" (Komic comedy). . "UNCLE TOM'S CABIN." s "Uncle Tom's Cabin," in a musical melodramatic setting, will be tho initial production at tho Grand Opera House on Wednesday next by Messrs. George Willoughby's New Dramatic Company. This drama of pure emotions and heart-interest—an np-to-dato dramatisation of Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowo's famous moral and religious work by Seva Elyarts—is well known to playgoers, but although tho timehonoured ingredients are not lacking the dramatic dish will be flavoured differently to its predecessors, seasoned as it is with bright vaudeville items. The east'is said to be an exceptionally strong one, and, headed by Mr. Cyril Mackaycand Miss Nellie Fergusson. Tho scenery'includes a picturcsquo setting of a great waterfall' scene, in which, aided by unique effects depicting moonlight, a huge- sheet of real water falls from tho cliffs to rocks below. Tho scenic realisms were painted expressly for the recent Adelphi, Sydney, production by Mr. J. S. Mann (and assistants), the Willoughby firm's American imported scenic artist. The mechanical devices, limelight and electric effects and intricate properties aro said to be tho acme of completeness. Full 'advantage has been taken by tho producer— Mr. Lester Brown, of New York—of tho opportunities offered for the introduction of vocal effects,'and a feature of the presentment will be the Era Comedy Four, tho National Duo, and tho New York Jubileo Singers in songs, dances, ragtime specialties, sacred melodies, and plantation interludes. Tlio box plan is now open at the Dresden. Another piece to be staged during the season will ho "At Cripplo Creek, an American mining drama. ORGAN RECITAL. The organ recital in the Town Hall on Saturday night by Mr. Bernard F. Pago was of the high standard which the patrons of this weekly evont have grown to expect. The programmo included a number of items with which Mr. Page has previously- delighted his admiring audiences. The items were: Overture, "The Hebrides" (Mendelssohn) ; Intermezzo, "A Marriage Souvenir" (Wolstenholme); "Toccato and Fugue in D Minor" (Dorian-Bach); ''Feuillet d'Album" (E. d'Every): Symphonic l'oein, "Danso Macabre (Saint-Siiens); "Air ami Variation's" upon a themiMif Handel's (Krirg-Klert); "Suiiiiiior Sketches" (Lnnnro); "Finale in 13 Flat" (Cesar Franck).