ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2187, 27 June 1914, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE ORANGE DANDIES. That talented company of versatile artists, fllr. Edward Branscombo's Orange Dandies, will bo seen at tho Concert Chamber in tho Town Hall for tho last timo tiiis evening. During their long stay in this city tho members of this clever company have made themselves very popular with Wellington theatre-goers, and many will regret their departure. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. Patrons of His Majesty's Theatre will have the last opportunity of witnessing the current week's programme tin's evening, when seveial of tho artists will make -their final bows to a Wellington audience. This week's bill has been well up to the standard, and several new turns have been announced for Monday. A matinee- will bo held this afternoon. KING'S THEATRE. . That realistic battle picture, "Tho Curse of War," will be shown at tho King's Theatre for tie last time tonight. It is a picture full of interest from start to finish. Another excellent educational film is one showing tho Panama Canal as it is to-day. Tho usual matinee will he held this afternoon, and a complete change of programme will be shown on Monday. "DOWN THE CRATER OF*' VESUVIUS." Monday night's star attraction at the King's Theatre will bo "Down tho Crater of Vesuvius," described as an altogether unique and remarkable filmic j wonder depicting the daring descent of I'rederick Burlingham, the American kinematographist, into the very bowels of Italy's burning mountain and historic scenic marvel, Vesuvius. The film readies New Zealand very shortly after the cablegram announcing Burlingham's astonishing achievement. It is said, to be a splendid reproduction of the interior of the volcano and is, of 'course, the first of its kind ever shown. Writing of his experience Mr. Burlingham has said: 1 "There wore some moments of supreme excitement. As tho cotton looking smoke of the volcano rose skyward, forming a giant umbrella far afcovo tho crater, we descended into tho inferno as far as human being over possibly can go, and as the incandescent pink hot smoke belched out of file hellpit which goes down two* miles,, we went to the edge and looked in. At any mo- ■ ment we might havo been buried in an avalanche spattered by molten lava,, or. engulfed, had the , crater's floor disappeared beneath our feet,'.and yet we worked on witli the kineraatogranh to rtfeord this appalling wonder of Na- , ture, and after four hours iu the- abyss, during which our lives were in peril, n'o succeeded in fighting o.nr way back ivith the apparatus to safety, with, a film which scientists may ■-. see sitting comfortably in,an arm-eiiair, and scenes ivhich not one person out of a million will ever witness except on the screen. Such work is its own compensation, oven if one risks his life to accomplish it. Included in tho fine list of of supporting subjects are:- "The Third String" (W. AV. Jacobs's ' amusing story), "through the Quercy District" (Patlie scenic), "Tho.Story-tlio Gate Told" (drama), ."Art of tho Kurrier" (industrial), ■''A Night' Out" (comedy), and tho "Gaumont Graphic." Seats for any evening may be reserved at tho Dresden. .-.-.. EMPRESS THEATRE. ?' . ' A final opportunity will be ottered today and to-night of witnessing the current programme of the Empress Ther. ati-o Continuous Pictures headed by tho romantic "feature" drama, "Studio Love." Tho remaining items include: "New Zealand Wonderland" ■* (scenes of geysers and thermal displays), "Monkeys" (an amusing 'animal study), "Schoolboye" (Pilot ■■■ comedy), and others. A" complete change of programme is announced for Monday. -' "THE PAGODA OF FLOWERS." Amy Woodforde-Finden's song cycle, "The Pagoda of Flowers," will make its first appearance before a- Wellington audienoe on Wednesday next by the Harmonist Quartet, in the Concert Chamber, Town Hall, under the direction _ of Mr. Frank Amsden,: who. will preside at the piano, tho soioists being: Goprnno, Miss Gladys Watkins; contralto, Miss Eileen Driscoll; tenor, Mr. Waldemar Eiby; baritone, Mr. Sydney Allwright. The composition,, which deals with the love story of a- young priest, is rich in Eastern colour, includes so.-no charming songs and concerted numbers of a- highly, melodious character. The box plan opened at the Dresden yesterday. His Excellency the Governor and tlio Countess of Liverpool will be presoat at tlie performance. MISOHA ELMAN SEASON.. For tho past five years music lovers in this part of the world have been promised a visit from Mischa Elman, tho great violinist, but this wish is now .to be consumrr ated, for Elman is in Australia, and the box plan for his two concerts hero in the Town Hall on Thursday and Saturday next open at the Dresden this morning ab 9 o'clock. Mischa- Elman's tour of Australia, according* to reports, was the'most successful of any instrumentalist that has visited these shores, but this is only ill keeping with his reputation, and his wonderful drawing powers in other parts of the- world. On the Continent, in London, and in America; Elraan's name as one to conjure with. His tour of America last year comprised ninety recitals, given entirely by himself and his accompanist, and created a new record in musical annals for receipts and enthusiasm. Of tliese recitals, eight were given in New York, sis in Boston, four in Philadelphia, six in Chicago, and five in San Francisco, the remainder being distributed amongst other American cities. For a violinist to give eight recitals in New York City in the space of two weeks as Elman did, and at evory recital to have the capacity of the auditorium taxed to- its utmost, is breaking all precedents. At sixteen Elman was recognised as one of the great, violinists of tile world, and, it is stated, was in receipt of a salary considerably more than that of a Prime Minister. The standard Elman' established then has been steadily maintained, for wherever ho has played ho ha.3 met with tho greatest success. It is interesting to note that the first contract ever signed by Mischa Elman himself was for the present tour of Australasia, as the famous player at th'e time had just attained his majority. Ho is now ; 23 years of age. Elman will only give two concerts in this city ; and as _it will bo the final opportuntiy of hearing this wonderful artist, no doubt the opportunity will be taken full advantage of. Asso'ciated with Elman in his concerts here aro Mile. Eva Gauthier, the brilliant Frencli-Canadian mezzo-soprano, wlio has won golden opinions .in Melbourne, Sydney, and elsewhere for her fine vocal 'work, and Mr. Percy Kahn, the clever London pianist, who has heen with Elman. for the past six years. SUNDAY CONCERT. • The Wellington City Band has arranged a capital programme for its eoncert to bo given in His Majesty's Theatre to-morrow night. Mr. A. R. Petersen will sing "The Watchman," etc.; Mr. I-I. Pliipps will sing "Like Stars Above," etc.; My. P. L. Minifie will play a piccolo solo, "Will o' th' Wisp." The principal band items aro a contest selection from Verdi's pretty opera, "Nabiieo," and an arrangement of tho "Austrian Hymn," with variations for cornets, horn, basses, otc, [iy W. Rimmer. A silver coin collection will be made. ' :