ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2440, 20 April 1915, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

"THE BABES IN THE WOOD,"

A bright bustling show is the pantomime, "The Babes in the Wood," the attraction which George Willoughby, Ltd., are offering to playgoers and the general public of Wellington tonight (luesday) for seven nights, with Miss Daisy Jerome, in the part of the principal girl, Maid Marian. The management have starred this little lady with the terra-cotta hair; that every justification existed for the starring is shown by the tremendous reception that greets her nightly. Upoj her first appearance it is generally several minutes beforo she is permitted to speak. In the majority of pantomimes the principal hoy m-Ti ° show; while in the Willoughby production of "The Babes" the greatest honours go to the principal girl, for m the story "Maid Marian" is the captivating sweetheart of the bold, good Robin Hood; the principal boy must not be forgotten. In thin character Miss Ruby Davies is stated to be unusually well suited. Mr. Dan Ihomas, as llie Dame, never fails to score, and m the broad comedy features io is ably assisted by Ted Stanley, Bert r° lau &. Blll « v Watson, and Bert Barton, as Tired Tim, Weary Willie, Baron Ja ardup, and Simple Simon respectively, llie producer, Mr. Lester Brown, bag made full use of the present internafonal question, and at the termination ?ii iA Ar k ao ' patriotism rises to its height, when two of the most remarkable tableaux over presented is un- , vien 'j viz -> "The Rock, 1815," and lie Rock, 1915." During the- action of the play 42 new vocal numbers will be given, all of which have been arranged by the author (Mr. Alf. J. Lawrance), in conjunction with the musical director, Mr. Wynne-Jones, who also conducts the George Willoughby, Ltd., Grand Opera Orchestra of 18 specially selected musicians. The magnificent stage settings are all from the brush of that noted artist, John S. Mann, and the gorgeous costumes were designed by Mr. D. H. Souter, whose clever drawings are so often, seen in the Sydney "Bulletin." The specialities alone are a whole show in themselves, and cmbrace some of the biggest stars in vaudeville, including Josephine Gassman and her famous' "Pics"; Marcel and Fallon, America's foremost fox trot exponents; Hanlon, Dean and Hanlon, the greatest hand-balancers; the New York Comedy Four (harmonious comedians; besides acrobits and animal impersonators. The box plans are rapidly filling at the Bristol Piano Depot, where seas may_ be rfcserved at ss. Early door day sale tickets at Miss Lennox's, Grand Opera House Buildings. There will be matinees on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons at 2 o'clock, at which children will be admitted to all parts except gallery at half-price. Owing to the enormous length of the attraction, the curtain will rise punctually at 7.45 each evening.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. ' Easily the most enjoyable and unique act presented in the new programme of vaudeville at His Majesty's Theatre last night was contributed by a quintet of sagacious dogs. 'These animals, billed as "Mandeno's Dogs," made their bow. to the public seated in a circle (just like an ordinary company of. human beings) on their respective boxes. Then at the bidding of their master they performed in really remarkable fashion. They leapt through rings, climbed ladders, performed skipping exercises, formed pyramids or the like, and generally performed in methodical fashion things that moderately' accomplished human beings would require practice to execute. Then there was one of the quintet—Spud by name —who would persist in burlesquing the performances of his fellow canines. Totally ignoring the . roars of laughter greeting each fresh escapade, Spud simply revelled in his comedy work, and even at the conclusion of the turn was not satisfied, but simply dodged a .descending scene and strolled off tho stage quite nonchalantly in the wake of his master and canine companions. "Stirling and Love" were two artists who were new to the bill. Their sketch, "A-Hunting We ■Will Go," was entertaining.. though some of their iokes were familiar. The popular Yankee comedian and raconteur, Mr. George Hall, was encored and encored again for his items. Kelly_ and Pollock, in their' comedy, "Ginger Snaps," made a welcome reappearance, while "Vaude and Verne" were- exceptionally pleasing in that their patter was original. Miss Flo Esdaile, a soprano singer, made her debut. That popular ventriloquist, Carlton Max, created roars of laughter with the nonsense he put into the mouth of his dummy, "Jerry." Mr. Phil Percival, "tho comedian at the piano," was received, enthusiastically by the audience. "Saltley and His Nibs" in their comcdy wire act completed the programme.

THE KING'S THEATRE. A splendid pictorial adaptation of John Reed Scott's novel, "The Colgnel of the fid Hussars," was the chief film on the new programme presented at the Theatre last night. The story opens in the Washington Club at New York, where clubmen destined to play an important part in the thrilling events to follow' read and discus? a certain newspaper paragraph chronicling events in the Kingdom or Valaria. The main actors in the story, proper are King Frederick of Valaria, Princess Dehara, a certain Major Dahlberg (who has been known as "Mr. Smith of Washington'-'), the Archduke of Lotzen, and last, but by no means least, a Mrs. Spencer. The picture turns to Valaria, where Princess Dehara meets with the "brilliant" Major Dahlberg. Subsequent events lead to the Major gaining the title of Grand Duke. Like all titles it with it the inevitable inheritance—jealousy among inferiors. So it is that a plan is formed to ruin the. new Grand Duke.- Then Princess Deliara's love proves an important factor here. Tbo development of all the machinations and can best be learnt by seeing the picture at the King's. The {.lm, -which is by the Edison Company, is beautifully mounted and very powerfully acted. In short, 1t is just the typo of picture that tile public revels in and talks of afterwards. The supporting subjects include some excellent pictures. There is a powerful story of trapper life in Canada, entitled "The Love of Pierre Larosse," "Getting Father's Goat" ,(a bright Ivalem comedy), and a sparkling Vitagrapli comedy, "The Band Tieadcr." Oit tlie scenic and topical side are "The Pathe Gazette," "The.Great Earthquake in Italy," "After the Snowstorm in Denmark," aiul "The Latest Topical." The King's Orchestra contributes incidental musical selections most enjoyably, Mr. J. H. Gruar conducting.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. A capital programme is being screened at Everybody's Theatre this week, and the subjects are many and varied. One of the cliief attractions is a Keystone comedy, entitled "Hushing the Scandal." The day arrives when Mr. Droppington is to announce his engagement to tlio lady of liis choice. A garden fete is held in honour of the occasion, and Mr. Droppington brings the ring, and the engagement is sealed with a kiss, and everyone is apparently satisfied. Mr. Breezington appears on tho scene, however, and is announced. Mr. Breezington falls in love with' Droppington's finacee, and swallows her engagement ring and woos her in the shrubbery. This is strongly objected to by the young lady's mother. After this episode the mother loses her wig. A large number of complications follow, each ono is an explosion of laughter, snd tho- picture has a capital Keystone liflala. tine jiifturf} is a, yita,

I drama, "Fine Feathers make Fine Birds." During the first jear of their married life, Lillian Norton and Harry, her husband, are iory happy, but when the cliildren come along she neglects lier husband, and he drifts back into the club life. He becomes infatuated with a dancer. His wife learns of this, gees to the dancer, and begs her to refuse Harry's attentions. The show girl consents, but not before she proves to Lillian the cause of her husband's seeming neglect. Several dramatic scenes follow, and the wife's eyes are at last opened, and all ends happily. The Reliance Company are represented by a stirring drama, "Out of the Deputy's Hands." This picture is full of interest from beginning to end. Other pictures iucluded in the new programme are "Gaumont Graphic," "Five Bob Rebellion," and "Baby's Ride " THE CHERNIAVSKYS' CONCERTS. To-morrow night the Cherniavskys will give their second concert in the Town Hall. Judging by the interest that has been- aroused over the young Russian artists, it goes without saying that they will have packed houses for the rest of their season. After the four concerts in Wellington the Cherniavskys commence a tour of the South Island, appearing in Christchurch on May 15 and 22, and Dunedin on May 29 and June 5. Almost every important small town will be visited during this tour, and it is interesting to note that Mr. Edie and the Cherniavskys are taking advantage of their present visit to assist in' the propaganda of the Brotherhood of Arts, a new society which was recently formed in London with the object of inspiring arts, industries, and crafts.

The tour is under the auspices of ■ Their Excellencies the Right Hon. the I Earl of Liverpool, M.V.0., G.C.M.G., ' and the Countess of Liverpool. New i programmes are being prepared by the ' -young Russian artists for Thursday and ; Saturday next. On Wednesday night : .the Cherniavskys, amongst other items, I will pla,y:—"Tema cou Variazioni," ' from trio in A minor for pianoforte, ■ violin, and violoncello (Op. 50) (Tschai- ' .kovsky); "The Swan!' (Saint-Saens), 1 "Musette" (Offenbach), "Hungarian ■ Rhapsodie" (Popper), "Prelude" (Rachmaninoff), "Gavotte in E major" | (Stavenha'gen), '.'Hungarian Rhapsodie, I No. 13 (Liszt), Mendelssohn's Violin ■ Ccncerto in E major," "Russian" ' (Glinka), Mendelssohn.' "Spring Song" 1 and the "Barcarolle." 1 PEOPLE'S PICTURE PALACE. . The new programme, produced at the ! People's Picture Palace, in Manners Street, yesterday was responsible for at- , tracting large crowds to this favourite place of amusement. The new; bill is an exceptionally good one, providing many excellent, films of interesting, subjects. To-day the programme will be supplemented by what is described as an extraordinary "scoop" in: moving pictures, when' "The Great Russian Haul at I'rzemj'sl" will be produced for the first time in Wellington. ! This picture is said to be the only one in existence which faithfully portrays this great fortified town, which has recently fallen into the hands of the Russians. • Every detail is givon, and cne will be enabled to see the prize the soldiers of the Tsar have secured after long and strenuous fighting. "The Pirate's Revenge" attracted considerable attention yesterday at all sessions. It is a thrilling drama totally different from the average of this class of film. Interest is sustained throughout, and the plot is welldeveloped. In a word, it is a crisp love and adventure drama which is full of thrills, and it has to be seen to be appreciated. .The supjjorting programme comprises scenic, comic, and educational studies. A novel picture is one entitled "Game Shooting from an Aeroplane." The F.P.P. have always been noticeable for their latest war pictures, and this week's budget is, no' exception to the rule. The programme will be presented at all sessions to-day and to-night. THE EMPRESS THEATRE, ' "The Barrier of Flames ; " the Thanhouser Company's. dramatic feature, is the main attraction in the new programme at the Empress Theatre. According to the plot, the Mayor refuses to sign certain, franchise bills because he believes they are dishonest. One of -his opponents is determined to coerce the Mayor by-fair or foul means. The Mayor's little daughter wanders away from a motor party and accidentally goes to the house of her father's onemy. He seizes the child and leaves her in charge of his housekeeper while lie goes to the Mayor to compel him to sign the bills, if he wants to see his child again, The little one is left iu an up.stairs room, and when the house catches fire she is in danger of being burnt alive, but her pet collie finds her and gives the alarm. He directs the firemen to the room in which .the child is. In the excitement of rescuing, the girl the dog is left in the room, but-his plight is afterwards discovered. When the fire-nej; is spread for liim the dog leaps • down from the. top v indow and is saved. The rest of the series comprises "Wild West Love" comedy), "Topical Budget" (witK war news), "A Night of Terror" (Edison drama), and "John Bull on Top" (Cines cartoon). ' "WHO'S THE LADY?" "Who's the Lady?" a lively comedy wrich had a long and successful run at the Strand Theatre, London, when pro-' duced by Mr. Louis Meyer, will be the means of reintroducing to Wellington Mr. Beaumont Smith's popular "GladEye Company." "Who's the Lady?" is an adaptation from the' French farce, "Madame la Presidente." A'few years ago it was not always too easy to transfer the witticisms of smart Parisian, writers into smart English, but modern idioms of speech render the adapter's work much easier, and in bright comedies such as "Who's the Lady?" nothing is now lbst in translation. "Who's the Lady?" is described as -far more amusing than "The Glad Eye." Of it- the Melbourne "Age" said "it abounds in farcical situations, and is full of surprises that sometimes take the breath away." Quips and cranks and woman's clever wiles unravel complications as amusingly as they are woven. Miss. Ethel Dane plays Gobette, a smart Parisian actress; Henry J. Ford,-the Minister for Justice, who falls a victim to her charms, as does his secretary, played .by 'lom Shelford; while Frank Bradley, President of the .Court of Troy, is the amusing victim, the pivot of the plot. All the other favourites of "The .Glad. Eye Company appear in "'Who s the Lady? the first performance of which will be given on Wednesday, April 28.

REGINALD BLOW RECITAL. A final reminder is given to the music-loving public of the recital to be given in tlie Concert Chamber of the Town Hall this evening; by Mr. Reginald G. Blow, tlie young Now Zealand vocalist who lias lately returned from a lengthy course of study at tlie Royal Academy of Music (London). The preliminary booking lias attained a satisfactory volumo and a full attendance should be assured. Besides items from tlie works of Schaumann and Verdi, Mr. Blow will render others by standard English composers,,such as Stanford, Parry, and Hinton. As a whole the programme covers a wide range. Miss C.- Simpson and Miss D. Greenish are to contribute the first movement of a Grieg concerto. Mr. Frank R. Johnstone will play, two 'cello solos. The accompanists will be Mrs. F. R. Johnstone and Mr. C. W. Kerry. Tho concert is to be given under tlie patronage of His Excellency the Governor. It will begin at 8.15 p.m. ,