ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2633, 2 December 1915, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS

POTASH AND PERLMUTTEI?. Tho quaint medley of laughter and tears, the play called by the queer namo "Potash and Perlmutter," was witnessed by another big audience at the Grand Opera House lust night. Tho characters are alien Jews in America, absorbed into tho polyglot population of that wonderful country as people of all nations are, aud their talk ia broadly American. Even tho jokes are. American, but" the people understand them well enough to laugh uproariously and frequently. There is a strain of pathos through the pieco, and a healthy love story. It is possible perhaps to have a good play witli either, but they make a good play better, and "Potash and Perlmutter" is a very good comedy. The play will be repeated nightly until the end of the week. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. A first-class bill is being presented at His Majesty's Theatre this week. It is a typical vaudeville programme, and not a turn can be singled, out from the others for particular mention—all are good. Clever acrobatic and balancing turns are supplied by Nelson and Nelson and La Prance Brothers. "The Musical Jack-in-the-Box," George Dixon, is a host in himself. Ho plays on a big array of musical instruments, and his turn is a very popular one. The Lo Roy Sisters (dancers), Gerald Griinn (an Irish singer), Ilenri French (comedian). Shea and Carter, Phil Percival, and tho Lee-Aldous Trio 'also contribute to the programme. THE KING'S THEATRE. At tbe King's Theatre to-night a benefit will be tendered to the New Zealand Natives' Association Band, who havo always been foremost in helping charitable and patriotic movetuents. Tho band will render musical selections during the evening, and a big house is expected. The pictures that have met with popular approval this week'will'be 6hown, including Maurice Costello in the Vitagraph drama, "Tho Evil Men Do," the powerful story of a man's duplicity and a woman's love. Tlie supporting items are varie<l, aud of a roost interesting nature, and include "A Ten Cent Adventtire" (Majestic comodv-drama), "Picturesque Liguriii" (coloured scenic), "Shocking Stockings" (farcekioniedy), "Cartoon on a Beach" (Edison comedy), and the latest "Topical Gazette." For next Week a big star feature, "No Greater Love," a magnificent film by the Eclipse Co., with Mdlls. Regina Badet, described as Europe's greatest tragedienne, aud a Strong cast of Continental players in the leading roles. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Two Keystone comedy stars ■ are to be seen working together at: Everybody'sTheatre at all sessions daily. The film is called "Battle of Ambrose and Walrus," aud it features Chester Conldin.and Mack Swain. The picture is greeted with roars of laughter whenever it is screened. A superior melodrama, well constructed and acted, is "In the Path of the Express?"— the eleventh of the series of the great "Million Dollar Mystery." Other pictures are "Not Wanted," Gauinont Graphic, and a picture showing the Seventh Reinforcements leaving AVellington for Lyttelton. "MESSIAH." A very largo body of choralists haß been assembled by the Wellington Musical Union s for its performance of the "Messiah" on Tuesdav next, and Handel's weighty choruses, judging by last Monday's rehearsal, will be given' a fully adequate rendering. Mr. Robert Parker's reappearance at the conductor's desk and the engagement of four local singers for tlio' principal parts will doubtless appeal strongly to tho musical public on this occasion. The Union's conductor, Mr. H. S. Claughton, will preside at the grind organ, and a large body of strings has also been arranged for. The soloists will be: Soprano, Mrs. W. Fojarty, nee Miss Viara Daniel; contralto, Miss . Janie Knight; tenor, Mr. S. Laslett Exton; baritone, Sir. Chas. Clarkson. For the -convenience of suburban residents the Hutt and Johnsonville trains will be delayed till after the concert. Tho Countess of Liverpool, Mr. W. F. Massey, and Sir' Joseph Ward hope to be present. The chorus meets at 7.30 on Friday for rehearsal, under the baton of Mr. Robert Parker. THE EMPRESS. Excellent business is reported from the Empress Theatre. The Edison star feature, "What Happened on the Bermuda," is a thrilling romance of the high seas. It is produced iu the "best style of this company.- The films are afi of high standard. The Departure of the Seventh Reinforcements shows our boys embarking, etc., and some clear and intimate views which were taken on board ship will interest relatives and friends. The Cliffs and Caves of Flamborough. form a charming scenic study. Very amusing is the burlesque called "Faithful to tlie Finish." There is an exceptionally fine attraction 6et down for next week. This is the Tlianhouser. master-picture. "God's Witness," starring the celebrated play by Florence La Badie. This film is. adapted from Augusta Evans Wilson's novel, "At the Mercy of Tiberius." HARMONIC SOCIETY, The AVellington Harmonic Society continues to prosper, and its choir to improve, under the capable and painstaking direction of Mr. 11. Templo White. On its performance at the Concert Chamber last evening one can conscientiously say that thero is no chorus in Wellington singing with such expression as this. Whilst there is apparent. air intelligent resp?ct for tho meaning of the lyrics, and a strict attention to the baton, Mr. White knows the value of hearty abandon in song, and in Eaton Failing's part song, "Vagabond's," a Ipright, breezy, rythmical chorus, tho choir made a splendid impression, and had to repeat the number. Delicacy and precision marked the. treatment given to Tinsuti's part song, "The Sea Hath its Pearls," and the bracketed Brahm's numbers. "In Silent Night," and "Love,, Faro Thee Well," were delightfully sung. Other part songs on the programme were "Wake the Serpent Not" (Bantcck), "Stars of the Summer Night" (ladies' voices only), "Tell Me, 'Thou Soul of. Her I Love" (Brian), in which the male section faltered, and Dudley Buck's "Hymn to Music." The society was assisted by ,Miss Agnes M. Segrief, Mr. C. H. Stephens, Signer A. P. Truda, and the Rev. Arch. E. Hunt. Miis Segrief, who always sings with taste, sang Gounod's "Serenado" (with (lute obbligato by Mr. Truda), and was deservedly.encored, and later "Tired Hands" (Wilfred Sanderson). .Mr. Truda's ability n* a solo flautist of rare capacitylias long ago been well established. His beautiful tone, execution, and amazing breath control were exhibited in "Aus Alps," a very charming composition, and an encore piece had to bo appended. With consummate skill and rare sympathy the Rev. Archibald Hunt recalled scenes from Dickens's works in a musical monologue, entitled "A Dickens Reverie," in which David Copperfield, Uriah Heep, Little Nell's grandfather, >and Syduey Carton pass across the screen. Mr. Hunt was admirable in his portraiture, but was especially effective as Uriah ITeep. In rtsnonse to a reoa.ll he recited the monologue "Just by Laughing.' Mr. C. H. Stephens sans the curiously elusive song,. "Gretchen Vieut d'un of the Finnish comnoser Sibelius, and "The Cuckoo" and "The Bough of May.".two lovely little gems of song by H. Wnlford Davis. Mrs. Stephens and Miss Gladys Watkins acted as accompanists.