ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2638, 8 December 1915, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS

"THE MESSIAH ■: WELLINGTON MUSICAL UNION. So pre-eminent in the public esteem is Handel's greatest oratorio, "The Messiah" held and so regularly is it sung oach year, that it lias uecoiue part and parcel of our most joyous reiigious festival. Christmas witnuut "The Messiah," 111

Wellington at ali events, woulu be like ••flamict" without the' Prince of Denmark. This year we are to have two periormancw 01 the oratorio, the first of which was given by tue Wellington Musicul Union last evening, under the baton of Mr. Robert Parker, whose reappearance with the baton reminded many present of many tine performances of the work in the misty past. On this occasion the union was able to present a fairly capable performance, iu which, curiously enough, the male sections were more proficient m their work than the ladies, though all made a presentable allowing m tne great chorales with which

"The Messiah" is studded. The tenors specially deserve a word of praiso for tue good work done, and the basses offered a solid body of tone in the less intricate passages, particularly in "All We Liko Sheep," the ever glorious "Hallelujah" chorus and in "Worthy is the Lamb." At the opening of the chorus "Lift Up Your Heads," spirit was lacking in tne line, "Who is the King of Glory?" and the sopraho division was inclined to bo lethargic in attacking their leads in the ■ ''Hallelujah" chorus, and the aggregate tone was hardly as bright as it might have been, Tho organ, played by Mr. Herbert Olaughton, was extremely helpful throughout, and an orchestra of .strings only, led by Miss Grace Kennedy, played conscientiously, incidentally giving a fair performance of the "Pastoral Symphony," a work of consummate delicacy and beauty. The uiiion relied on local talent for its soloists, and three of them were new to Wellington' audiences in oratorio. Mr. Charles Clnrkson, a powerful bassbaritono somewhat rough in tone, was quite at home in the music allotted to him, and having a 6tore of the dramatic clement in his composition, his interpretations . were interesting and his robust methods forceful, and at most times effective. He slurred tho runs at times, but his tempos were never af fault". He was at his best in the air, "The People Thnt Walked in Darkness," and gave dramatic significance to "Why Do tne Nntions?" In "The "Trumpet Shall Sound," the soloist was eclipsed by the brilliantly festal tone of the trumpet, admirably played by Mr. W. Bowmaji, but the number was heartily applauded. Mr. .S. Lasiett Exton,. who was entrusted with the tenor music, sang correctly and with taste, but his voice is much too light for oratorio work, as was evidenced m the declamatory solo, "Thou Shalt Break Them." He was at his best in the opening air, "Every Valley." Neither the soprano (Mrs. W. Fogerty) nor the con-, tralto (Miss J.yiie Knight) rose to the standard required in oratorio. Among the audience were the president of ' the union (Mr. Geo. Shir tcliife), the Prime Minister and Miss Massey, and the Mayor and Mrs. J. P. Luko.

HTS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. There is a very capable hand of' performers appearing at His Majesty s Theatre this week, and a well-selected programme is being presented. Nelson and Nelson, in their acrobatic stunts on stilts, are creating wonder, while Shea and Carter, the "artist and the harpist," five a good. turn. George Dixon, "the musical jack-in-the-box," Henri' French, the juggler, Joe Charles and Diana, Phil Percivnl. Lo Hoy Sisters, Ted Russell, La France Brothers, and Vernon and Sinclair all keep the house in good humour. THE KING'S. There was a crowded house at the King's Theatre last evening to witness the second screening of the excellent programme being submitted this week; The feature picture of the Eclipse Co., ao Greater Love," with its cleverly-conceived and corked-out plot, was greatly appreciated. The beautiful scenic surroundings and gorgeous production are also worthy of praise, but tho outstanding feature of the picture is the truly - marvellous acting of Mdlle. Regina Badet as Sadunah' the dancer, the Ttoman who for the sake of her daughter's happiness becomes more a tigress than a mother, and sacrifices everything Tather than heT child should suffer. ' The Anita Stewart and Earle Williams comedy is a clever and' bright addition to the programme, and the Pathe Gazette, as usual, is full of interesting items. The music by the King s Orchestra i? bright and appropriate.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. , At Everybody's the twelfth episode of "The Million Dollar Mystery," entitled "The Elusive Treasure Box," is being shown. This is a particularly thrilling section. "A Rascal's Wolfish ffy," another fine film, depicts the adventures of a valuable neoklace, which is 6tolen. Ah Edison drama, "F-or His Mother," is.very pretty, and the Gaumont-Graphic, and views of Tunis go to make an entertaining programme, ' . " ' . , THE EMPRESS. ' The undoubted merit of the current pro. gramme is resulting in crowded houses. Thanhouser's adaptation of Augusta Evans Wilson's liovel, "At the Mercy of Tiberius/' is one of the finest dramas this company has. yet' produced. The natural and effective acting of Florence La Badie materially enhances the production. The photographic quality is 'of a, Tery high standard, and the stagings and settings have been exceptionally well chosen. The picture appears to have been taken in the locale of tho book. Continuous merriment greets the Keystone two-reelcr at all screenings. Ford Sterling appears to have regained all the mirth-provoking powers which made the success of the first Keystones. The~Topical Gazette contains a fine selection of interesting happenings. There are many notable military events in London portrayed. ■