ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2810, 30 June 1916, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

MOTHER GOOSE. . 'This tho production of ".Mother Goose," will bo witnessed by about 100 officers from tho Japanese warsnips. Soats in tho reserved stalls and the private boxes have been set asido for tlio visitors. Jn their honour the pantomime orchestra will play tho Japanese National Anthem, and the auditorium wlb ho suitably decorated to mark tho occasion. Despito tho very large houses which are still being attracted, "Mother Goose" can only be staged for two more nights, and there will bo a special final matinee performance to-morrow afternoon. On Monday tho company will leave for Ha\vera, and the pantomime will also lw staged at New Plymouth, Palmorston, Hastings, Napier, and Gisborne. The late trains to Trentham will be detained this evening until the termination of the pantomime. HIS MAJESTY'S. 'Ilie Victor Prince Revue Company is holding sway to good purpose at His Majesty's Theatre. Tie clever little troupe mate no end of fun out of the revue, "La Bella Napoli." The Eevue Company takes up one-half tho programme, thero being several other good turns_ provided. THE FIVE MANCHURIANS. What is said to be one of the most expensive vaudeville engagements enter- • ed upon by an Antipodean theatrical firm is that of the Five Manchurians, who aro to appear at His Majesty's Theatre on Monday next. Most Wellington theatre-goers will remember the famous Banzai troupe of, acrobats, who astounded all Australasia a few years back. The Manchurians are said to eclipse even the Banzais' most hazardous and daring performances. Tho feats performed whilst suspended by their queues in mid-air aro stated to be unrivalled for sensation and skill. Tho five men carry a gigantic wardrobe of Eastern costumes, and make a nightly change in their dressing. The box plan is now open at the Bristol, and natrons are advised to book now. THE KING'S THEATRE. It is rarely a Western American story has proved so popular as "The Girl of the Golden West," David Bolasco's powerful story of the rush for the .Cloudy Mountain gold strike, a true story of the wild days of 'ill. The exterior scenes were photographed in.the exact location mentioned in the author's novel, seemingly bottomless chasms, majestic mountains, and winding valleys. Tho various characters aro well enacted by some of the Lasky Company's, premier players. . Other subjects on the programme are as equally interesting and ontortaining'as the feature play. They are - : —"Tho Patlie Gazette," news topical; "Mutt'ami Jeff in a Submarine," Bud Fisher's clever comic cartoon; and "Keyboard Strategy," a Vitngraph comedy sketch. The King's Symphony Orchestra renders appropriate music. There will he a matinee to-morrow at 2.30 p.m. : . EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. - "The Straight Road," the Famous Players'- drama, tells in a forceful and convincing manner tho 6tory of a girl's conflict .with evil and her triumph. Miss Gladys Hanson gives a powerful rendering of the tragic character ot Moll O'Hara. In addition to. the star picture there is a clever comedy cartoon, "Charlie Chaplin and His Pets, as well as the bright little play, "Ono Plus One Equals One." Some excellont scenes of British troops at the front and the "Gaumont Graphic" are also included. Tho present programme .will be continued until .to-morrow night, and tor next week "The Warning," a powerlul and impressive World Film production, has been announced. EMPRESS THEATRE. . To-morrow tlio Trinnglo-Keystonc laughing success at tho Empress Theatre will be withdrawn. It is one of the tunniest of. all .this clever company s output. On Monday the Eclipso Company will present tho famous story, "Alsace, which concerns a young Frenchman, who .married a pretty girl, who, however, had German sympathies. His mother strenuously opposed the match.-- Shortly afterwards war was declared. The mother sou°ht her son to entreat him to take arms for his country, but his wilo forestalled her, ami made lum promise to meet her in a certain Gorman town. Beforo ho could reach there he was injured in a riot, started by the Gorman soldiers, who raised the cry: ' Death to the French." He dies ot his injuries, and then his mother determined to avenge her son. How she docs so is shown in a thrilling climax. THE PINK DANDIES. There remain but two more nights of that bright and tuneful entertainment provided by tho Pink Dandies at the Concert Chamber of tb/> Town Hall. Iho little' company wero enthusiastically received last night, the oftorts of Mr. John Campbell, who sings well and is very : bright, boinj especially well applauded. Mr. Joseph Brennan was quaintly hu-liioi-ous, whilo Miss Ida Newton was as winsome and .mirthful as ever. Mr. Law. ronco sa?ig with good effect, whilo tho Misses Rita and Lily Fitzgorald made hits. The tenor, Mr. Robert Agnew, sang acceptably. "FAUST." The booking at the Bristol up. to yesterday for "Faust" was very heavy. The opera is to bo \performod in the Town Hall on Tuesday next by the Wellington Choral Union, under tho direction of Air. Robert Parker,' and tho soloists selected are: Soprano, Miss Elsy Trewcek, of Melbourne; tenor, Mr. Frank Graham, Duncdin; bass (Mephisto), Mr. Hamilton Hodges; baritone, Mr. Frank Charlton; bass (Wagner), Mr. Chas. Moore; mezzosoprano, Miss'Eileen Driscoll; contralto, . Miss Rene Goyder. Gounod's first opera failed entirely, and'this temporarily drove him back to sacred composition. "Faust," however, written when lie was 40, changed nil that.' Not remarkably successful at first, it gradually grew in public favour until now its only rivals aro "Tann■haiiser" (perhaps "Lohengrin") and Bizet's "Carmen." His other operas, with the single exception of "Romeo and Juliet" (which in France is placed above

"Faust"), have not enjoyed any measure of popularity. In lOugland, apart from flic two great works on which his fame and influence) as a composer of opera, will rest, Gounod has been known chiefly for his sours, particularly for some sacred songs of the "Nazareth'' typo, and for the ever-popular Bach-Gounod "Meditation." In all the countries of Europe he is known by his "Faust." The final rehearsal will bo held in the Town Hall on Monday evening at 7.45, when only those faking part will be admitted. Two shilling and three shilling scats can be reserved at the Bristol without extra charge. Hutt and Johnsonvillo trains will be delayed till after the performance'.