ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2857, 23 August 1916, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

"SAN TOW "San Toy" was produced once more before a large audicuco at tho Grand Opera House last evening by the Wellington Amateur Operatic Society. Gradually, too gradually, tho required speed is being gained, but generally speaking tliero is a rare quality about tho performance that removes it from tho class of ordinary amateur shows. All tho principals, even down to tho small-part people, aro easy and natural in their business, and the movements of the . big chorus are nuina"od with machine-like precision. Kiss Helen Gard'ner is a joy as San Toy, and sings tho mnsic with undeniable witchery. Mr. V. R. Meredith makes a handsome lover, and Messrs. W. W. Crawford. A. W. Newton, and Norman Aitkon aro a capital trio of funmakers. A particularly wcll-plnyed part is that of Lieut. Harvey Tucker by Mr. Charles Mooro. He has a splendidly vigorous and melodious voice, and his cverv word is audible, speaking or singing. Mr. Moore is an amateur witb a future. The dressing and scenery are amazingly fine, reflecting good taste and a high "ideal. Only four "more performances of "San Toy" can be given, 'HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. "In Watts," tho now revue presented by Bert La Blanc'u Musical Travesty stars at His Majesty's Theatre this week is full of catchy melodies and smart dialogue. Most of the comedy work falls to tho lot of Messrs. Bert La Blanc and Jako Mack, and their absurdities keep tho audience highly amused. Mr. Carl--ton Chase also helps in tho merrymaking. The first part of the programme consists of entertaining vaudeville turns; A sketch entitled "M'Pherson's Wooing" is produced by tho Bunty Comedy Company, while Messrs. Campbell and Walker prove themselves clever comedy jugglers. Soveral other versatile artists contribute to a good programme. THE KING'S THEATRE. There will be a special mid-week matinee at tho King's Theatre this afternoon, when tho brilliant seven-reel Selig feature film, "Tho Kosary," will he screened. The same picture will be shown agafil to-night and up to Friday next. Tho striking ftnd often thrilling story of Father Kelly, who renounces the love of a ■ girl to, follow tho church, and who in after years rears and educates the son of his boyhood sweetheart, is told in a simple, direct, but strongly dramatic fashion. The acting is good, Miss Kathlyn Williams and n strong company being well cast. Attractive music by tho " King's Orchestra helps not a littlo towards the success of the entertainment. The Pathe Gazette is also shown. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. The star feature of this ; -week's programme at Everybody' 6 Theatre is a production by the AU-Britishf Film Company, "Iris," from the p]ay by Sir Arthur I'inero, with Honryf Ainley and Alma Taylor in the leading roles. Tho story deals with a wealthy young widow, who, by tbe terms of her husband's will, loses the whole of her fortune if slie - remarries. Iris is loved by Trenwith, an impecunious young man, and Maldonado, a wealthy man of tho world. Iris deeply loves Trenwith, but because of her greed for gold she accepts the hand of Maldonado, who in tho end is the cause of her downfall. It is a sad story, and it preaches a goad sermon against tenaciously clinging to wealth. The supporting items include "Mutt and Jeff," the Gauniont Graphic, and others. EMPRESS THEATRE. ■ "Five Nights," from the book by Victoria Cross, which is crowding tile impress Theatre'at every session, iias only three more nights to run. Several of Victoria Cross's novels have been treated successfully on the screen, i>ut in no instance has the spirit of tile author been more completely realised tiian In tlio one imder notice, and no character impersonation has surpassed that of Miss Eve Balfoui-, as Viola. The supporting programme is a vory strong one. "Five Nights" will finish on Friday evening. CROWN THEATRE. A complete change of programme'will be presented at tho Crown Theatre this afternoon, when that beautiful drama, "The ■ R-osary," will be produced. The doors will bo opened at 3 p.m.,. and tho orchestra will commence at 3.30 p.m. This is to give school children an opportunity of witnessing tho whole programme, the same as it will be produced, ot the evening session. "The Rosary" is a picture 7fl(KJft. in length, aud its producers tire said to have caught the spirit • of the story to a remarkable The characterisations of tho lovable Father Kelly, Vera Wallace,-Bruce Wilton, and the other characters in the swiftly-mov-, ing drama have been well done by Charles Clary, ICathlyn Williams, and a strong coinpany. 'I'he Miipportitig programme is also stated to bo a strong one,featuring many subjects .or interest at the present time. The box plan for "Thettosavy" cun be seen at tho Bristol. THE FRENCH FIGHTING FRONT. At the Town Hall on Friday next will be shown the French official war films. When these films were presented before General Joffrc, he is said to have expressed the wish that all the Allies .should see them. These films tell their own story,, and it is said to bo a stirring one of the methods adopted by our gallant Allies. Tlio fighting films will doubtless appeal to all classes of the public as educational and instructive. Strangelooking captive balloons are shown, monsters from the cars of'observation, also box kites of immense <;ize. Thev fly away further than the eye can follow. The public is promised all the latest methods of French and Allied warfare. These pictures will bo under the patronage of Hi 3 Excellency Lord Liverpool and suite, also Ministers of the National Government. The box plan is «o\? open at the 'Bristol. MAGIC AND MYSTERY. Horace Goldin, who claims to be the greatest illusionist at present before the public, has been persuaded by Mr. Hugh D. M'lntosh to visit New Zealand for a short ton)'. He will- open at the Grand Opera House on Wednesday next for eight nights, and will present a programme of new illusions, including a sensational Moorish mystery, entitled "The Tiger God," in which a live -tiger is used with thrilling effect. His plate-glass; window illusion is also another mysterious trick wheh has completely baffled Australian audiences, and though done in front of a committee specially invited to step up from the auditorium, Mr. Goldin passes a lady clean through a plate-glass window without in any way injuring tho glass or the lady. A mysterious disappearance is when Goldin, horrified at a young lady's discordant playing, causes both lady and piano to vanish completely off the stage. Goldin is supported by Miss Barbara Babington and over 35 assistants. In addition to the magical part of the programme, Mr. M'lntosh will present many new star acts in a miscellaneous first "part; these will be the pick of his acts lately appearing at the Tivoli Theatres of Australia, and when in New Zealand Mr. M'lntosh said he was out to outdo with Goldin the reputation gained by his Tivoli Follies Company, who had a. very successful tour through New Zealand. The box plan for the Horace Goldin season is to open at the Bristol on' Monday. MIROVITCH-HASTRO CONCERTS. Two artists, said to be of exceptional endowment—Alfred Mirovitch (pianist) and Piastre (violinist)—will be introduced to the music-lovers of New I Zealand by two concerts at the Town Hall on Wednesday and Thursday, August 30 and 31. The "Sydney Morning Herald" says: "Mons. Mirovitcli and Piastro achieved the almost impossible feat of attracting a great assemblage to their concort at the Town Hall. Their talents revealed through the medium of a highly accomplished art amply justified this result. Mons. Mirovitch plays with purposeful sweetness of tone, a quality he shares with. Hlinan, but it. is larger in volume, and his execution is great. These two visitors completely won the audionce, and tho Town llall rang with their" praises. In the form of a peouliarly sweet and carrying quality, whilst he perfectly executed -tho final cadenza of tho movement. Mons. MU'o- * itch showed his power by thundering forth the melody with magnetic effect. There was a magic quality of imagination, and tho finale allowed tho pianist once more to resolutoly inluso in tho ensemblo tho exultant spirit which oni-

mates tho wholo work with charm. This purposeful playing roused a lurore of enthusiasm." Tlie v box plan for tho tuo concerts is at the Bristol. "SUNSET LAND." Satisfaction is being expressed on all sides that tho management of the musical comedy, "Sunset Laud," have decided to repeat, their success on Tuesday evening next at .the Grand Opora .House. tl'po.M its rovival no trouble or pains will bo spared to enhance the reputation estaV lished. Her Excellency tho Countess of Liverpool will be- present, and the proceeds of tho entertainment are to be handed to tho local branch of her fund for providing comforts f»r out men in the trpnehes. Arrangements have beon completed with tlio Bristol Piano Company to open the box plan sharp at 9 on Friday morning next,.