ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2960, 26 December 1916, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS

"SO LONG, LETTY." GBAiVD Ui'Md. JiOUOii, xu-JslGH'i. At tne Uranu Optra House to-mgnt, at 8 o'clock, J. U. Williamson's Aeu; JiiMUtiu; Musical Cuiueuy Company will mase tueir rtiappearanu m U ciniigtun, aiiur an absence ol liiteen mourns, in a prouutiou of Oliver Jiuiosco and jJimer iiarris's latest musical success, "bo Long, Letty." heats in excellent, positions m eltncr tho dress circle or reserved stalls may be selcctetl at tlie theatre vestiouie all day, aiiu ucKets ior tlie cany (lour stalls or gallery lmty ue obtained at tne tueatro cuiiiectionery. This evening will mart the iirst appearance in i\ew £ealunu oi Miss toiinie Jitliss, tlie iioteu londou coiiiedienne. it is stated that on lier first appearance m Australia sue leapt into lue aliections ot playgoers in

Una oound, ana »y a series ot wry fine cnaracteriaunoiis installed nerseli one oi tno biggest lavourites byoney anu -Ueibourne liave Jcuown. Miss Dorotny iiruiiton m tlie title role is certain to receive a very warm welcome, '-tins win be Jjruntou's last uppearance in isew Zeaianu us sue leaves lor America at tne enu of tlie present tour. Aiioclier Jtiiignsh artist

to make ms deout will ue nir. W'iiliam Ureeiic, who is said to liavu a baritone voice of exceptional quality. A Dig lea-

ture oi the opera is tne cumedy eiomeut, wnich is m tne nands of inr. U. Jl. \Vort.man, iYir. i'leld risnsr, and .vir. Allreu i'Titn, tnree successiul comedians.. Miss inane .baton will be rememnered lor lier excellent singing of soprano rolta with tins company oil uieir last visit to Wellington, 'llie cast also includes Miss IStliel Morrison (\vlio was last here with Uio Gilbert and buiuvan Opera Company) and Cecil Bradley, comedienne. Tne staging and niQUEting of "So long, Letty,' is said to be magnificent. . Mr. i'rea. Young is the stage manager, and Mr. Harry Burton, musical director. Only four perlormances can be given of "So Long, Letty," and on Saturday next the latest Lonuon liuiety triumph, "Tonight's the .Night" will be staged.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. Some turns of unusual merit were included ill tlie new programme presented by the Fuller vaudeville combination, at his Majesty's Theatre last evening. The most popular item of the evening, as indicated by tlie applause of the very large audience, was tne reappearance of Mr. Leonard Nelson, the "plam comedian," whose songs always amuse- Mr. Nelson was in good lorm, and he had to apologise for naving run out of songs, and pro--mise a larger supply in the luture, uet'oro ho was allowed to retire. Dura and Judge, who made their iirst appearance, were a pair of clever comedians, who included in their turn some TeaUy good acrobatic and balancing work. Tnoir head-balancing feat was original in conception and very amusing in execution. Baroen and Kosetti, the Belgian musical duo, also proved a welcome addition to the company. Baroen played the 'cello pleasantly, and his companion sang several songs to his accompaniment. the Three Ruddles., the very clever juvenile acrobats, who made their bow at His Ma-: jesty's. Theatre last week, gave a new turn, including some remarkable feats of contortion. The children showed, again, unusual ability, and the smallest member of the trio, as a diminutive Charley Chaplin, was responsible for much aniusemont. The .two Flemings appeared again in feats of strength and posing, revealing their remarkable muscular^ development. Ail artistic item was provided by the De Bakers, in a series/of art poses, modelled upon well-known sculptures. Miss Dora Oborman, the girl ivith the golden voicc," rnado her reappearance, and sang several songs attractively. The programme was completed by the Two Devons, singers and dancers; Mr. Harry Little, baritone, singer; and Mr. Scott. Gibson, Scottish comedian. The company will appear nightly during the week.

THE KING'S THEATRE. The big picture introduced to patrons of the King's Theatre on Saturday night was a Kinema version of the rather tempestuous play "Zaza." Tho title role is piayed by the beautiful Pauline l'Yederielc, and the ■ other • leading parts by men and women with merit and good looks, so that the show is an extremely pleasing 0110 from this point of vieiV. Vrom another point of view there is. the story of "Zmza," which is certainly not pleasing. It tells of how a woman who considered herself wronged by a man was consumed by a passion for revenge, which made her rather less amiable than a wounded tigress, of how sho abandoned her plan ol vengeance because it would involve a happy, ingenuous little girl, and of how she set aboul living her own life thereafter according to a code which had hitherto been quite unknown to her. In her new. life she is entirely successful, winning fame and a measure of happiness. The play has its stormy and perfervid passages, which are not wholly eliminated from tho picture, but as is usual in Kinema adaptations of plays, a good deal of the risky matter in "Zazn" is missing from the screen version. The programme included a picture of tho Christmas dinner of soldiers at Trentliam last week, some '1000 men being waited upon and generally looked after by the Wellington ladies who carried through this self-imposed task. Other items were a Vitagraph comedy, a scenery film of part of Japan, and the Pathe Gazette. On Christmas Day speeial matinee and evening exhibitions were given. At the matinee a film for the children, "Fairyland," was shown. The main attraction of the day was the classical study, more or less historical, entitled "Spartnens." This is one of . the big things that the Picture Supplies people have in reserve, and it is soon to be released to go on circuit, but not just yet It is a, film after the style of "Quo Vadis?" or ''Cabiria."

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. ■ Terrible lessons of tlio folly of fast living are continued in the lending story now being screened at Everybody's Theatre. . "The. Wolf Woman" is the name of the film, and Louise Glaum, whose vampire acting is becoming famous, fills the chief role. In the story Miss Glaum is Leila Aradella, a heartless, soul-destroying creature, in tho guise of a woman. Seductive and gorgeously-dressed, she drew men to her, toyed with them awhile, ruined them, and cast them aside. In this way she degraded and discredited the foremost lawyer of the day. Her next victim was Rex Walden, a good-hearted boy, who suicided when lie found that the woman he had placed as upon a pedestal was done with him and scorned him. A little before the tragedy Rex's brother had 1 endeavoured to rescue him, but the wiles of the woman had overcome him, too. The boys' mother hearing of the infatuation of the second boy arid learning of the death of the first, enlisted ths sympathetic services of a good girl to whom the second bad at one time been engaged, The contest between tlie bad woman and the good woman for the heart of the one man resulted in complete victory for the good woman. Defeated. Loil'a fell in a faint, and in her fall disfigured her face. Her beauty gone, her effort? thenceforward to ensnare men were in vain. In connection with the production of the picture, a very effective advertisement lias been prepared by the management, and erected in the main entrance. The supporting pictures in the programme are good, and include "Jane's RnsMul Hero, a Vitagraph comedy. This programme will run throughout the week. For Christmas Day a snecinl programme was arranged. It was a Napoleonic story, entitled "How Heroes are Made."

EMPRESS THEATRE. "Paramount" pictures can be relied upon usually to attract largo audiences, and despite tlie many counter-attractions of the holidays, there were exceptionally largo attendances at tlie Empress theatre on Saturday, when a change ot programme was presented. The Gentleman from Indiana" was the leading film, and with the play written by a popular American author and two actors and an actress of rcpnte 111 the leading roles, an indication can be given ot the success of the film. The play is a dramatised version of the boos bj Booth Tarkhigton. with Diistm r.timuu portraying the leading male eharncto, and Miss Winifred lungstoii and I age Peters supporting him. John Haikless_ (DusUit TTarnuuO, after several joars travel, buys a small newspaper m it eountrv town. He is young and full

of energy and resource, and soon establish his paper on sound lines. His desire for freedom and justice makes him nil enemy of a political grafter, and a band of ruffians, who have infested the town for many years. Through tho influence of his paper he clears the town of the undesirables, and with the help of a young lady friend "defeats the political "boss" at the election, though not without sovbrely suffering himself. The picture shows many exciting incidents, two of the main ones being a skirmish between the band of ruffians and tho townspeople, and a bad thunderstorm, whcli is very realistic. Mr. Farnum makes his part 'human, and the scenes of the village streets and its people are most true to life. An unezaggerated comedy touch makes the picture a delightful evening's entertainment. Tho "Topical Budget" contains up-to-date war pictures, and for the children tnere 3 a boxing comedy, fashioned on the style of the Keystone comedies. On Christmas Day tho ordinary programme was 6hown, with the exception of the comedy. Commencing to-ilay, a special treat for children will be screened. This 19 "Fairyland," a baby boy's dream of fairies, which will bo shown at the day session only.

QUEEN'S TEBATRE. . Excellent business was done at the Queen's on Saturday, when tho newpro- | gramme, headed by the picturesque Span- . ish drama, "The Pretty Sister of Jose,' was introduced. The big picture fea- , tured Miss Marguerite Clark, who with' her fascinating beauty and charming grace is specially adapted to tho xole of the dainty little dark-eyed bello of old Spain. As the exquisite Spanish girl of a thousand moods and whims, who lias vowed never to lose her heart, but who, when finally conquered by the handsomo Sebastiano, loved truly and devotedly, sho is delighted. The story tells how Pepita's mother, deserted by her husband because she has lost her charms, commits suicide, and how Pepita in consequence vows she will never marry. Pepita and lier brother Joso are obliged to separate, the boy going to Madrid. Sebastiano, a toreador, happens upon the village where Pepita dwells, and falls in lovo with her, but, unsuccessful m his wooing, he returns to Madrid. Pepita, visiting her brother, encounters Sarita, who, hopelessly in love with fecbastiano, has been following him from town to town, and finally dies of a broken heart. This tragedy serves only to strengthen Pepita's vows, and again she repulses Sebastiano. When, however, he is called away to Lisbon, she realises that she loves him, but it is too late, for on his return Sebastiano brings with him a great lady, irho is announced as his futuTe bride. keaTninc of the latter'e faithlessness, Pepita determines to wafch lier, and, to Sebastiano, attends the bull fight. The toreador catches a glimpse of her, makes a false move, and is goreil by the bull, How Pepita nurses lum back to hcaltn and a lieftixne's. happiness is shown in the final scones. Supporting the picture are an amusing cartoon subject and a highly interesting study, of the psychology of a chimpanzee.

SELINSIvY-AMADIO CONCERTS. What is described as one of the finest combinations of artists to visit the Dominion will appear in the lown Hall on New Year's Night. At the head oE tho company is Selinsky, an eminent Russian violinist, of whose ability much has been written, and who is described as one of the virtuoso of the day. Selrnsky had the honour of playing beforo the Esar of Russia, by Royal command, at the Imperial Opera House early in January. Another artist of distinction ■is John Ainadio, flautist, who, by the way, is a native of Wellington, but since his departure from this country several years ago has earned recognition as one of tho finest exponents of flute playing yet heard. Selinsky and Amadio are accompanied by Miss Elsy Trewoek and Miss Jessie Masson. The former is already well known here .as a brilliant soprano, her . artistic singing at tho Royal Musical Union concerts being well remembered. Miss Jessie Masson, the pianist to the party, is credited with being one of Australia's greatest pianists who is not only a most accomplished soloist, but is equally proficient as an accompanist. The box plan opens at the Bristol -on Thursday-

CUKMENT-MA Y JRECITAL. An entertainment was given in the Grand Opera House last .night by Jir. Clement Alny, assisted by one or two musicians or (his city. -Mr. Clement May has already established his reputation as an interpreter of Dickens's ohioractevs, and. for his programme lasc night he had made a very happy selection, including, of course, "'The Awakening of Scrooge," from "The Christinas Carol." First he appeared in a portrait study of Charleo Dickons, speaking only a lew lines in explanation of what was to follow. His other pieces on his first appearance were the last_ speech of Sydney Carton in "Tajo of Two Cities," the grief of Daniel Peggotty ("David C'oppertield"), when he liears of Little Emily's unhappy fate, and last of all old Scrooge's Christmas Tepentanee. llis second bracket comprised sketches' of Uriah Heep and Wilkins Micawber, and the very pathetic passage from "Old' Curiosity Shop," telling of the death of Little Nell. The Scrooge sketch was improved very much ■by tho introduction f purls, chimes, organ music (arranged by Mrs. Clement May), and some scenery. The other performers were Mr. Hamilton Hodges and Miss Eileen Driscoll (vocalists), and Mr. Prank Thins (pianist). Mt. Hodges* numbers were "Nazareth" and "Across the Far Blue Hills," and lie had to give encores as well. Miss. Eileen Driscoll sang "0 Divine Redeemer" and "My Ships," and she also had to grant encores.

GRAND OPEKA. SEASON. The Gonzales Grand Opera Company closed its Wellington season on Saturday. At a matinee in the rtfoernoon "Cavelleria Rusticana" and "I Pagliacci" Tvere played, Signor Belloni appearing nf the part of Tonio iu the latter opera. Tlie company played "Carmen" in the evening, and gave -another very attractive performance of this famous opera. Signorina Rus3 was again a brilliant success as Carmen, and Signor Capelli made a fine Don Jose, while Signor Scamuzzi sung and acted admirably as Escamillo. The company maintained its very high standard to the last, and it "was with regret that Saturday night's audience saw a memorable season brought to a close.

EUGENE OSSIPOFF. | 11. Eugene Ossipoff. the brilliant Russian baritone, gave his third and last concert in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall on Saturday evening. llie programme was a delightful one, and deserved the attention of a mucii larger audience than was present. M. Ossopoft'e first son?: was "When the King Went .Forth to War" (Kolneman), a composition admirably suited to his robust voice and temperamental method of interpretation. He sang also "ihe Garden of Allah" (C. Marshall). "A Spanish Seronade" (R-etchookonolT). and the "Drinking Song" from "Prince Igor (Borodine). With jriss Ethneo C ess he gave the duets, "Ripeti a ' and "Qunrda the Bianca 'lima pana). Miss Clegg's solos were: 1A la Stella Confidente" (V. "Thoughts" (Howard Fisher), and the Birth of Morn'.' (Franco leoni). Her excellent mezzo soprano voice was heard to good advantage. The programme was completed by Miss Sylvia Roberts, who contributed a pianoforte solo as well as the accompaniments, and Jliss Bessie Rogers, who recited , "Gabriel Grubb (Dickens), and «ave two musical monologues attractively.