ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 176, 15 April 1918, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

VAUDEVILLE AT MS MAJESTY'S. The now bill to bo presented at His Majesty's Theatre by tho Puller management to-night includes the special reongagement of that triumvirate of highclass musicians, the Trio Classique, the popular male members and lady accompanist of tho well-known Kennedy farailv Their programme will include it choico selection of numbers that should appeal to local music-iovors. A 'cello solo, "Fantasia' on Old Airs," by Mr. Laurie Kennedy, a planoforto rendition of Moskow.ski's "Schorzo" by Miss Doy Adelle, and a Bute solo, "II Oarnevalo di Venczia" (Bricoialdi) by Mr. Lance Kennedy will comprise a few of tho musical offerings of this talented trio. The delightful comody entertainers, Mr. "C" uud Miss Maud Courtcnay will present another mirth-provoking change of programme. Changes ol programme will be rendered by Upside-down Wright, "tho inverted marvel"; the Toßsing Te3tros, sensational jugglers; Bluffo, the celebrated weightlifter;, tho Maxims, juvenile dancers; the Raleighs, comedy Ward Lear, the well-known comedian; the Harlams, equilibrists; and Hie Three Gnrrs, musical prodigies. The same programme will be presented nightly throughout tho week and at the customary Saturday matinee.

" THEDA BARA AT THE QUEEN'S. There is uo doubt that the Fox Buperleature hlms attain a very high standard, both from a dramatic and also what is just <ib important, a photographic standpoint. Iu "Her Greateat Love," an adaptation of Ouida's onco popular novel ".Moths," theso virtues in photo-play productions are oviilcnt to tho most casual observer. The picture is graced by tho presence or that dramatic name, Thcda Bara, who is a very mirror of all tho passions and emotions which dominate life and whose presence in the ca6t is ii guarantee of the histrionic excellence r.'i the picture Tho atory, so popular a generation ago, is full of dramatic action of the intense order. Vera Herbert, a beautiful young woman, is the daughter of a mother with whom social aggrandisement is a ruling passion. Like most young girls on tho threshold of woman.hood, Vera has her preference iu Do Uosta, a haudsome young man, and popular for his talent as a singer. To the circle, howevor, is introduced a Euesian nobleman, Prince LouriK, who at once conceives a passion for the adorablo Vera. The ambitious mother seizes on the ohauce to take undreamed of flights into Russian suoioty, and plays upon her daughter's feelings (the latter abhors the prince) by 'representing that she is in his debt uud that her father's honour will be at stake, unless 6ho consents to marry tho prince. Duly to her parents triumphs over love, and she marriss the Slav nobleman only to discover that he is a contemptible and vicioiUß rogue. Her gilded wretchedness 10 varied by the appearance in her lict of Be Costa and hi; friend Lord Carter. Tho prince, goaded by one of his vitii'V.c companions, sees gross .evil in harniieit flirtations, and in a scene of thrilling dramatic intensity, accuses l)e Costa of singing a song that conveyed a direct insult to him, and tears from the neck of his wife the jewelled necklace which Dc Costa had sent her ob a wedding gilt. Matters reach a climax when Vera huds tho prince in the arms of another woman. She throws down the gauntlet—either she or the duchess must go. The prince, to avoid a scandal, retorts that either the duchess stays or his wife must endure exile in his castle at Szarisla, in Siberia. She chooses iiic latter alternative, and there becomes the loved and lihiouicu Lady Bountiful of the place. But her English friends learn of her banishment and plan to rescue her. Lord Oarter arrives at Szarißla as a visitor, whilst Do Costa awaits developments in tho guise of a peasant. Both have obtained entrance to the castle and are in the presence of the princess, bidding her fly, when a. droßki arrives with the prince. Thinking tho worst the latter grossly insults both Englishmen. Lord Oarter knocks him down with a straight right. A duel follows in which Hth men arc killed, leaving De Costa in possession of the woman he loves, and who loves him. The acting of Miss Theda Bara a 6 Vera, and Mr. Walter Law as the Prince, is excellent throughout, and the mounting of the picture is lavish where occasion demands, and is always in keeping with the* demands of the story. : • ■ THE KING'S THEATRE. The star feature of the new programmo at the King's Theatro this week is a detective story, from the Pathe studios, entitled "Sylvia of the 'Secret Service," in which Mrs. Vernon Cnstlo is cast in the name-part. The story concerns the theft and recovery of a famous diamond. An Amsterdam diamond % merchant negotiates tho sale to the" 'English Government of a diamond of extraordinary sizo and value. A gang of American crooks hears of tho sale of the gem, and plans to stoal it while it i 6 being transferred from Holland to England. But the presenco on the. line on which the diamond, its custodians, and the crooks are travelling, of Sylvia, of the United Statcß Secret Service, compels an alteration iu the plans of the thieves. Despite this, and all tho care taken by thoße responsible, as well as the efforts of Sylvia, the gem is stolen. On arrival at London all efforts to recover the stone fail, and Scotland Yard takes a hand. The sceno then changes to New York—in which place the thieves and their prize aro located. The hunt here becomes'a contest between the regular detective and the despised "femalo moeldlor"-Sylvia. Eventually, howevor, Sylvia's woman's wit definitely locates the diamond and the thieveß, and sho is responsible for the capture of the whole gang as well as for tho recovery of the diamond. Her success, also, results in the liberation of a man suspected of stealing the diamond, and in whom Sylvia is more than passingly interested. Tho whole story is excellent and is excellently told. There is excitement in plenty, a /complete absence of melodrama, and many unique and striking scenes. Another instalment of "The Neglected Wifo" and the latest "Gaumont Graphic" aro also on the programme.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. A Triangle drama entitled "Flyiug Colouis,' anu featuring William Desmond, is tue star film this week at Everybody's Theatre. Brent Brewster (William Desmond), a famous Yalo athlete, turns detective, after failing at several other prolotions, when cast out by his wealthy rolatiycs. His first case is at tho homo ot Mrs. Lansing, who had been robbed of valuable jewels during a house party. Brewster rather forgets his Sherlock Holmes role in his admiration for .llrs. Lansing's sister, but when that young woman states that she could get along nicelv on 40,000 dollars a year Brewster decides he had better attend to business. He apprehends the thief, and an inheritance permits him to win the girl with the 40.000 dollar idea. There is also a Triancle comedy of the laughter-provoking order, and the I'athe Gazette, and an interesting educational film on the copper industry. EMPRESS THEATRE '< "Tho Gilded Cage," a world drama which is the star film at the Empress Theatre this week features that dainty screen artist Alice Brady. The scenes are laid in a mythical kingdom called Balkauy, and the story is unfolded along well-es-tablished, but eftective lines. King Comus having suuandored the funds of the coun- ■ try is with his queen assassinated, and Princess Honore is called to the throne. She iB young and beautiful, and is loved by the Prime Minister, Baron Stefano, but the young queen refuses him and the Minister decides upon converting the kingdom into a republic. Tho queen disguises herself as a peasant girl, joins the throngs at a fair, and endeavours to find out the true feeling of the people. Through the mistake of a spy, Prineo Roris, who has renounced his title aud lives as a peasant, and the queen, are thrown into prison for plotting against the ruler of the couutry. Tho queen es-

capes and returns to the palace. A plot to execute Prince Boris is frustrated, and Baron Stefano is beaten to death. Tho eliding io a liapny one for the queen and Prince Boris. The ciehth chanter of the "History of the War," a comedy entitled "Jerry's Romance," and tho Topical Budget complete the programme. FISIC JUBILEE SINGERS. Speaking of tho above company of Jubilee Singers, the Melbourne "Herald" says: "A largo altondaucc and liberal applauso at the auditorium testified to the fact that the Fisk Jubilee Singers had awakened old memories and mado new friends. Nothing of the delicacy of treatment and keen sense for harmony, both natural and cultivated, which originally charmed audiences with the first band of Fißk Jubilee Singers', has been lost." The Wellington season opens at tho Concert Chamber on Saturday next at 8 p.m., and Their Excellencies the Clovcrnor-Genoral and the Countess of Liverpool have signified their intention of being present, The box p an opeiiß'to-morrow at 0 a.m. at tho Bristol. BENEFIT CONCERT. ■ Tho benollt concert held in the Grand 'Opera House last night in aid of the Stage Employees' Biek anil benefit I'undß was a complete success. By the lime the performance had commenced the theatre was packed and admittance had to be refused to nil except ticket-holders. An excellent prcranimo was provided by members of the Royal Oomic Opera Company and Mr. Jack Waller's "Look Who's Here" Company, assisted by a number of talented artists in local circles. The orchestra, which was conducted by Mr. Adrian Aii'iidio, also helped materially, as did also the efions of the stage manager, it.-. Alfred Andrews and tho honorary secretary, Mr. Harvey. A diversified series of classical items appropriate to tho evening was rendered, and found rauoh favour

with the audience. A wide range of vocal and instrumental selections was given !'" Miss Gladys Moncrlcll, Miss Webbvr, Oliver Peacock, and 11. ItatcliHe, of the Royal Comic Opera Company; Gregory Ivanod and Fred Dennett, of the "Look Who's Here" Company. A bell solo, with orchestral accompaniment, was ployed by Mr. Eph. Nordeu, while solo and duet selections were contributed by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Melviu and Miss Lucas. Pleasing numbers were also rendered by Mi?a Berths Kenny, Miss Gladys Baker, Mr. Wilfred Sinclair, and Mr. Reeves.

PROFESSIONAL OBOHFOTKA. I His Majesty's Theairo wa9 filled in all ! parts last 'night, when the Wellington ' Professional Orchestra gr.ve the, first con; ! cert of tho present, season. The orchestra,, under the direction of J!r. H. Mor,- j chini, gave a most enjoy:- hie neriorui- • ance. Its work Ihronadiout the pro- - gramme had the eipcrl touch _ Tone, volume, and enntro! were all sifUfyiug. : and the numbers covered a rujt '<> «u:t ; all tastes. The orchestra gave its first performance of Beethoven's overture, : "Pidelio." and did jestiro to !nis imprci- ; sivo composition. A f;-.nfasla on Precini's opera, "La Tosca." was acoiwr . admirable number. The beautiiin "P.osnmunde" overture (Schubert 1 ,, '.he nv i-ao.:--- : tion to Act 3 of "Lohengr.r. !:V:.pvu.Ti. . and an "Idylio" by Sir Edward Elgar , were all 'delightfully played. Tnc nro- ! gramme was completed ay two I'ghter j numbers, "La Toupee Valsaute (Poldim) and a minuet (Eoccherinl).