ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 35, 5 November 1918, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

"THE GONDOLIERS." The members of the Wellington Amateur Operatic Society repeated '"The Gondoliers" in the Grand Opera House last night, and were as successful us they hud been on the occasion of their initial production. There was a large and very appreciative audience. The melocuous.. score and witty dialogue cf this Giloert and Sullivan opera have been faiuiliar all over tho Empire for nearly three decades now, and they lose none of their charm through long acquaintance. In cs&aying the presentation of such an opera the amateurs have challenged comparisons, but tnay have no reason to be dissatisfied with the result. They showed again last night that they have the musical ability, the appreciation of verbal subtlety, and the stage atmosphere required lor such a production, and their weaknesses wore both fewer and less important than might ■ fairly have been expected. The, principal Scrformcrs, including Mira Helen Gardner. Lisa B. Howie-Stuart, Air. H. F. Wood and Mr. F. Twiss. did their work excellently. The dances arranged by Miss Dorothy Saunders were a feature of tut performance, and the marks of Mr. iom Pollard's capable and experienced management were plain and pleasant to set. ''The Gondoliers" will he repeated oach night during the week.

KING'S THEATRE; In the Goldwyn feature drama entitled "Dodging a Million," now screening nightly at the King's Theatre, Mabel fcormand makes her debut as an emotional actress. There are plenty of laughs through the story, but it at times becomes almost tragic. A love interest makes the play very gripping, and the end is unexpected and haijpy. In addition is shown the eighth episode of tho Fatal Ring."

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. To a discontented yoting wife comes the greatest of all "hlessings-a baby. And happiness is hers at last. But death 'robs her of her treasure, and the old discontent returnß tenfold. She seeks pleasure where pleasure never yet has been found. Such is the commencement of "The Runaway Wife," the Triangle drama now being screened at Everybodys Theatre. Gloria Swauaon is featured in the leading role. A storm scene is one of the special .features in the picture, the heroine performing a most darinj feat. The action moves rapidly, and is one of the finest from all points of view.

EHPItESS THEATRE. The World drama, "The Oldest Law," now showing to crowded houses at the Empress Theatre, is a well contained picture. The always popular screen star, June Elvidge, ha,s the plae-j of honour in tho cast, which includes Ihc screen idol, John Bowers. There is some maKmhcent scones and gorgeous dresses in this production. A limited number of dress ciroie seats may bi: reserved for the evening sessions only at the theatre.

TO-NIGHT'S ORGAN RECITAL. Mr. Bernard Page will give an organ recital at the Town Hall to-night, when the following items will' be played.:-First Movement from Symphony in D Minor-Lento-AUegro (Cesar Frank); Three Norwegian" Melodies, Nos. 15, 18,.19 (from Op. 66) (Grieg) i Prelude and Fiyruo in D Major, Op. 93 (Glazounov); Psychological Poern'lßebikoll); Air and Variations (upon a Themo of Handel's) (Karg-Elert).

DRAMATIC ENTERTAINMENT. To-morrow night, at ihe Concert Chamber, an evening of children's plays will bo given by the junior pupils of Mr. and. Mrs. Oulford Bell, in aid o! the AVellington Free Klndergarton. These plays-whioh are all of exceptional merit-hare been well rehearsed, and a fine, finished performance is promised. Bright comedy mil be the order of the evening, and this will be strengthened by the new farce, "By Accident," to be given during tho evening by The Thespians. Her Excellency tho Countess of Liverpool will bo present.

, ' ORANGE CONCERT. A concert in aid of the Soldiers' Comforts and Trench Fund was given in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall last nlghi under the auspices of Dlßtrict Grand Lodge No. 1 of the Loyal Orange Institution of New Zealand. Thero was a large audience present, and an excellent programme was provided. Songs wore contributed by Misses Snelling, Pickett, and T. Mueller, MeGsra. Watson Nelson, and Mcatcs, and recitations by Miss M. Oooley and Mr. Porry. Selections wero also played by Turner's Orchestra and tho Orango Orchestra. The piano was lent for the ocoaaion by the Bristol Piano Company, and Miss Thawloy acted as accompanist. Mr. J. R. Buries was musical director.