ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 247, 12 July 1919, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS

! "THE DANDIES" AND KENNEDY . | COMPANY. Of the many forms of amusement or relaxation in "existence to-day, and tho varied programmes submitted for tho approbation of the public, there. ;u'i> ! probably none more popular than musical attractions. Tho person who is naturally iof a studious or retiring disposition deI rives very much pieusiiro from the rendering of a choice instrumental selection or a well-harmonised and artisticallysung vocal work. The party possessing a lighter nature, however, prefers to seeK his enjoyment from a bright, melodious ensemble with comedy as its basis. Not that tho light-hearted person is deficient in appreciation when compared to the studious man, but only that ho prefers those numbers which 'sparkf.o more than; others. In the combination of, "I ho Dandies" and the Kennedy Company, who open a season at tile Town Hall Concert Chamber next AVednesday evening, it is claimed that entertainment applicable to all tastes and desires will bo presented. It is essentially a musical combination. The Kennedy Company will, it is said, be appreciated for their sterling worth as exponents of the solid side in music, while "The Dandies" will present a gay collection of breezy numbers, individual and concerted, in keeping with the best traditions of costume-comedy companies. The' plan opens at the Bristol on Monday morning. KING'S THEATRE. Picture.an attractive and fascinating young-man'running away from a charming girl who loves him. "Raffles, the Amateur Cracksmen," goes far to avoid tho affection of the young widow, who knows his identity. His thrilling adventures and escapes from the long arm of the law are pictured in the screen version of E. AY. Hornung's famous novel to bo shown' at tho King's Theatre, commencing at the matinee to-day. John Barry-more, it is stated, makes a perfect Raffles, gentleman, lover, and cracksman, and the whole production lacks nothing in story, interest, cast, photography, or direction. An added attraction is the special engagement of Mr. Ernest Drake, tenor, who will sing selections of ballads and excerpts from opera.' Both pictures and singer are accompanied at each performance by the King's Orchestra. • EMPRESS THEATRE. At the Empress Theatre to-day Barbara Castlotou, Madge Evans, and John Bowers will bo seen in a World production, entitled ".Heredity." In this 'drama romance is intermingled with mystery and adventure, and the interest is said to be well maintained, throughout. 'J ho trial for murder of an innocent girl is j a featuro of the piny that gives ample opportunity for Barbara Castloton to display her emotional powers., This picture is expected to prove very popular. In addition will be shown Charlie Chaplin in "The •Shopwalker," and vocal items' -will the given ' by Mr. Charles Mclvin. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE, "The Mad Lover," which will be shown at Everybody's Theatre to-day, is a Patlie feature. Robert Warwick, who has achieved honour-as. a captain in the U.S. Army in France, and is tho only prominent star who served in the trenches, is starred with Elaino Huinmerstein. 'They, arc- said to bo a real true-to-lifo husband and wife, and tho story w said to'breathe refinement and charm in every scene. Little situations ordinarily trivial constitute a- large portion of the story, but through their un. usual conception and 'brilliant portrayal, they amuse and please to the last degree. The 'filial episode of "Tho House of Hate" will be shown,, and solves the mystery of the hooded terror. Another attraction is tho opening chapter of "Tho Fighting Trail," a serial featuring AVilliam Duncan and' Carol Holioway. ' BRITANNIA/THEATRE. "Kont, the Fighting Man," in the person of Bombardier Billy eAVells, ex-heavy-weight chainpi»n of Great Britain, arrived at the Britannia Theatre last night. Ho came; he saw, and he conquered, literally, in a fighting love story that, is a singularly apt dramatisation of this popular sporting. novel, from which the picture takes its name. The house was filled to its capacity at. both the day and the nijjlit sessions, and the spectacular scenes in tho ring evoked .the almost enthusiasm. .The picture is an all-British one, both in its manufacture, its setting, and its spirit, and as such it: comes as a welcome change from the strenuous American melodrama, which has practically rilled s-iyrome in the film world during 'tho war period. "Kent, the Fighting Man," will hold the screen for another six days and nights., Seats for'any session of the season may be reserved at the theatre. ; CHORAL UNION. l It is a very long time since a musical event in Wellington caused more favourable comment than the recent performance of "11 Trovatoro" by the Choral Union. As hundreds of people were turned away from the Town Hall, and as so many requests for a repeat performance wero received,' it is-the intention, of the society .'to repeat the-work later in tho year, it being found impossible to do so at the present time. Before this takes place the union will present to the public, .for tho first time in Wellington, l . Elgar's new. .work, "The Spirit of England," which has created such enthusiasm in England. This workis a triology comprising "Tho Fourth of August," "To AVomen," and "For the! Fallen.", The poems are by Lawrence Binyon, and have received a worthy musical, setting by 'England's representative composer. Tiio union is also to givo Mendelssohn's popular "Hymn of Praise," with its glorious orchestral symphony, and after the way in which the orchestra acquitted itself in "Trovatore" ■ under Mr. Temple White's baton, a.i'are treat may bo .expected. There will also be the usual "Messiah" performance at the end of the year. By . advertisement in this issue tho Choral Union invites the public to become honorary members of' the society, .as new subscribers will be able to avail themselves of tho full • privileges for the current season, namely, three ss. tickets for: each of three concerts: Rates .of subscription are advertised. The society, would also be pleased to welcome new performing members at St. John's Schoolroom next Tuesday evening at 7.15. Tenors and. basses are .specially needed. It 'is hoped that many old members of tho society who have been away on active service-will now be joining again for the present season.