ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 98, 20 January 1920, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

"THE MAN WHO CAME BACK." The second performance of Eckart Goodman's fascinating drama, "Tho Man Who Came Back," drew another crowded house in the Grand Opera House last evening. Tho piece was again very favourably received, the intensely dramatic situations and the constantly shifting scenes holding the audience enthralled during the greater part of the evening. Particular interest attaches to "The Man Who Camo Buck" on account of the fact that it is responsible for the reappearance of Miss Muriel Starr, who created such a favourable impression on the occasion of her former visit in her great success, "Within the Law." In the present production she again appears to distinct advantage, and last night she completely enptivated her audience. The production is excellently mounted, and tho artistic stage dressings arc quite a feature. "Tho Man Who Came Back" will be staged on three more nights. On Friday night aim rtireo following evenings Miss Starr will make her final appearances here, and tho occasion wil) witness threo productions of tho fatalistio love romance, "Tho Bird of Paradise." Few dramatic offerings have, it is stated, afforded playgoers such a treat of spectacle and romance as this play of Hawaiian life. From a dramatic standpoint nothing finer, states the Australian Press, has 'been done on this sido of the world than the exquisite characterisation of the Princess Luana by Miss Muriel Starr, It is a part which may have boen specially written for this talented young dra. maticgenius, and she herself, it. is said, loves tho part better than any other in her long repertoire. Sir. Harry Power as Dr. Wilson will appear in a chnrni). ter for which ho was specially engaged by Mr. Hugh J. Ward, and Mr, Frank Harvey will appear in a rolo which gives him greater opportunities than ho had in the opening piece. The electric and other scenic effects are such that it was impossible to make "The Bird of Paradiso" tho opening production of the senson, so playgoers may look forward to something in the nature of a big spectacle. Owing to the brevity of the season, positively only four representations of The Bird of Paradise" can bo staged. The plans, are now open at the Bristol.

KING'S THEATRE. Matinees will bo given daily at the King's Theatre this week, when Maurice Tourneur will present the great Drury Lano success, "Tho White Heather." The public will enjoy Maurice Tourneur's artistry of production, but interest will centro on the undersea combat at the last of the drama. Thin is ono of the most novel and thrilling scenes over pictured. A strong supporting programme is also shown. Tho same programme will be repeated tonight. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Norma Talmadge has a great part in "The Probation Wife," which is being shown at Everybody's Theatre. She is as charming and as winsome as ever, and as Jo, tho dance girl who has never been given a chance, gives a life-liko portrayal. The supports includo the latest Gazette and ft particularly funny conieif. EMPRESs'tHEATRE. One of thp gorgeous settings in "The Pagan God," H. B. Warner's Trior Oriental production screening this week at tho Empress Theatre, is n Chinese garden, secured by permission from one of the owners of the most wonderful. Chinese gardens in Cuiifornia. The gardens surround one of the sjiow residences of Los Angeles, and this is the first time tho owner has permitted'a film company to use them. The supporting films include episode nine of "The Lightning Haiders." CONCERT TO HERBERT P. WOOD. At a meeting of the committee of the complimentary concert to bo tendered to Mr. Herbert F. Wood held last evening it was decided that the large Town Hull should be booked for 'Wednesday, February 4. Tho programme will be an especially fine one. . Mr. Charles Smytho, the distinguished 'Sydney basso,., has kindly consented to assist, and it is anticipated that Miss Helen Gard'ncr, from Dunedin, will bo in Wellington by that date, when her services arc bound to bn itvailaMe. The friends of Mr. Wood are rallying round him in fine style, and his send-off concert is likely to be a very notable occasion. Messrs. H t Plimmer and E. B. Vance were appointed an advertising sub-committee, and Messrs. Sydney Allwrijht and George Holloway form the programme committee. Mr. T. W.' Leslie and the Town Hall staff have offered their services freo of any charge for the concert.