ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 300, 13 September 1920, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

KING'S THEATRE. "On Our Selection," as shown in picture form at the King's Theatre, is proving an exceptional draw. This remarkably strong story of wayback life in Australia lends itself admirably to the screen, and the pathos and humour of tho struggles of Dad and Mum and the members of-the Rudd family are particularly well drawn. The picture is a fine achievement, which reflects much credit on tlib producer, Raymond Longford. An additional attraction is tho singing of Mr. James Schofield, tenor, and tho music of the King's Grand Orchestra. ; EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. The, exciting experience of a man who is dodging the police for-three months for a murder that did not take place, and thereby earning .£20,000, is the theme of "Big Money," which is showing at Everybody's Theatre, in which- James Knight plays the lovable young hero to an equally attractive heroine in Roso Manners. Another attraction is a special film taken from the aeroplane, entitled "Wellington from the Skies. Everything of interest is shown, while the photography is excellent. The tenth episode of "The Mystery of 13" is also being shown. EMPRESS THEATRE. Stirring scenes in the Alaska dance Mis characterise the plot of Goldwyn's "Social Ambition," which is being shown at the Empress Theatre, starring Howard Hickman and Rhea Mitchell. It is supported by what is practically an allstar cast, including .that old favourite, Joseph Dowling, "The Miracle Man," ■who gives a delightful impersonation of an old miner. The picture is well produced, and has some beautiful settings of life in the gay metropolis and in the frozen -white spaces of Alaska. The supporting films include Gaumont Graphic and the thirteenth episode of Liberty serial. "OUR REVEILLE." "Our Reveille," the musical melange, continues to prove popular at the Grand Opera House. It was well attended on Saturday afternoon and eveninpr, when every item was well received.. The flying ballet, introducing Miss Dorothy White in a pas-seul, is a splendid item, and the solo and concerted singing is excellent. The artistic costuming, and fine lighting effects do much' to enhanco the merit of the production. The dancing of Miss Dorothy White and Mr. W. Lints is quite a feature of the entertainment. The pot pourri will be continued this evening and to-morrov.- evening. ■ ANNUAL . To-morrow and Wednesday evenings Mr. Culford Bell will hold his annual pupils' recitals in the Conceit Chamber, Town Hall, when crowded houses are expected. The programmes to be presented are very varied and entertaining, and most of the items will be given in character. A Dickens play, a Shakespearean scene, and a charming fairy play m two scenes are among the principal items for Tuesday (the children's night). In addition, a linst of dainty character sketches, tuneful, musical monologues, and humorous recitations will be given. Patrons are advised to book without delay at the Bristol.

PROFESSIONAL ORCHESTRA

A. difficult task always, the playing of Tschaikowsky's "Symphonic Pathetinue, in His Maiestv's Theatre yesterday afternoon by the Wellington Professional Orchestra ' was a creditable performance, and one that evoked nothing but admiration from the large audience assembled. As an overture to the chief d'oeuvre, Borodin's "Prince Igor" received careful treatment at the hands of the largo orchestra. Typically Russian, and possessing the bizarre Oriental touches of so many Russian works. "Prince Igor was most impressive. The Eastern element was pronounced, and the oboe and bassoon dealt effectively with the distinctive passages.' The tympaiu, trombones, and tuba had their full share in the march theme, there.being portions fugue-like in the continuity of ..the instrumental entrances. The chief work of the afternoon was undoubtedly magnificent. The 'Tathctique -written by the composer in an agony of mind, and hifi' last composition, consists ot live movements, adagio, allegro non troppo, allegro con grazia. allegro molto vivace, and. as a finale, adagio lamentoso. Sadness is present all through .the work. The adagio, bearing the first phrase of the theme, ends with a murmur. The second movement is impassioned and beautiful, giving the strings, and the softer woodwind ample scope. _ This movement, like the first, ends with a dying murmur of strings, the trombones and tuba taking up the ]««•, whispering. Agitation marks the con grazia movement, followed I>7 the clarion strains,of the vivace. The brasses blare out a warning, and the tympani is heard m effective work, solo, and double. The orchestra was heard to its full power in this movement. Misery and lament are the outstanding themes of the finale. The pomp of war becomes the memory that peace brings, and with the exception of one working Tip movement, andante prevails. The end is impressive. l>eing, as a noted critic has said, as if a spirit has passed from the orchestra when the last sobbing note of the double bass has died away." The next recital will take place oh September 26. ENGLISH PIERROTS. Request numbers were heard in plenty at the final performance given by the English Pierrots iii the Town Hall on Saturday evening. This talented and versatile company has enjoyed a most successful season.

ORGAN EECITAL, The programme presented by Mr. Bernard Pane at his organ recital in tho Town Hall on Saturday evening was one composed of numbers which have become fairly familiar to regular attendants at the municipal recitals. These included the eighteenth century "Concerto in E flat" by William Pelton, the two Debussy sketches from "L Damoiselle Elue. ;i and "L'Enfant Prodigue," which Mr. Page has played on very many occasions, the second movement from Widor's fifth Symphony; the oftrepeated "Trelude and Fugue in D Maior" of Glazounov. and the ever beautiful "Finale" from tho Symphony Pathetique" of Tsehaikovsky, which Mr. Page registers most artistically. Cesar Franck was represented by a "Lento" and an "Andantino in E flat." BENEFIT FOR PATRIOTIC BAND. At the Grand Opera House nest Saturday evening, a complimentary benefit entertainment is to be tendered the Wellington Patriotic Band (late Jupp's) in appreciation of the indefatigable efforts of the baud in assisting the innumerable patriotic organisations and endeavours during the stressful years of the.lnto war. The members of the band turned out late or early, wet or fine, to give the troops a hearty send-off or a happy 'welcome home. The time is now_ considered opportune, as the band is in need of new uniforms, to ask tho citizens to rally to the support of the benefit entertainment. ' A most attractive programme has been arranged, which will include songs by Mr. Hamilton Hodges, Masters T. and T J. Waiters (boy sopranos), Mr. P. L. Brady. Mr. Zanto Wood, a comic song and dance by Mr. William Sumner, eccentric song and dance by Mr. F. Andrews, horizontal bar and balancing act by Mr. Tracey and his Y.M.C.A. pupils, Irish jig by Miss Lily O'Leary, a march by the Patriotic Band, a one act play, "The Burglar," bv Mr. W A. Spencer and Miss Isabel italligan, a recitation by Miss HardingeMaltby, electric club-swinging by Mr. Tracey's pupils, Indian club manipulation by Blight and Blight, and a special vaudeville act by courtesy of Mr. Walter Fuller. The orchestra will be under the leadership of Mr. W. ,T. Parson. His Excellency Sir Robert Stout, Acting-Gov-einor-General, has signified his intention of being present at the entertainment. The 'box plan is at the Bristol. No extra charge will be made for booking.