ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 288, 31 August 1921, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

KING'S THEATRE. The currant programme at the King's Theatre includes' a story of life in the Far North, in the shape of "River’s End," one of James Oliver Curwood’s literary successes. Marshall Neilan plays the loading role. The story has to do with two men, who bear a striking resemblance to each other; the one a fugitive from the law, the other an offleer of the North-West Mounted Police. Noho Toki, the possessor of a fine tenor voice sings Maori folk songs, and the King's orchestra also contributes. QUEEN'S THEATRE. The Realart Picture Corporation’s secend production, "Soldiers of Fortune, from the novel by Richard Harding Davis is at present being shown at the Queen’s Theatre. The feature portrays both romance and revolution in a_ South American Republic. Admirers of Miss Calvert will find her new production, "Marriage for Convenience," of high order. From the play by Lloyd Sheldon, the picture possesses many scenio effects. The third episode of the Universal serial, "King of the Circus " starring Eddie Polo, is screened during the afternoons only. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. The rugged spirit of the great outdoors of the North-West is faithfully P° r^ in "Faith of the Strong,’ featuring Mitchell Lewis, at Everybody s Theatre. Picturesque scenes add to the scenic appeal of the play. EMPRESS THEATRE. ( Scandal and scorn play their part in ' the life of "Tho Follies Girl, yet she rises above them,, coming into her own triumphantly in spite of OTer y* h l?»' Olive Thomas plays the title role m this picture nt the Empress and is ► thoroughly at home in The Follies Girl." COLOSSEUM RINK. The Colosseum Roller Skating Rink In Vivian Street continues to be very liberally patronised. The floor is exce - lent and trained instructors are available for beginners. Music is provided at the evening sessions. \ SAVAGE CLUB ORCHESTRA. All too rare ore tho pijblio recitals of the Savage Club orchestra. They are performers that the most, critical need not approach in a spirit of misgiving, for invariably the programmes bear evidence of thoughtful selection and thorough rehearsal under a competent baton. Last night's recital, given before an appreciative audience in tho Concert Chamber of the Town Hall, lacked none of the elements that nztke for success. The interest never waned, and in every number the orchestra was able to impart that feeling of ease which is essential to the enjoyment of music, and is to be met with only where careful study and preparation have armed the players with understanding and confidence. The opening number was the rich and colourful "Morning, Noon, and Night” (Suppe), in which, the orchestra achieved strikingly bold and vivid effects. Something of a contrast was tho less robust but equally delightful "Praeludium" of Jarnefe.dt, with its soft passages played by the ■wind instruments to a.' pizzicato accompaniment by tho strings. From the "Hiawatha" ballet music were taken tho "Bird Scene" and "Departure and Reunion," two beautifully poetic numbers that were rendered with exquisite taste and understanding. In Gounod s ■wonderful ballet music from "Faust' the orchestra again achieved a splendid •access, but one might justly praise with equal enhusiasm the "Doges' March and the "Intermezzi Suite" (valse Lente and Danse Tambourin), both from the compositions of‘ Frederick Raftse, and "The March of the Moguls” (Elgar). A most effective final number was _ tho series of "Chu Chin Chow” selections The robber songs were given in bloodstirring fashion —crashed out fortissimo ■with the rhythm powerfully accentuated. Two vocalists only were presented. Mr. Howard Fost°r, baritone, sang the tragical "Danny Deever” (Walter Damrosch). A singer endowed with lees artistic instinct might easily have into the error of merely revelling in grimness. Mr. Foster’s interpretation was marred by no such crudity, but was .characterised, on the contrary, by fine restraint and judgment. Ho was enthusiastically encored. Mr. Austin Blackiel the second vocalist, gave delightfully sympathetic renderings of "A Spirit Flower," "Love, I Have Won You,” and "I Know of Two Bright Eyes.” The last two were encores, demanded by an audience which evidently knew how to appreciate the exquisite tenderness, that marks Mr. Blackie’s interpretation of sentimental numbers. Of the credit due for the success of the recital as a whole the lion’s share must fall to Mr. Frank Thomas, the musical director.

Mr. W. S. Percy, the popular comedian, who arrived from London by the Rimiitaka" last week, left for Sydney by the Manuka on Monday.