ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume LXXXV, Issue 26, 31 January 1913, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

"NIGHTBIRDS" AT THE OPERA HOUSE. The "Nightbirds" have succeeded "The Girl in the Train," and it was vocally acknowledged by a very large audience at the Opera House last evening that the nocturnal "fluff ers" are much jollier, more presentable, and have a much better story to tell than the "girl." It is much more akin to comic •opera, and can be recommended to those who find local social troubles oppressing their nerves. "Nightbirds" is the work of the deservedly-popular Johann Strauss, of sainted' "Blue Danube" memory, and the music is, generally, very acceptable, in that it is not a little descriptive, and is always melodious. Albo, there is quite a good little story to snpport the structure. The English libretto is the Work of Gladys Unger, and , what ( the talented young woman has omitted, that irrepressible "gagger," W. S. Percy, and one or two others, have supplied. As produced by the J. C. Williamson New Comic Opera Company last evening, "Nightbirds" is ono of the cheer'fullest circumstances that have- happened for some consider- | able period. It is opulently dressed, and admirably staged. The principals are more or less suited in their roles, and added to these are the really brilliant and glittering ensembles, and some delightful ballets, with the fairy-footed and graceful Miss Vivian Talleur as the "star." There is more body in the music than one usually looks for in latter-day musical opera, and the orcheßtra, under the baton of Mr. Victor Champion, after a somewhat noisy opening accompaniment (especially noticeable in the trio, "Lawyers, are a Mustard Lot," sung by Misß Amy Murphy and Messrs. Roberts and Winn, when hardly a word could be gathered), rendered service jjxcellently discreet and unobtrusive. The story is delightfully improbable (in an old-fashioned way) and irresponsible. One of its merits as that it is always trying to be a reasonably bad, Iflit an unreasonably amusing, story. It is mostly concerned with Count Max Cliqnot (somewhat flat and dull), Mattoni (a rolling stone that gathers much moss in the shape of plaudits), Ilka (a parlourmaid, dashing and glad, cheerful and free with princes, the Countess Cliquot, and- Prince Orloffsky, who wanders round with a blank face, looking for laughter and finding it only late in the evening. The philandering Count, due to spend a few days in the New Age Prison (social reformers interested in t penal places should investigate this institution), is discovered by the "best little wife in the world" flirting with their astonishing parlourmaid at Orloffsky's ball. The feather-duster expsrt makes j the. pace warm with the long-jowled ! Prince, who feels a fluttering of the pul6e. It would not bo quite fair (and rather impossible) to explain how Ilka came to attend the ball, how and why the injured Countess surrounded the Aium Lily Club .With policemen (very serious-looKing fellows), who removed the crowd to the prison (where all club comforts are available), , how the prison Governor got ludicrously drunk, and how, at the end, there was the spectacle of the Prince laughing openly, and assuring the parlourmaid that "rank is but a guinea stamp, a girl's a girl for a' that," or words to that effect. Through it all the "rolling stone" clattered reVerberantly along the boards, j^with most eyes following him. The honoxirs of the evening undoubtedly are shared by Miss Sybil AruhI dale, as Ilka,' and Mr. W. S. Percy as Mattoni. Miss Arimdale moves easily and acts confidently, and all her work is sparkling, and , .ejninently^ natural, vocally, she is again a success, acting he* A songs with-<?a; .charming s abandon. "Shopping" (with' Mr. Percy), ' "Thft Parlourmaid," and a haunting little* duo with Mr. Edmund jSherras, "Every Littie Movement Has a" Meaning of its Own," were notable numbers. Mr. Percy was A generally the storm centre of the little' cyclones of 'mWrlment that swirled through the' house. I A trifling drawback to the comedy was tlie excessive number of weather-beaten "Stories," that have grown feeble by long perambulation across the world's stage. Mr. Sherras's character-study.-^of the "Prince was altogether pleasing. Miss Amy Murphy dressed well, s|ng ' tunefully (though her voice has lost some of its warmth' and colour), and acted moderalely well. Mr. Talleur Andrews exhibited his powerful tenor in several numbers with success, and Mr. Roberta's singing was better than his acting. One of , the best of the small parts was that featured by' Mr. Charles Albert. During the third act, Miss Arundale and Mr. Sherras danced very modestly American "classic" Jsteps such as tJhe "bunny-hug," "turkey trot," etc. "Nightbirds" will be played again this evening. THEATRE ROYAL. There was a large and appreciative audience at the Theatre Royal last'eyening, and the various artists received many recalls. Victor the Great, a clever magician, demonstrated his undoubted skill in legerdemain, and Miss Bessie Slaughter, the possessor of a sweet and cultivated contralto voice, was warmly encored. Miss Eva Mudge, the quickchange artist, was equally successful. The programme was also contributed to by Fred Rivenhall, Lyntons, the Fontenoya, and 1 Brackens, and a bright and attractive entertainment was the result. The programme will be repeated this evening. HIS MAJESTY'S* THEATRE. "Oliver Twist" occupies pride of 'place in tjie varied programme of motion pictures being screened at His Majesty's Theatre this week. As the film is thrown upon the screen Mr. Alfred Boothman gives the connecting narrative. The other pictures are well up >to the high standard set by the theatre. Another appreciated item included in the bill is Mr. John Fuller, sen.'s, singing of "The Pilgrim of Love," and "Sally in Our Alley." A special "Oliver Twist" matinee is announced for to-morrow afternoon. THE KING'S THEATRE. ' "The Mills of God" is the star film now showing at The King's Theatre. It is an intehsely dramatic study founded on the noyel by XJeorge P. Dillenbarik, the American novelist. The supporting items ,are also excellent, and include scenic, humorous, and industrial, pic' tures. The whole programme will be changed on Monday, when newly-arrived pictures will be screened. THE NEW THEATRE Large assemblages have bften the Tule at the New Theatre Continuous Pictures since the advent of "Monte Cristo," a capital adaptation from Dumas'e work. The story i 6 interestingly portrayed and capably mounted, while the natural scenery is of rare beauty. The remainder of the programme is thoroughly representative of the best and latest in pictureplays. "Monte Cristo" will be seen at all sessions this evening and to-morrow. On Monday a Nordisk drama, "The Great Circus Catastrophe, "' a story of modern times, will commence a season of three days end nights. "The Follies,'! who are now in Christchurch, return to Wellington on 15th February, and will play a season at tho .Concert Chamber in the Town Hall.

THE EMPRESS THEATRE. A well : assorted series of photo-plays and scenic items comprise the present programme of the Empress Theatrr Continuous Pictures. The finely-drawn character study by the A.B. Company, "The New York Hat," is a drama with a brighter aspect than the sombre opening scene would suggest. The village pastor is a cleverly interpreted role, while Miss Mary Pickford, as the orphan, was never more naively charming. " Nina's Evening Prayer " is a touching story of the uplifting influence of a little girl's abiding faith in her father's uprightness.* The sensational railroad, drama, "Juan and Juanita," is a capably constructed story, with plenty of " local colour." The other numbers are well up to the standard of. the Empress. The series will be repeated tonight and throughout to-morrow. The management states that the exclusive Selig spectacular drama, "The Count of Monte Cristo," will commence next Monday. It is announced that this production is quite different to any other film of a similar title. SHORTT'S THEATRE. ' A novel attraction has been provided in connection with Shortt's Picture Theatre in Willis-street Every patron, young or old, is given & voting paper on which to record the order of preference in which he (or she) regards the pictures. The voter who places accurately the position from first to eighth in popularity of the greatest number of pictures is the winner. There are three prizes— £s, £2 lQs, and £I lOs—ahd all voting papers must be se"nt to the theatre on or before Wednesday next. The competition will close on Saturday night, and will be open to the children attending the special matinee to-morrow afternoon. The competition hafc already proved exceedingly popular, arid as the programme of pictures is first-class the seating accommodation at the theatre is crowded at each session. PEOPLE'S PICTURE PALACE. In the new programme at the People's Picture Palace the most attractive, numbe* is "The Pirate's Daughter," a film by the Selig Company. A pirate is always regarded as a picturesque person, and certainly in the moving picture he makes an attractive leading figure for a drama of adventure and romance. "Juan and Juanifca" is romantic also, and quite in keeping with the p6pular taste. Other meritorious films are Pathe and Gaumont Gazettes, and a a series illustrative of the habits of the polypus. STAR PICTURES. The leading film at this popular picture house at Newtown is a fine ftesenta. tion of the well-known story, "Uncle Tom's Cabin." The photography is of the highest order and the picture cannot fail to appeal to those who are familiar with the main features of a book which is almost a household word. The programme also includes a fine scenic of Upper' Bavaria, a dramatic subject, "Trade Gun Bullet," "The Motor Boat Trip," "Bobby's Father," "Adventures of a Button, and several other good subjects. ST. THOMAS'S HALL, NEWTOWN. The bi-weekly change of programme at St. Thomas's Hall was screened to a large and appreciative audience last night. The bill is exceptionally strong, and is varied with a class of picture that will appeal to all. "The Rebellion of Mandy" is a homely skit on household 1 drudgery. "Juan and Jaunita" is a 1 Mexican love story. "The Pirate's Daughter" is a well-laid-out idea. Two very good nature studies are "The Polypus" and "Sea Anemones," two Gaumont pictures taken in colours. Among other subjects are "The Gaumoht Graphic," "New Aladdin," "Smoky! Story," and a charming" a'cfc by a troUpe of cockatoos.- Thete .will 'be a matinee i to-morrow.' i j-llh"* \'< .• • \ PICTURES AT LOWER HUTT. An unusually attractive programme of films is to be screened at .the King -George Theatre, Lower Hutt, to-morrow" and Monday. Heading the bill is "The Sins of the Fathers," a problem play , produced by the - Eclair Company and acted by Continental artists. The film is said to be one of the-finest productions seen here. The popular Vitagraph Company is represented on the programme by two fine dramas. "The Miracle of the Flowers," an excellent Pathe coloured comedy, should prove popular. T^iere are also comedies by the Lubin, Edison, and S. and A. Companies.