AMUSEMENTS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17279, 21 September 1916, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

THEATRE ROYAL. The Tivoli Concert Party succeeded in pleasing its audience in the Theatre Royal again last night, when it submitted a fresh programme of instrumental and vocal items, and concluded its short season in Christchurch. Those present demonstrated their appreciation of tho performers’ efforts by redemanding most of tho items, aud in several instances the performer had to make yet another appearance. M. Jacques 80l again protea ins abilities as a tenor, singing “La Flour Quo Tu” (Bizot) aud, with the Belgian Orchestra “Because” (Guy D. Hardest). The pianist, 11. Penn, played ono of Chopin’s fantasies, and, as an encore, Rachmaninoff's “Prelude.’ M. F. Hoogstoel, on the violin, and M. A. Baroen, on tho ’cello, gave skilful renditions, and Mr I'rank Greene sang several songs, his best effort being in an encoro number, “ Eleanore.” Tho most popular items were those contributed by the contralto, Miss Ella Caspers, who was heard best- perhaps, in “ Morn, Noon, and Night.’” As an encore she gavt “Heartsease,” which was sung with deep feeling and tenderness. Ihe concert was concluded with tho repetition of “ Carillon ” by Mr Greene anti the Belgian Orchestra.

SONG AND VIOLIN RECITAL. i,itie was a. large acceucu.ua} at, Lie Alt uaiioi'v last ingulf wiieu ansa aiunei taue, au itugi.su vocaust v.nu caujo to v-oirisccuumi lroiu i> or tola a. iew tveoKs ago, gave a song recital, assisceu by -vuss ionise Uroucuer, vio--1111 soioisc" i lio p. oca.eds wore m aiu ot a uis tressed acw lauy twiose misoauu. is ngiunig lor missia. mo recital tvas iujss mule's first- appealante on the meal concert pmuom. t>ho proved a gifted delineator ot i>uo sung, auci sang several very churning French cliansons, in additiou to oituos oy itaglisn and other composers. JH'-s luttlo s principal number was Ales-. andre Leorges s “ Lea L'ommiers. a beautiful song, dramatic in parts always alluring and attractive, and a periect littlo vocal gem. This was loliowed by a reposeful interpretation or MarieuUed,” a prayonul musical morceau by Joseph Marx. In Mouim." by Gabriel Pierne, the succeeding number, Miss Little described tho story of the windmill prettily. In this song in particular the vocalist, displaced admirable voice control. ih song was sung sotto voce prac.ica.ily throughout, but it, was cleverly managed, nud tho high notes of the piece were as mere gossamer wisps or puie soprano, but dainty little tones that pleased the appreciative musical ear. 1 i another bracket of songs by ioicign composers. Miss Littlo was heard to great advantage in ilenn Duparc s "Invitation au Voyage, and also in Cbaminade’s “ Bonne Humeur, -a bright little ballad which was sung m happy mood, and was deservedly encored. A repetition of the song was thoroughly appreciated. Iu contrast was the quiet interpretation of llachmaniofE’s trifle, "Tho Lilacs, from tho Russian by Katho.;:ne dckctor. 1/eo Delibes’ fine arioso, O Sea. Clea\e Thy Waves," sung in french, gave Miss Little an opportunity to excel :n a more pretentious .work. Again was the vocalist’s artistry in evidence, and the tragic nature of the story was \ etl dosoribed. Sevqnal beautiful-toned higher register notes were heard in this solo. Miss Little’s other programme contributions were -tuna Lehmann’s "As Bess Ouo Day, and Cadman’s "from the Land of the Sky Blue Water,- and “ The Moon Drops Low (from American Indian Songs”—Omaha triaal melodies), and a bracket of three light songs, in which Miss Little played hci own accompaniments. Tho songs or French authors were all sung in French, and Miss Little’s diction lett nothing to be desired; indeed, her pronunciation was clear and expressive, and sho has evidently been trained in a good French school, judging from tho admirable results of her efforts last night. . Miss Louise Croucher, who is well known as a local solo violinist-, gave good interpretations of Goldmark s "Suite’-’ (No.. 1 and 3), opus 11 and in Svendsen’s "Romance" and D Ambrosio’s “ Canzonetta," opus 6. Mrs Alma Carey placed tho accompaniments to Miss Little's principal vocal numbers in a thoroughly brushed and artistic manner, and Mrs Osmond Smith accompanied the violin solos by Miss Cronchcr with her usual ability and good judgment. Tho work of both pianists, indeed, contributed largely to the general success of the concert. OPERA HOUSE. Tho new revue, " The Gay Mrs Cohn," came in for a great deal of applause at the Opera House last night, Bert La Blanc and his clever company excelling themselves in this production. King and Thornton’s playlet, "The Counsellor," was also a big. success, and attractive turns were staged by Tier and Ross, Kingsley and Grahame, aud Lennon and Hill. Jessie Barlee’s singing was again a feature of the programme. _ The programme will he repeated this evening. PICTURE SHOWS. There were good attendances at all sessions at Starlaud Theatre yesterday, when tho chief attraction was “ Business is Business,” featuring Nat. C. Goodwin in tho part of Isadoro Lechaf. In addition to this lengthy film the big Mexican dramatic picture, "The Yagui,” was also shown. The double-star programme will bo repeated to-day. "The Ne’er Do Well," Rex Beach's story of Panama life, featuring the well-known player Katklvn Williams, was shown before large attendances at His' Majesty’s Theatre yesterday afternoon and also in. the evening. The picture will be screened again this eveuing. " The Final Judgment” and the "Broken Coin" drew large audiences to the Grand Theatre yesterday. Today the “ Broken Coin ” will bo replaced by a Sidney Drew comedy, entitled "Their Quiet Littlo Houeymoon ’’ and tho " Topical Garotte. On Saturday there will be a complete change of programme, when Clara Kimball Young will bo seen in her latest play, "The Yellow Passport,’" The dramatic film, " The Pawn ol Fate," and the humorous picture "Tho Lion and the Girl " drew large crowds to tho Queen’s Theatre, yesterday. Tho programme will bo repeated at all sessions to-day. The new programme to be sereeneo at tho Globe Theatre to-day will be headed by tho Essauay comedy entitled “ A Jitney Elopement,” featuring tho well-known Charles Chaplin. Tho new list also includes the dramas, "The Artist’s Wife” and “The Military Air Scout," and scenic, industrial and topical films. "The Good Bad Man,” a Triangle production, featuring Douglas I‘aiibanks was again screened before large attendances at. Everybody’s Theatre yesterday. The programme, which includes several other films, will be repeated to-day. “ & Jitney Elopement, a humorous production, 'featuring Charles Chaplin, will head tho new set of -films to be shown at the Sydenham Theatre tonight. The programme also include® two dramatic pictures, _ and topical, scenic and educational items.