ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8343, 1 February 1913, Page 13

ENTERTAINMENTS

“NIGHTBIRDS” AT THE OPERA HOUSE.

In “Nightbirds,” the tuneful comic opera now holding the boards at the Opera House, the J. C. Williamson firm has a champion attraction. Last night, when it was presented for the aocond time in Wellington, the house was as full as it could hold and everyone there appeared thoroughly to enjoy it from rise to fall of curtain. Though the plot is flimsy enough it suffices to hold together a string of the most intensely amusing and unexpected situations, which give the principals ample opportunity to score heavily. Mr Percy, in his succession of “new jobs,” was particularly comical and made the audience literally shriek at times with laughter. Mr .Andrews was in splendid voice and was heartily applauded' for his various soli. His song in the third ict, “1 Love a Lady Fair,” sung with the assistance of Mr Percy, was encored twice. Mr Charles Albert and Mr Reginald Roberts were warmly applauded for their solo numbers, and particularly for their duet “Ere to Prison Broken Hearted.” Miss Amy Murphy had some very pretty songs which were much appreciated. Miss Sybil Arundale danced and sang most excellently land was always applauded well. Her s»ng and dance with Mr Sherras, “Every Little Movement,” was encored with great vigour. There is some pretty dancing scattered through the three acts, a department in which Miss Vivian Talleur scores heavily. Thus in all directions the play goes well- It will bo presented again tonight. I “THE CINGALEE.” The third presentation of the company will be “The Cingalee.” There is an interesting feature of this revival in Miss Sybil Arvmdale’s appearance as i • A.iTiav.a," the character she created in the original production in London, and affords this artist an opportunity of showing ’the public her lino contralto I voice to exceptional advantage. She I totrcduces her remarkably clever barefoot dance. The cast includes the entire strength of this fine combination. Mr Talleur Andrews will appear as the Hon. Harry Vereker, Mr W. S. Percy as Cham buddy Ram, Mr Fred Winn as Sir Peter Loftus, Mr Victor Prince as Boobbamba Chatteur Bhoy, Mr Charles Albert as Myamgah, and Mr Reginald Roberts as Bobby Warren. Miss Amy Murphy as Lady Patricia Vereker, Miss Dorothy Brunton as Peggy Sabine. There will bo but three performances of this charming opera, as for the last two nights of the season “Dorothy” will be revived. HUGARD’S WONDER SHOW. The age of marvels, according to some, is past and gone. “ There is no fpesh thing ” is the cry of the multitude. The unprecedented advance of modem thought has vanquished superstition. To impress the modern mind nowadays with the - mysterious one must indeed lie a wizard having more than the ordinary stock-in-trade of the average conjurer at his command. Hugard, who makes his bow to the public of Wellington on February 10th, is said to come in the zenith of his power. His fame as a wonder-worker has become world-wide, and in his profession it ia eaid that he must assuredly acknowledge no superior. For two and a half hours, it is said, the performance rivets tEo attention of this

audience, and one of the striking features is that most of the work is done in absolute silence, when watch as you will you cannot she how the miracle is effected. The illusions and tricks are said to be entirely new, and the rifle act has been talked about in wonderment wherever it has been performed. The box plan and day sales are as usual, and popular prices are announced. THEATRE ROYAL. Again last evening the Theatre Royal was crowded with an enthusiastic audience. Victor the Great, the magician, and Miss Bessie Slaughter, contralto, were both heartily applauded. Miss Eva Sludge, quick change artist, was applauded for her very fine performance. Others who contributed to the programme—which will bo repeated this evening—were Fred Rivenhall, the Lyntona, the Fontenoys, and Brackens. All of these artists present excellent “ turns.’ 1 , THE EMPRESS THEATRE. The attendances at all sessions yesterday o fthe Empress Theatre continuous pictures evidenced the remarkable popularity of the current bill. The main items are “The New York Hat” (A.B. exclusive comedy drama), ‘‘Nina’s Evening Prayer” (an impressive child story), ‘‘The Warwick Chronicle,” “Jinx’s Birthday Party” (A.B. exclusive comedy), “A Trip Through a Canadian Forest,” and ’’Juan and Juanita” (railroad sensational drama). The programme will figure to-day and to-night for the last time. On Monday the new items will introduce the Belig Company’s spectacular drama “The Count of Monte Cristo.” This work is described as one of the most entrancing and costly picture-plays yet seen in Australasia. This subject is entirely different to any other of a similar name and will be shown only at the Empress. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. The fine selection of films that is being exhibited at His Majesty’s Theatre attracted a crowded audience last evening. “Oliver Twist”, depicting the eat story by Charles Dickens, was -the star attraction, and its production was followed with great interest throughout. Mr Boothraan gave selections from the novel, which greatly as- 1 sisted the audience in_ following the train of events, and his contribution towards the success of the film was most acceptable. The other items were exceptionally good. Mr John Fuller, sen., who possesses a fine tenor voice, sang “Sally in Our Alley” and “The

Pilgrim’s Love,” and he provided a most welcome interlude. The same • ogramme will be repeated this afternoon -at a special matinee, 'and fey glit. THE NEW THEATRE. There were largo assemblages at th« New Theatre continuous pictures last evening, when the chief draw was the dramagraph “Monte Cristo.” The plot is well carried out in the picture, which is of excellent photographic quality. “The Peril of the Cliffs” and “The Substitute Heiress” are also commendable subjects. The series will be screened for the last time this evening. The change on Monday will be beaded by the Nordlsk Company’s latest dramatic success, “The Great Circus Catastrophe.” PEOPLE’S PICTURE PALACE. : The new programme at the People’* Picture Palace was a great attraction throughout yester lay. ‘‘Juan and Juanita” is a romantic picture, and appeals to the popular taste. “The Pirate’s Daughter,” a Selig film, depicts the burning of a ship at sea. Films showing the doings of pirates are always interesting, and the mentioned is full of exciting circumstances. The People’s Picture Palace is a very popular house of entertainment, and last night the theatre was crowded. Al) the films are of a high order of merit, and no one should be disappointed at the display. Besides a fine Scandinavian scenic there is a good Eclair educational subject showing the habits o I the octopus. The programme will be repeated to-day and to-night. “GET RICH QUICK WALLINGFORD.” “Get Rich Quick W allingford,** which is undoubtedly one of the funniest and most wholesome comedies yet presented in New Zealand, wiR be staged by J. O. Williamson's excellent company of comedians in the following towns in the North Island. It is booked to make Masterton laugh oa Monday, February 10th, Gisborne Feb ruary 12th and 13th, Napier February loth, Danevirke February 17th, Palmerston North February 18th, Wanganui February 19th, Hawera February 2drh f Eltham February 21st, and New Plymouth February 22nd. Mr Fred Niblo, the leading comedian of the company, is said to be the greatest salaried comedian who has yet appeared under the direction of J. C. Williamson, Ltd. The plans will be opened ia each of the above towns three days prior to tho night of the performance.