ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8346, 5 February 1913, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

OPERA HOUSE. “THE CINGALEE.” The merry people who arc delighting crowds of theatre-goers at the Opera House nightly appeared last evening in a revival of "The Cingaleo,” which had such a successful run both at Home and in the colonies a few years ago. The play originally won its way into public favour by virtue of its sparkling merit in music and its pretty Eastern setting. Its principal ballads' have long been popular. There was every reason for the management to feel gratified with the reception given to the piece last evening, a striking ‘ compliment to the talented performers whose efforts during the past fortnight have -afforded such enjoyment to patrons of the Opera House. “The Cingaleo’’ was excellently staged by an exceptionally strong cast, lacking nothing in point of general presentation or in the artistic interpretation of the charming music with which it abounds. Judging from last evening’s popular reception, the remaining two nights of “The Cingalee” should prove insufficient for the many who will desire to renew acquaintance with this attractive work. The outstanding feature of the production was the brilliant performance of Nanoya given by Miss Sybil Arund'alo, who created the original part at Daly’s Theatre, London, and who thus brought with her any traditions that may have been associated with the character. Miss Arundale had previously given evidence of her talents m “Tho Girl in the Train” and “Nightbirds,” but she easily surpassed her former efforts by her splendid representation of the Cingalese girl. Nothing better in this line of character has been seen here, and the grace and charm she imparted to it quite won the audience, which was extremely cordial in its recognition of her very clever performance. In “My Cinnamon Tree, ’ “The Dance I’ll Lead Him,” and “Sloe Eyes” she was really heard at her best. Miss Dorothy Brunton played with much brightness and piquancy as Peggy Sabine, and was particularly successful in “She’s Alright.” With Mr Percy in the second act she introduced several very amusing sketches that formed a pleasing interlude. Miss Amy Murphy, who, by the way, by a slip of the pen, was credited in a previous notice with a voice of different range to that which she possesses, appeared as Lady Vereker, and though handicapped by a cold, created a favourable impression in the part. Mr W. S. Percy had the bulk of the comedy element to himself, and his Chambuddy Ham, the Babu lawyer, must certainly rank amongst his best performances. Mr Talleur Andrews’ singing was again highly enjoyable. Messrs Fred Winn, Reg. Roberts, Victor Prince, and Charles Albert gave strong support. Mr Prince skated on very thin ice in some rubbishy topical jingle. The four tea girls, Misses Violet Oollinsoh, Flossie Dickinson, Alice Bennetto, and Peggy Benson deserve notice for the sparkle which they put into all their scenes. The incense and scarf dance by Miss Vivian Talleur was brilliantly given, and'Mr Charles Albert accomplished a “devil” dance that was enthusiastically received for its cleverness and novelty. “ The Cingaleo ” affords the widest scope for stage effects and charming ballets, and in this respect the reputation of the company was amply maintained. “ The Cingalee ” can only be played two more nights. “ Dorothy ” will be revived on Thursday evening. HIS MAJESTY'S. "Adventures of Ulysses," the "feature" film at His Majesty's Theatre, drew a large attendance of spectators last evening, The production is splendidly set. and accurately represents in picture the legend which Homer presented in words All the perils of the incidents which Ulvsscs and his men experienced are shown, and those who are not familiar with the story should take opportunity to see the picture. There is an excellent budget of supporting pictures. Of these "An Assisted Elopement" is a good comic, "The Water Eats" is a thrilling drama, and "Beauty Spots in Italy" is a pretty scenic. The programme will be repeated to-night. THEATRE ROYAL. An excellent programme of vaudeviile items is being submitted at the Theatre Royal this week, and last evening a large audience enjoyed it. Miss Maud

Fanning, the well-known coon impersonator. who is making a reappearance iu Wellington, was again enthusiastically applauded. The many jokes and witticisms of Arthur Elliott evoked much merriment. His singing of “Mr Doyle” was very popular. The magical acts of Victor the Great completely mystified patrons. Hedley and Bartlett, musicians. played a variety of instruments, some of them being of a weird type, in a manner especially pleasing. Their "turn" is a very good one. The Elliott Sisters are favourites because of their neat dancing and sweet singing. The Lyntons, Fontenoys, Three Tit-bits, Fred Rivenhall, and the Brackens are other artists who contribute to the _ programme, which will be repeated to-night.

THE EMPRESS THEATRE. Numbers were required to wait for eve* standing room last evening at the Empress Theatre continuous pictures. Tho outstanding subject is the Selig spectacular drama "The Count of 'Monte Cristo.' This film, which, occupies about fifty minutes, is a captivating adaptation of Dumas' romantic novel. The production is said to have cost the Selin Company X'4ooo. During this picture the Empress full orchestra contributes selections from "il Trovatore," “Dorothy." “Ths Cingalee." and others. The current programme will figure for the last time to-day and to-night. To-morrow's regular change will include “My Hero" (A.B. exclusive comedy drama), and "The Moving Finger" (S. and A. exclusive drama). THE NEW THEATRE. The New Theatre continuous picture* were numerously attended yesterday afternoon and evening when tho foremost item of an entertaining series was tho Nordisk drama ‘The Great Circus Catastrophe." The picture is a lengthy representation of the experiences of a handsome young count who becomes acquainted with two beautiful lady circus personnel's. A terrifying tire at a hotel and a startling accident at tho circus provide excitement. “The Great Circus Catastrophe" and supporting photo-plays wiU be presented for the last time to-day and to-night. The new programme to-morrow will include ‘The Secret Treaty" (Solax drama). "High Tide" (Cines drama) and “On the Trail of tho Germs” (Kalenr drama). THELMA PETERSEN. To-night, at the concert chamber. Mis* X'helma Petersen, the young New Zealand contralto, will make her last appearance before a New Zealand audience, .prior to leaving on Friday for London to continue her studies at the Royal College of Music. She will be assisted by the best of Wellington talent, and a successful concert and send-off ia assured.