ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8349, 8 February 1913, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS

"DOROTHX." "Dorothy,” a musical comedy in three icts. produced by tho J. G. Williamson .ompany at the Opera House last evening, has a sweet pastoral atmosphere, and the scene is laid in rural England jf many generations ago. It is a light romantic' production, full of the charm of merry tolk at the squire's home, the .lashing gallantry of courtiers up from nondon. and the quaint old mansions, , lances, and courtship of our great grandfathers. Two strolling adventurers from die court, Geoffrey Wilder and Harry jherwood, are bound for the country seat of Squire Bantam, who happens to be uncle to Wilder. At a waysme inn, they meet two winsome lasses, who profess ,o be the landlord’s daughters and who completely captivate their newly-arrived admirers. One is the squire’s daughter, however, and the rest of the tale is concerned with the discovery by her cousin of the identity of this maiden, who, as his pert cousin, he professed to disdain. Miss Amy Murphy takes the part cl the squire's. daughter with daintiness, pertness and grace. Her vocal efforts, however, did not appear to be so successful as on former occasions, and she seemed to be suffering from a slight hnskmess. Miss Sybil Axundaie, as Dorothy's cousin, imparted humour and pretty gaucheries into her work. Mr W. S. .Percy has a quaint role as Lurcher, a bailiff in pursuit of the courtiers, and he provokes vast amusement by his frolics and jokes.. He gets intoxicated at the squire’s party, and flirts with an old widow wlio has buried several husbands. His quips make the house rock with laughter, and his attempts to ascend a stairway cause roars of unrestrained hilarity. Mr Talleur Andrews (Harry Sherwood,! and Reginald Heberts (Geoffrey Wilder/ are heard to advantage in several vocal items, and the comedy abounds in pretty choruses, quartets, and trios. Mr Roberts's ("With Such a Dainty Dame" pleased the audience well, as did numerous other numbers in which Misses Murphy and Sybil Arnndale, Mr Victor Prince, Mr W. S. Percy, and Mr Edmund Sherras took part, individually and collectively. There are many pretty airs in the music (by Alfred Cellier), and the scenic accessories are excellent. The squire’s party makes a highly effective picture. "Dorothy” will be repeated this evening, when the company’s Wellington season will come to a close. Those who have not yet seen and heard this merry and talented company would be well advised to avail themselves of to-night's performance. PEOPLE’S PICTURE PALACE. The change of programme made at the People’s Picture Palace this week has been drawing large crowds. All the items are interesting, particularly “Prom the Regions of Darkness." This is a cleverly staged Pasquali drama of circus life which contains a series of exceptionally effective scenes and possesses so strong a plot that attention is engaged from start to finish. Tony, a circus employee, loves his master’s daughter, but she becomes engaged to a young nobleman. An accident deprives the-girl of her sight, and it is Tony who waits upon her incessantly. The girl's sight returns suddenly. and she tests the depths of her lover's affection. The result is that she lovea Tony better, seeing that ho is not

fickle. There are numerous other pictures of merit. The programme will be repeated to-day and to-night. On Monday there will be another change, Borne of the items to be screened will be '"The Belle of the Beach," ''/smart Lady Do tective," "His Mother’s Picture,” "The End of the Feud,” and “The Black Sea.’ All of these are excellent pictures. ‘ Smart Lady Detective” is a novel detective story in which Lea fills the role of detective with such success that she manages to trap a band of Continental thieves after some of the most thrilling adventures. "His Mother's Picture” is also good. THE NEW THEATRE. . The New Theatre continuous pictures attracted well-attended sessions throughout yesterday, when the outstanding "feature” of a most acceptable nrogramme was the sensational drama, “Tho Secret Treaty." The story refers to an attempt by foreign spies to steal a valuable State document. The supplementary subjects are also of an interesting character. The last day and night is announced for the present bill. The change on Monday will include an elaborate dramagraph, ‘‘Fra Diavolo.” THE EMPRESS THEATRE. Numbers were compelled to wait for some time for admission last evening at the Empress Theatre continuous pictures. Further additions to the programme included "My Hero," an exclusive A.B. comedy drama depicting an amusing juvenile courtship. Another new item is "The Stain," an exclusive S. and A. drama in which a disappointed suitor dreams of an illustrious ancestor’s discouraging love romance. The dream is beautifully represented and the plot is convincingly portrayed. “Once upon a Time” is an elegantly staged fairy romance, which is a favourite with the younger folk. ‘‘The Warwick Chronicle" and various other pictures are all well received. The programme will figure for the last time to-day and to-night. On Monday will be introduced Seiig's wonderful historic drama, "Christopher Columbus" (or "The Discovery of America”).' This is described as a film which occupied three years in preparation, cost .£IO,OOO and required 350 performers for its interpretation. HUGARD THE MAGICLVN. Hugard’s father toured America and Europe many years ago, and was known as the "Wizard of the North.” Hugaid is said to inherit all the cleverness of his father, and. in addition, has the experience of later years. As a sleight-of-hand performer Hngard is said to acknowledge no equal, aril many papers place him on a par with the late celebrated “Dante." Speaking of Hugard's performance a leading Melbourne paper says: "Preceded by a big reputation as a conjurer and exponent of the magic art, Hugard came as a performer oi whom much was expected, and it may at once be said that it has rarely been the fortune of an audience to have offered in the space of a couple of hours so many mystifying experiments, and such a wealth of remarkable accomplishment in sleight-of-hand. Hugard presents an entertainment which at the one time mystifies, amazes, and delights. As a card manipulator, Hugard acknowledges no superior, and his extraordinary feats in up-to-date magic would impress, if not almost convince, the most practical and sceptical.” Hugard is supported bv a strong company, and opens his season at the Opera House on Monday next. Popular prices are to be charged, and seats may bo reserved at the Dresden without extra charge.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. Tie classic picture-play "The Voyage of Ulysses" drew another numerous aurllenoe at His Majesty's Theatre Inst evening. The supporting items comprise the latest in dramatic, comic and travel selections. The customary matinee is announced for to-day> and the programme will bo displayed for tho last time this evening. An entire change will appear on Monday. THEATRE ROYAL. An excellent programme is being submitted at the Theatre Hoyal this week. There are a number of popular artiste appearing. The programme will be repeated to-night for the last time. “THE EMERALD ISLE." The Wellington Celtic Comedy Club, in presenting the four-act comedy drama, ••The Emerald Isle" at the Opera House on Monday and Tuesday, February Inn and 18th, are confident of attracting the attention of all lovers of bright clever comedy generally associated with tne characteristics possessed by Fat in ms native laud. Tho play possesses scenes which contain many dramatic incidents ana abounds throughout with the lively wit and humour so peculiar to the insn race. Mr D. McPhee has been instructing the members in the dancing incidental to the play, whilst the songs will be contributed, the musical portion being in the hands of Mr W. McLaughlin. The whole production is under the capable direction of Mr Joseph Bradley.