ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8350, 10 February 1913, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS

HUGARD TO-NIGHT.. The management, in presenting HugarS the magician, illusionist, and impersonator at the Opera Bouse to-night, state that they are offering one of the most remarkable entertainers the world haz known. He has, in Europe, America and Australia, excited unbounded enthusiasm,, and received praise to slavish as to appear exaggerated to those who have not had the pleasure of witnessing his marvellous entertainments. It is said, main ly as a matter of diversion and a dosirs to visit the East—the cradleland of magic—Hugard decided to tour the globe and test his powers in direct competition with the world’s geratest magicians. The venture, the management; informs us, has proved successful to the utmost. • lie has not only proved himself a monarch of mysteiy, but has won. his way into the hearts of. all who attend his performances. As a sleight-of-hand performer Hugard is said to acknowledge no superior, and his great rifle not is acknowledged the very acme of magical science. On» of the most, pleasing features of Hugard’s entertainment is said to be the absence of cabinets and curtains, everything being done in full view of the audience, Hugard is supported by a strong company, and should draw good houses. Popular prices are to be charged, and eeats may be reserved at the Dresden. THEATRE ROYAL. A complete change of programme 1» announced for the Royal fo-night,'. After a protracted absence Jules Garrison ano his two Roman maids are appearing in a sketch entitled “A. Bit of Nonsense. This is described as a wonderfully clever piece of light comedy of an exceedingly diverting order, including songs and dances, relieved by the fine recital of the famous "Gunga Dnin.” Victor the Great, whoso thumb-tie trick to mystified Wellington last week, is announced in an entirely new capacity, that of master ventriloquist. In his most entertaining act several features occur that are little short of marvellous. For example, the lay figures keep up their amusing conversation while Victor the Great smokes a cigarette and drinks a bottle of lemonade, an extremely difficult feat. With a complete change of such artists as the ever- 1 popular Fred Ilivenhall, Arthur Elliott, Maud Fanning, the dainty Tit-bit, and new features by the popular Musical Mokes, lovers of vaudeville are assured of a very pleasant night’s amusement. THE NEW' THEATRE. Two changes of programme are to appear to-day and to-night at the Now Theatre continuous pictures. The main attraction, however, will be 'Fra Dia» volo," a lengthy and stylishly staged "feature” drama depicting the adventures of a noted Italian brigand who was renowned for his cunning and bravery. 1 This study will be screened to-day and .to-night at all sessions. The programme to-day will include _ "Suake Catching,” “Making a Soldier,” "Monarchs of the Prairies", and others. This evening’s series will include "The Outlaw's Sacrifice” (if. and A, drama), "Scenes in and Around Samaria." ‘‘Tha Bachelor’s Bridge,” and othesr. THE EMPRESS THEATRE. "Christopher Columbus" (or "Th® Discovery of America"), a. superb historic photo-play by the Selig Company, will .be screened for the first time in Wellington today and to-night at the Empress Theatre, continuous pictures. It is announced that this work occupied three years to complete, iequired no less than 360 performers to interpret the ctory, and cost ,£IO,OOO. The film depicts the career of the great discoverer and the memorable vovage across the Atlantic which gained immortal fame for him. Actual reproductions of the old-fashioned ships which carried Columbus and bis men across the seas were secured from the Spanish Government, with whom the producers had to enter into a bond of £20.000 for tbe safe return of the vessels. At the request of his Holiness Pope Pius Xthis picture was exhibited at the Vatican., This was the first time that a moving picture was ever shown at the Papal buildings The Pope was so pleased with the subject that he blessed it and presented Mr Selig with a medal. “Chris, topher Columbus" will be supported by a number of other new photo-plays. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. The final production ot a meritorious programme drew a large audience to His Majesty's Theatre last Saturday evening. “The Adventures of Ulysses” formed the principal attraction, of course. The remaining supporting items were good, and evoked the wax-mest appreciation. change of programme will be presented this evening, and should prove attractireThe New Comic Opera Company brought its successful Wellington season to a close on ‘ Saturday night, wueri “Dorothy" was played "before a large audience. The company left the same evening for t The members of the Get-Kich-Qnick. Wallingford" Company arrived in vvellington from south vesterday. liavint done some rapid travelling. • 1 i ,e y le Invercargill at 5 a.m. on baturday aim connected with the steamer at Lj .tel .on for Wellington the same evening. company plays in Masterton to-nignt.