Amusements.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue XXXXV, 27 November 1903, Page 3

Amusements.

DIX'S GAIETY COMPANY.

This evening at the Theatre Royal Mr P R. Dix will have the pleasure of introducing to the amusementloving public of New Plymouth his new company of English, American, amd Australian vaudeville stars. Mr Dix's name has never been associated with an indifferent attraction, and he refers with, pride to the present organisation as the fruits of his long practical experience in selecting artists whose great entertaining gifts are specially suited to the tastes of local theatregoers. The programme will toe opened with the production of the charming musical frivolity " The Brook," with all the latest songs, dances, and specialties, pretty scenery, and stage effects. In the second part such first class artists as Mr Tod Callaway, comedian; the Williams Quartette, trick cyclists ; Miss Nellie Yohe, soprano ; Mr Jack Kearns, comedian ; Miss Ida Roslyn, seria ; Miss Emmie Smith, coon singer ; Mr Ernest Hill, basso ; little Vera Kearns, child artist ; and Miss Flo Williams, sorio and dancer, will appear, so the per- . formance promises to eclipse anything yet previously provided by Mr Dix. ' ADA CROSSLEY.

A RENOWNED SINGER,

The appearance of the world-fam-ous contralto, Miss Ada Crossley, at the Theatre Royal on Thursday evening next will be marked as a red-letter day in the musical annals of New Plymouth. The enthusiasm caused in each successive performance •given in New Zealand culminated last night at the Opera House, Wellington, in one of the greatest scenes of excitement ever witnessed by concert-'going patrons. The charming songstress quite eclipsed all other contraltos heard on this side of the 'globe in the admirable rendition she gives of the most simple ballads, as well as showing her magnificent voice to the greatest advantage in her selection from classical awd oratorical works. In addition to the prima doona, the violin playing of Jaeqfues Jacobs is described as simply marvellous in purity of tone and excellence of execution ; whilst the undoubted mastery that Mr Percy Grfitnger has acquired ewer the keyboard of the pianoforte surprised everyone, and he received a great ovation. The other vocalist of the evening, who made a marked success, was Mr W. A. Peterkin, who came to Australia with the Edward Lloyd concert company, and made such an immediate success that-Mr Williamson retained him for the Ada Crossley concert tour. His magnificent bass voice is not equalled on the English concert platforms. Herr Benno Scherek will act as accompanist ae well as musical director for the forthcoming concert. Miss Crossley makes her farewell appearance in Wellington to-night. It is anticipated that the rush for seats reported as having taken place all along the line, of her present tour including the New Zealand towns so far visited, will set In here with the opening of the box plan at the Colonial Pmnb Company's rooms tomorrow morning. at 9 o'clock. It is to be hoped that Mr J. C. Williamson s enterprise and pluck in so catering for his New Zealand patrons will meet with its reward in the public patronage to be accorded Mm on thus occasion.

It TJ„w ° ou «?herty and family at Kahotu on Wednesday evening, on ° f n theil : feavta/'tho oistrict. Mrs Dougherty has for ™«y years identified herself w th public matters, especially in her own district, where she has for some years controlled the work of the school committee. Recently the lady gained a seat on the Education Board, and has devoted considerably energy to the affairs of that body. The settlers of Rahotu presented Miss Dougherty with a purse of fifty sovereigns, and handed a bracelet to Miss Dougherty.