ENTERTAINMENTS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 215, 9 March 1912, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

VON ARX, THE ILLUSIONIST. | Never before, perhaps, in the annals of j theatrical history has such an opportunity been afforded the amusement loving public as that which is offered them of witnessing the cleverest exponent of magic art and the marvellous necromancer Von Arx, who is to appear in the Theatre Royal on Monday, March 11, supported by his ail-American Company of vaudeville artists, direct from the United States after a phenomenally triumphal tour. Von Arx presents one 'of the most marvellous performancefe imaginable, introducing all the weird mysticism of the Orient. Some pf his greatest illusions include most amazing feats and he has named some of them "Sarcophagus," "Transparenza," "The Crystal Cage," "The Bridal Chamber" and "Spirit Paintings," the intricacies of which have al} been conceived by his own fertile brain, and modelled according to his own, directions under his own personal supervision at a cost which would at first seem well-nigh in- ] credible so gigantic is the apparatus for many of them. One splendidly amusing illusion, and one which is provocative of much uproarious mirth is entitled "The Clown and the Donkey" and serves to introduce the wonderfully trained donkey "Zona," which causes no end of fun and plenty 'of joyous laughter. Von Arx, by the way, is a brother of Nicola, who recently toured these parts,'is ably supported by a very sterling aggregation of specially selected vaudeville artists, who he has brought direct from America with him. Chief amongst these, perhaps, ranks Mr George Murphy, unquestionably the happiest and jolliest comedy juggler who has ever happened around these parts. His patter, whilst performing his act, is simply too excruciatingly funny and causes roars of laughter and shrieks of delight. Miss Pearle Mellnote, a particularly charming and dainty soubrette is a pleasing singer and captivating dancer; Mr F. Shaw is a remarkably gifted actor-vocalist of great histrionic ability; Reeves and Reeves in "A garden of harmony" are wonderfully versatile, and the other members of the company are all genuinely star performers. The box plan is at Collier's, and the day sales are there iilgo.

EMPIRE PICTURE PALACE. The sensational production of Fergus Hume's "Mystery of a Hansom Cab" again drew a full house at the Empire Theatre last evening. This picture has been a great drawing card, and has still further enhanced the popularity of the Empire Theatre. The management will give the New Plymouth public the last chance to view "The Mystery" at the matinee to-day, commencing at 2.30 p.m. To-night the great attraction will be shown to a Waitara audience in St. John's ITall. There will be a complete change of programme at the Empire tonight, the new programme consisting of "Wild Western Ireland," "Over Mountain: and Valleys," "Winter in Finland," and Pathe's Gazette." The dramatic items to be shown are "Disreputable Mr. Regan," "The Outlaw Samaritan," "On Panther Creek," and "Courage of Sorts." The comic portion is led by a long Western comedy, "The Widow visits Springtown." Other comics are "Trailing the Counterfeiters" and "Stolen Skates."