ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 251, 13 March 1913, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS.

" OUR MISS GIBBS "—TO-XIGIIT. At the Theatre Royal this evening t-lie Merry Widow Opera Company' present "Our Miss Gibbs." The production is under the direction of Mr. D. B. O'Connor (who plays the important role of Ilughie Pierpoint, the amateur crook). Many comic Operas have enjoyed popularity, but few, if any, as universally anjl consistently as "Our Miss Gibbs." Its exceptionally long runs in the capital cities of the Commonwealth, as well as the four big centres of New Zealand, have placed it upon a pedestal of popular approval, from which it is likely to be a long time before it is displaced. The play, although founded on romance, is intended to amuse, but here and there are touches of emotion which serve to heighten the merriment by contrast. The plot is founded on the telling of a simple story of a shop girl's love, interwoven with a lot of laughable nonsense, exceedingly pretty music, and fine dressing and mounting. The box plan is at Collier's. EMPIRE THEATRE. Last night ushered in the bi-weekly change of programme at the Empire Theatre before a large and appreciative audience. An excellent series of pictures was screened. The programme was very diversified, comprising dramatic, scenic, and comic subjects. "Pardners" was one Of the famous Selig Western dramas, dealing with the Damon and Pythias friendship of two young men in Western Canada. One of the partners is to J marry the daughter of a neighboring fanner, but the girl also loves his friend. ■ A half-breed instills suspicions of his J friend's actions into his mind, and the men then quarrel. The halfbreed murI ders one of the men and causes the suspicion to fall on the other. He is arrested, but the evidence turns against the breed who then attempts to escape. "The Rival Engineers" was a sensational railroad drama full of exciting incidents, interest being kept to a high pitch all through. It contained many exciting [situations and the photograph was perfect. Those who have read Dumas' incomparable romance. '"The Count of ! Monte Christe," had no difficulty in following the magnificent picture screened last night. The plot by which Edmond js imprisoned in the Chateau D'lf, his dramatic escape in place of a dead man, and the terrible though just retribution he took on his enemies was portrayed amidst breathless interest. A film depicting the magnificent scenery of Xorivay was screened, together with a picturesque scene of a popular Arab theatre 1 showing «1! the gorgeous seer.es of the East. A number of ro"iies by the best English and American companies were also screened amidst hilarious mirth. THEATRE ROYAL PR'TITvES. There will be no pictures showing in the Theatre Royal this evening owing to other engagements. To-morrow night there will be a complete change of programme screened when a magnificently colore-.! dramatic masterpiece. "Greed For Gold," will be screened for the first time. Supporting this star item is the latest selection of film successes. A MUSICAL TREAT. Xew Plymouth people have somewhat of a reputation as lovers of music, but it must be good music. Tliey will have a chance of gratifying their taste on Monday evening next (St. Patrick's Day) when, in the Theatre Koya!, a concert will be hehl under the auspices of tli" Hibernian Australasian lieuelit Society. Among those who hive consented to contribute items are several indies and gentlemen new to local audiences. Iml who are expected to become warm favourites after Monday night's concert. ( h;ef anion;; them is Miss Ethel f!ae. an Auckland soprano, with a voice of considerable compass and undoubted sweetness, whose appearances 011 the Auckland concert platforms are always welcome. She will sim: numbers that arc popular as well as tuneful. As the concert is one to celebrate the feast day of Ireland's patron Saint, music that'is .Trish in the true sense of the word will find a prominent place on a programme that is lengthv mid well-selected. In addition there will he national dances and choruses. A very energetic commitee has been busy for some time, a good deal of expense lias been gone to, and the result should ic handsome from every point, of view. I'lie box plan is now open at Hoffmann's, md intending patrons will note that no 'xtra charge is to be made for .hookas