ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 188, 18 January 1915, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

PETER DAWSON. In the, Theatre Royal on Thursday vi-i-ing next, Mr Peter Dawson, the .\ciid-famous baritone, will give his lirst concert in New Plymouth, assisted by his brilliant English concert part; Everyone should take the opportunity | of hearing this gifted sh.gn- in the flesh. i I'eler Dawson is known ;■, 1! over the world through the medium of his gramophone records His name is now a household word. He has fought his way up tile ladder of fame in London, and he is proud of it. The crisp staccato and wonderful breath control are points that give real distinction to Mr Dawson's renderings. Possessing as he does, a charming personality, a quick and intelligent perception and a beautiful rich and resonant voice of extraordinary range. Mr Hawaii's concert numbers should be looked forward to by all music-lovers on his forthcoming visit. ".Since the days of Santley, no male singer lias so completely captivated the English public as Peter Dawson. Even in lees.: prosaic days when 'heroes and hero worship' are regarded as things of the past, he is as great fii idol of Loudon's 'popular concert gonv, an were the great Scntley, and the renowned .Sims Reeves." In" these terms an eminent Loudon ciitic recently described th-; exalted position that the world famous baritone to-day occupies "His line voice, his manliness and bonhommie, and his capital selection of songs, delighted everyone. His resonant voice, his vocal i gili'ly, and Ids sense of humor male his performance equal to that of Santley. livery note was golden, and there i-'something mellow and crisp and heartsome of the sunshine of his native land in his voice. He will be supported by an all-star English company. Box plan on view at Hoffmann's, j

J. C. WILLIAMSON'S COMIC npKRA COMPANY TO-NIGHT. "THE ;,.i:\'LK)I.IERS." To-night at the Theatre Uoyal, .1. C. Williamson's brilliant London Gilbert and Sullivan's wonderfully successful and most popular of musical plays, "The Gondoliers," which is proving even more successful now than when it was first staged here. To playgoers the opera will be welcomed as a great musical treat, while it will prove a revelation to the younger generation of theatregoers, who cannot but be fascinated by tlio wit and genius of Gilbert, and by the beautiful melodies, captivating music, and choral and orchestral accompaniments of Sir Arthur Sullivan. Hooks huge volumes—have been written on the works of the beautiful libbretist and composer, who contributed to the gaiety of the 'eighties. Amazing collections' of reminiscences have been bound into best sellers. There remains nothing to be said about the famous collaborators that has nob already been in print. Every time "The Gondoliers'' has offered' to the playgoers of the Dominion the public, has crowded to see them, and. "without any doubt, 'The Gondoliers" will live when the present day musical plays are entirely forgotten. To-night's representation of "The Gondoliers" will present to local playgoers some of London's greatest and finest comic opera artists. The comedian, Charles R. Welenn, has played the part of the Duke of Plaza Tore in "The Gondoliers" hundreds of times, and that he has more than sustained his English reputation is very evident by the fact that he has been described as the best and funniest artist who has yet appeared in' the Dominion. The principal tenor, Mr. Edward McKoowh, fairly electrified Aucklanders when he sang "Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes," And no less than four encores were demanded from him. Mr McKcown has a fine stage prescence, and he is an excellent dancer and a finished Wtor. Miss Gladys Moncrieff, who created a sensation in Sydney in the soprano role, in "The Gondoliers," and who has been taken in hand by Madame Melba, was lavishly praised for her singing and acting in Auckland. Miss Pearl Ladd and Miss Katie May are two English artists who are. at the top of their profession, and Miss Ethel Morrison, a New Zealander, who has made her mark in London, is said to be magnificent as the Duchess of Plaza Toro. Mr. Albert Kavanagh (comedian), Mr G. Villiers Arnold (baritone), Frank Rintel, P. Gordon, L. Sigel, Lilian Vox, j Maud Milcsand, Alice Bennettc, are ! other principal members of the organiI sation. Playgoers will be glad to weli come Mr Frank Wilson, the baritone, as I lie did more than any other member ! of the last Gilbert and Sullivan com- , pany to make the operas the success they proved. A big feature of the revival will he the chorus and orchestral work, and the opera will be staged on a scene of great magnificence. The production is staged under the direction of Mr. Richard Woathersby. who for the. past thirty years has been associated with Gilbert and SullivanVs works. The musical director. Mr Harry BiirI ton, comes from the.Savoy Theatre, LonI don. Altogether, there are over 150 1 travelling members in the organisation. | Seats in central parts may be selected ! at Collier's