ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 October 1920, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE LYRICS' SEASON. Among the number of costume comedy companies the Lyrics have always held a reputation for providing a bright and clean entertainment, and they have been accorded hearty patronage in their various tours. On the occasion of the return visit to New Plymouth the company opened the two-night season at the Empire Theatre last evening, when a varied and pleasing programme was given. Concerted work has always been a strong feature of their repertoire, and last night's choruses were appreciated to the full by patrons. Among other vocal pumbera Miss Jessica Bartlett's items Were popular, and Mr. Arthur H. Ripley's tenor voice was heard to advantage in a numbey of solos, while Mr. Ryan (basso) showed that he had lost pone of lys old vim. The many who have been entertained by Olan MoElwain's items will readily remember this humorist, and his turns last night were deservedly popular,, recalls being the order. "Bro. Alan" is the mainstay of the humorous portion of the programme.

Some very charming items were given by Miss Doreen MoClutchie, the petite danseuse, and she quickly ingratiated herself with the audience, and her reappearance will no doubt be hailed with pleasure. -Tha Lyrics appear again to-nipl-

EVERYBODY'S. MATINEE TO-DAY. Have you ever seen a jinx at work? Maybe once or twice the jinx has tried his malicious pranks on you. But never has he been so consistently wick--1 ed as in "Never Say Quit," the William Fox comedy which shows this afternoon and to-night at Everybody's. George Walsh plays the hero in this fun-packed picture. By no effort can he dodge the bad luck which follows him from the Friday on which he was born. Disaster always meets him with open arms. Even in marriage he cannot find refuge from the crooks and sharpers who steal his money and administer black eyes. Though his wife is an angel of goodness, he becomes the unhappy father of triplets on Friday the thirteenth. The programme also includes a five-reel feature, "The Illustrious Prince," from the novel by 33, Phillip Oppenheins, with 'Sessue Hayakawa as the star. "THE GREAT GAME." EVERYBODY'S THEATRE MONDAY AND TUESDAY. A sensational sporting picture will be the attraction at Everybody's Theatre pext Monday and Tuesday, entitled "The Great Game." The picture is a typical Nat Gould drama, and introducing all the ingredients that are necessary to make an exciting and thrilling raoing story. Apart from the racing environment, the picture is fortunate in having for its hero, the famous English gentleman boxer, Bombardier Wells, whose splendid physique enables him to work some very convincing stunts, and his one great opportunity comes, when at the last moment a protege of his, whom he has backed to win a large stake, is unable to appear at the appointed time, and he steps into the ring to fight, himself. His opponent is known as "Tiger Bill," and a tough looking customer he looks. A grwit fight takes place, and after six roundß strenuous fighting, Wells severely thrashes the bully, who has been backed by the villain. The picture is full of exciting incidents, notably the Engiish Derby and the 2000 Guineas, which are graphically depicted on the screen. The box plan is now open at Collier's.

THE PEOPLE'S. AIJOE JOYCE IX "THE SONG OF THE SOUL." In "The Song of the Soul" the powerful Vitagpaph star, Alice Joyce, is starred in a role best suited to her exceptional talent, that calling- for strong emotional acting. In this compelling drama she is the outcast wife of a fugitive gambler victim of a bigamous marriage, who lights the world seven long years, finally winning happiness for herself and child, which she had missed only through her own innocence. She is supported by a strong east. No better idea of the feature could be given that to quote the Motion Picture News on its criticism of the picture. '"The Song of the Soul' presents Alice Joyce in an appealing, sympathetic role. Her characterisation of the featured role is one of her best efforts before the camera. The picture presents the class of drama that always appeals because it treats of the mother instinct, and reveals incidents that happen in every day life." The bill includes Gazette, Comedy, Electrical Railroads, and "The Great Gamble," No. 4, "In the Law's ] Grip." The matinee to-day commences j nt 2 p.m. MISS ADELAIDE VAN STAVERN. Musical circles are fully justified in anticipating a happy experience on Thursday evening next at the Empire Theatre, if one may judge by the very enthusiastic praise won by Miss Van Stnvern in such a musical centre as Milan. Selecting one of her numerous criticisms for quotation, the "Rivista Melodrnmatica," published in Milan, says:—"The four performances of Norma have been very successful, especially for the mezzo soprano Adelaide an Stavern who, becoming familiar with the exceptionally difficult part of Adnlgisa, proved her self an excellent a r list.. Tier voice, an unusually large and melodious one. was pliable to all the difficulties called forth in Norma, one of Bellini's most exacting operas. She was recalled clamorously after the duet with the tenor, and again after the duet with Norma. The prayer in the first snene she rendered as enn onlv a true artist This young certainly fit to tread (he boards of the world's greatest theatres." This is unusual praise from the pen of such an exacting class as Milan critics, and could only he inspired hv by very unusual merit. Box plans will open at Collier's on Monday morning next. MALE CTTOTT!. Th£ next concert to be given by the New Plymouth -Male Choir Society will take place on Thursday and Friday. November 4th and sth, in the Empire Theatre. The Choir is putting in hard and constant, practice, and the numbers to be given at the approaching concerts are of special merit. Included in the Choir's numbers is a beautiful Cantata by Dudley Buck. This is the heaviest number yet undertaken by the Choir. The Society has secured the services of Miss Teresa McEnroe (soprano), and Mr. Culford Bell (elocutionist and entertainer), both of WeiliiMttoo.