AMUSEMENTS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10033, 6 July 1910, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

THtt EGYPTIAN PRINCESS.

It was pleasant to find a good attendance at the Town Hall last night for the performance of the grand operetta by Mr Charles Vincent, "Jhe Egyptian Princess." It was produced under the conductorship of Mr H. S.. Claughton, L.T.C.L., and the pra ceeds are in aid of a new motor foi the St. Matthew's church organ—a very necessary accessory—and it is to be hoped the object will he attained. The introduction to the operetta was payed by .an efficient orchestra, which was nicely in time and tune. The music is light and sparkling and added greatly to the pleasure the performance gave. The curtain rose on a very pretty scene provided by a number of girls reclining in the fashion of the Egyptian court, leisureljrengsged in embroidering banners in honour of the king's return with his victorious army after three years war. Their pretty dresses of vivid colouring, their gay badinage gave an idea of the levity of an Oriental court. Miss Vera Edwards, one of the chief characters, is an Irish princess? stolen by pirates when a child, sold as a slave in Gaul, and purchased by the King of Egypt to be a companion to his only child Aida. Tabulo, Mr Harry Hall, sister of the queen, made a very funny and amusing character causing a deal of confusion and merriment, being too late for everything. Herub. Miss E. Whelch, the fortune-teller, predicts freedom for Alva, who comes in singing a song of love and yearning for her country, in which the chorus of girls join. The chorus was well subdued, while the solo was heard to advantage throughout. Her rendering of "Oh, my beautiful Isle" evoked hearty applause. A very rafting number was the duet and chorus "Ah Daughter Mine," by the Qui en. Miss Finnis and Princess Aid i, Mrs Claughton, both giving an expressive rendering of their part;, ine lattec. especially distinguishing herself (i" her performance of a most difficult and arduous with ability, white the queen was an imposing personality in royal robes of purple and ermine, bhe also sustained arotbtr .' difficult part in singing "Were I a Prince," while cleverly fencing with her ward Alva dexteriuusly using swords and shields to show her valour during the refrain. The thrusts and parries were really well executed and evoked a deserved encore. Alva's rendering of "My Dearest Wish," and also the slave song which was introduced were both rrurh appreciated anH chorus well in time, while the march was alsowell in time. Frio • cess Tabula bought the house down hy the character song "Eighteen.'*. After the interval Alva's dance 6o*o evoked tremendous applause, and later on in her serpentine dance she (save one of the most tactful performances of the operetta, wtiiie htrtinal song, "Ah, Strange Indeer 4 ," was daintily rendered. The choruses did good work air through, while as companions to the Princess, Nyssa. Miss Olive Richards, and Phila. Miss B. Johnston, gave a very creditable rendering of their parts, being: most natural in their movement. „ and clear in their enunciation. la the Burlesque Incantation scene thej, with Princess Tabulu, werer splendid. The part of Queen Grania was ably taken by Mrs A. Fragnell,, While Mr C. Csrley sustained the part of King Herald. The subordinate parts of slaves,. priestesses and soldiers were well upheld, each taking their respective •." parts with ability. To the orchestra and cons- . ductor, and also to Miss Elsie Richards as pianiste, must be tendered a meed of praise. Mention must also be made of the meritorious work, done by Mrs Kendall, \v<6 kindly undertook the training of the dancers. The performers were afterwarls entertained at supper by Mis* Thomas. ,

THOMPSON—PAYNE PICTURES. A large number of people were urt- i able to obtain admission at the Foresters' Hall last night, the building being crowded. The attraction was a picture of King Edward's funeral. The film shows the-Royal train conveying the body to Windsor and thu procession on its way to the castle. The scenic pictures were again loudly applauded, especially "The Jimatra Rapids." and "After the Snowstorm." "A Trip to Jupiter" caused great wonder as well as amusement. Lovers of Shakespeare are well catered for by a beautiful representation of "Twelfth Night." "The Triumphant Hero" is a fine historical drama taken from Pierre t'orneille'a book "The Cid." On Thursday, Friday and Saturday next, "The Last Muster of the Balaclava Light Brigade" will be produced.

TOWN HALL PICTURES. The Town Hall Picture proprietory were enabled to produce the momentous films describine the late King's funeral and the Proclamation of King: George V., with the immense crowds of rcourneis in Londou, at Eketahuna on Monday night. There was a very large audience, and the enterprise of the management" was plainly appreciated. The same programme Is • to ba shown at Pahiatua to-night, and to-morrow night, and on Friday night the public of Masterton will be afforded an opportunity of witnessing the intensely intresting funeral pictures. These will be presented: with an entire change of programme,, and at the same popular prices as ruled last week. A free matinee for children is to be given on Saturday afternoon. BOXING TOURNEY. The Town Hall will probaby ba the Mecca of all local pportsmen thia evening, when the Masterton Boxing Club hold the first tourney of the seasonl. The. programme to be presented is easily the strongest ever arranged in regard to boxing for this district, and should ensure a crowded house. Only ring-side seats have been reserved, and n.< early-door tickets will be sold, so that first arrivals will have every opportunity of securing seats of vantage. The two shilling seats run to within fourrowa of the ring. Doors open at 7. J0« - p.m. .