AMUSEMENTS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10132, 10 January 1911, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

MR J. <:. WILLIAMSON'S NEW COMIC; Oi'ivUA COMPANY. VTHB' DOLLAR PRINCESS." On. M;.:i.:iay iHsfc, January 16bli, we are to welcome "Tli3 Dollar Princess" at Mastorton. This bright and lively comic opera is spoken of as the very best musk-al play produced for many years, and comes to us with the highest credentials. For the New Zealand tour it would appear tl at Mr J. C. Williamson has sent his best both in the matter of attraction and company. It is possible that no stronger musical organisation has visited the Dominion since the palmy days of the original Royal Comic Opera Company. "The Dollar Princess" is described as "The Merry Widow's" successor. It has, as a matter of fact, easily eclipsed'that volatile lady in point of popularity, being well into its third year at Daly's Theatre, London. ,*ln the present case the r interpreting company is certainly a particularly complete one. With such'competent and favourite artists as Miss Florence Yoxing, Miss ; Olive Godwin, Miss Lottie • Sargeant; amongst .the lady principals, and, Mr Reginald Roberts, Mr Langford ■ Kirkby, Giaytori, Mr Frank Greene, Mr,W.\S. Percy] :Mr<'Viptor- Prince,' 'and ..Mr Charles Albert, among the gentlemen, an excellent exposition of this charming comic opera should unquestionably be given. The London public, were most enthusiastic about "The Dollar Princess," and showed their appreciation of it in'a most enthusiastic nianner. After its preiniere at Daly's, it was simply showered .with laudatory criticisms' from' all quarters, and during the first week no less than forty thousand pounds' worth.,of tickets were sold at the various box offices, while every available seat in the theatre was booked for months ahead. The Company, which, since its last visit to the Dominion has been materially added to, comprises over 100 people. The Box Plan will !)o opened at Miss Rives' on Thursday next. January 12Ui.

..'.'MR PREEDY AND THE COUN- ■ _ - •'.-. TESS."' "A■■ MAELSTROM OF MIRTH. IMPORTANT TBF4IIIICAL EVENT./ " \ ..' . . It is always of importance for local theatrical circles to bo afforded the opportunity of witnessing the great English .successes. The announcement, therefore, that Messrs Clarke and Mcynell are sending for a tour of New Zealand, Mr Willougbby and his English. I'V.rrjpal Comedy Co., in "Mr Preedy and the Countess," is certain to arouse widespread interest. On Wednesday evening next "l,is latest and brightest effort from the pen of B, C. Carton (of "Mr Hopkinson" fame), is to be presented at the Town j Hall, Master ton, for one night only. Miss Beatrice Day will be seen in the leading role in the now farce. Her remarkable versatility should ensure for "this accomplished-actress l '■'; a delightful impersonation of the up-to-date and rather slangy Countess. Mr Harold Parkes - returns' to Masterton where his last visit firmlv established

* ' ' I him in the popular esteem. He will create the amusing role of Preedy. | Mr Willoughby himself will play a \ bouncing bully, John Bounsall, in which he is said to form a fine con- I trast to Mr Parkes' Preedy—all of ! i which makes for laughter. In Australia, where the piece has proved an enormous success, the Willoughby Company's production of it has been I eulogised by every critic without any . exception. The Sydney Telegraph, for example, said: "The characters are well drawn, and the new piece is fresh and original in its treatment, and is likely to be poprdar." Another leading New South Wales journal said, "Mr Preedy and the Countess" may be described as honest humour in three tabloids. The story is interesting to high society, middle-class society, and society below stairs, for it is woven round people in. these three classes. The characters are natural, witli all the desire to create a scandal in the actions of others when there is the least ground of suspicion. "Mr Preedy and the Countess" is a purple patch of genuine humour. Many more quotations of a similarly : flattering kind ought to be quoted but,. after all, the local public can best realize the quality of the new farce by seeing it for themselves. There is every indication of heavy booking, so that early application for reserved seats should be made at Miss Rive's. !

THOMPSON-PAYNE PICTURES. ; The new programme at the v or- | esters' Hall last evening drew a large audience, who were most demonstrative in their appreciation of the bill-of-fare provided. Of the dramatic studies ' 'Ti.e Virgin of Babylon" is a beautiful picture, and certainly nothing to surpass it in cinematography lias been shown at the hall. # "The Attack on the Mill" is a stirring military drama by Zola, and depicts an incident in the Franco-Prussian war, the produc-. tion being faultless. The story deals with a young French civilian who takes up arms in defending a mill against the Prussians. "The Man and the Oath" is a very pcv?erful drama, well acted and beautifully photographed, while "Catalina" is another seenieal study, founded on one of Emile Zola's works. Miss Dorothy Nicholson, the "Biograph Girl," is .seen at her best in "Wilful Peggy," a delightful picture. Of an excellent series of comedy-dramas 1 "Jones at a Ball" was the best.' Some capital scenic films t'ere also presented. The programme will be repeated this evening. '.......