ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 62, 10 September 1912, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

"TINY TOWN" IN TOWN. Horse, foot, and chariot — " Tiny Town " has come to Wellington, and because o£ that hundreds of bubbling, babbling youngsters went to bed last evening to dream of the " wee folk." the bright, strange folk, who might have stepped out of Hans Andersen's pages or Grimm's fairy tales, but who, in reality, have covered thousands of miles of saltwater and dry land, so that we may not miss one of the little wonders of this wonderful old world. The cits and citoyennes of " Tiny Town " are the nearest ajjproach to childhood's fairies and elfmen and elfmaidens we shall ever see. For this, they will be most remembered, it is probable. To the childish imagination these hayjpy miniatures of men and maidens will conjure up the strange little people who frolicked over toadstools and danced in fairy wings under honey-coloured moons how many years agonel To-day, these little people come to us as tiny men and women who have forgotten to grow up what time the years brought them maturity. T'hia strange , happening has not affected their humanness — the fitting word is hard to find — one whit. Here they are among us, manhood in a body thirty inches long, Avomanhood brighteyed, clever, and as gentle of sex as the queenliest of duchesses three or four feet taller. In a word, there is nothing freakish about these wee townsmen. "Tiny Town" is an exhibition that is guaranteed to make the most tractable child disobedient — to see it, and to 1 give the average adult, sensitive or callous, a desire to study further these charmingly unusual people. The " Tiny Townsmen " have secured a lease of the large Town Hall for demonstration of their accomplishments', which are wonderfully expert when all things are taken into account. The audience, as a preliminary, is granted the " freedom of the city," for the purpose of a first-hand scrutiny of the townsmen and women, who are, in many cases, no taller than the three-year-old dreaming in his cot at home. ] Strong men and stout ladies are warned not to loiter in the highways of " Tiny Town," else P.O. Armstrong's official voice will call into action the move-on clause. When the public promenade has satisfied curiosity, and the chaffering over postcards and photograplis has ceased, the Liliputians begin their performances. Mr. Arthur, dapper, young, and a suave bridegroom, mercilessly announces the age of each member of the company. His dark-eyed bride, Ilonka, piquant and Parisienne, revolves | the old circus globe with a pair of feet | wondrously small. Hayate Hassid, who admits (without prejudice) to speaking six or eight languages, appears as a 'continental comedian," and, for the smallest man in the world — he looks no taller than a large water melon— and for his 50 odd years, he is frivolous enough. Hassid, the Mayor of " Tiny Town," is a man of the world behind .the scenes, and a vaudevillian on the stage. He has a great rival in P.C. Armstrong, who, designated a comedian, does a big best to act tip to the title. Juggling, clown acrobats, and an Hungarian dance, in native costume, punctuated with shrill squeals — a. most novel item— comprise, with the other items, the first part of the programme. One must not forget Miss Hansi, who sings "Won't You Come and Spoon With Me?" with a quite delightful archness and coquetting. The second part is the midget circus — and it is all good and clean and clever. Mdlle. Andre, a cultured and vivacious little lady, does a sporting jockey act on a lovely pony that must find its burden no weightier than a doll. Droll clowning by Fred and Alfonso, shuddery contortions by Motello, the combined work of Miss faola and Mr. Ponipeo on two ponies, the finished high wire act by iliss Hansi and Miss Anita — graceful in every detail — the dashing riding feats of the blithesome Miss Ilonka, the "strong man " " stunts " of the muscular midget, Alfonso — a pocket dynamo for horsepower — and the Tyrolean National dance by Zeynard's midgets — all are items accomplished by artists. And one must mention the pail' of sleek performing ponies — worth their" weight in gold to every small boy in the audience — and the disentombing of Mrs. . Arthur (nee Ilonka). in all her bridal glory, from the sweet dungeon of n huge wedding cake, jewelled with electric lights. The very large audience extended a lavish approval to the cheery souls of "Tiny Town " last evening, and others will have an opportunity to repeat this tonight. This afternoon's matinee waa largely attended. THEATRE ROYAL. Besides an entirely new " turn " by Barnes and West, an American comedy duo, several old favourites made their reappearance at the Theatre Eoyal last evening, while the artists already in season contributed fresh items.., The American' duo mentioned above were responsible for a great deal of the merriment. Miss West_ also danced well, and, in conjunction with her partner, she executed several really clever bits of clog and step-dancing. Miss Pearl Livingstone, a goubrette who imparts plenty of vim into her work, sang her songs and acted her characterisations in a manner that at once " caught on " with the audience, while Miss Peggy Romah pleased with her light vocal numbers. Another artist who is assured of a successful season at the Royal is Miss Nellie Kolle, a male impersonator, with a voice in keeping with her attire. Miss Kolle scores chiefly by her choice of popular items, and last night the audience took it upon itself to join in with the singer. There were few dull moments while the ,Driscoll Boys occupied the stage, their patter being both original and clever. As to the purely vocal side of the entertainment, most praise must be awarded Miss Stella Ranger and Mr. Maurice Chenoweth, who sang their songs iv a pleasing manner. Les Francois, described as Continental acrobats, provided several new and remarkable feats, while Mr. Jack Straw and Miss Florrie Ranger, comedian and comedienne respectively, contributed in no small way to the success of the programme. The same company will appear again this evening. FULLERS' PICTURES. In future there will be a uniform price of sixpence to all parts, of the house at the Skating Rink Pictures in Vivian-street. Children are also to be admitted at half-price, and the programme is to be kept up to the high standard ' already attained. That the change was appreciated was evidenced by the liberal patronage extended last evening. The programme comprised the latest iilme just, arrived from England. »nd was headed by a. Vitagraph Company's drama, entitled "The Greater Love." Thw i» a photo-play with uu unusual plot, and ahould prove popular with the taduis. "The Love of an Island Maid" k a. pathetic story well told by the St-lig Company. To those who^ enjoy dcenic films, "Indians Temples" i& recommended as one of the best pictures of its chiss shown here. A picture that put the audience in a good humour was "The Man Under the Bed," a capital comedy, which shows little Mitt.- Adele dp Garde at her best. Other good mipporliujr film*, are "Fris<ot it Honcfit." "Lieutenant Daring, Middle wojyht Champion." and "Percy \s Diminishing Bikt-.' The programme mil be repeated Lo-uigUtj,

THE KING'S THEATRE. "A Frontier Child," a Bison lilm. is among the many attractions at The King's Theatre this week. It is a long picture, taken in Western America — a spot which has formed the scene of an unending series of picture dramas. In "A Frontier Child," however, there is something new. The story is not of the hackneyed description, and has no unlikely and impossible situations in it, which characterise many films of this class. A veritable army of people is employed to tell an exciting and interesting story, and, with the help of experienced photographers, they tell it well and realistically. "The Cursed Gold," a Continental film, is another "star" item. It is a, more sordid story of crime. A ruined merchant plots to obtain his brother's money, and to that end arranges a duel in which the brother is killed. Finally he' is, with his accomplice, brought to book. Of outstanding interest in the Pathe Gazette is the race for the sculling championship between Arnst and Barry on the Thames. The , opening event in the "Gazette" is of an unusual nature, and thrilling in 'the extreme. It depicts the trial of a huge new boiler. The boiler is defective, and a tremendous explosion is witnessed. "The Ever-Smiling Lady" is a first-class comedy, as is "Grandma's Sleeping Draught." In addition there are several scenic films of merit, the whole combining to make an enjoyable evening's entertainment. THE NEW THEATRE. " The Great Mine Disaster," which is proving a considerable attraction at the New Theatre, owes much of its success to the realistic manner in which the depths and inner workings of a coal mine are depicted. There is a pleasing love story also. This leading film, which will be repeated until further notice, was supported to-day by some of the latest biograph successes, headed by the Vitagraph Western romance, " The Greater Love. 4 ' A sheriff finds a man severely wounded, and he takes him to his home, where the stranger is nursed back to health. Jealousy, is aroused in the sheriff by the friendliness which has ripened between the stranger and the woman the sheriff loves. The stranger departs, but leaves a note revealing the fact that he is a desperado sorely " wanted " by the police. The sheriff pursues the man, *ho warns him that he will shoot if he tries to arrest him. A well-directed bullet wounds the sheriff, and he is at the mercy of the desperado, who relents for the sake of the woman. He takes the sheriff home, and surrenders .liimj self to the authorities. " Southern Italy," a pleasing travel study ; " The Insurgent Senator," an Edison drama ; "Friscot is too Honest," and " Bobby at the Chemist's," two mirthful comedies, are welcome items. The enthusiasm which was evoked by "Zigomar" has prompted the management to secure for next Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the sequel "Zigomar v. Nick Carter." THE ADELPHI. " The change of programme screened at the Adelphi Picture Theatre last evening contained a variety of well-selected pictures. A particularly well-projected film gave the spectators a. capital idea of sports in Switzerland — this picture was not only responsible for some picturesque scenery, but also showed (some astonishing feat* in ski-jumping and ski-racing. { "Mirka's Revenge" was a, well-acted | dramatic study, in which a gypfcy girl, brokenhearted at the drowning by a. prince of a pet goat, is revenged by enticing him to a lonely tower, and then settiug fire to it. The prince endeavours to escape, but is overcome by the emoke. "The Coiner's Den" was another good dramatic etudy, in which an intelligent and well-trained dog plays a leading part in the rescue of his master, a detective, who has been bound and gagged in a lonely house.' The Patho Gazette contained the usual ' interesting budget of English and foreign news, including the world's eculling championship between Arnst and Barry. Other good pictures were: "The Cylinder's Secret," a capital drama; "Dupiil Moves," a humorous film; "The Little Beggar Boy"; "Rangoon and Its Environs" ; "Mexican as She is Spoken," and "An Official Mission," The programme will be repeated this evening. v SHORTT'S PICTURES. There were a number of pleasing pictures in the programme shown for the first time at Shortt's Picture Theatre yesterday. "Bound and Released," a Nordisk drama, is the story of a wealthy young lady, who elopes with a groom ;. but, being ill-treated, returns to her home. Eventually the groom commits suicide. " The Spirit Awakened " was another drama of a distinctly exciting character, telling of a robbery and the chase after the thieves. The most interesting film in the programme was the picture of the sculling race between Arnst and Barry on the Thames. The various incidents leading up to the defeat of Arnat are clearly shown in the picture. Many matters of current interest were depicted in "Pathe Gazette, No. 177," and comedy was well represented in two films, " Courageous but Prudent" and "Half a Hero." STAR. THEATRE, NEWTOWN. The change of programme at the Star Theatre, Newtown, last evening was greeted by a large number of people. The programme is one of considerable merit, well varied, and giving a taste of drama, comedy, and scenery. "A Frontier Child," a Bison film, is the "star" item. It is a, Western drama, and tells of the rising of sin Indian tribe in order to avenge the death of one of its. members. The scene where the fort is attacked by the Indians, and they are dispelled by a. keg of gunpowder thrown into their midst, is very realistic. "The Cursed Gold ' is a drama of the very sensational order, excellently well taken. "Who's to Win" is a Vitagraph farce comedy, featuring the popular John Bunny; and other comedies are "Grandma's Sleeping Draught" and "The Ever-Smiling Lady." Portions of the Arnst-Barry sculling race on the Thames are shown in the Pathe Gazette, as well as many other interesting topical events. The programme will bo repeated to-night. ST. THOMAS'S PICTURE*. There was a, new programme at St. jLuomas's Hall last night, the principal dramas being "Fire and Straw," and "The Love of an Island Maid." The former film traverses a field not frequently touched by the kinematograph. "Lieuteant Daring, Middle-weight Champion," was a popular film, in which the well-known naval hero goes through several surprising adventures. Other films are "Studies in Futs and Feathers," "The Greater Love," "Friecot is Howst," and "Grandfather's Old Boots." The programme will be repeated lliis evening. SAILORS'- REST. The Sailors' Rest was crowded last evening, when the. fortnightly entertainment under the auspices of the Catholic Seamen's Conference, wae provided by members of the Wellington Dramatic Society. An excellent programme was submitted, and all the performers had to respond to encores. Items were contributed as follow :-"Songs by Mrs. Wood, Miits Davis, Mies Churchward, Mr. Bedell, and Mr, Wood ; recitations, Misses Lennox, Mason. Scott, and Mr. Aitkon; duet. Mr. iind Mrs. Wood; step dance, Mr. Watson. Mice E. iWhite _£lay_<2d Uie «£corn£animeute..

THE DANDIES. Mr. Edward Branseombe's company. "The Ited Dandies'' will open a return season at tho'Town Hall Concert Chamber on Monday evening iu'\t. Thw clever troupe established a fine rcpula tion on the occasion of their first visit. They havo just concluded a successful season in Auckland, and at present arc appearing in the large provincial towne. The plan opene at the Dresden on Thursday morning. THE CISNEROS CONCERT. The general box plans for the concerts next week by Eleonova de Cisneros and her party will open at the Dresden to-morrow morning. Tho famous mezzo-eoprano inaugurated her tour of the Dominion in Auckland on Saturday, and met with an enthusiastic reception.