THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 38, 21 March 1914, Page 9

THE THEATRES.

. ANTONIA DOLORES. The programme to be sung by Mile. Antonia Dolores at her second recital in the Choral Hall this evening, -is adver- " tised in this issue. It is a comprehensive selection ranging from the brilliant "Ah Non Mi Dir" from the opera *' Don Giovanni-'' by Mozart, to Schubert's very charming song "Who is Sylvia?" In compiling her programmes Mile. Dolores endeavours to include items representative of the various schools of singing, and a glance "at. this evening's compilation establishes her success in this direction. It is pleasing to know that every item in the programme will receive most artistic interpretation from the most gifted artiste. The valse song from Gounod's "Borneo et Juliette" will be sung by Dolores to-night, and in this number the great siiiger will-be heard to great advantage. ' 'Away -to the Mountain's Brow"; "O, Listen to the Voice of Love," and "Nymphs and Shepherds" are true works from the early English school of song writers, which find, acceptance.- Mile. Dolores is always willing to sing any special request numbers, but it should be understood that all requests must be made not later than five o'clock on the evening of the concert. There is every indication that a large audeince will be present at this evening's concert. The plan and day sales are at the Toy Cave confectionery shop/ 5

THE COLOSSEUM. Tlie fine reception accorded "The Test, " the military, drama, when it was first screened at the Colosseum, has in nowise diminished in cordiality; on the contrary, public appreciaticfn of it seems to have increased. A last opportunity of witnessing it will be afforded tonight, before it gives place to the usual Monday's change. Other good pictures are "Mrs Upton's Device" (comedy drama), "Monaco" (scenic), "The First Prize" (comedy), and "The Gaumont Graphic," making up a highly interesting programme. HOW TO DANCE THE TANGO On Monday evening at the Colosseum another strong attraction will be presented in Kalem's latest novelty, "How to Dance the Tango," which marks a departure in the art of kinematography, as it is the first attempt to give finished reproductions of up-to-date dancing and at the same time to impart dancing lessons from the screen. This picture claims to teach several dances practically, but it deals principally with the now notorious "Argentine Tango.'' Masterly exhibitions of this latest society fad are given by Mr Wallace M'Cuteheon and Miss Joan Sawyer, who are credited with being instructors to New York's famous "four hundred." The film shows the New York Theatre roof garden, with its dancing academy in full swing. Wallace M'Cuteheon and Mrs Sawyer are seen starting their pupils at the first step of the Argentine Tango and gradually instructing them in the intricacies of the dance, after which the same pupils (now experts) are shown as proficient dancers. The management of the Colosseum state that the present production is causing a great deal of interest, judging by the crowds which I go nightly to see it -danced on the

screen. "How to Dance the Tango" will be accompanied .by Mr M'Cuteheon's original music, played by aa augmented orchestra, under Mr Charles Parriell, who is coming from Auckland, to conduct. The box plans are now open at the Dresden.

SYDENHAM THEATRE. The wouderful attractiveness of "The Miracle,"" Max Rheinhardt's great wordles play, has been the means of filling the Sydenham Theatre every night. The story of the dream of the nun Megildis, who broke her sac-red vows and gave up the life of the convent for that, of pleasure, eventually to return to the fold of the Church to receive redemption and. forgiveness at the foot of the Madonna's statue, created a profound impression on the audience. The supporting pictures are "The Pathe Gazette, Old Folks at Home" (a drama), and "Citizens' Carnival."

OPERA HOUSE, The current programme was repeated for the second last time last night, again before a big audience and with the usual success. The Georgia Trio' were the most popular, as they deserved, for their singing,. talking, dancing and general '' business " is such that the> public is not likely to weary of them for a very long time. George Rowley, the American, in addition to being the "fashion plate" as he is billed, is also a very expert dancer. Fern and Lizette give a good supply ofragtime and amusing patter. Chas. Zoli's character work has . grown more popular as the week has passed, and yesterday he had the people with him all the way. His depiction of the angry Spanish lover was particularly good" Chief Eagle Horse wffe in fine voice and won much applause. G. W. Innes, the winner of the Leonard Nelson competition, whistled prettily. Jolly Fanny Rice, character impersonator ;" v Weston and Hill, comedians; Ver : nade, hand balancer; Margaret Carqher, soprano; Little Mollie, child entertainer; Clayton and Groan, comedians, also had their share in the bill.

HIS MAJESTY'S,

The last chance of witnessing Max Rheinhardt's incomparable photo-play, "The Miracle," at His Majesty's Theatre will be this evening. The production has had a run of no mea.i order, although the cost of production is a great barrier to its success in New Zealand. The orchestra lias nightly become better acquainted with Humperdinck's celebrated music, and to-night patrons should hear an excellent rendering. Other pictures shown are "Pathe Gazette" and a drama, "The Old Folks at Home." x

GRAND THEATRE. The story of a vengeance turned to forgiveness is portrayed in "The LionTamer's Daughter," the star film on the programme now running at the Grand Theatre. To-night will be the last chance of seeing this excellent film. On Monday's new programme there is as the chef d'veure a long drama by the Nordisk Company, entitled "Princess Elena's Prisoner," an entrancing romance of love and sacrifice. The film is 4180 feet in length. It is the second of the Betty Nansen series, and it gives the accomplished tragedienne remarkable opportunities to reveal her singular

powers to even finer effect than did "A Paradise Lost," a production in which she figured superbly. The drama throughout is said to be tense with human pathos, full of stirring interest, replete with the most picturesque setting, and acted in a way which could scarcely be surpassed- Christchureh picturelovers have, therefore, a treat in store.

GLOBE THEATRE. There is a particularly interesting industrial picture showing at the Globe Theatre just now. It explains the whole method employed in the cultivation of rice, and gives some idea pf the enormous importance of the rice harvests in the East. "Red Man's Loyalty" is an Indian drama, well thought out, and with a good plot. The star picture, however, is " The Doctor's Secret," a story of tragedy that is well staged and acted. "The Face at the Window," "Seeing Double" (a comedy), and the "Gaumont Graphic" are amongst the other pictures showing. .

' 4 THE GRAFTERS.'' «' ' Unqualified success has attended the Australasian tour of Mr Wm. Anderson 's Co. American Musical Burlesque Co., and there is every indication that" tlieir season in Christchureh, which commences on Wednesday next, will enthusiastically welcomed. "Thje. Grafters" furnish all the alluremenits, wiueh have made musical extravaganza' so much the rage throughout the Eng-lish-speaking world in recent yea>s. Clever comedy acting, bright singiiig, and dainty dancings, together with attractive stage settings, and artistically arranged ballets are essentials to the success of such productions, and them are lacking in that of "The Grafters.'' The inventiveness and excellent judgment in grouping and colour design of the ballets and ensemble, has been turned to admirable account, the results being highly pleasing to the eye and satisfying to the artistic temperament. In a similar way musiclovers will have no cause for disappointment, as the songs are melodious and catchy. Amongst the features will be the famous tango dance by a number of trained artists.