THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 136, 15 July 1914, Page 9

THE THEATRES.

GLOBE THEATRE. Patrons at the Globe Theatre still continue to enjoy '' The Dance of Death," the star drama in the current programme. It contains an interesting story capably acted and well photographed, culminating in the unhappy death- of a native dancing girl of the South Sea Islands, who had been deserted by her husband, the son of an American magnate. The other films showing are: —"The Madonna of the Storm "(drama), "An Error in Kidnapping" (comedy), The Warwick Chronicle'*' (topical), and "Japanese Workers" (educational). The programme will be screened finally this •vening, a new series being promised for to morrow. SYDENHAM PICTURES. - Another large audience attended the Sydenham Picture Theatre last evening, when "A Day of Days," the pictorial representation of L. J. Vance's tale of love and adventure, was once more thoroughly enjoyed. The supporting pictures are:—"The Patlie Gazette" (topical), "Closed at Ten" ■(comedy),

"Winter Sports in Sweden" (travel), "Fresh Water Aquarium" (educational), and "A Boarding-house Romance" (comedy). The series will be screened finally this evening, a new programme being promised for tomorrow night. VOCAL AND INSTRUMENTAL RECITAL. Yesterday afternoon Mrs GowerBurns gave her second recital of. the season in the Alexandra 'Mall, before a very good audience. She was assisted by Mrs Monteatli (accompanist), and Messrs Ernest Empson (pianoforte soloist), and Vere Buchanan (violinist). Mrs Gower-Burns was in noticably good voice—much better than at the first recital —and her numbers had more appeal in them, as could easily be guaged by the added warmth and responsiveness of the audience. Mrs Gower-Burns commenced the programme with Meyerbeer's '' Roberto, o tu che Adoro" (from "Roberto, il Diavolo"), and in this she was at her best during the afternoon. She gave a most appealing presentation of this fine aria, and the effect throughout was artistic and refined. The passion and grief and longing of the next number, "The Sad Years Roll By" ("Azel"),

from "L'enfant Prodigue," was finely expressed, and Mrs Gower-Burns must be complimented on her conception and treatment, of numbers. Her other numbers were Beethoven's "Nature's Adoration," Schubert's "Love's Unrest," and Mozart's "The Violet" (bracketed), the concluding item being Verdi's "Tacea La Notte Placida,'' from ' I II Trovatore,'' all of which were presented % witli skill and expression. Mr Vere Buchanan's violin soli were listened to with a good deal of pleasure. He played with sureness of technique and considerable sympathy, and although his playing was a little uneven, in that it was better in some passages than others, it can be termed good throughout. As with Mrs Gower-Burns, he was probably happiest in his first number, Beethoven's Adagio Molto Expressivo, from Sonata op. ,'JO, No. 1, although the "Larghetto" (Handel) was played with considerable feeling and power. Sinigaglia's "Agitato" was by way of a contrast, being a melody in a brighter shade, and here again Mr Buchanan was quite successful. Mr Ernest Empson contributed several pianoforte soli, including the Sonata op. 5 (first movement), by Brahms, and the dainty Schubert-Liszt number, "Hark, Hark, the Lark," which lie

played with considerable delicacy and charm. Grieg's "Poeme Erotique," a somewhat fantastic melody, as the name denotes, received a thoughtful and fairly sympathetic presentation, although it erred a little on the side of monotony —more expression, greater play of light and shade, would have been an improvement. Chopin's "Fantasie Impromptu" was also included in 7" • Empson's numbers. Mrs Monteath played the accompaniments in a satisfactory manner. OLYMPIA RINK. The Olympia Rink was crowded last evening, and there have been large attendances to-day also, both of skaters and spectators. The same hours will be observed this evening and to-morrow. HIS MAJESTY'S. The cinematograph version of L. J. Vance's story of love and advenfure in ' 4 A Day of. Days,'' presented for the first time at His Majesty s Theatre on Monday evening, attracted another large and appreciative audience last evening. The story tells how Sybarite Percival, employed by a dealer in hides, invited a girl working in a drapery store to accompany him to 'the theatre, not knowing that she was an heiress incognito. Adventures come his way with great rapidity, but the young fellow meets them resourcefully. The missing heiress is being anxiously sought because in one day she inherits her propertv, and her guardian wishes her to marry his son. Exciting incidents follow in quick succession, with the result that Percival wins a fortune and a wife just in time to forestall the frantic guardian. "Closed at Ten" is an entertaining comedy, as is "A Boarding-house Romance." "Winter Sports in Sweden" is an exhilarating picture, while the programme is completed by the films "Fresh Water Aquarium'' and the latest '' Pathe Gazette." The programme will be presented again this evening. "Antony and Cleopatra" is the coming attraction at His Majesty's. The usual matinee performance is announced for Saturday.

OPERA HOUSE. A very strong programme is being presented at the Opera House this week, and another large and wellpleased audience was present last evening. Miss Jessie M. Millar, in her cornet and piano-aecordeon selections is most successful, while she is ably assisted by Miss Dolly Millar, who presents several dances most acceptably. Goyt's Performing Dogs are decidedly clever in their tricks, and should prove a great attraction at the Saturday matinee performance. Carl Bentzen and Phyllis Lawton, in their presentation of various ballroom dances, - are well received, while Mr J. Opie sings several popular songs acceptably.' The Crystal Sisters give a spectacular dance item, and Vernon and Sinclair a comedy sketch. Three of last week's performers have been-retained, and Millie Doris and Armstrong and Howarth continue to demonstrate their extreme capability as entertainers. The same programme will be repeated this evening. For next week's programme at the Opera House the starring and exclusive engagement, direct from Hammersteine Theatre, New York City, of Edward Blondall, America's greatest comedian, is announced. He will appear in his original absurdity in one act, '/The Lost Boy,'' assisted by Miss Katharine Caine, tlie noted American actress. The Edward Blondel! season is strictly limited to six nights and one special matinee. COLOSSEUM. The current programme at the Colosseum is headed by a spectacular detective drama, "A Fight for a Fortune," a production which "sets forth the sensational adventures which a detective and his lady assistant encountered in their endeavours to regain the stolen secret of a rich gold mine. An aeroplane, a balloon, daring horsemanship, and a motor smash, provide sensations in abundance, and the production as a whole is most entertaining. "A Bathing Beauty" is a very fine comedy production, featuring various Keystone favourites. The programme is completed bv the films:—"ln- Northern Italy '' (scenic), " The Gauniont Graphic'' (topical), "The Inscription" (drama), and two comedies, "Polidor and the See-Saw" and "How Burke and Buck Made Good." The same programme will be shown again this evening, and the usual matinee performance is announced for Saturday. "PRESERVING MR PANMURE." The curtain will rise this evening at a quarter to 8 on "Preserving Mr Panmure," and patrons are invited to make a note of that fact. A nice understanding of the play can only be secured if the opening is hoard, and ln.te-oomcrs will miss this, and . possibly interrupt the enjoyment of others. Very great care has been t:iken over the production, and the. parts are said to be admirably filled. There will be a season of two

nights, and patrons will not only; enjoy themselves, but assist Canterbury College.

MISCHA ELMAN, VIOLINIST. • There can be no doubt of the stand ing of Mischa Elman in the world oi violin-players, for he is recognised on all hands as the greatest in his art in the world. Consequently Elman's visit to Christchureh will doubtless' be welcomed by lovers of music. The occasion should stand out as a red-letter day in the history of our musie. We have had great singers and great pianists, but the visits of, great violinists have unfortunately been few and far between. In Mischa Elman it is stated we have the pinnacle of virtuoso greatness, and it is claimed that never in the history of great players has one man commanded the homajge of his fellowartists so completely as this Russian genius. Two concerts in this city will be given in the Theatre Royal on Saturday and Monday next, July 18 and 20. On each night Mischa Elman will play one of the famous concertos, ami- he will dip into the choicest literature/ever written for the violin, including a composition of his own each evening. Only two concerts can be given here. Mdlle. Eva Gautlrier, the brilliant FrenchCanadian mezzo-soprano, will be the vocalist each evening; she will render some of the classics and delve into the popular songs of the concert artist. Mr Percy Kahn, who occupies a prominent position in London musical circles, will be the pianist; he has bfeen with Elman for the past five years. The box plan for the season here is now at Milner and Thompson's, Ltd., High Street (opposite the clock). Day sale 4/- tickets will be at Woodwards, tobacconist, as usual.