AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLII, Issue 300, 18 December 1911, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

"THE CHOCOLAXB SOLDIER." This evening at S o'clock Mr J. C. Williamson will present, interpreted by the New English Opera Company, the latest and possibly finest creation in light opera-, "The Chocolate Soldier." For wealth of vocal talent and efficient orchestra, this company promises to mark an era in local entertainment, and -a great treat is anticipated by music lovers. Owing to the length of the work and the fact that there is no overture, the management are desirous that patrons will be seated early, more especially as the celebrated waltz song "My Hero" occurs shortly after the rising of the curtain. To-night will appear, with one exception, an. entirely new company. Messrs Leslie Gaze, Albert Kavauagh, Noel Fleming, Frank Wilson, John Bernard, and Misses Kita Presauo, Mabel Graham, Belle Gorton, all come with flrst-clai» English reputations, and will make their first appearances here this evening. A hearty welcome is anticipated for Miss Amy Murphy, who, in the part of Nadlna, makes a re-entry into comic opera ill the Dominion. That the attraction offered is excellent there C3n be little doubt. Music by Oscar Straus and a libretto by the redoubt- ] able George Bernard Shaw to a certain de--1 gree suggest aoi abundance of literary and j musical riches. The orchestra, an Important factor In the present case, will be under the direction of Mr Victor Champion, while Mr Victor Tatnall will have the management of the stage. Tie opera is produced by Mr Charles Wenman. The season Is for 12 nighte, the box plans for the first six nights of which are now open at Wildman and Arey's. The plans for the remaining six nights will he opened on Wednesday morning next. PICTURE SHOWS. A bright change of the programme was the cause of freely expresseii appreciation at the Windsor Theatre. Ponsonby, on Saturday night. The current entertainment ia consequently of considerable merit, QUEEN'S THEATRE. The seventh bi-weekly change took place at the Queen's Theatre at the first session this morning. " The Making of a Man," an A.B. aim of tense dm- -'.c interest, from a photographic and c. ctlve point is unique. " How Betty Won the School," a special vitagraph story, is full of human interest, and of excellent technique. "The True-hearted Miller," and exclusive Bison study to be seen only at the Queen's, tells a- story of trust and goodfeliowsnip in the k;ne mining camps of the West. The Italian jvar pictures are the first series of cinematograph correspondence by a celebrated Italian film company, and are therefore accurate, and portray actual developments. "The Spy" deajs with a powerful phase of the North v. Sonth American TVar, and held the audience spellbound. '• Summer (Babies" (educational). " Oossiping Zapvllle" fcomedy), and a pretty scenic fill a fine bill, which will conthire 1111 Wednesday. PICTURE ENTERTAINMENTS. An entertainment of a novel nature Is promised Opera House patrons this evening in the nature of an initial exhibition In Auckland of "kinemacolor." which, being interpreted, means an elaboration of colour process work In moving pictures. The capital programme presented by West's at the Royal Albert Hall compels the Interest of patrons, the snbjects being varied and Interesting. The Light Brigade survivors are always heartily cheered. Arrangements are being en-rpred Into for a cinematograph baby show ; .he New Tear. The new programme to be submitted by Hayward's at the Lyric this evening contains several examples of Fatne's latest colour process, termed "Colourmatography." said to be absolutely true to Nature. The series includes "Isis" (an Egyptian drama), "Costumes of All Periods," "Hunting the Panther," and "Chrysanthemums." These will comprise a severe test, embracing as they do so many varieties of colour. In addition a very One 6erieg of pictures will be screened. AVONDALE ORCHESTRA'S FIRST CO.NCEBI. The Avondale Hall presented a very pleasing appearance to the nrc-mbers of tne Avondale orchestra last Friday evening, when quite iJO people gathered to hear the concert given by and on behalf of the Orchestral Society. The members have been practising for about three mouths, and tilt result of their efforts was Highly appreciated, as shown by the enthusiastic reception each item was given, encores being demanded. The orchestra consists of the following instrumentalists: First violins. Miss Crisp. Messrs Hartley, Morris, and Urowu; second violins. Miss N. Robertson, Messrs Bright and Viggers; 'cello, Mr G. Firth; ball, Mr Nisbltt; AJr Morey; piccolo. Mr Houghton; fllute, Mr Heighway; cornet, Mr Sutherlant); and euphonium, Mr Dixon; Mi3s Robertson, pianist. The conducting is carried out by Mr P. B. Flnlaysoo. The Avondale Choral Society, assisted with two items. "The Miller's Wooing" and "Now by Day's Retiring Lamp," and each time were recalled. Mr Arthur Ford sang "Come, Beloved," and "Come into the Garden, Maud." His line tenor voice greatly pleased the audience, who would not be satisfied until he had favoured them again in each case. Miss Crisp played a violin solo, and Mr Daves sang "Will o' the Wisp." In the selection "KUlarney," given by the orchestra, Mr Sutherland, as cornet soloist, was decidedly good. Mr Zante Wood, n prize winner at the receut Wellington competitions, cannot be praised enough, and his humorous recital "Our Elocution Class," and also musical monologue, "Oh, Memory," were so appreciated that he was recalled again and yet agaiu. Mr Sutherland's comics were very good, and Miss Robertson's rendering of "Jeuuesse" was very pretty, and her responding to an encore proved Just as satisfactory. Mr Flnlayson, as conductor of both orchestra and choral society, must be i-uuipiiiu<rut"d for the able manner In which he has c,: Tied out h.x duties in the short time that L-e has had to bring the society to concert giving pitch. Mrs 11. Bollard acted as accompanist for soloists, and Misses Levy and Blasted for the Choral Society. PICTURE SIIOIfB. The programme which has been selected by the Fuller pjroprletary for to-night's entertainment at the King's Theatre Includes la strong Scottish drama entitled " Rob Roy." iMany other Interesting pictures are also advertised for presentation. A new programme Is to go on to-day for the •' continuous " show at the Queen's Theatre. A leading attraction will be a set of Hnlian-Tufko war pictures, which came to hand by the iMnheno yesterday. Altogether the bill of fare Is well varied. The new Empire Theatre was attended toy large crowds at the entertainments of Saturday afternoon and evening, a change of programme being presented on -the latter occasion. The spools will be refilled again for Wednesday's entertainment. The Newton Theatre will hare an entire change of programme to-day. The subjects luclude " East Lynne," " Australian Gazette 53." " Senorita's Conquest," " Ae■rlal Anarchists," " Women of the West," and " Boaker's Invention." There was a change of programme at the Adelphi Theatre. Newmarket, on Saturdav, when there were largp attendances.