ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 253, 18 July 1908, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

WELLINGTON CHORAL SOCIETY. MISCELLANEOUS CONCERT. It is to Bo feared that the wood-wind instruments' fund of the Wellington Choral Society will not bo appreciably augmented by tho receipts from the miscellaneous concert which was given by the Society in the Town Hall last evening. Tho weather was simply vile, and tho attendance was small; tho heating apparatus of the-big hall availed-very little to raise the temperature to' a degree of comfort acceptable to those who did venture out; indeed, one or two members of the orchestra hazarded tho opinion that the apparatus was not in use, and complained that their fingers were fairly, numbed. _ The concert was a very good one, and consisted of a tasteful selection of miscellaneous numbers, contributed by the orchestra, tho chorus, and vccal and instrumental solo performers. Both chorus and orchestra were somewhat attenuated, but, with tho exception perhaps of tho opening number, the orchestral march (Mendolssohn), wore able to do ample justice to their allotted tasks. The spirited "Cornelius March," although admirably played, lacked body, a defect which could only bo removed by increasing the size of the orchestra. More suited to its strength, and excellently played, wore the numbers "Valse Lento" (Maughan Barnett) _ and "Toreador et Andalouse" (Rubinstein). Tho chorus, though small, was evenly balanced, and knew its work. Its first number was Sullivan's well-known "0 Hush Thee, My Baby" (unaccompanied), which was encored. , A little hesitancy was noticed in the "attack" of the sopranos at the commencement, but they quickly recovered themselves, and tho pretty gleo was admirably sung. It was also noticeable, when the chord was struck for the repetition of this number, that a little flatness had crept in. Most enjoyable was tho "Madrigal" (Maughan Barnett), which concluded tho first part. The other concerted numbers were Pinsuti's "Tell Me, Flora," and Mackenzie's "Empire Flag," which were effectively sung. The soloists of the evening were well received. Miss Mina Caldow was very successful in her singing of "Winds in the Trees" (Goring Thomas), "A May Morning" (Donga), and the encore number "Love's Coronation," the latter two being very tastefully sung. Mr. John Pronse was in capital voice, and his selection, "Thou'rt Passing Hence" (Sullivan), was one of tho best items of the, evening, although his tempo was slightly fastor than the character of the composition warranted. , Miss Beatrice Richmond and Herr Max Hoppe (piano and violin) appeared, together in the "Allegro Molto Vivaci" movement of the Greig Sonata (Op. S), and treated tho composition in an artistic and effective manner. Mr. E. J. Hill's item'"Still as'the Night" was well sung, and his encore item " Waiata Poi" (Alf. Hill) was a most successor and. popular offort. Mr. P. R. Johnstone is an accomplished 'cellist, his playihg of Schubert's "Traumarei" in response to a recall for his artistic interpretation of Goltormann's "Cantilena" arid .Becker's "MinUetto," being very fine indeed. Mr. Maughan Barnett also contributed two enjoyable items on. the grand organ—Schubert's graceful "Am Meer" and Volkmann's spirited "Hero's Song"—adding a delicate improvisation as an encore.. Mr. Wilkinson, of Brooklyn,, who was to have contributed a harp solo, was, unfortunately, indisposed. OPERA HOUSE. The comedy, "When Nights were Bold," was repeated last night to a full hous'o,' and went right through with a swing. Mr.'Frank Thornton fooled delightfully through all the acts. Good at tho boginning, he was mnch more amusing in. tho second act, and in the third, when one felt that the best opportunities for humour wero over, he worked the fun up to a.climax, and with tousled head and quito mad expression, kept tho house in uproarious laughter..- His gestures aro as clever as his facial expression, and even when shut up in his armour ho managed to express his feelings most effectively. Miss Donaldson as Lady Rowena played up to him irresistibly. Mr. .Harry Ashford made a great succoss of his part as Canon Pottleberry, and all the other parts were well sustained. ■ . ' THEATRE ROYAL. Tho programme presented at the Theatre Royal last evening was made conspicuously interesting by the appearanco of Mr. Albert Lucas, a dramatic reciter, _ formerly well known in Wellington. There is no questioning Mr. Lucas's ability. Ho has a fiank', forceful style that carries conviction, and even in the hackneyed poem of the turf, "Kissing Cup," he held the house in a grip right through the recital. ' Vigorously applauded, ho gave a. little thing, entitled "How did you take it," which' breathes a fine manly never-say-die spirit. Mr. Lucas is an. acquisition to Messrs. Fullers's company, and thero are many who, taking an interest in elocution, would like to hear him in Edgar Allan Poe's " The Bells." Mr. Fred Bransgrove, of tho double voice, made his re-appearance, and scored best , in bis soprano song, Zardo's "To-niglit." Other performers who were well received were Tod Calloway, Maud: Perman, Belle Gibbon's, Chas. Moody, Geo. Mackie, the Zeala Sisters, and Beatrice Butler. THE ROYAL PICTURES. ■ The over-changing Royal Pictures at His Majesty's Theatre have been added to by a series of films illustrating the opening of the Franco-British • Exhibition now being held at Shepherd's Bush, London.' Those who have no prospect of seeing the real thing are given a capital opportunity of gaining a good, idea of the big show.'' Other pictures of diverse interest aro'entitled "Stop those Barrels," "The Pirates," "Indian.Bitters," and "The Love-lorn Goatherd." The usual matineo will be given this afternoon. MEYNELL' AND GTJNN COMPANY. For their Wellington season at the Opera House, commencing on Monday, July. 27, the new. theatrical combination—Rupert Clarke, John Wren', and Moynell and Gunn—aro sending their premier dramatic organisation, headed by that favourite actor, Mr. Harcourt Beatty, and an English actress of high reputation, Miss Madge M'lntosh. The piece chosen for the opening production is the military drama, "Her Love Against the World, from the pen of , Walter Howard, the author of "The Midnight Wedding." Mr. Harcour't Beatty is cast as Eric, Earl of Stratbmere, and Miss Madge M'lntosh as Princess Iris of Idalid.' The company is at present in Christchurch, where "Her iLovo Against the World" was very well received. Tho management announce the opening of the box plan for tho first nights of tho Wellington season at the Dresden on Wednesday nextv \ . OLYMPIA SKATING RINK. The modern roller skate has brought pleasure to mav millions of people, and at present those in Wellington, are thoroughly enjoying the opportunity afforded at. tho Olympia rink. The kcond half of the season is now in full swing, and this morning there will be a matinee. The band will attend this afternoon, and at the evening session the prizes won at the recent carnival , will bo distributed. MAORI ENTERTAINMENT. A complete change in tho programme has been arranged for the second entertainment at tho Town Hall, this evening, by tho Rotorua Maori Entertainers, assisted by the East Coast party. The great success of the concert on Wednesday should ensure a largo attendance of the public. Tho entertainment is being given under; tho auspices of tho Maori Congress. Tho Grey Billiard Combination, which consists of Harry Grey, champion of Queensland, Gcorgo (ago *11 years), world's champion boy player, and their manager, Mr. Fred. Farrell, will arrive' in Wellington to-morrow. ' The party bavo been on tour since September, 1907, starting from Brisbane, and it is their intention, after touring tho Dominion, to tako Master George to England. Tho "Greys" havo played'their way up from the Bluff to large audiences, who enjoyed the wonderful hazard striking of tho boy equally with tho correct position"play of his father. As fancy, jnasse and trick shot entertainers, tho "Greys" have a first-class reputation..