ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 814, 11 May 1910, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

E33 MIDNIGHT CHIMES.^ "As Midnight Chimes," a melodrama by Frank Thorne. Cast: Luke Dczzard Mr. Hflliard "vox Dave Stannard Mr. Herbert Bentley Ezra Gtimble Mr. P. V. Scully Pat Spavviu . Mr. 'l'hos. Curran Nat Wilson (of the Coastguard) Mr. P. Hunter. Limpy Mudgo Mr. T. E. Tilton Surette (A French Maid) Miss Louise Carbasse Zarnora (An Indian Girl) Miss Lillian Booth Little Davey (Stannard's Son) Miss E. Graham Mary Stannard (Dave's Wife) Miss Essie Olay The Georgo Marlow Dramatic Company; appeared at the Opera House last evening iu another melodrama, entitled, "As Midnight Chimes/' by Frank Thorne. The production was of a sensational nature, including on escapei from a prison gang by boarding a passing train. Unfortunately the train capsized, and the efl'oct was spoilt, 'l'he presentation was marred in other respects, and last evening's performance on the whole did not run smoothly enough to bring out such merits as the melodrama may. possess. The principal parts were played by Miss Essie Clay; Mr. Herbert Jientley, who shaped very well, and Mr. Hilliard Vox. Mr. Tom Curran infused brightness into a conventional comedy role, and was cheerfully assisted by Miss. Carbasse, an attractive soubretto, as a smart little French maid. Mr. Scully was sound and workmanlike as a weak and erring fisherman, and a small child—jSliss E. Graham, spoke her lines clearly and with intelligence. The entr'acte music of a little orchestra, under Mr, W. L. Butler, was a pleasing feature. "That Woman from France/' another drama by Frank Thorne, is underlined for the "Host production. theatre' ROYAL. ' The clever artists at tho Royal still-sine and dance and joke their-way to popularity, and • apparently they find the road an easy one. A large audience last evening applauded the repetition of the new programme. The vaudeville entertainment given by Messrs. Fullers' Company is both crisp and'varied, and. the piograph pictures of the late King opening Parliament have a sad appropriateness at the present time. HIS MAJESTY'S PICTURES. The .rough weather did -not muterially affect the customary largo attendance at His Majesty's Thentro last evening, when the final exhibition of the currcnt week's programme was given. The- weekly change of programme takes prace to-night, and though the standard set by recent programmes is a high onoi the new collection. is said to be quite up to the previous high order of merit. Prominent among tho new items is a film which, in view of the recent national bereavement, assumes a unique but pathetic interest, entitled "Notable Incidents in the Life of. King Edward the Seventh." The late King in this series 'at 1 various functions) and it is easily seen how, warm a 1 place ho occupied in the hearts of his subjects. Other items comprise the latest picture drama, beautiful | scenics, and the usual comic olement. Specially. attractive series are those entitled "The Power of the Press/' . and "Foolshead Wants to Marry." The programme should ho well worth a visit. Seats may be reserved at Christeson'6. THE KING'S THEATRE. ' The King's Theatre was again crowded last when tho excellent programme of pictures which has given such general satisfaction during tho past week were presented for the last time. Tonight there will bo the >nsunl weekly change, containing an extensive variety of all classes of films, ranging from sidesplitting sketches to dramatic and 'exquisite scenio studies. Prominent amongst the items are "The Power of the Press,"

"A Jump to Dentil," "Elephants in In- | dia," ."A Valuable IT at/' "A Box of Chocolate's," "Five Minutes' to Twolvo," and inimitable "Foolshead" in another great creation entitled "Wanting' to Marry the Guv'nor's Daughter." There are also other interesting and instructive subjects. The King's Orchestra will also lender now accompaniments and selections. PICTURES. The star of the Star Pictures, so to speak, ■at St. Thomas's Schoolroom, Newtown, is a fine film callod "Redwing's Revenge," which depicts . a dramatic Red Indian story. The views' of Itova and Lake Garda give a good idea of the enchanting loveliness of. tlieso Italian beauty spots. Horse-lovers should not miss tho series descriptive of an Algerian stud. The new programme will be repeated to-night. MADAM BUTTERFLY. ' v aro i'° k" l ™ Bmnd opera in Engt tu ?. no ? company composed chiefly of Italian artists of high reputation with an orchestra of over 40 instruments under the direction of the renowned Signor Roberto Hazon, late conductor of La Scala, Milan, 'and under the direction of Mr. J. C. Williamson. We are also to hear Puccini for the first tuno in Wellington. No are, in short, toibo offered one of the most important enterprises in grand opera production* that the 'Dominion lias been tempted with. Ok Thursday week, at the Opera House, Mr.' J. C. Williamson will present. "Madam Butterfly," a | tragic opera by tho great Italian comSigner Giacomo Puccini. The opera is unconventional, tho music fascin.ating and of great melodic charm, while the story moves •' with tragic force. "Madam Butterfly," it is sai'd, will for ever establish Giacomo Puccini's reputa* tion as a profound analyst of the human heart of its most poignant crises of' joy and woe. Tho compaijy, it would appear, is particularly rich in vucalists. Bel Sorel—prima donna—who will sing the part of the devoted heroine "Cho Clio San" on the opening night, striked the' tragic note perfeotly. This artist is credited with being fortunately possessed of the finest lyric soprano, after Melba, yet heard in Australia, and in the opinion of critics is the finest dramatic operatic artist that we have had amongst us. The part is of so exacting a nature that it is impossible for the same artist to sing two nights in succession. Miss Amy Castles will therefore alternate "Cho Clio San" with Mile. Bel Sorel. The. company, besides thoso mentioned, includes Mile. Lily Barnato, and Signora Maria l'ampari, also Miss Rosina Buckman, Miss Florence Quinn, Miss Lilian Boanas, amongst many others in less importantroles. Of the gentlemen, Mr. F. H. Blarney and Signor Jean Zerga aro the principal tenors, Signor Antonio Zanelli the primo baritone, Arthur Lano. .baritone, Orme Diuvall, Rufus Ferguson tenors, and Edward Wynn basso. Tho box plans will bo opened at the Dresden for the first six nights on .Friday. THE ELLWOOD TRIO. This talented combination,- including Miss Winnie Nixon, will give a concert at the Town Hall, Lower Hutt, to-night. The concerts announced for last Saturday and Sunday, which wcro postponed in consequence of the national bereavement, will tnko place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday next, thus giving the many thousands who waited outside the Town Hall on Sunday night an opportunity to hear the latest New Zealand musical wonders.