ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 818, 16 May 1910, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"THAT WOMAN FROM FRANCE." "That Woman From France," a melodrama by Frank Thorne. Cast: John Beaumont Mr. Herbert J. Bentley. Cecil Charrington Mr. T. E. Tilton. Phillip Oliarrington ...Mr. Billiard Vox. Latimer Lowder Mr. Thos. Curran. Sir iidinonde Charrint'ton Camille Nicol Miss Essie Olay.' Beryl Stancliffe Miss Lillian Booth. Winnie WMiams...Miss Louise Carbaeso. Martha Wilhams...Miss Nettie Eunhahl. "That Woman from France," tho latest of the melodramas to bo produced by the George Marlow Company at the Opera House, though quite simple and. conventional in its anticipation of the obvious, has more in it to commend than in any of its predecessors. It has an intelligible plot, is fairly well constructed, and has an interest that is sustained to the end. "That Woman from France" is chiefly concerned with tho members of tho Ghamngton family, of which Sir Edmonde is. tho head. There are two sons, Cecil the good, and Phillip the bad. So low has the latter sunk that ho has allied himself to a gang of smart Parisian thieves, in which he answers to the Mine of the Knave. The ruling spirit of this notorious set is Camillo Nicol, the Queen of tho pack, who, having sent her husband I to prison to be ■ rid of him, has inveigled young Cecil Charrington into a promise, of marriage, while assuming the role of an Italian Countess. All is going well-, when the . husband, ' John Beaumont, turns up, seeking revenge on those who had treated him so scurvily in their,last exploit. Camille, I I seeing her chances of winning young Cecil and the Charrington estates jeoi pardised by Beaumont's reappearance, I stabs him, as she thinks, . to death. Then the scene changes to-England, where Cecil introduces the lady from France to the old family home, and re-establishes there his banished-brother Phillip during Sir Edmbnde's absence. On thelatter's return lie is introduced to Camille, and finds to his horror that she- is more 'than an acquaintance of his own wilder days. In the strongest scene in the play Sir Edmoude declares that tlie marriage cannot bn. Sho defies him to prevent it. Then follows lhillips dismissal, and a warm scene between Cecil and his father, in which the latter, knowing tho woman as a. scheming adventuress, pleads with ins favourite boy to givo her up. They part after a heated scene,'both determined on a positive line of action. Sir Jidmondo altors his will in favour of his niece Beryl Stauclitfe, cutting off both Cecil and Phillip. Tho schemers, hearing of this, plot to kill Sir Esmondo. This is neatly done by' the angelic Camille, with tho aid of her handkerchief. In the disturbance that follows a locoso drunk named tmidssr picks nrp the now will, which falls from the mu /to .? mnn ' s P° cket . and secretes it, and Phillip with great enthusiasm nccusca his brother Cecil of the crime committed, the accuser states, after a heated quarrel, with Sir Esmonde. Cecil flees, and Phillip marries Camillb and walks into the estates. Two years elapse, during which tho man who picked up the will is unable to remember where ho placed it, but finally Oecil and ■ Beaumont return simultaneously with tho finding of the will Cecil marries Beryl, and the lady from France, rather than hang, jumps over a convenient cliff.

Miss Essio Clay docs not adequately suggest the worst woman in Paris. Iho s-.btlety, and leering lovo of gold winch is the destroying impulse of the ■woman was merely spoken—it was not conveyed histrionically. Mr. Billiard Vox played Phillip Charrington .on similar Imes to those adopted in tho other parts ho lias played during the present season; and oh tho whole ho was satisfactory. Mr. Herbert Bontley who has done somo good work, missed a good melodramatic chance as Beaumont when, hunted and starving ho seeks sanctuary at the Charrington manor. _ His idea of a man dying of starvation was a sleek, rather wellgroomed young man, on good terms with himself. The Sir Edmondo of Mr. P. Scully was a refreshingly strong and purposeful bit of acting, and Miss Carbasso, as cheerful Winnie Williams was bright and winsome in her assumption of the ingenue role. Mr. T. E. Tilton was rather hard and unsympathetic "as Cecil Charrington. Miss Lillian Booth was well suited as Bervl 'Stancliffe, and Mr. T. Curran, who 'is short of ideas in "make-up," dispensed thin humour cheerfully. Tho plav is well mounted. "That Woman from France" will be played again this evening, and tomorrow that hardy perennial "East Lynne will make a tearful reappearance. THEATRE, ROYAL. A complete change is announced in connection with to-night's vaudeville programme at the Theatre Royal. The artists at present under engagement to Messrs. Fuller and Sons have not been found wanting, and the fact of crowded houses being the rule is sufficient tribute There are Armstrong and Verne (with a popular past, and still firm favourites), Raleigh (wire-walker), Lecilo Stephano (contralto), Victor the Ventriloquist, Ivy Goodwill (soubrette), Joe Lamb (Newcastle vocalist), and I'rank Yorko (the "big voice" comedian) all of whom will reappear this evening. KING'S THEATRE. Some • excellent pictures of the late lung aro to be seen in this week's programme at the King's Theatre iiuig Edward was photographed at the tunction of opening the now Museum and ting George V, who also attended tho ceremony, was "snapped" at closu quarters, the expression of tho features being very distinct. Tho entertainment includes a charming film taken from a tram running through the thick snows of Switzerland, and a realistic American story-picture entitled the Power.of the Press." This series will be shown to-night and to-morrow night.. In connection with this evening's exhibition, the luanagoment announces as a special feature of the programme, that there will be screened, for tho first time in Ivew Zealand, a very fine film snoß .. ing Barry, the challenger for the world's sculling championship, practising on the Thames for his great race with Arnst on tho Zambesi Rivor. HIS MAJESTY'S.

There were large attendances at His Majesty's Theatre on Saturday, both at the family matinee in the afternoon and again in tho evening. The current picture programme contains many feaDtires of interest, including a series of notable incidents in the life of the late King. Many of these are very fiuo scones, treating as they do of events, which will pass down to history as really great. Besides these, the programme is well balanced in the matter of light and shade. The sccnics nnd the comics are screened in duo proportion, whilst the lino educative ones, which treat of industrial subjects, liave their place also. Of the scenics the fine views of select parts of the quaint Swiss cantons make capital subjects. Tho programmo will be" repeated this evening. THE ELLWOOD TRIO. A very largo audiencn assembled at the Concert Room, Town Hall, for the Ellwood concert on Saturday evening. From overy point oC view tho recital was a very successful one. Tho talented trio of youthful musicians—Harry, George, and Polly Ellwood-and Miss , Winnie Nixon, the charming vocalist of the party, were on tho best of terms with their audience, and the latter was thoroughly mid demonstratively appreciative. The programme

of items included several numbers which had boen given at previous recitals—it would be churlish to expect a very extensivo repertoire from these young musicians— but the repetition carried no flavour of staleness. On the contrary, it permitted a deeper analysis of the powers of tho performers, a more detached appreciation of their respective temperaments! There is no doubt whatever tfiat the members of the trio accomplish, in a most creditable way, tasks in musicianship rarely—in New Zealand at any rate— nchieved by children of similar age, and although one hesitates to predict that any one of the trio, will some day be proclaimed to be a genius, since youthful precocity is an unreliable augury of future greatness, it. is not too much to say that with careful tuition under the best auspices, linked with that "capacity for taking infinite,pains", which is .declared to be a necessary attribute of genius, they will take a very high place as performers in their art. George Ellwood, whose solo numbers on Saturdav included Squire's fanciful "Tzig, Tzig, a charming idyll by the same composer, and .Goltermann's ' Tarantello," is endowed with quito exceptional mnsical capacity, and handles his 'cello with all the verve and address that characterises tho musician of true artistic temperament. A little carelessness in oxecution marks the playing of Harry Ellwood, the violinist, but that is a defect which .lies within his own capacity to remedy. In his items -"Polonaise" (Vieurfemps), and Sarasate's "Gypsy Airs," lie showed finalities of true musicanship. Polly Ellwood is an accomplished young pianist, with plenty of temperament, and when associated with her brothers in the concerted numbers— Bache's "Finale, Op. 25, in D minor," a serenade of TTidor's, and tho final move-: ment of tho Arensky "Trio in D minor" —was confident, sympathetic, and thoroughtly reliable. Of Miss Nixon, it need only be said that her singing was delightful. Her rendition of Chaminadc's pathetic little ballad "Three Green Bounets,' to mention one of her items, marked her as a ballad singer of • high promise. Mr. Dave Krany was her accompanist. \ SUNDAY CONCERT. So great was the crowd that wished to hear, tho Ellwood Trio , and- Miss Winnie Nixon at the Town Hall last evening that the doors had to be closed fully half an houv before the concert commenced, and by 8 p.m. as many peoplo ■as would fill-tho big hall over again had collected at the doors, bnt had to retire disappointed. The programme was thoroughly in keeping with, the day, including amongst other items three "Ave Marias." Harry Ellwood,' the soulful young violinist, gave a fine rendering of tho Schubert-Wilhelmj "Ave Maria"; Gounod's was played by the trio; and Miss .Nixon sang.Maschcroni's beautiful setting with fine effect, having the assistance of Mr. Harry Ellwood (violin), Mr. Win. Pronse (organ),' and Mr. Kenny (piano). Xhe tno also played Thome's "Amlanto Keigioso' impressively. George, the cellist, played Squire's "Prayer," "Lullaby," and "Consolation," and Miss Nixon contributed Carey's setting of "Nearer My (jort to Thee," and as an encore tho solo (by request) "At Best," rang in memory of the late King.' Tho concert party leave for Auckland by the Main Trunk express at noon to-nay. STAB, PICTURES. St. Thomas's Hall, Newtown, wa,9 well filled on Saturday afternoon and evening, when tho bright and varied selection of moving pictures, as shown throughout the week, again appeared ou tho screen. A ohnngo of programme is announced for to-night. GEAND OPERA IN ENGLISH. THE ROMANCE OP CHO CHO SAN. Probably no more romantic theme has ever been chosen by a composer of grand opera than the moving story of Clio Clio San. John Luther Long, tho eminent i American author, first wrote it in book form. Tho book had a great vogue, so much so that David Belasco, tho wellknown manager, made a play of it, which was also a pronounced success. Puccini saw the play, was enamoured of tho theme, and resolved to write an opera upon tho romantic subject. That opera known ■world-wide as "Madam Butterflv," sealed the reputation of Puccini as a really great composer. "Madam Butterfly" has held pride of place in all the great music centres of Europe as a paramount attraction during tho past four years. No season of grand opera in Europe, North America, and South America is held complete without tho inclusion of "Madam Butterfly." All the great singers of tho day are appearing frequently as the devoted and delightful Cho Clio San. Bel Sorel, tho prima donna, who will sin" the part under ,T. C. ■Williamson's management ou Thursday next, last year appeared- in the opera at tho Metropolitan Opera House, New York, with the great Caruso in tho tenor role of "Pinkerton." Die moving simplicity of tho story,'with its grim . and tragic environments, the supremely human note that is struck with the first bar of music, and which remains till tho last sigh of tho 'colli aro heard, proclaiming the death of tho enchanting Japanese maiden, form, it is said, a combination rarely heard in grand opera. "Madam Butterfly" will bo given for fivo nights, with Bel Sorel and Amy Castles alternating the part of Butterfly nightly. On Thursday, May 2G, Signorina Maria Pampari will make her appearance as Mimi in "La Boheine."

OLTSIPIA ROLLER RINK. The fascinating and popular winter pastime of roller skating will commence from Saturday next, when the doors of tho Olympia Rink will bo opened. Tho magnificent jarrali floor, which has been laid by the proprietors, Messrs. John Fuller and Sons, is said by experts who have tried it to be tho finest and fastest skating surface that anyone could desire. To bo in keeping with the excellence of the floor, Messrs. Fuller are also equipping tho rink with a complete stock of new skates of the latest and most approved makes. Patrons can rely on being well served in this respect. A first-class brass band will be in attendance, and a competent staff of instructors. The traToom and cloak-room will also be attended to by responsible officials.

Miss Hardinge-Mnltuy intends early in August giving some performances at the Opera House of the late T. W. Robertson's . celebrated comedy, "Caste." The part of Ecclcs will be played by Mr. W. P. Bastin.