ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1102, 15 April 1911, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"THK BAD GHUi OK THE FAMILY. , ' Tho first production in this city of that soiunticnal drama, "The Bad' Girl <i! the- Family." will take place at the Opera House this evening. If successes in previous cities are to be taken as a criterion, .Air. George Marlow, whosn iine organisation will interpret the; drama, should have an immensely successful season here. The piece, 'which i» from the pen of that finn dramatic writer, Frederick Melville, will have a cast, of tho loading artists in Australia, including Messrs. Herbert Bently, O. |{. Stamord, Thomas Curran, Herbnrj Linden, P. V. .Scully, Thomas Tilton and Misses Aria Guiklford, Ida Grcshair. Lilian Wiseman, and Addie Kelly. So much has been written regarding this remarkable play, and such considerable comment excited over its intrinsic morns, that it is no wonder more than ordinary interest is being provoked in its presentation. The piece is now running simultaneously at two London theatres, while no fewer than, four dramatic companies are touring with it through the English provinces. To-day the box plan will be on view at Chr'isteson's • Monday next, until 1 p.m., at the same place; after 1 p.m., Monday next, at the Opera House. A special "matinee o* lhe Bad Girl of the Family" will be given on Monday at 2 p.m.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATBE. There was a complete change of programme at His Majesty's Theatre on iluirsday .night, when a large holiday crowd occupied the house! Some exceilent scenic films were included in tho bill, that entitled "The Blue. Ni|o" being especially good, giving, as it did; a clear illustration of phases of life on the historic river. Another scenic, "Grindelwald," gave some, splendid views-of this typical German town The usual Wild West dramatic story was portrayed in "Blue Horse Mine." Two prospectors, with insufficient capital to.work their claim, seek about for means to raise the necessary funds. One of them, who happens to be, a runner of some note, enters for a Marathon race, to which a prize of ■20,000 dollars attaches. Shortly after commencing training, ho has the misfortune to break his arm. In desperation, the two men interview an Indian, whom they had previously befriended' and appeal to him to enter for tho race. The chief, a famous runner, falls m with tho suggestion, and goes into active preparation for the event. Athletes from all parts of the country are nominated for the Marathon, and widespread interest prevails. The famo of the Indian chief spreads, and ho is soon the favourite. His fondness for 'firewater" results in numerous- attempts to "hocus" him, and, when he returns from his training, and runs in an intoxicated state, there is once more dismay in ■ the prospectors' camp. A womans influence saves the situation, and the Indian, after feigning drunkenness on the morning of the race, upsets tho calculations of the villain, arid brings joy to "Blue Horse Mine" by carrying oft" the prize after a desperate finish, which is vividly pictured; A rather sordid story was that unfolded in "Fate's Turning." "A Test of friendship" tells a tale of a fierce fight between two workmen, on the .top of a twenty-story building, culminating in the sensational rescue of a man suspended hundreds of feet above tho ground. On the educational side of the programme were several films of interest, including a "Great Italian Hydroplane" and "Our Bread Supply," the latter showing the process of making, from tho sifting of the flour to the delivery of tho loaf. In lighter vein were "Billy's Bugle," "Magic Book, and "Over Mountain Sledges." Appropriate music was supplied by the orchestra. . The programme will bo repeated this evening, and, on Monday night, there will be the usual change, when "Never too Late to Mend" will be presented for the first time in New. Zealand. A very attractive programme was screened at His Majesty's last night, and one that was in keeping with the day. The sacred subjects dealt with were all beautifully coloured and splendidly mounted and acted. Perhaps the best was one depicting various scenes and incidents in the Life of Christ - "Samson and Delilah," a Biblical study, and "The.Seven.Deadly Sins." an allegorical study, was also much appreciated. THEATRE ROYAL. A typical holiday audience attended the Theatro Royal on Thursday night, when several artists made tlieir last appearance. Last night pictures wefo shown, theso including some excellent films. To-night a complete change of programme takes place. The now artists include Harris arid Vernon, a typical American dancine; duo, who conic direct from the United States. It ;s said that the turn is quite an original one, and new to New Zealand. fho Rhodesbury's two lively corner men and dancers, Pat Recce, 'another corner nian, and the Seyffer Twins, are also in the new bill. [

KING'S THEATRE. The chief item of interest in the programme presented at the King's 'theatre on Thursday evening (the occasion of a change of programme), was a film depicting the wounding of Admiral De Coligni, .in the reign- of Charles IX of France. . This was merely tho forerunner of a'still darker event —the massacre on St. Bartholomew's Eve. These two tragic happenings are some of the many deeds attributed to the influence of Catherine De Medici. After a religious war tho Hegenots, of which Do Coligni was leader, the Church became reconciled. Tho "Admiral became a favourite with the King, but made an enemy of the Queen Mother, and the Duke of Guise'. As he is returning from the palace ho is shot at by an assassin, but not dangerously wounded. The Queen .Mother, finding that the attempt has failed, draws up a warrant for the execution of De Coligni, and, after a very dramatic scene, forces the hapless Charles to sign it. The execution of the deed is entrusted to a German mercenary, and as he and the King's guards burst into the chamber of their victim, they are confronted by the Admiral, old, and sick, but fearless". They show no mercy, and, after murdering him, cast his body through the window into tho courtyard below. Then follows the niassacro of the. Hugenots in Paris. A splendid series of "comics" was also given, the host being: "A Dog Worth Having," "The Chimney Sweep's Hoy." and "Who Will Eat the Turkey?" Of tho dramatic studies, the pictures which appeared to create most enthusiasm were: "The Blue Horse Mine" and "His Father's Enemy." In a scenic picture entitled "Grindelwald" one is taken through a veritable fairyland of beautiful scenery. The programme is full of merit, and the change is a chinge in the full sense of the word. The same series will bo run oif this evening.

A special programme was arranged at tlio King's Theatre, last night, when the whole of the seating accommodation was taken up. The pictures screened wore- mainly scenic and dramatic subjects, with ono interesting industrial picture entitled: "A Day in a Pottery Works," showing numerous phases of flic manufacture. The scenic films included views of Home, Benares, Festival in Constantinople, and other good ones, while among the Biblical subjects were the "Judgment of King Solomon," "David and Goliath." "Ancient Babylon," and "Ruth nnd'Bq-iz." Many of the'pictures were beautifully coloured and patrons seemed to bo well pleased with the whole entertainment.

THE NEW THEATRE. The proprietors of the New Theatre (Mcsfr.s. MacMahon and Donnelly) have a special announcement in thjs j fsuc > stating that their establishment will not open, as was intended, this evening, it having been found necessary to delay (lie event until Monday evening. The reason lor this brief delay is that the completion of the interior decorations of the New Theatre has liecn slightly retarded by the arrival of the holiday season". On Monday evening, n programme of pictures will bo screened. The films, which are of tho best clars, have been obtained l),y the proprietors, under arrangement with J. D. Williams, of Sydney. Every iiom, the management state, will be absolutely new to the Dominion. The continuous policy will be- inaugurated at tlio New Theatre on Tuesday. Pictures will be shown from 11 a.m. until 11.15 p.m. The modest sum of sixpence will entitle patrons to the use of a comfortable tip-up stall seat. Children will bs admitted at half-price. WEST'S PICTURES. The Concert Chamber of the Town Hall was crowded last evening for the special Good Friday exhibition of West's Pictures. The programme was appropriate to the. season, and consisted of a carefully-selected list, which included some particularly good scenic studies— "The Bay of Naples," "Scenes in Venice," "Sketches from Holland'," to mention a few—and a series of dramatic studies based upon Biblical history. The story of Ruth and Boaz was admirably acted in a beautifully-coloured Patlio film, and in its faithful reproduction of the- modes and customs of the .period, and its setting was a study of great educational value. A drama of ancient Babylon was also given, and licre, too, commendable pains had unmistakably been taken to see that the period of tho story was accurately portrayed. A very fine film was the series of scenes in the far-famed Bois de Boulogne,, while a ( l>eautiful colour picture of a floral fete in France is also worthy of. comment. CONCERT AT OPERA. HOUSE. M. Eugene Ossipoff, the.Russian baritone, is well worth hearing, if it is only to realists to what emotional extremes a concert singer may go and still win Ino warm appreciation of an audieicc. Though his voico varies in quality, li,j has some- fine ringing nctes, chiefly in his top register, which he makes the most of dramatically. His method, temperament, vivid tone colouring, and acting make , an impress oil the audience, and induce encores to each number. He was in groat form last evening at the Opera House, when he practically doubled tho length of the programme with his supplemented numbers. They included "Les Rameaux" (Faure), the aria "Dio Possente," from "Faust," ''The Morn" (Wranjrell), a dramatic scene from Rubinstein's "Demon" (in which he was associated with Miss Hence Lees), an aria from Rubinstein's "Nero," another from "Tin Ballo in Maschero" (Verdi), the Toreador Song from "Carmen," "My Lady Fair" (Grhege), and his now "familiar Russian "folk dance song." Prior to breaking away frem the. sacred numbers, M. Ossipoff, in a quaint little speech, explained in his broken English that he had dared to break away froni conventionality last Good Friday night in Melbourne, and there was no reason why he should not do so again. The result was the Toreador Song, which ho sang with great spirit in Russian, taking doubtful liberties-with the number as written. His amazing suggestion of deviltry'as the Demon in the Rubinstein aria suggests that UieMosrow artist would moke a particularly effective Mophistopheles in Gounod's "Faust." Miss Lilian Edwards, whoso tone is thin and inclined to sharpness,'sang Gounod's "Ave Maria," Belirends 1 s "Crossing tho Bar,," and "The Rosary," and "Alia Stella Coiifi-' dentc." A feature of the concert was the artistic 'oboe playing of Mr. Charles Norman, who produces a smooth, plump tone, and.plays with nice .finish. Ho played Schubert's "Ave Maria," Mendelssohn's; "Songs' Without AVords;" and "Tho Lost Chord" (Sullivan). Ho also played obbligatos most tastefully to two of Miss Edwards's soncs. " Miss Renee Lees's accompaniments"were excellent. -.

THE WANDERERS. Tlio long-looked-ffl'r visit of the Wanderers' Musical Cofoedy Costume Company will eventuate at the Town Hall (Concert Chamber) to-night, when these Clever entertainers 'will inaugurate a season of seven nights. The kevnote of the entertainment given by "Tho Wanderers" is refinement. Tho company is that sort of combination which cannftt fail to pleaSe patrons. Included in the organisation is the brilliant London society entertainer. Miss Phyllis Hopwood-Fokli, whose celver monologue and pianoforte recitals have earned high praise from the English press. The Other members of tho Wanderers' Company include: Singers, instrumentalists, dancers, actors, sketch artists, and humorists, who coinbirte to present an entertainment of a fascinating and decidedly novel character. The plan of reserved seats will he 011 view to-day and Monday, at Abel's, tobacconist. SUNDAY CONCERT. „It is announced that M. Eugene Ossipoff, the Russian baritone, with the assistance of the members of his company, will give a sacred concert at the Opera House 011 Sunday evening. A particularly interesting programme has been prepared for the occasion, which will givo a final opportunity of hearing this very remarkable singer. TRAMWAYS BAND. Th© Tramways Band will give a performance at Newtown Park on Sundav afternoon.