ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2369, 27 January 1915, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

J- C. -WILLIAMSONS OQMIO OEERA . COMPANY. ! MIHE'GOXDOUEES M 10-SIGH3L To-nigkt at the Grand Opera Honfe J. C. Willitunsoc's Irfinrton Company of Gilbert ami SoUivaii artists will make their first appearance in Wclhngtnn in tlie fascinating comic opera, ''The Gondoliors." Although the booking is'excellent for the three representations of tire Venetian musical play, seats in central positions are still available at the Bristol Piano Company, and tickets for the early-door stalls and gallery may be purchased at Miss Lennox's until 1 o'clock, and' afterwards they can he procured at tho office of the Opera House. To-night's representation of "The Gondoliers" will signalise the first appearance of Mr. Charles Waletm, one of London's- most no tod comedians. Mr. Walenn's representation of the Duke of Plaza Toro is amongst his greatest characterisations. Besides being described as one of the funniest of' comedians, Mr. Walenn is also a firstmlass dancer, and' he has a real good singing voice. Mr. G. Villiors Arnold, who will tako the part of Luiz, is an artist who has won a bis: London reputation in the works of Gilbert ,&nd Sullivan. Mr. Frank Wilson, the popular baritone, will make a welcome reappearance in the rolo of Guiseppe, and Mr. Albert Kavanngb. who last toured the Dominion with "The Chocolate Soldier" organisation, will take the role of Don Bolero, v. portrayed by Mr. Howard Vernon. The principal tenor, Mr. Edward M/Kepwn, from reports, possesses a rich voice, and his rendering of the well-known number, "Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes.'" created _ a great impression in Auckland. Miss

Gladys Moncrieff. who will make her doW, m tie part of Gianetta. has sven'whero been lavishly praised. Special interest will centre on the appearance of Miss Ethel Morrison (Ethel. Maginntty), a native of Wellinirton. Although only a young girl, Miss Pearl Ladd, who iriT! take the part cf Casilda, has already won her way into the hearts of London plnrgoers through her fine work in the Orlbert and Snllivan operas. Miss Katie May is another London artist of some rsnown. Miss May will take the role of Tessa, which is-ranked amongst her best achievements. A bis? feature of the cvjra is the chorns and orchestral work. Tiip opera is under the direction of Mr. Frank Weathcrfhv, and the rrnmVal director is Mr. Henry Burton. Only three performances oan he given of "The Gondoliers," and it will he followed on Saturday by "Tfte Yeomen of the Guard." •HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. ' Several new "turns" of interest are showing at His Majesty's Theatre, Courtanay ■ Place, this week. John Earl, "The Hattedian," gives a most original display with manipulation of headgear. He fills up the turn with some clever and amusing acrobatic specialities. The Driscolls are as great . favourites as ever, and their patter and song® are genuinely amusing. ..Madame Rose Lorenz is a graceful and daring trapezist, who provides an excellent turn, while other artists of merit featuring on the bill are Madame Schell," with her two lions, "Tho Two Franklins," M'K.enzie-and Guest, and Herman and Shirley. . : . THE KING'S THEATRE. A powerful dramatic attraction by the Famous Players Company, ' "The Brute,!' is .featuring on the uurreut programme at King's Theatre. The film, which is . 4500 feet in length, unfolds an engrossing story in whicn'is love story. Mr. Malcolm Williams interprets the leading Tole, and the supporting artists are excellent. Other pictures- on the programme include : '.'Hello, Mabell" (a Mabel Normand. Keystone comic); "The. School Teacher' and the Waif" (in which Mary Pickford features), some excellent war pictures; and other films. EVERYBODY'S PICTURES, The great Vitagraph military production "Warfare In the Skies," at pre-' sent showing at Everybody's -Theatre, Manners Street, is attracting great crowds. The film is enthralling to a degree, and the scene where two aeroplanes locked in a death grip hurtle to the ground is the limit of sensationalism. There are other- exciting incidents in the picture, all. centring round an appealing lovje story. :. The supporting pictures include fin uproarious Keystone picture,"The -Masquerader" (featuring Charles Chaplin), '"The Third New; Zealand Expeditionaries," and other interesting draamtic, scenic, and comic subjects. MACMAHON'S THEATRE. ' , The bi-weekly change of programme at MacMahon's Theatre yesterday attracted largo audiences. The feature of the programme was "The Old Cobbler." The story details the salvation of 'a boy who has gone wrong through the devotion of a father who has won his way into the hearts of tho -people among whom he lives by the pure solidness of his character. A more human or more affecting picture study has seldom been seen. The supporting programme includes a sterling , drama in "The Price of Gold," and no fewer than three bright comedies, of which "Algy's Error" is probably tho happiest. Plenty of pretty sceriics and topicals swell i programme of special excellence. On Friday next another of the series of extra-special features now associated with the name of this theatre will be shown. This is a photo dramatisation of Helen Martin's celebrated novel, "The Parasite," a book of brilliant subtlety and strong social and domestic incidents. It will be shown with a crisp series of supporting pictures. PEOPLE'S PICTURE PALACE. The People's Picture Palace, Manners Street, is doing record business at present, the attraction being a" representation of the great drama of the footlights, "Trilby." The picture has been admirably adapted to the screen, while the acting—it is by a "star" English cast—is almost perfect. The supporting subjects include a most interesting number of the "Eclair Journal," "The Twin Trunks" (a wholesome little comedy), and other pictures, draamtic, scenic, and comic.

THE EMPRESS THEATRE. For the last time to-day and to-night "Facing tie Enemy," Regent's Btirring war drama and current supporting series of tho Empress Theatre continuous pictures, will be screened. Other outstanding pictures on the present bill are: "A Japanese Fire Brigade," "A Trip to the Kidnappers," "The Universal Weekly," "Mack at it Again," and "Those Little Favours." An entirely new series will bo introduced to-morrow. THE WILLOUGHBY COMPANY. The George Willoughby Dramatic Company brought their short bat successful season to a close at the Grand Opera Honso last night. The final production of the company, "Camilla, which was so successfully staged on Monday* was repeated. The company gavo a surprisingly good performance of i Duma's powerful and emotional drama. Miss Vera Remee and Mr. George cOross lillcd the leading roles with credit, and were vociferously applauded on the final ringing down of the curtain.