ENTERTAINMENTS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXIV, Issue 148, 19 December 1907, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

— *» POLLARD'S JUVENILE OPERA COMPANY. "HIS HIGHNESS THE BEY." 1 People laughed, and they laughed loudly and plentifully at "His Highness the, iiey." and that, is about tlio best that one critic can write about tho production which replaced the quaint "Bluebell in Fairyland" at the Opera Ilouae last night. "His Highness the Bey" is a production, an American production, no more and -no less than a production. Thinking about it brings j bomo of Euclid's talk into the mmd — "a straight lino may bs produced any length," or words to that eifect. It is a liUtic thread of story drawn through a weird maze of many thingH. There is not much sequence in the action, and no more in the music. Frankly, the author designed it as a whirligig, and a whirligig it is. The architect was not probably disappointed with his work, and the audience last night was certainly not saddened. There is no known generic name which may be applied to tho entertainment ; ifc is simply "His Highness tha Bey." The plot opens with consternation in the palace of the Caliph of Harran. The much-worried, much-married Bey has flown, and nobody, with a desire to live a day or two in this vale of tears, is anxious to sit upon the perilous throne. Louie Wartzelhcimer (formerly leader of a German Band), a battered and tattered individual, who looks as if he has long been exposed to the rude blasts of his musicians, is roped in, and is induced to reign. Other characters are pitched into the arena, the orchestra strikes up, and away goes the hurdy-gurdy. The moving figures include Count Casino, » Russian Ambassador, a count perenially short of "small change." An American heiress, Gladys Coyne, is introduced to give the count something to count. Then comes Richard Hartlett Davies, a war correspondent, who mixes up the business of sensational "scoops" with equally sensational love-making with a Georgian slave. There are also a caliph, a Turkish insurgent, ihe Bey's wives, ancl other persons who dance, and sing and. romp about till the fugitive Bey returns and scatters largesse right and left. The people were content to tako the abundant glittering mica, ai^d did not bother about the rarity of tjie gold. It was a summer night's distraction, ancl served its purpose. Apart Master Bert Nicholson, the most admirable feature of the medley was the dancing. The leg work was indeed clever and pretty, and had sometimes a , grotssqueness which heightened its charm, notably in the scai-ecrow ballet. There was plenty of colour and movement for the eye, even if the ear was disappointed. As a spectacle, "His Highness the Bey," with its variety of colours and forms', ; lights, 'and shades, was something worth j seeing. . Tho cast Avas Master Bert Nicholson — and others. This lad was a very sprightly mock-Bey. 'Ha had a grin which sug- | gested the Percy who was once so beloved here. His face work was surprising-ly-good for a boy, and his singing was agreeable. With all his youth and tiny staluro, he was a very large bright spot in the extra vaganga. Mr. Charles Albert was also a merrymaker in the role of Count Casino, and "he showed that his voice could still serve him well. Miss' Minnie Topping, Miss May Topping, Miss Lily Thompson, Mr. Bert Williamson (an impressively droll insurgent), Master Willie Pollard, and other members of the' company pleased their hearers well!' ' ' ' ' '•' "* ■ " ' "His Highness the Bey" will reappear to-night. NORMAL SCHOOL CONCERT. , The Normal Schoo! Entertainment ;ittracted a large number of people to the Sydney-street Schoolroom last , evening, when' the .pupils presented the cantata "Snow Whito and Seven Dwarfs." About forty children took part, and tho work, which was given under thedirection of Mr. J. X- Edie, assisted by Miss G. T. Struck, reflected much credit on the promoters., The" programme will be repeated to-night. Beryl Jacobs took the part of Princess i Snow 'White; Iris Hutchings, the Queen; Frank A.ickin, tho Prince,- and Frank Picofc, the part of Carl the Huntsman. The seven dwarfs wero Claude Perry, Claude Temperton, James Leys, Wilfrid Grubb, Harry Davies, James Wareham, and Richard Tuckwell. One of the f eaturee of the' performance was the singing of a well-trained chorus. SCHOOL BAZAAR. With the idea of supplementing the funds' for the museum, library, and miniature rifle range of the South Wellington School, a bazaar and entertainment was held in the school building last evening. Patronage was liberal, and over £50 was taken during the clay. Tho stall-holders wore- as follows: — Pbin and fancy, in charge of Mrs. Vaughan ; flower and produce, Mrs. Hill and Miss Baird ; advertisement, Miss Scott ; Christmas tree and bran tubs, Misses Watson ancl Sargent; sweets, Mrs. Gell and Miss Petrie; dolls, Miss Haigh ; refreshment, Mrs. Whitelaw. The" items of entertainment submitted during the ovening were thoroughly appreciated. The bazaar will' be open to-day from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., and from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. BOYS' INSTITUTE. The members of the Boys' Institute are to be given a Christmas tree tomorrow night. Tho ladies' committee met yesterday afternoon to consider ways and moans of caring for tho IGO boys who are on the roll. The soliciting committee reported the following gifts : —Mrs. Rhodes £1, Mr. Creighton 10s, Mr. Redgrave ss, Mr. hl'Kay ss, J.M.K. ss, Mrs. Troup 2s 6d,' Mrs. Grey 2s 6d, Mrs. N. M'Loan 2s 6d, Miss B;tllingal 2s 6d, Miss Bruce 2s 6d, Mr. Boal 2s, Mrs. Cole Is, A Friend Is, From tho Boys 15s Bd." 'Also the following parcels : Veitch and Allan parcel for twelve boys, Te Aro House a parcel, Mr. C. Smith a parcel, D.I.C. parcel valuo £1 Is, Hunter and Co. a parcel. A vote of thanks was extended to all who contributed. With this entertainment, tho institute will close for tho month to renovate the building, and give tho secretary a rest. Thanks are especially due to Mr. Glenn for the gift of a fine Christmas tree. "THE BLUE MOON." Tho box plans for the first six nights of "The Blue Moon," to be presented by Mr. J. C. Williamson's new musical comedy company ivt the Opera House on tho evening of Boxing Day, will be opened at the Dresden on Saturday morning at 9 o'clock. Critics in Australia speu.lt in terms of praise of both play and players, and the public apparently endor&ed the verdict, ,as extended seasons wero played in the various centres. One writer says: — "Long before the conclusion of the first act, the complete success of 'The Bluo Moon.' was assured, nearly tiio whole of the light brigade of comedians nnd vocalists (new <u rivals and old friends), who dealt with it, .scoring repeatedly all down tho line. The hearty and unequivocal reception accorded by «m immense audience to both the company and the play was a goockaugury for its lengthened favour with those who seek a bright chorus ancl amusing entertainment, and ono that can be thoroughly enjoyed uu to the last. momenU'-

WONDERLAND. Tho attractions of Wonderland con* tinue to draw the pul-iic in large crowds. Yesterday half a, guinea, was won by the Cwo hundred and thirtieth"' person who passed the turnstile. A similar piize is being offered 16-day. A grand display of hrqwerks is announced for this evening, including a realistic picture of the Battle of Trafalgar. . MOONLIGHT EXCURSION. ' The moonlight excursion to Day's Bay last night was enjoyed hy a large ciowd of people, who freely patronised iho various form's ,of amusement provided, including an oxcellent gymnastic display by ladies and gentlemen attending Messrs. Harrison and Jurios's gymnasium. SOUTH AFBIGAN ASSOCIATION. To celebrate the inauguration of tho re-cently-formed South African Association about 100 ex-residents of that country gathered at Masonic Hall; Boulcottstreet, last night. The evening's enjoyment took the uhapo of a smoke concert. Amongst thc&s present were the Mayor (Hon. T. \¥. Hislop), and tho president (Mr. G-. Campbell). Tho' asI sociation hopes to hold several functions during the jear, and one of i[s objects is to extend the helping hand, to any. new arrival from South. African shores. Ths Mayor, in proposing- the toast of "South.- Africa, welcomed the association, an dmentioned that- it vyas from that land that New Zealand, obtained Sir George Grey. Mr. Maris responded, and expressed the hope that though South Africa had to face many vicissitudes it would yet show what a -splendid country it was. Other toasts honoured included "The Land we Live In," proposed by the president, and replied to by Mr. Arnold. During the evening an excellent programme was contributed by ' Messrs. Burns, Bolland, Moore, Seaton, Pareons, Knight, i-'assmore, Campbell, Harrop, and Burns. Mr. H. ,J. Barrett was accompanist, and Mr. W. Barker attended to tho secretarial duties. .. ; WEST'S PICTURES. ) West's Pictures will be siiown in the Town Hall on Christmas night, when a specially-arranged 1 programme of animated views and novelties in cinematography will be submitted. The pictures vrill be vaiied and numerous, . and will have the advantage of a full 1 accompaniment. FULLERS' ENTERTAINERS. This week's programme at the Theatre Royal is exceptionally good, and continues to draw large houses. Davy's Marionettes aie. particularly entertaining. "ISRAEL IN EGYPT.'"' To-morrow night the -Wellington 1 , Musi* cal Union, numbering 300 performers, will give iv performance of Handel's or»--torio, "Israel in Egypt." The work wili be accompanied by Mr. Laurence L. Watkins on the Town Halt organ- and , the union's string orchestra ; Mrs. ■ F-- P. Wilson, Mrs. A. Mitchell, and Messrs. E. J. Hill, Harold Widdop, and .Ernest Parkas are tHe soloists engaged ; and the public are promised a musical treat. It is fourteen yeais since "this oratorio waa performed here, aud it will be the .first work of its kind that will be accompanied, by the Town Hall organ. The box-plan is now open at the" Dresden, where seats may be booked for .circle or front stalls. Tim Hutt train will be delayed, aud trams to all parts will leave after the concert. The final i"eh.earsai will take place at tho Town Hall 'tonight ab.-7.'<Js- o'clock.-- ' The- Official Visitor took a pleasasS concert party to Porirua Mental Hospi« tnl on Tuesday last, consisting of Messrs. K. B. i -Williams, Can-; -Holler, "M'Corjniaclij-Kerr, Misses Driscoll; Barnett. . ■ , - t