ENTERTAINMENTS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVII, Issue 51, 2 March 1909, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

» "THE BELLE OF NEW YORK." After an absence of several years, too many wherein she was sadly missed, the "Belle of New York" arrived at the Opera House last evening, under the chaperonage of Mr. J. C. Williamson. It may be noted that she has not aged 111 the slightest; the years have not dulled her sprightliness, nor the world her charm. In fact, she is still the Belle, and. like her namesake, continues to have many followers. The Belle, who received a large and comprehensive welcome, has all her old associates with her, and a collection of some of the brightest music that musical comedy has evolved. In fact, most of the story is vocal —a musical entertainment prinked with a sparkling ballet or two, and assisted to an honourable finale by various types of human beings. And some of them —lchabod Bronson, the elderly reformer, fast for his age, who finds a recreation from his anticigarette crusades in dalliance with beauty's eyes. Then there is the son Harry Bronson, so rapid at 21 that it requires a split-second stop-watch to catch his gait; the glad lunatic Pumpernick, and his trusty blade, looking for a soft spot in a Bronson; Fifi Fricot, of the warm heart, who has her ear and then her heart bitten by the speedier Bronson; and Cora Angelique, the queen of comic opera, who has been married nine times, and is not afraid. There are, too, remembered for their cheerfulness such as Mamie Clancy, Kissy Fitzgarter, Blinky Bill, Doc Snifkins, and the twin counts, Ratsi-Rattatoo. As for the "Belle," the demure" army maiden, who becomes a millionairess, and develops otherwise, she is too familiar to need introduction. Mr. Edward Nable, as the versatile Bronsoh pere, and Mr. Chas. A. Loder, who is the one and only Pumpernick, are the mainstay of the cast. Mr. Loder's impersonation of the diverting Prussian will be remembered with gratitude for a long time. Mr. Edmund Sherras, as Harry Bronson, was not a success, though he atoned somewhat by his singing. Miss Olive Godwin made a demure Belle, who sang de lightfully, and Miss Ivy Scott's Fifi was perhaps her most successful performance of this short season. Memory compares Fred. Leslie's Blinky Bill and Miss Mollie Wilson's Mamie Clancy with past impersonators, and not at all to their disparagement. Miss Scott's singing of "The Gay Parisienne" and her duet with Mr. Sherras, "When we are married," provoked much enthusiasm, while Mr. Nable's vocal numbers or intonations were very effective. The dressing is handsome, the stage scenes happy and harmonious, and the orchestra, under the direction of Mr. A. Moulton, the success it has always been. "The Belle of New York" will appear On Broadway and elsewhere "this evening. THEATRE ROYAL. Tho present programme of pictures at the Theatre Royal is one of varied interest that cannot fail to attract a liberal measure of patronage. The views of Edinburgh and its environs are particularly 'fine, and there are some capital pictures of "imaginary" subjects. The programme will be continued during the week. HIS MAJESTY'S. People who desire to learn something about flying machines and the conquest of the air, should visit His Majesty's 'Theatre, where some excellent moving pictures of aeroplanes under trial can be seen. The whole programme is thoroughly interesting and instructive, fThe weekly change of subjects will be made to-morrow evening. WELSH SOCIETY. St. David's Day was celebrated by the 'Welsh Society by a conversazione at Godber's Rooms last night. The National Anthem was sung toy the gathering, and Mr J. L. Jones gave an address in Welsh, urging Welshmen to preserve their native language, even though English was the absolutely essential commercial language. An address was also given by the president of the s<iciety .(.Mr. R. Watkins), and musical items ■were contributed by Misses B. and G. iWatkins, Mrs. Lewis, and Messrs. Burk, Christie, D. J. Davies, F. Tunley, and •Master Christie. ■MILITARY FAIR AND TOURNAMENT. The Military Tournament and Fair were continued at the Skating Rink hist night. There was a very large attendance. The programme opened with a selection of popular music by Jupp's Band, after which the No. 3 Field Ambulance Corps gave a first-aid exhibition, and the Zealandia Rifles went through the bayonet exercises. The feature of the entertainment was the tug-of-war, which was won by the Zealandia Rifles. Their opponents were the Highland Rifles. During the first three minutes the Tartans pulled the Zealandias nearly over the line. Zealandias, however, were not to be denied, and in five minutes' time they won the pull. After a rest sides were changed, and the teams again faced each other. The pull was most exciting. The time-limit was ten minutes, and when it was reached the judge (Mr. James Doyie) declared that the Zealandias 'had had the best of the heat, and had therefore won the prize. \ medley dance by 'Misses Wallis and ■Marshall was an interesting item. The "great camp-firo seen©" was given again, and will be repeated each evening. A poster carnival is announced for tomorrow evening. "THE CHERNIAVSKIS." The Cherniavskis will open their brief farewell reason in the Town Hall concert chamber on Thursday evening. The visitors have made a very favourable impression on the New Zealand public. An attractive programme has been arranged. POLLARD'S JUVENILE OPERA CO. After an absence of twelve months, the above combination is to revisit Wellington, and will renew acquaintance with local play-goers on Monday next. Since last seen here this company has toured every city and town in Australia. They went as far north as Charters Towers, Queensland, and west to Kalgoorlie. Mr. Pollard has two new pieces in his repertoire, but has decided on opening •with an old favourite in the brilliant musical comedy, "The Isle of Bongißong." This niece has been so altered, added to, and improved faince last seen here, that the management has every faith in its success, and is confident that it will prove a pleasant surprise to playgoers. "The Isle of Bong-Bong" can only be staged for four night*. It will be followed by Planquettc's melodious ■work "Rip Van Winkle." The boxplans for the first week will be opened at Holliday's or Friday morning. Popular prices will be charged.