ENTERTAINMENTS "MONSIEUR BEAUCAIRE."

Evening Post, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 129, 27 November 1909, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS "MONSIEUR BEAUCAIRE."

Booth Tarkington's charming and splendidly picturesque story, "Monsieur Beaucaire," was revived at the Opera House last evening before a large and enthusiastic audience. The theme is one well known and romantic. It is France (in the person of the Due d'Orleans, a fascinating incognito) against England (in the several persons of haughty Lady Mary Cai lisle, the Queen of Bath, and followers). The gallant Frenchman layß siege to the enchanted castle ; gains entrance ; is repelled ; and after another sortie, in which rapiers and hard words are flying about, the debonnaire aristocrat smothers the last attack and (figuratively) rides home in triumph. Fine feathers made fine birds in the days of Beau Nash and the watertakers at Bath, but, as the author suggests, they do not necessarily make cads gentlemen, nor a cousin of the French Kin" an overdressed barber. It is also taught in the romance that a hairdresser or a lackey may easily become a hero if his rapier is keen enough ; and that a delicate wit and the grand manner may take a man where the blue-blooded angels may not follow.. "Monsieur Beaucaire" is a finely decorate tale ; through which beauty and blood, clad brilliantly, move, intrigue, and live their little lives. The locale is presented in scenes of great beauty ; and, in short, the staging and dressing are worthy. In the title role Mr. Julius Knight is as we first saw him as Beaucaire, and his characterisation is inimitable. Miss Beatrice Day, making her first appearance in Wellington, this season, moved majestically and with distinction as Lady Mary Carlisle, Messrs Reynolds Denniston, Aubrey Mallaleu, Sydney Stirling, Leslie Victor, Winter Hall, aided the progress of the story materially, as did Miss Guilford Qnin. SIGN OF THE CROSS. The i-Kvival of "The Sign of the Cross" by J. C. Williamson's Company at ihe Opera House this evening will receive additional importance through the first appearance here of Miss Beatrice Day as Mercia — n part in which, according to exchanges, she is seen to great advantage. The production, which will be staged to-night and Monday and Tuesday next week, is practically a. new one, scenery, costumes and effects having been specially prepared. The music, songs and dances with which the play is interspersed will be rendered by an augmented orchestra, an operatic chorus of over twenty-five voices, and a complete ballet. The box plans are on view this evening at Christeson's, opposite the Opera House. THEATRE ROYAL. A classical subject, "The Legend of Orpheus," will be the principal film in tho programme of moving pictures at lhe Theatre Royal to-night. "The Black Hand" will supply dramatic tenseness for the many people who cannot be happy without if, and there are several pictures illustrative of travel and adventure. THE STAR PICTURES. The Star Proprietary's pictures were shown again last night, at St. Thomas's Hall, Newtown, when the whole series met with the approval of tho proprietary's patrons. The programme will be repeated this evening. MISSIONS TO SEAMEN-. "Ambulance Work" was the subject of a* lecture delivered by Mr. James Moore, missioner, at the Missions to Seamen's Institute last evening. Mr. Moore spoke of tho lack of knowledge on the part of persons regarding first aid, and albo gave several hints on matters connected with health. Competitions in connection with gun accidents were won by sailors. A musical programme was arranged by Mw. Swinburne, the following contributing items : — Mrs. Weston, Mrs. Swinburne, and Mifiseo Haby, Alderson and Swinburne. LODGE MEETING. At the weekly meeting of- the Star of Wellington Lodge of Good Templars, Bro. E. A. Goodger, C.T., presided over a large attendance. Three new members 'were initiated and six proposed for initiation at next meeting. An enjoyable programme of musical items (arranged by- Bro. G. Price) was contributed by the following :— Bros. Ru'bick, Shields. Petherick, W. Lambert, Crome, and Tilloteon, and Sisters Trolt, M'Ginity, Peiherk'k, Gilbertson, and Simpson. As the lodge has no further use for Richards's Hall,, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the 'proprietors, Messrs. Richards and Pearce, for many kindnesses. A 'banquet is to be held next week to commemorate the thirty-sixth anniversary. TO-NIGHT'S ORGAN RECITAL. The overture, "William Tell," by Rossini, Bach's three choral preludes (a very unique composition as regards form — the first based on the choral " Wir glauben all au enien Gott " being popularly termed the "giant fugue"), and Faulkes' "Berceuse,'' form the main attractions of Mr. Barnett's organ recital to-night at 3 o'clock. WONDERLAND. Wonderland, described as "the finest picnic and sports ground in the Dominion," is now open. All working amusements and gardens are free. CATHOLIC CLUB CONCERTS. Last evening a concert was given in the GuildforcT-terrace Schoolroom by members of the- Wellington Catholic Club in aid of the Wadestown School Chapel. The entertainment, which consisted of musical and dramatic numbers, tvas a very successful undertaking, anl the perfoimcrs acquitted themselves well. Musical items were contributed by Miss N. Driscoll, Madame Grome, Mr. and Mrs. Archer, Master Rupert Christie.. Mr. Charles Hickmott, and Mr. R. Sievers. Mr. Fraser Thompson recited. A dramatic act, "My Turn Next," occupied the latter half of the evening. The performers were Messrs F. Eller, F. Hickmott, C. J. Pfaff, M. O'Kane, P. J. M'Govern,- J. Webb, and C. Gamble. The little play (written by C. Pettilt) went successfully. Mrs. Ward filled the part of accompanist. xRISH LITERARY SOCIETY. The committee entrusted with the formation of the above organisation held a meeting lar.t evening at the secretary's rojms. Ttaenty-fiight applications i'ov for membership were received at the meeting. It was decided that the objects of the society shall be the promotion of ancient and modern Irish literature, art. and music. It was alio decided to have made a costume typical of lieland, and us worn over three hundred years ago. It is intended to hold ii national conceit at an early date, when the costume will be worn by a member during his performance of nn Irish national dance. A general meeting of members will bo advertised shortly, when permanent office-bearers will be elected. 'MR LEO BULKRIDGE'S PUPIL'S CONCERT. The pupils of Mi*. Leo Buckeridge intend giving a concert in St. Andrew's Hall, tho Terrace, on Monday, tho 13th.

of Dei ember. Tickets can be obtained at Begg's and ihe Wellington .fiano Company. The ladies of the Webb-.street Primitive Methodist Church have been preparing for a bazaar, which is to be held in th 3 Alexandra Hall, Abel bmithstreet, on Wednesday and Thursday next. The sale will take the form of a novel Dutch garden; the stalls will be numerous and various. An interesting programme is to be provided in Sydney-street Schoolroom on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, Ist and 2nd December, in connection with St. Paul's Church Bazaar. Miss Sybil Johnson has arranged to give a lecture upon Shakespeare's heroines, with living pictures to illustrate the different scenes. All who have had the pleasure of witnessing Miss Johnson's dramatic tableaux will remember their fine colour harmonies and historical accuracy. The living tableaux will be given to appropriate music by Misses Ethel and Gertrude Mason and Mrs. Cachemaille. The story of a " Spring Petyll," told in action, to Grieg's music (the story arranged by Miss Johnson, tho music contributed by Miss E. Martin) will also be given. Miss Elsie Strickland will sing the page's song from "Measuro for Measure." The programme proniises to furnish the finest and most effective combination of picture and story that Miss Johnson has yet arranged for public performance. A party consisting of members of the Wesleyan Literary and Debating Society and their friends visited the Victoria Home for Incurables last evening, and entertained the inmates. Mr. W. E. Fuller was chairman, and songs were given by Misses Graves, E. Martin, V. Mueller, and Messrs R. F. Digby and Shapcott. Recitations by Misses May Harvey, F. Dix, and Messrs J. H. Helliwell, E. Cummihg, and E. B. Kemsley; comedietta by Misses May Harvey and Bessie Luke ; pianoforte solo by Miss Fitzmaurice, and flute solo by Mr. C. J. Hill. The Misses Benge, *Myra Hill and Paul played the accompaniments. The pianoforte was kindly lent for the occasion by the Dresden "Piano Co. Jupp's Band will play a programmo of music in the Botanical Gardens to-morrow afternoon.