ENTERTAINMENTS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 89, 17 April 1911, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"THE BAD GIRL OF THE FAMILY." On Saturday evening the "bad girl of the family" — Mr. George Marlowe loving sinner, Bess Moore — was tried before a eea of jurore that early overflowed the Opera House, and the toofond misdemeanant was acquitted unani- i mously and warmly. Adelaide took her hand gently and told her not to cry j Melbourne called upon her to say that it was a shame; Sydney gave her a patient heading and a large sympathy; Auckland wiped away her tears and spurned the pursuing villain. Now Wellington has heard the tender story, hag thunderously applauded the wronged penitent, and has taken the "bad girl" to ite bosom. It takes tw-enty-seven playing people, four acts and eighteen scenes, to complete the triumph of virtue the rehabilitation of the wronged, and* the story made a very close appeal to thb many patrons who rev-elled in the swift contrasts of light and shade, laughter and tears, Melville's melodrama affords. The piece is one of a strong humanity, and the author displays a practised hand. The wronged BeeSj spurned from home, is a fighter, and wins through many and varied terrors to place her arms round another threatened maiden, Gladys Erskine, who is coursed relentlessly by Bess's seducer — a sneering, callous, but gilt villain who, once having tasted blood in pursuit of his quarry, jackal-like would be prodigal of it — other people's — to effect his own, ends. He takes the name of "tho Devil" often, and with am approved snap ; he glides round , behind a cigar, scheming but decreed to fail, and at times he handles a revolver witli deadly suggestion. He would marry the girl, Gladys, daughter of an impecunious and foolish peer, a strange person, who ■was shot before he became too tiresome. But by a rather thin artifice the "bad girl" impersonates the shrinking Gladys, at the altar, the gallant Lieutenant Marsh, R.N., her affianced one, arrives only to be arrested at Gordon's instigation for murder, and backers of the villain, Harry Gordon, feel for their tickets. But Nemesis is on his track hot foot. Marsh and Gladys are wedded, under the shadow of the scaffold, as it were, and the sea dog escapes to assist in the final scene where Nemesis lariats the sardonic Gordon for good and all. Cheers for the "bad girl" and curtain. Tha production bristles with "specialties. '' There is the downfall of the police and •the girls' dormitory, and a lingerie Betting, a harem sSrt problem, in the same place, an attempted abduction, a Teal wedding service, and other realisms to tickle th<j popular palate. In Act 111, scene ; 1, Erskine Hall is paved with revolvers, and in the third seen© of the came act the "good girl" pray,3 for the "bad girl" in picturesque boudoir attire with notable effect. The production is very adequately mounted, and there is some enlivening music by the orchestra. As Bess, the good "bad girl," Miss Ada Guildford, an old favourite played with her accustomed success and confidence. All the time she enlisted sympathy and applause unstinting. Similar tribute may be paid Mi*. Herbert Bentley, as Lieutenant Marsh for a breezy, healthy interpretation. Mr. Bert Linden was sufficiently villainous in a stereotyped part, and Mr. 0. R. Stanford as a low comedy Jew with designs on tho aristocracy, projected always — a clever study. Mr. Tom Curran and Miss Lillian Wiseman fooled pleasantly. The latter played pertly and vivaciously, and with a comedy instinct. Miss Adele Kelly (Gladys Erskine) pleased, as did Mr. T. E. Tilton as Jerry Holmes, the tool of Fate.. Miss Ida Gresham was unobtrusive, and Mr. P. V. Scully (Lord Erskine) conscientious. Other roles are carried out more or less succesfully. ''The J3nd -Girl ,of the, Family", will reappear until further iiotica." ■THE KING'S FESTIVAL. "The King's Festival," otherwise a bazaar on a big scale, was opened in the* Town Hall under happy auspices an Saturday evening. The weather had ulea-red up by 8 p.m., and the excellence of the attendance had a very appreciable effect on the, takings. The festival, it should be explained, is being held in aid of St.' Vincent d© Paul's school ' chapel, Northland, and was officially opened by Mr. Robert/ Fletcher, chairman of the Harbour Board. ' "Before "calling on Mr. Fletcher, His Grace Archbishop Redwood, who was present with several of the clergy of the diocese, said the Catholic community all knew Mr. Fletcher, a man who had created for himself a noble career aud who had already attained to the very high position of chairman of the Harbour. Board of this metropolis. His Grace said he desired to thank Mr. Fletcher in his own name and 'in the name, of the Catholic body for his kindness. (Applause.) Mr. Fletcher Teplied that he was much embarrassed by the kindly references which had been made to himself and he took it as a very great honour to be asked to preside at a function of this kind. The object for which the festival was being held was a very worthy one and the promoteis had his very best wishes for success. A certain sum of money was needed, and he hoped ere the festival closed that the required amount would have been collected. (Applause.) 1 The big hall was most attractively decorated. No pains had been spare.i to make a good beginning, and before the evening was well advanced success was assured, though the festival has two weeks more to run. In addition to the side shows an Oicellent programme is presented each evening. Music is supplied by Mr. H. P. Clarke's orchestra, and an army of little children under Signor Borzoni is responsible for some veiy pretty, dancing. On Satiu'day evening the Signor's pupils contributed about a dozen items, all of which were heartily applauded by the seekers after the more ma-terial joys — and sorrows — of the art union. The committee spared no pains to make the opening night an enjoyable one. and their arduous efforts were amply seconded by the generous help of the ladies. The various stalls are controlled by the following :—: — Prince of Wa-ks — Messrs. O'Malley (2), M'Mahon (2), Mrs. Whiteford, Misses M'Keowen (2), Coleman (2), Murphy (2), Collins (2), Morgan, Perry, Bradley, O'Leary (2), Glover, Kirby, Davenport, Messrs. M 'Donald, Cooper, Smith and M'Coll. Children's Stall — Misses Gasquoine (2), Gibbs (2), Mahoney and Dwyer. Princess Mary Stall — Mrs. Putnam, Misses Brogan (3), Seymour (2), and Putnam (3). King's Stall — Mesdames Hake and Mac-kin, Messrs. K. Devine, Kennedy, Butler. Flux, Hampson (2), Meyer (2). M'Ardle, O'Connor, Regan (2), Scanlcn. Slattery, Crawford (2), M' Enemy, Sullivan (2), Hea-ly, M'Grath, Griffin, M'Donald and O'Calligan. Queen's Stall — Mesdames E. Gibbs, Gasquoine, and M'Manaway. Assistants : Mesdames Ash, Brookes, Chamines, Clark, Giles, O'Brien, and Walsh; Misses Devlin, Duignan (2), Forbes, Callashan, Gillespie, Hickey, Jones, Murphy, O'Sullivan, Regan, Tanzi. Vincent and Wallace. Alexandra Hall — Mesdames M'Namala, Ross, M'Keown, Rogers, and Sievers; Misset. Whittaker, Barrington, Gregory, Guise (2), Hastie, Henry, Jackson, Larking (2). Levin, M'Enirney, Ness, O'Donohue (2], Pope, Scott, SkUls, Toiuiar, and Walshe ; hon. tsarstary, Mr. J. .W. Call&ghaa.

Coronation Tea Rooms — Mesdames W. Keefe, O'Sullivan, Bolton, and Staff; Misses Saunders, Sheridan, Gibbs, O'Sullivan, Redmond, Vincent, Williams, Mahoney (3), Twohill (2), Simpson (2), Peters (2), Blake, Mowat, Webb, Brogan, Shields (2), Davis (2), Ridler, Jeffries, M'Kay, Blewman, Dea-ley. and Whelan (2). Art Gallery— Misses Burke (3). _ A sports programme, under the direction of Messrs. Hogan, Fitzgerald, and Ford, win be carried out to-night. Tie principal item is a tug-of-war, which •will, no doubt, attract a good deal of attention. THE WANDERERS. For a time at least The Wanderers, a band of entertainers now touring New Zealand under direction of Mr. George Stephenson, have found a home in the hearts of the Wellington public. _ Their first appearance on Saturday evening filled the Concert Hall to overflowing, and so numerous were the recalls that the programme had to be curtailed at the finish. The performance of the merry band of artists created generally! a very favourable impression, but there are one or two items of a venerable flavour that very well might be replaced. It speaks highly of the all-round merit of the company that these slight blemishes were little noticed. The company is well balanced. There are artists capable of the serious, the humorous, "and the pathetic, and a novel item in this form of entertainment was the introduction of artistic dancing. With a holiday audience, greedy for comedy, perhaps Mr. Leslie Holmes, a jester of genuine merit, found most favour. His facial control was simply marvellous, and his gestures singularly apt. Altogether he is one of the best refined comedians we have had here for some time. Miss Phyllis Hopwood Foldi, the star of the company, is a veiy clever artist, and one item, a sketch of a lady and her little boy in a tram car, was a gem, highly appreciated by the audience, but Bom© other of her contributions were like the item she gave as an encore — a little "Not Understood." Some slight adjustment of the items, and the inclusion of themes of a broader appeal, would make her "turn" more acceptable to a New Zealand audience. The art is there ; it is only the right application that is wanted to capture her audience. Of the other members of the party, Miss Everil Reggie stood out as a graceful dancer and a pleasing vocalist. Her contributions of "The Corsican Maid" and a Japanese sketch, "In Cherry Blossom Time,"' were delightful. Miss Madeline Ferae has a sweet soprano voice, which she used with good effect, particularly in a selection from "La Bolieme." The tenor of the company is Mr. J. Leith Harvey, who sang some well-known ballads with pleasant spirit and humour. Mr. Dennis Keenan, a light baritone, contributed "The Blacksmith's Wedding" and a duet "The Battle Eve," with Mr Harvey. Miss Ruby Guest, who contributed also some clever banjo and mandolin items, entertained the audience with an amusing duologue with Mr. Holmes. Mr. George Winstanley sang in very convincing soprano "The Swallows " (Cowan), and as an encore "Annie Laurie," concluding in an astonishingly good bass. There were several good concerted items, the best being the "Bottolorum Symphorum" chorus, with an accompaniment on musical bottles. Mr. Herbert Brahms is musical director of the company. The second entertainment will be given this evening. THEATRE ROYAL. Vernon and Harris, two Americans, who are above the average as exponents of all kinds of stage dancing, made their first appearance in Wellington oh Saturday night at Fullers' Theatre Royal. Not only are they good dancers — in clog dancing , exceptionally so — but they are good comedians, their patter being emart and their songs most amusing. They are a valuable acquisition to the roster of artists at the Royal. The Rhodesburys are also a clever patter duo, and their singing above the average. They received an enthusiastic encore for their singing of "Elaine." Pat Recce was another newcomer, and succeeded in pleasing the audience with hie comicalities. The Seyffer Twins' were also successful in their contributions, whilst The Racoons again gave a smart exhibition of ground and lofty tumbling, being assisted by their smart little terrier. Mr. Dixon Knox, who has a resonant baritone voice, gave an artistic interpretation of "The Storm Fiend," and had to respond to a recall. The Gibson Girls are as snrightly ?s ever, and their dancing is a feature of their turns. Miss Mabel Lynne still enjoys great popularity, and "The Silvery Sands" and "The Big Brass Band" had to be repeated several times. Mr. Tim. Howard, Miss Jessie Leo, Mr. George Jones, Miss May Dahlberg, and Mr. Rupert Cuthbert were all heard in new items. The programme is one that should quite suit holiday audiences, and there should be crowded audiences throughout the week. New items will be added to this evening's programme. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. Full houses have been the rule at His Majesty's all through the holiday season, and the programme submitted has been much appreciated. A matinee is being held this • afternoon, and an entirely new programme has been arranged for this evening. One of the principal items is the two-part illustrated story, "His Trust" and "His Trust Fulfilled," illustrating the devotion and self-sacrifice of an old negro servant. "The Colour-Sergeant's Horse"- is another attractive film, and the scenic and • comic pictures are said to be more than usually well worth seeing. THE NEW THEATRE. The New Theatre, upon which Messrs. MacMahon and Donnelly have had a large number of men employed in Te-modelling, decorating, and fitting up as a modern moving-picture house, is now completed, and everything is in readiness for the opening exhibition this evening. A special charge of one shilling will be made for this evening only, and to-morrow morning at 11 o'clock the "continuous" exhibition will commence, the prices of admission then to obtain being sixpence for adults and threepence for children. Special pictures have been arranged for, and there will be a capable orchestra in attendance. OSSIPOFF SACRED CONCERT. M. Eugene Ossipoff sang to a large audience at the Opera House' last evening. Admission was by silver coin. The programme included "Jerusalem" (Dohler), "Morning Prayer" (Glinka), "Les Piameaux" (Faure), and "Eventide" (Kochetoff), sung by. M. Ossipcff. When recalled he also sang "Will-o-th'-Wisp," and "Toreador" from "Carmen." He sang, too. in the duet "The Crucifix.' -with Miss Renie Lees. Miss Lilian Edmonds sang Gounod's "Aye Maria," and Mr. Chas. Norman played Mendelssohn's "Song Without Words, No. 9," as an oboe solo. The concert was a great success from the point of view of the audience. The accompaniments to M. OssipoiPs numbers were played by Miss Lees. SKATING RINK. There were large crowds at the Vivian-street Skating Rink on Saturday, and the skaters appeared to have an enjoyable time. The pleasure of rinking is materially added to by the excellent music supplied by the orchestra. The rink has been open all day to-day, and tb«i'« will be the uflUftl 9«sion thia even-

• THE KING'S THEATRE. Plenty of variety is afforded by the current programme at The King's Theatre, ■which was crowded to the doors on Saturday evening. Outstanding films are : — "Blue Horse Mine," "His Father's Enemy," and "Grindlewald." A successful matinee was held this afternoon, and i to-night there will be another performance. STAR PICTURES. There were large holiday audiences at both exhibitions of the Star Pictures at Newtown on Saturday. To-night a special holiday programme will be shown. WONDERLAND. Wonderland is open to-day. The Tramway Band will be in attendance this evening. The visiting delegates to the confer ence of Rugby Teferees were entertained at dinner at the New Zealander Hotel by the Wellington Referees' Association, on Saturday night. Mr. D. M'Kenzie (chairman of the local Referees' Association) presided, and a very pleasant evening was spent.