ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume LXXXV, Issue 18, 22 January 1913, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

OPERA HOUSE. "The Follies,"- a clever coterie of refined entertainers, have established themselves firm favourites at the Opera House. The quaint, original humour of Mr. Percy Clifton is a special feature of the entertainment, while Mis& Cissy O'Keefe never fails to please with her rich contralto voice. The other members of the company all contribute acceptably to -the programme. "THE GIRL IN~THE TRAIN." That the music of "The Girl in the Train" is by Leo Pall, the composer of "The Dollar Princess," "The Waltz Dream," and other tunefuf comic operas, should be sufficient guarantee as to the harmonious character of the new play which will be presented here by the J. C. Williamson Company at the Opera House on Saturday, next. It is said that in the interpretation of a strong orchestra the music is' given full value. Miss Sybil Amndalo "is credited with having a voice of exceptional quality which she uses with much artistic finish. The piece has several taking numbers, notably the duets "Charming Little Gonda' (sung by Miss Arundale and Mr. Andrews), "In the Park," "Counting Out," "Just Like My Wife." In the first act Mr. Andrews contributes a gem in the introduced sohg "Parted." It is said that the score of the "Girl in the Train" is really sparkling. It is interesting to , note that it comprises much concerted music, besides several taking solos, the work of the chorus lasting in all at least thirty minutes. The leading theme— Oh Sleeping Car—with a waltz refrain appears in a ballad for the heroine in the first act. The box plans for the season will be opened to-morrow morning at the Dresden. theatreTroyal. Amongst those who contribute to the current programme at the Theatre Royal there is none more popular than. Miss Bessie Slaughter. Miss Eva Mudge is another versatile entertainer who earns quite a lot of applause for her contributions. Mr. Fi-ed Rivenhall, who will be remembered kindly by old patrons of the Royal, is back again with new songs and new j&kes, which set the house rocking with laughter. Acceptable "turns" are also given by Miss Golden, Mark Eteckseii, and tho Brackens. - HIS MAJESTY'S' THEATRE. At Hia Majesty's Theatre last evening there was shown a film which may claim to be the most marvellous industrial study yet seen on the screen. The Panama Canal is the subject of the pictures. The onlooker without moving from his seat is taken from the Atlantic to the Pacific— through the Hindi Cut, the Gatun Locke, the Culebra Cut, and along the River Chagres to the sea again. The film shows the wonderful life and organisation of the Canal Zone; the realisation of the dream of De t Lfesseps, some of whose oldfashioned ladder dredges lie pathetically close to the busy clattering American .steam-shovels, _ grabs, and concretemixers. Blasting operations are showo where whole hillsides are being shattered by the explosion of some hundreds of tons of dynamite. ' The huge lock gates swung with all their ponderous Weight on massive hinges of steel 5 the culverts ten, fifteen, and twenty feet high ; the spill-ways whence the electric power is derived : all these are brought before the spectators. Most marvellous of all is the all-pervading movement of machinery— mixers, grabs, dredges, drills, cranes, and pumps. , , The trip through tho canal with the kinematograph man takes up all tho second half of the programme, and it is well, worth twice the time to watch it. The othef .pictures are new and most original. :'" ' THE KING'S THEATRE. * There was a full house at The, King's Theatre last night, and the programme was evidently greatly appreciated. "Greed, for Gold", its the star film, and proved to be very popular, and it is supported by a bright and varied collection of scenic, comic, and gravel items. The. programme will be repeated to-night. NEW THEATRE. * The New Theatre continuous pictures were a popular attraction for holidaymakers to-day. The "feature" drama, "The Broken Sword," is a splendidlyinterpreted story with an interesting plot. , "The Girl in the Caboose" is a Kalem railway story of more than average worth. The scientific item, "Animal Preservation," and a number of comedies also appeal. The pictures will be displayed for the lasfc time to-night. An entire change is to be presented tomorrow. THE EMPRESS- THEATRE. Throughout so-day at the Empress Theatre continuous pictures drew thronged assemblages. The series includes subjects of a thoroughly popular character. "The Plot that Failed," a Kalem "masterpiece," deals with a daring attempt to rob an inventor of his secret, but the quick wit of his fiancee saves the situation. "The Spoilt Child"' (drama), "Gaumont Graphic (topical), "The Coast of Maine" (scenic), and "Papering the Den" (A.B. comedy) are also deserving of special note. The programme will be seen for the last time this evening. The change to-morrow will be headed by an A.B. exclusive drama, while prominent also will be "The Brand Blotter" (Selig Western drama), and "Dr. Bjrian Pellie and the Secret Despatch" (a foreign spy sensa-. tion). "Williams Weekly," and "The. Warwick Chronicle"' will supply topical interest. . SHORTT'S PICTURES. An interesting and varied programme of pictures holds the screen at Shortt's Continuous TheatTe. The principal feature jb a dramagraph, entitled "The Wotk of His Hands/ while tho beet of the excellent supporting items ire :-— ' "Rod Saundets' Sacrifice" (a Western drama), "In a Garden" (domestic drama), "Weary Start* Things j n Pumpkihville (comedy), and "Troupe of Acrobats" (spectacular feats), "A Native School in Africa" is educative, and topical matter is supplied by tho Pathe Gazette. PEOPLE'S PICTURE PALACE. The current programme at the People's Picture Palace is bright and varied and interesting, and full houses are the rule. The dramatic items, "The Two Orphans" and "The Old Chess Player" are full of numan interest, and the supporting items are well up to standard. There will be a change of programme to-mrrow. STAR ""PICTURES. The current programme screened at the Star Picture Theatre last evening is an excellent one, and it was evidently fully appreciated by the large number of people present. The principal picture, a magnificent coloured drama by Pathe Freres, was followed with much interest, tt is a finely-acted story. Popular also was "Captain Barnacle's Waif," ahd "The Girl in the Caboose." Among other pictures of interest were "The English Pathe Gagette" and "The Green-Eyed Monster." ST. THOMAS'S. Many interesting pictures are included in the programme screened last night at St. Thomas's Picture Theatre. A Lubin drama, "His Life," was the prill' cipal film, which told a pretty, domestic story, which cuds in the wax stories aro

expected to. Another good drama Was entitled "Old Chess Players," and other popular series were "A Day on a Spanish Cruiser," "The Substitute Model," "Tlie Stolen Pictures," and "Combination of the Safe." The programme will be repeated this evening. For the purpose of augmenting the funds of the Lower Hutt Catholic Con--.vent a euchre tournament was held in the Town Hall buildings, Lower Hutt, last evening. The tournament, which was presided over by the Sisters of Notre Dame dcs Missions was a successful function.