ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 103, 2 May 1914, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAUD ALLAN AND THE CHERNIAVSKYS. The remarkable dancing of Miss Maud Allan, 1 supported by the music of the Cherniavsky trio, drew another large gathering to the Grand Opera House; and from the first moment to the last the audience watched and listened with an intentness which spoke eloquently of their appreciation. Miss Allan's programme began with three bracketeii items, the first — "Am Meer"' (Schubert-Liszt)~an exquisite piece of work which in fehe minds of many present left an impression not removed by all the reet of the programme. Tho lighter atmosphere of the " Valse C sharp minor" (Chopin) and the sprightly "Moment Musical' 1 (Schumann) set it off powerfully by contrast, besides being in themselves very attractive. Mendelssohn's " Spring * Song " was again delightfully danced, and Miss Allan's interpretation was one with which probaWy everyone present was in full sympathy. The ", Valse Triste" of Sibelius come as another contrast, and its gloomy nature , and range of feeling enabled the dancer to make a very striking performance. The famous "Blue Danube Waltz" (Strauss) was the last of Miss Allan's programme numbers; and those who had themselves danced it, merely as a waltz, unnumbered times must have been astonished at the wealth of. pretty sentiment which the performer drew from it, and, with silent movements, interpreted it for the onlookers. Miss Allan was repeatedly recalled after her dances ; and at the conclusion of the programme gave as encores her dance-exposition of the popular " Barcarolle" from the " Contes d ' Hoffman " (Offenbach), and' finally a waltz of Brahms. These conceded items were in full as popular as the rest, and her work was greatly enjoyed by the audience. The Cherniavskys' playing was thoroughly liked. Leo's remarkably skilful and delicate manipulation of the* violin was displayed in Wieniawsky's " Faust Fantasie," the "Nocturne in E flat" (Chopin), and " Zigeunerweisen " (Sarasate), and, being recalled, he played a " Larghetto " (Weber-Kreisler). Jan, at the piano, gave a characteristically emotional rendering of Liszt's Sixth Rhapsody, and as an encore played Paderewsky's popular " Menuet," and was enthusiastically brought back again. Mischel's contributions on the 'cello were selections from 'Popper's compositions, " Wie Einst in Schoner'n Tagen " and i "Papillon." He also was recalled and played a Mazurka, also by Popper. The three instrumentalists played as a concerted item the andante and finale move inents from Mendelssohn's " Trio No. 2," to the great pleasure of the audience ; and they also played the music j for all of Miss Allan's dancing. ' The season will close this evening, when the programme will, consist of items given "by request." 1 TSCHAIKOWSKY'S SIXTH SYM- . 'PHONY. The City Organist (Mr. Bernard Page) has been requested to repeat Tsiahaikowsky'fi Great Symphony (Patbetique) at to-night '_ organ, recital. Ladt Saturday Mr. Page gave an interpretation of this symphony, and these who we're not fortunate enough to be present should take th» opportunity of hearing this beautiful work, as" the, great physical and mental 1 demands upon -the organist are too much to bo often repeated. Already people -of Wellington, havo heard Mr. Pages wonderful orchestral effects upon the organ. The second half of the programme will comprise the Pastorale by_ Cesar Frahck and the Sonatina in A Minor by Karg-Elert, which has always proved a great favourite with Mr. Page's audiences. , ',' . HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. To-night the present programme at His Majesty s Theatre wiU be repeated for the last time and a new bill will be presented on' Monday evening. On Tuesday next a tango dancing competition will be held. There will be 26 competitors and the audience will do the judging. These competitions have proved a phenomenal success in Auckland, and will doubtless raise a great deal of interest here. THE BRITANNIA. ' "United in Danger" will be screened for the last time to-night. Monday's new programme includes, as a star at- ' traction, a Lubin sensational drama, "In the Dredgers' Claw.*' Th& istory is of the capture of a criminal by extraOrdinary means. - ,He is held up on the bank of a river by a dredge workman, who is unable to effect a. capture. His sweetheart, who understands the working of the dredge, so manipulates the clavrs that they fall over the criminal's head and hold him feet till the police arrive. Other subjects to ba shown are "The Thief Catcher," "Which?" "A Romance of the Rural- Route," "Plumber and Percy," and " Impressions of Florence." ) THE' EMPRESS THEATRE. Tho current programme of the Empress Theatre will be screened for the last time this evening. The principal subject is the A.K. Company's drama, "The Moonshiners' Last Stand." This is a* stirring enactment dealing with the experiences of a family who have an illicit still for making whisky, wluch they sell to the Indians. "The Lion Hunt" (a picture of a number of lions . being attacked by Somaliland natives), "Floods on the Dal" (scenes in Sweden-), and "A Story of Crime" (Edison comedy), also merit special mention. The orchestral selections include "The Arab's Dream" intermezzo, and "Vision d'Amour" (Byford). The new programme of films on Monday will bring forward the Gaumonfc Company's latest aviation drama, "The Airman's Bride." The principal is • a young aviator who is charmed by the daughter of a wealthy merchant, and he invites her to the aerodrome to witness the flying. Eventually the, aviator obtains permission from the girl to ask her father for his sanction to their marriage. This is promptly refused. The young people thereupon elope in his flying machine, but are pursued by her parent in a motor-car. The climax is cleverly worked out. ST. THOMAS'S HALL. The current programme at Sfc. Thomas's Hall, which includes a drama entitled " The Vengeance of a Fakir," will be repeated for the last time this evening. missions" to seamen. The programme to be submitted at the Remuera Minstrel Troupe's peiformance at St. Peter's School Hall on Monday night is said to be of a particularly entertaining character. These selections include " Ragging the Baby to Sleep," " When Father was Mother for a Day," "The Ghost, of the Violin," and " The Ragtime Goblin Man." The corner men, with Iheir patter and jokes, keep the audience iv roars of laughter till the end of the programme. The grand finale, entitled " The Wedding Glide," is spoken of as being a spectacular stage setting of a wedding in ragtime. The entertainment is generously tendered by the Remuera troupe in aid of tho funds of the Missions to Seamen, and arrangements are advertised in our advertisement column. The City Band will play a programme of music at Lyall Bay 'tomorrow afternoon,,

BARTON'S CIRCUS. Despite the unfavourable weather last night the fifth performance by Barton's Circus at Newtown was witnessed by a fairly large number of people; The star item in an enjoyable programme was given by Queensland Harry, a roughrider, while the remaining artists all acquitted themselves "veil in the various acts. Owing to the tent having been damaged during this morning's gale, there will not be any performance to* night. THE DOLORES SEASON. Mile. Anton ia Dolores will commence her season in the Grand Opera House on Monday evening next. An excellent programme has been prepared for the occasion. The singer has included the dramatic recitative and aria "Oui, pour cc Soir" and "Je Suis Titania," from Ambroise Thomas's "Mignon.". It is said that Dolores is heaird \ery to very fine effect in this number, her conception and interpretation being such as to gain her distinction " in Europe. Another operatic excerpt in the programme "Ah! non mi dir," from Mozart's "Don Giovanni,' ' while being in an altogether different form, serves to illustrate the ability of the artiste in being able to sue- [ cessfully undertake the interpretation of ; the various styles represented. A charmi ing bracket ,of songs by Brahms, works by Saint-Saens, and Debussy may be i taken as representing the, German arid i French schools of composers. To make j the programme more complete, and at | the same time enhance its diversity, a I dainty quartet of songs by present day [ composers find, a place. Apart from the enjoyment which is derived by attending a Dolores concert, there is, to the student of singing, a highly educative Value to be considered. Dolores will be assisted by Mr. John Prouse, baritone, and Miss Iris de Cairos-Rego at the piano. The box plan for the season is now open at the Dresden. ■ THE DANDIES. Mr. Edward Branscombe's company of entertainers is announced to open its winter season in the Concert : Chamber of the Town Hall next Saturday evening. The company, which Mr. Branscombe has selected for this year's tour, is making its initial visit. The members have just concluded a, succesful season of six months in Adelaide. "The , Dandies" present a class of entertainment which may be said to appeal to all classes. They are extremely versatile and gain their effects by giving the public just what the public wants. It is not only in individual merit that "The Dandies" claim recognition. They achieve much by their excellent concerted work. A pleasing fea-ture about their performances ia the clean humour presented with novel efecte. The box plan opens at the Dresden next Wednesday morning. 1 THE KING'S THEATRE. The sterling merit of and strong dramatic interest attaching to the melo. drama, "The Third Degree," is attracting large, attendances at the King's Theatre. It will be shown for the last time this evening. Monday night will see the first screening in Wellington of another special star picture drama, "Leah Kleshna," a 4025 feet pictorial reproduction of the world-famous play of that name. The stage play "Leah Kleshna," of which the picture version is said to be a complete presentment, proved highly popular when presented here some years ago by Miss Tittell Brune and J. C. Williamson's Dramatic Company. It is said to lose nothing in its present form. The name part wa« acted for the cinema by Carlotta Wilson, an American actressj who was the original of the character in the first New York production. Her acting is described as being greatly beyond the average, a remark which may be applied also to the work of the artists associated with her. The story. is most interesting. Leah Kleshna is the daughter of a man known as the Master Criminal of France, and is herself a thief. Through the ennobling influence of love and kindness the girl is regenerated. Other pictures to be shown, in I support are "A Sketch of Venice," | "Caught Courting," Pathe's English Gazette, "Mabel's Strange Predicament," and "Around Oamaru."- Box plans are now open at the Dresden. PEOPLE'S PICTURE PALACE. Tho current programme at the People's Picture Palace, being shown, for the last time to-day, includes as its principal item "Grandad." The Selig drama, "Outwitted by, Billy," is another strong attraction. The tine picture "Amid Raging' Beasts," Has ■ been included in v the list for the day sessions by special request. There will be a change of programme on Monday, when the audiences will be introduced to the historical drama, "Mary Stuart." The story deals with the unhappy romance of the illfated' Queen, and beginning with the assassination of Mary's lover, Rizzio, by her husband, Lord < Darnley, goes on through the tangled episodes of the deadly quarrel between Mary and Elizabeth, and ends with the dismal scene of Mary's last moments on the scaffold, where she was executed for treason SHORTTS THEATRE. A historical drama, "The Tudor Princess," detailing episodes in the love affairs of Mary, the sister of Henry VIII., set forth by the Edison Company's actors, is the principal feature of the programme now being shown ' at Shortt's Theatre, and the strength of its attraction has been well displayed by the size of the audiences which have watched it. A fine Vitagraph drama, "Better Days," is also • being shown. Comedy films in the list" are ! "Rebecca's Wedding Day" and "A Bottled Romance." The Gaumont Graphic displays many recent interesting happenings " upon the broad stage of the world, andolher films comI plete a firat-class programme. The selection will be displayed for the last time to-night, the usual change being due on Monday. STAR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. The effective picture play of fife in Ireland in '98 entitled "The Wearing of the Green," " The Great Ta«go Dance," and supporting films at the Star Theatre were well received last night. SAILORS' FRIEND SOCIETY. An enjoyable concert was provided by Mr. MiWer at the Sailors' Friend Society's rooms last' evening, before a large audience. Mr. James Moore, Missioner, occupied the chair. The following contributed items to the programme: — Mesdames Miller and Abbott, Miss F. Miller, i Messrs. Miller, Parsons, and Moore. Mr. Miller played the accompaniments. skatingTrink. The wintry weather makes for many patrons of the exhilirating pa&timo of roller skating. The usual session will be held this evening. Preparations for a carnival are in hand. The social held in aid of the funds of the Island Bay narish in St. Anne's Hall, Green-street, proved a great success. About 80 couples danced to music supplied by Mr. A. Timmings. Amongst those present were the Yen. Archdeacon Devoy, the Rev. Father Peoples, and Mr. A. H. Hindmarsh, M.P. A pleasant interlude to dancing were some musical items rendered by Master B. O'Brien (violin solo), who received an encore, Miss A. Segrief and Miss O'Farrell (duet), Messrs. G. and 0. Foote (songs), while Miss U. Simon played the accompaniments. Messrs. T. Murphy, W. H. Giles, and T. Gill acted as M.C.'s, and Messrs. 0. Krohn and F. WJut»k*r were joint seci_twi_i.