ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 22, 27 January 1915, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

J. C. WILLIAMSON'S COMIC OPERA COMPANY. "THE GONDOLIERS" TO-NIGHT. The members of J. C. Williamson's Gilbert and Sullivan Comic Opera Company will begin their sixteen nights' , season at the Grand Opera House this evening, at eight o'clock, in a production of the musical triumph "The Gondoliers." Seats in central positions for this evening's performance may be selected at The Bristol (The Dresden), and tickets for the early door stalls and gallery can be purchased at the office of the Opera House or at the doors this evening. To-night's representation of "The Gondoliers" will signalise the first appearance here of Mr. Charles Walenn, a London comedian. Mr. Walenn's representation of the Duke of Plazo Toro is amongst his best characterisations. Besides being described as one of the funniest of comedians, ftlr. Walenn is also a first-class dancer, and he has a good singing voice. Mr. G. "Villiers Arnold, who will take the part of Luiz, is an artist who has won a London reputation in the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. Mr. Frank Wilson, the popular baritone, will make a welcome reappearance in the role of Giuseppe, and Mr. Albert Kavanagh, who last toured the Dominion with "The Chocolate Soldier" organisation, will take the role of Don Bolero, formerly portrayed by Mr. Howard Vernon. The principal tenor, Mr. Edward M'Keown, from reports, possesses a rich voice, and his rendering of a well-known number, "Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes," created a great impression in Auckland. Miss Gladys Moncrieff, who will make her debut in the part of Gianetta, has everywhere been lavishly praised Special interest will centre on the appearance of Miss Ethel Morrison (Ethel Maginnity), a native of Wellington. Although only a, young girl, Miss Pearl Ladd, who will take the part of Casilda, has already in London done fine work in the Gilbert and Sullivan operas. Miss Katie May is another London artist of some renown. She will take the role of Tessa. A feature of the opera is the chorus and orchestral work. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. Th© current programme at His Majesty's Theatre is diversified and interesting. John Earl, described as the " Hattedian," doe 6 funny and clever things with hats, and is, besides, an eccentric dancer. Madame ' Rose Lorenz ' presents a daring and graceful trapeze act, and Madame Schell, with her two lions, also gives a unique and remarkable performance. " The Two Franklins," in a comedy sketch entitled " The Farm Hand," are responsible for heaTty merriment, and another humorous sketch is provided by Wykeham and Preston. Other contributors to an excellent programme include the Steele Sisters, M'Kenzie and Guest, and the Driscolls. The programme will be repeated this evening. MACMAHON'S THEATRE. "The Old Cobbler," at MacMahon's [ Theatre, although he has only reigned i so far for two days, has secured a most appreciative clientiele, and his dry humour and ready wit have made him a character study that nobody should miss. Several happy comics are included in the programme, as well as the usual diversified series of dramatic and scenic features. On Friday, one of the most elaborate pictures ever shown is to be produced at this theatre, namely, "The Parasite." . EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. " Warfare in the Skies " is proving a powerfully attractive feature at I Everybody's Theatre. This enthralling Vitagrapb study is supported by a notable Keystone, "The Masquerader," j " Third New Zealand Reinforcements," "The Gaumont War Graphic," "From Peril to Peril," and others, all of a high standard. , THE BRITANNIA. "The Romance of the Sawdust Ring" is proving a big attraction at the Britannia. It will be screened for the last time tonight. Thursday's new programme includes as a feature attraction a story of a*n artist's life entitled ','The Spirit and the Clay." The plot from start to finish is said to contain situations of much interest. The supporting pic-^ tures are "Bombs and Bangs," a one-reel' Keystone farce, full of laughable absurdities ; "Across the Burning Trestle," a powerful drama ; "Soubrette and the Simp" (comic) ; "Da-y on a Boy Scout Farm," and the latest Australian Gazette showing the motor ship Annam, Duke Kahanamoku winning the 100 yds swimming championship of New South Wales in world's record time, etc. THE EMPRESS THEATRE. The final sessions of the programme at present appearing at the Empress Theatre continuous pictures arc an- 1 nounced for to-day and to-night. The Regent Company's dramatic war film "Facing the Enemy" is the most important item on the bill. The battle scenes are realistically presented. The methods of combating the fire-fiend in Tokio are witnessed in "A Japanese Fire Brigade." "A Trip to the Kidnappers" shows some fine coastal scenes, and a vast rookery of seafowl. A mirthful conception "Mack at it Again" is a creditable Keystone offering. Bowlers at Grey Lynn, Auckland, and topical New Zealand happenings appear in "The Universal Weekly." The enjoyment of the evening sessions is contributed to by the selections by the Empress full orchestra. A complete change *of programme is announced .for to-morrow^

"TRILBY." Persons who have read George dv Maurier's novel "Trilby" or have seen the drama produced will understand its fascination. At one time both riovel and drama were unrivalled in popularity, and they both have, yet innumerable staunch admirers. The task of giving a true aud adequate pictorial representation of the fihn must have been a difficult one, but it has been ( carried through with remarkable success by the London Film Company. To play the character of Svengali in legitimate drama called for powers beyond the ordinary, but yet greater talent is demanded if the unusual man is to be represented in dumb show. The producers realised this, and secured as their principal Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. The master actor's work is splendid, and it is no exaggeration to say that Trilby herself and Little Billee are also presented in no ordinary manner. Scenery and all appointment^ are in keeping with the acting. This film, which has been produced at great trouble and expense, is now featuring as the star film at the People's Picture Palace, Manners-street. It will remain in the programme throughout this week. The supporting subjects include Eclair Journal, "Tiie Twin Trunks," and other entertaining pictures. THE KING'S THEATRE. "The Brute," a. powerful drama produced by the Famous Players' Company, is being featured at The King's Theatre, where it is drawing increased patronage. The film, which measures some 4500 ft in length, tells an engrossing story with which a.- charming Jove romance is interwoven. The leading role is filled by Mr. Malcolm Williams, the well-known actor, and the remaining parts are in capable hands. The supporting pictures or the programme include "Hello, Mabel !" (a Keystone comic), "The School Teacher and the Waif," and some excellent war scenesr. SHORTT'S PICTURES. An A.B. feature of great interest, "The Derelict," heads the programme at Shortt's Continuous Picture Theatre at present. A beautiful and most interesting picture is "Our Tommies' Children." The latest War Journal, "The Masked Rider,"' and other sterling films complete an excellent programme. STAR PICTURES, NEWTOWN. "The Brute" will be presented tonight at the Star for the last time. At the head of to-morrow's change is the great drama "Warfare in the Skies." A. Keystone, "The Masquerader," supplies the comic element.