ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXV, Issue LXV, 19 June 1913, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE WORLD'S PICTURES

The usual change of programme drew j a large audience to the Opera House on Wednesday night. A quartet of I thrilling .dramas was shown, the chief jjof which was "From the Region of Darkness." It was a story of circus life, involving the love affairs of a blind woman. "The Warning Hand" described bow supernatural warnings played an important part in preventing serious crimes. "Face to Face with a Leopard" was an exciting film full of realistic incidents, in which the characteristics of the animal were well displayed. "The Strike" was a rather good drama, showing the evil influences of strike agitators. Highly interesting pictures were shown of "Monkeys and Snakes" in their native haunts. "The Dagon Pagodas of Ranagoon" proved a very instructive film. Good views were shown of Burmese temples containing images of Buddha. "Swimming and Lifesaving" gave an exhibition of the endurance and skill of expert swimmers, and also the method employed in resuscitating a drowning man. "The comic element was much appreciated. The Lyric Orchestra supplied the musical accompaniments, which materially assisted in making the evening an enjoyable one. The programme will be repeated to-night.

HUGARD THE WONDERFUL

Hugard's father toured America and Europe many years ago and was known as the "Wizard of the North," and no doubt many people from the Old Country will still remember him. Hugard is said to inherit all the cleverness of his father, and, in addition, has the experience of later years with their great scientific advancements, which he has made the most of. As a sleight-of-hand performer Hugard is said to acknowledge no equal, and many papers place him on a par with the late celebrated ''Dante," who was worldfamous. Speaking of Hugard's per formance a leading Melbourne paver says: ' 'Preceded by a big reputation as a, confurer and exponent of the magic art. Hugard came as a performer of whom much was expected, and it may at once be said that it has rarely heen the fortune of an audience to have offered in the space of a couple of hours so . many mystifying experiments, and such a wealth of remarkable accomplishments in .sleight-of-hand. Hugard presents ail entertainment which at the one time, mystifies, amazes, and delights, and; backed by an attractive personality his' perfect knowledge and skill rank him amongst the highest in this particular branch of the. profession., As a card manipulator Hugard must assuredly acknowledge no superior, and while he has at his command the whole stock-in-trade of the conjurer to, which local audiences have been accustomed, this artist has gone to the very limit,. and his extraordinary feats , in up-to-date magic would" impress, if not almost convince, the most practical and sceptical.'' Hugard is supported by a strong company, and opens his season at the Opera House ,pn Monday, June 23. Popular .prices are to Be charged, and seats may now. he reserved at Cole and Donnelly's, where the box plans opens today, '-■'■•

VINCENT BEEBE VAUDEVILLE COMPANY.

Mr Vincent M. Beebe's celebrated company of vaudeville and minstrel stars will commence a season of three nights at the Opera House on Wednesday, June 25. The company consists of 17 performers. Mr Dan Keilderson, the protean actor, impersonator, ventriloquist and mimic, is the only member of the company who has previously appear|ed in New Zealand, and as he has but | recently returned to the colonies after an absence of several years in England, with an entirely new act called "the one man music hall," every item and artist on the long programme can be said to be new to the Dominion. The artists in the company all possess established reputations, and include, in addition to Mr Keilderson, the rollicking Rockleys, clever sketch artists and producers; Miss Rubee Raymond, a charming American toe dancer - Miss Ella Conrad, soprano; and Miss Ruby Cox, contralto, operatic vocalists; the acrobatic Arteens, lady and gentleman acrobats imported from England by Mr Beebe; Mr Will White, probably the greatest of living coon singers and dancers .■• the Musical Bartletts, who combine every musical instrument from a mouth organ to a set of musical motor car horns; Messrs Spilker and Fairbank,—comedians, who knew how to amuse without being vulgar; and Miss Edie Leedcr, a dainty little serio and dancer. The company opens in a fortyfive minute production of modern minstrels called "Merry Moments," for which elaborate scenery • and stage properties are carried. The prices of admission are 4s, 2s Cd, and Is, and reserved seats may be booked at Cole and Donnelly's.