AMUSEMENTS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17935, 31 October 1918, Page 7

AMUSEMENTS.

KING’S THEATRE.

FISK JUBILEE SINGERS

TLg Fifilt JuUilo© Siuorergj {ot 111010 y&3.rfl than the modern woman i= ur-posed 1o care to confess to, have enjoyed' an enviable reputation as entertainers of a high order, and a feature of their visits h aa always been their retention of many of the old song* which otherwise have passed into disuse through tho onrush of the modern ballade. Those old songs of the Inst century they are able to demonstrate have not lost thell* charm, and it is perhaps duo to their qualities as Bingers and lovers of singing for singing’s own sake that the,- are able to revive tho glories of the songs'of other days. The Fisk Singers have aiwsvs been noted 'for their concerted singing,' particularly those old plantation melodies of which cr.c never seems to weary. The opening numbers at tho recital at tho King's Theatre last night was the beau 1 ifu] "Steal Away,” with its remarkable effects in crescendo and decreseendo singing, and it was to.lowed by the Lord's Prayer, a charming setting, and "Good News" arid "Ho Moves," two songs of a religious nature, but with tho bright rhythm and quaint expression characteristic of the negro melodics of this, order. In the malm of comedy the quarto.to party, Messrs ISpmcer, Haynes. Wilson and White, fairly ravelled, while the who c. company revealed qualities in _ chorus work rarely heard nowadays in such typical numbers as "Mv Lord Delivered Daniel.” “ Hear d?m 'Bells,'' " Rolling through an Unfriendly World" and “ The Band," the last-named a humorous sketch of a brass band. In the' solo singing the company was no less successful. 1 Harold Williams, who possesses a fine, powerful bass voice, was heard to advantage in an exceedingly good version of “ A Hundred Fathoms Deep." and ho, was a. tower of strength in the foundation work of tho concerted items. Madame Cecils Stephana, who has 0 sympathetic contralto voice which is lucd with skill and grace, was very successful in “ When Spring comes to the Island," from Hermann Lehr’s “ Song 3 of the Southern Seas,” and Marshall Palmer established himself in his audience's favour at once with a spirited singing of “ The Anvil Song,” fo'lowed by “ Aimes Everyone,”• a good patriotic number. Sidney Haynes has a pleasing tenor voice, and was able to give the famous “Take a Pair of Sparkling Eves” just the delicate touch of humour which it renpires, and he was equally successful in a field of quite distinctive singing, the lively “ coon " songs which are still as popular as ever they were. A novel effect was secured by the unusual association of songs and lighting. Leila W'-hurd first sang “ Sing me tho Rosary,” and then, as if in answer io her reruest, Mr Haynes gave a delightful interpretation of the well-known “The Rv-arv,” the harmonising in the concluding verse being particularly pleasing. "Adieu. Marie” was Hunt'v Spencer's opening solo, hut he was effective in tho old “ Suwanes River,” which had to ho revealed in re-

"pr™ <n fhe audience’s in«ie*“nt demand. A modern favourite, “Coming Homo” suited C’ara. So’ly's elmrm’n- contralto voire admirably. and Miss W'dnird was c-'orllv successful in the waltz son" from “ Romeo and Juliet.” Belle F C-thhons. tho lefty he-i----tone. who is as popu’ar aa ever, p.flr "The Csst'o Gate,” and was enthu«iaetieally encored. The arcomnnnimen+s were "Vmnnthet’’callv n'nv«d bv Profes"or C. \. ' !TT hite, who was a materiel . ; d in th© .gree«s which the Juhi'eo Singers scored. T ho eamo programme will ho presented to-night.

OPERA HOUSE. At the Opera House this week a highclass programme, vaudevillo and revue, is meeting with popular approval. “ Lulu ” is Al. Bruce’s latest effort, and it is certainly tho heat that ho and his bright company of Rosebuds have yet put on. it contains plenty of humour and a sucotssion of good musical numbers which are distinctly pleasing. In the vaudeville programme there are numerous attractive acts, inc.uding those of the Homaz Trio (athletic piarvels), Boy Bonham (the boy contortionist), ihe Gilberts (versatile comedians), the Lassoes (jugglers and sharpshooters) and Nellie Kollo (the singing comedienne. The F arrows are also appearing.

LIBERTY THEATRE. During this week the Liberty Theatre is presenting a two-feature programme, which has proved immensely popular. A big Goldwyn attraction is one of the features, said under the title of “ The Splendid Sinner ” it tells a story so poignant, so appealing and romandc that it . cannot far! to please. Little Mary M’Alister, the famous child actross, heads the oast in the otl'-or big picture, an. Essanay production entitled “ Pants,” which is a touching story of chi.d life. The supporting programme includos the latest instalment of “ The Fatal Ring.” During tho evening sessions violin solos are rendered by Mlsb Gladys Vincent, the brilliant child violinist. A powerful moral lesson is conveyed in the Triangle drama entitled “ I Want my Children,” or “ Master of his House,” which will head next Week’s programme at tho Liberty Theatre. The leading parts are played by Alma Rubons and William Desmond. The theme is that of a butterfly wife who marries .chiefly for money, and who shrinks from the responsibilities of parenthood, while the husband’s dearest wish is_ to have, as he expresses it, " a real home, with a rial wife, and children.” The picture constitutes a strong indictment again*! an? of the greatest of social vices. Alma Rubens is charming as th? too frivolous wife who tempted fate by her folly, and William Desmond is really convincing ns tho husband. The story. is well produced, and holds the interest nt high tension, whilo the ending is owe which will appeal to the mother luart of every woman.

CRYSTAL PALACE. At all sessions at the Crystal Palace yesterday large and delighted attendances were the rule, the current programme being ono of the best yet offered by that enterprising' management. The programme is a two-fca-tuve one, tho star items being “ The Innocent Sinner” and “Under Two Flags.” both William Fox masterpieces'. Tho latter is a revival, by special request, of the picture version of Ouidn’s groat story of tho lovo end life of little Cigarette, “ tho daughter of tho regiment." This role is ono of tho best ever played by Theda Bara. ’lho supporting programme includes n diverting Sunshine comedy, “ A Self-made Lady. ’

QUEEN’S THEATRE. At tho Queen’s Theatre this week the Paramount feature that occupies the place __ of honour is a comedy-drama with Charles Kay in the leading role. This film, besides depicting the development of a man of weak nature into a self-reliant one, possesses also an educational interest that has nbt echo unappreciated by the attendances at this popular theatre. The inseparable romance is woven around tho Texas oil fields incidents, the heroine in this section, being Doris Lee, who will be remembered as the talented actress of many previous productions. Supports this week .aro of varied and special interest, and include a swift-moving. Mack Scnnett comedy, “ Saucy Madeline." and a Burton Holmes travelogue.

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. At Everybody’s Theatre this week tho chief attraction is a AA’orld production with three well-known stars—June Elvidge, Carlyle Blackwell and Arthur Ashley—in the positions of eminence. The story is based on tho consequences to a husband who becomes absorbed to such an extent in his profession that the interest in his home life is practically nil. All excellent supporting list inaKC3 up ft programme of surpassing interest. GRAND THEATRE At the Grand Theatre this week “ The Landloper” has created something oi a furore, patrons being delighted with Harold Lockwood’s acting of the itinerant philosopher. This film is adapted from Holman Day’s novel of the same name, and from it Metro have made a photo-play of great morit. There is a touch of 01d-AA r orld romance woven in it that makes an irresistible appeal to those who see it. Tho supporting list comprises "Seaside l/overs," with Rose to Arbuckle in the lead, and the 10th episode of “ The Great Secret.” STRAND THEATRE.

An attractive programme, headed bv a lift Paramonnt-Artcrait feature. “ The Eternal Temptress,” is attracting big audiences to the Strand Theatre dailv. In this play 13 fi ’ arr€ d an actress, Lina Cavalieri, "ho, though new to Christchurch, is already ft favourite. There is an excellent supporting programme, which includes a rousing comedy, “ It’s a Great Life,” and an interesting- gazette. THE SCARLET TROUBADOURS. The Scarlet Troubadours will open in the Theatre Royal next Saturday evening with what is said to bo an acceptable assortment of comedy and musical trifles. Several seasons have passed since the management first introduced this cheerful organisation, and in the interim many changes have been made.

The Troubadours of other days have become scattered over various par.s of tho globe. It is another illustration of the old giving place to tho. new, with the managerial contention that tho advantage lies with tho new. Tho trend of all programmes or performances of to-dny is on the light side, the.publio demand being for comedy, and tho Scarlot Troubadours are reported to be of more than average strength in this department. Their singers are gifted with a good fund of humour, and their comedians possess voices which are very useful in the concerted operatic numbers which occupy a prominent place in the company’s repertoire. Tho box plan is on view at The Bristol.

PROFESSOR BARRADEN. On Saturday night Professor R. A. Barraden, the hypnotist, will open a farewell season of seven nights in the Colosseum. A largo stage is being erected, and the Colosseum is an ideal theatre for a performance of the kind given by Professor. Barraden. Saturday night’s big feature will be the hypnotic, brass band. Professor Barraden has seoured a set of brass instruments, and under his influence he will make his local subjects imagine that they are great musicians. This will be the first time such a test has been given in Christchurch, and the management anticipate that, it will P)£? e a big draw. The box plans will open at J.ne Bristol to-day. No hooking fee will be charged.

MISS STELLA MURRAY’S RECITAL. A vocal recital 'will bo given to-night at tho Choral Hall by Miss Stella Murray. Amongst o’her items Miss Murray wU smg the recitative and aria. "Havel LtwlThe . (Gluck), “Where'er You Walk (Handel), "Mv True Love Hath My Heart W. “Devotion” (Strauss), and (Brahms). Miss Murray will be ? 'i Mr Charles Schiloky. the celebrated ™!». of London and Paris, who has an extensive tour of America. Miss MuneJ Little will bo at the piano, with Mr Alfred Wor3ley at the .organ.