AMUSEMENTS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17936, 1 November 1918, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

MISS STELLA. MURRAY'S RECITAL. The ooncert given at the Choral Hall Hs.t eight by Miss Stolia Murray (contralto vooaliet), assisted ,by Mr Charles Schilaky, well luunj<n -as & violinist, and musicl examiner, with Miss Muriel Little .as piano accompanist and Mr Alfred Worsley as organist, was an artistic and" delightful entertainment. Primarily it was Miss Murray's concert, »n d ' ilia v<j.y targe audience bestowed its favours generously, Miss Muiray being the recipient of tieverai beautiful bouquets, a complimon' that was also extended to Miss Littlo. Mies Murray s debut was a great success, and her singing loft little to be desired. She has & n excellent stage presence, eings her songs wit!: good understanding- and with ftn aptitude, lor imparling their meaning and impressing her hearers, She has a rich mtisical contralto' voice, in which the upper notes are to bo pret'orred to the lower. There is no lack of volume of the right kind, and her future is very promising. Her numbers were well varied, ranging as they did from grand opera b a simple nillaby, but whether in either of these, or a classical aria from oratorio, a national song or a bright little ditty, tho effect was equally pleasing. Miss Murray was, perhaps, heard to greatest advantage in the recitative and aria, "Have I Lost Thee?" from Gluck's " Orfeo," but m all her numbers, which ! ineludsd Handel a " Where'er you Walk," Dvorak's " God is my Shepherd" and ''l will Sing New Songs ©t Gladness" (Bible Songs\ Strauss's "Devotion," Brahma's "Tho Blacksmith" and ". Lullaby," ■""■. My True Love hath W Honrt" (Keel), "The Ba#ks. of Allan Water" and "The Last Rose of. Summer, she sang charmingly. The organ, Riven to several of hex numbers by 'Mr Worsley add-ed impreasiveness to thoir P* r * formance. Mr 'Schfsky needs no introduction. He has delighted Ch'ristehurch audiences ere now, hut it is doubtful if heaver playod better than he did last evening. Delicacy of touch, a pretty, snarkling tone and smoothness are characteristics of his playing, wes both -instructive and interesting. Mr Sehilsky and Miss Little played a Uortel sonata for piano and vio'in, and the violinist eentributed an Introduction and Hondo Gapriccioso by Snint-S».ens (Op. 2?V both works being most pleasingly presented.

FISK JUBILEE SINGERS. A really tlolightful entertainment ;s that provided by the Ftsk jubilee Sinfters. who made their second appearance' at the Theatre last evening. In days long past the mm? Fi?k was a household word throughout New Zealand in regard to the special style of entertainment the company Rave, arid much of the glamour of those times still remains in the memory of concert-goers. Time has wrought many changes in tho i.msonnel, and also brought a variation is the class of programme. Two old-time favourites are still with' the company. Miss Belle Gibbons, and Mr A. C. White, the musical director. Last evening the various itoms en tho programme met with unstinted appreciation from « large audience, the Jubilee choruses, plantation songs, medleys, comedy quartets and glees crivine ample scopo lor tho abilities of the company. Highly v-rpit-lar numbers in the first part were Mr Marshall Palmer's "The Sons- of tho Anvil," Miss Leila Wyburd's "Waltz Song." inm •Gounod's " Romeo and Juliet," and Mr Sid Hayncs's rendering of." Take a Pair of Sr,s.rkiinK Eyes." Notable, also were .Mr Harold Wilson's bass solo, "A. Hundred. Fathoms Deep," for which he was twice recalled, and tho numbers of Madame Cccilo Ste-il>anfc„ contralto. The second part contained many gems. The fine tenor voice of Mr Huntley Spencer wan heard to mat advantage in "Adieu Marie," and b* was warmlv oncored. Miss Belle Gibbons's diep oontralto wfta well suited in her first number, and -for an encore she sang " Killarney" with much expression. Miss Claro Solly is the possessor of a oontralto voice of fir?eat cower, and her solo "Mv Dear Soul" was a treai to listen to. Especially successful was the song scena, " Siaf/ Mo the Rosary." «nd "The Sa»nry," by Miss Leik Wyburd and Mr .Sid Hayiios lespeotively, agisted by the members of tho comoanv. Mr Sid Haynes is, also a. comedian of distinct ability, and his "Song Specialties" were highly mirth-m\-;voking. The programme was kept moving briskly, and with their splendidly varied offerings the Jubilee Singer* commoiidod success.

OPERA HOtTSE. A high-class programme, vaudeville and roruo is meeting with-popular approval at tho Opera House this'week. . ."Lulu" is Al. Bruoo's latest effort, and it is certainly the best that he and his bright company of Rosebuds havejpet put on. It contains plenty of huinoTir and a aucoJssion of good musical numbers which are distinctly pleasing.; In the vaudeville programme there are numerous attractive acts, including tho-so of the Homaz Trio (athletic marvels), Boy Bonham (the boy contortionist), the Gilberts (versatile comedians), the Lessoes (juggler* and sharpshooters) and Nellie Kolle (the singing comedienne. The Farrows are also appearing. . ' LIBERTY: THEATRE. . At, the Liberty Theatre this wook a- twofeature programme is being presented, which has proved immensely popular. A big Goldwyn attraction is one of the features, and under the title of "The Splendid Sinner" it tells a story so poignant, 80 appealing and romantic that it cannot fail to please. Little Mary M'Alister, the famous child actress, heads the cast in the Other big picture, an Bssanay production entitled •' Pants," which is a touching story of child life. The supporting programme includes the late 3 t instalment of "Tho Fatal Ring.' During the evening sessions violin solos are rendered by Miss Gladys Vincent, the brilliant Child l "violinist. • A special children's matinee will be held tomefrow, when admission will fee. 3d to all parts. - . \ •CRYSTAL PALACE. Yesterday largo and delighted attendances were . the, rule at the Crystal Palaoc, the current' pTOgrammo being one of the beat yet offered by that enterprising 1 management. Tho programme is a two-fea-turo on;, tho star items being ", Tho Innocor.t Sinner" and "Under Two Flags,"both "William Fox masterpieces. The latter is a revival, by special request, of the picture version of Ouida's great, story of the love and life of littlo Cigarette, •• the daughter of the regiment." This role is one of the best ever played by Tbeda Bara. The supporting programme includes a diverting Sunshine comedy. "A Self-made .Lady." EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. The chief attraction at Everybody's Theatre this week is a World production with tlrrce. well-known stars—. Tune Elvidge, Carlyle Blackwell and Arthur Ashley—in tho positions of eminence. The story is based on the consequences to.a husband who bocomea absorbed to such an extent in his profession that the interest in his home life is practically nil. An excellent supporting list makes up <i programme of surpassing interest. QUEEN'S THEATRE. At the Queen's Theatre this week ths Paramount feature that occupies the placs Oi honour is a oomedy-drama with Char.es Ray in the leading role. Supports thiß week ars of varied and special interest, and include a swift-moving Mack Sennett comedy, " Sweet Madeline," and a Burton Holmes travelogue. The new programme to: be presented next Monday will be headed by the Paramount feature-play. " Rimrock Jones." Wailnos Eeid, the popular Paramount star, depscter of Western types, who has played opposite Oernldino Fr.rr.Tr in most of her photo-plays, is starred in tliia picture. "Rimrook Jones" is a prospector who, at ths opening of tho story, finds himself in hard luck through the designing efforts of Andrew M'Bain, a canny Scotchman. The latter has claimed " Rimrock'a" mine, by unearthing a longforgotten law, to the effect that the holder

of the apex,of a-bitoe can clftimtHe whole. M'Bain stops, at iKthins- to HcComplisb :h» ends, eo faj M to try to steal another mine fromfl'jßjjnrocij" How Jones Bnally wins out,; fejfc th e help of pretty Mary Fortune,, a thrilling and realistic, photo-play. A cfeaf stenographer plays , a proiuittsnt part in the picture The part » taken by Aim.LMl«;. the cfever young actress. • She helps, Joiies in a struggle for his. copper nnno by .'pret-sndinn- to be deaf after she has been cured; and how they fight their way to happiness together makes a charmingly realistic' ."photo-play,, which will appeal to voung and old alike. The photography, by. Saxon D«an, is B*fiep : tionally good,i and scenes of rugged mountainous beauty will be seen throughout tho entire production. Supporting films, include " Fatty in Coney, Island," featuring Roscoe Arbuekls, and the latest editions of the Australian and American ;Gasettes.'

t GRAND THEATRE. ; " The. of a furore at tho Grand Theatre 1 this week, patrons being delighted with Harold Lockwood's acting of tiie itinerant philosopher. This fil m i s adapted from Holnien ■Day s novel of the- same •name, and from it Metro have made a . phote-jilav: of. great merit. There is a touch of romance woven in it that'makes afs irresistible Appeal to those, who see it. 'The supporting list comprises "Seaside Lovers," with Rosoe Arbuckle in the lead, and the 10th episode of "The Great Secret." . Next week's programme will be headed by " Barbara . Freitdhie," featuring Mary Miles Manter. STRAND THEATRE. An Attractive programme, headed by a life Raramount-Artcraft feature, " The Eternal Temptress, is attracting big audiences to the Strand Theatre daily. In this nlay is starred an actress, Lina Cavalieri, who, though new to Chrietchurch, is already a firm favourite. There is an excellent supporting programme, which includes a rousing comedy, It s a Great Life," and an interestmg gazette. ■'-■.' "I WANT MY CHILDREN;" NEXT WEEK AT LIBERTY THEATRE. iL A „^ werf , uI m «ral lesson is convevfd in the> Imngle drama entitled "I Want my Children, ■ or " Master of his House," which willthead next week's programme at the Liberty .theatre The leading parts are played h Alma Rubens and William Desmond. J.he theme is that of a butterfly wifo 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 homo, with a rial wife, and children." Tho picture constitutes a strong indictment against one of the greatest of social vices. Alma Rubens is charming as its.'too frivolous wife who tempted fata by her folly, and William Desmond is really convincing as the husband. The story is well produced, and holds tho interest at high tension, while the. ending is one whioh will appeal to the mother h;arfc of every woman.

Tho film will be supported by the World feature play "The Interloper," st wring' Kitty Gordon, and tho farewell engagement of tho Mysterious Singer is announced.

NO'RMA TALMADGE IN "THE MOTH." Iso picture was ever more appropriately named tnon tho Select feature, ." The Motn," which will be screened at Everybody's Theatre all next week. Norma Taimadiga playß the title'part, the part of a would-be Cleopatra trifling with lute and for ever in pursuit of 6eifish pleasure r.egard.css of ths consequences. Her search brings her nearer and nearer to tho danger mark; but, us she flutters about the flame of hsr own foil j, tie happiness which ahe seeks recedes hither and farther from her. The-story has immence emotional possibilities, and Ilorma can always b* depended on to got full vaiue from them. Those brilliant gifts which ' gained Norma Talmadge nation-wide popularity in "Goodbys, Summer," and which doubled the circle of her admirers in " Panthea," establish her as a Toigning favourite of the screen in drama of the highest class, Miss Tulmadge's success is due to no freak of fortune. Sheer ability—and notable performances that never raise expectations without moro, than satisfying them—are the secrets of her high , achievement. " The Moth" will raise her to new heights, and,the gowns which she wears in this production are said to establish her as one of the bestdressed women on the screen or stage. During the day sossions noxt wesk there yrill be an extra attraction, "Rupert of Henttau," the sequel, to " The Prisoner of Zenda."

THE SCARLET "TROUBADOURS'. ' When " The Scarlet Troubadours". appeared several seasons ago, the artists left such a favourable impression I that evon today it is claimed that no more capable combination ha>3 ever appeared in costumo-cora-edy work. However that may be, the remembrances of the pioneer company, and their attainments are decidedly pleasant, and the announcement of their return in a reorgamssd form will be hailed with satisfaction by that largo soction of tho public who appreciate an entertainment which is characterised 'by artistic singing, and judiciously blended with comedy of a clean and wholesome nature. Concerning the new company pf "Troubadours," the Auckland "Star" says "The concerted work throughout the programme was well above the average. With chorus and humorous duet and quartettes, burlesque glee part, and a pretty Irish scene, the fine combined singing of the whole party and the humorous specialities of the several members were used with admirable judgment to make an excellent programme." While maintaining all the excelent fiatum which popularised the original combination, they ihave embraced in their repertoire several new \ ideas, and include many concerted numbers in the nature 'of musical comedv sksiches, The season will open in tho Theatre Royal to-morrow evoning. The plans are now open at The Bristol, COMLIMENTARy"' CONCERT. ' The box plan for the complimentary concert arranged bv Mwdamcs Gower Burns end W. Wilson in aid of the funds of the Musical Society is now open at Milner end Thompson's,, and the bookings are heavy. The programme will comprise an unusual combination of local musical talent. The Male Voice Choir assisted bv the Cathedral choristers, will pive some of their choice-it numbers. The Chri?tohurch Savacre Club Orchestra (conductor Mr A. F. Bun*) will contribute items. Tho Son* Cycle Cotnpanv —Madame Cower Bums. Miss Woodhouse. Messrs A. E. Refctv and Rex Harrison, with Mrs F. P. Osmond Smith as Accompanist—will present the aonr evele, "Flora's JT''iday," and contribute gems Of song in addition. Mr Yore B"o.hanan (violinist) and MiErnest Janv'esoo (flautist) will also take part. The stags dressing will be in heaping with the subject of the soup cycle, which is reminiscent of May De,r in Old England.

STODAT'EVENING CONGEST. At the QueenV Theatre on Sunday evening: e. concert will be given in aid of tho Navy Leaguo War Fund 1 by the Queen'* Theatre Orchestra, assisted by several well-known ar.tints. The orcheitral selections will include •ira, from Bi&st'a " Carmen," and DvorakKreia'er " Sltvonic F&ntasie" and " Hejri Kati" (Hnbay). Songs ivill.be contributed by Miss Olive Thorpe (" A%»c Maria" Mid "The-Rosary"), Mr J. H. Cocks ("Lea Rameaus " and " Lead, Kindly Light ") and Mt Arthur Macdeusld (" The Guard Ship "). Mrs Harry Ellwood will wlay Chopin's Valse in A Fiat, Mr H. M'D. Vincent will contribute a recitation, Mr A. HuHo'n will ploy a piccolo solo, and Hr<Haro'd Beck ('oe'llo) will play Popper's "Hungarian Rhapsodic." Violin cbWifratos to vocal items by Miss Thorpe and Mt Cocks will be played bv Misa Cadeiiheftd and Mr R. L. Clarke respectively.

PROFESSOR BARRADEN. On Saturday night Professor R. A. Barraden, the hypnotist, will open a farewoll seaeon of nights in the Colosseum. A large st&go 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 bo the hypnotic brass band. Professor Barraden has secured ft set of brass instruments, and under hia influence he will meJto his local subjects imagine that they are great musicians. This will be the first time such a test has been giv*n in Christchurch, and the management antiripattw that it will prove »'; big dr*w. Other features 6f' the entertainments will be sceffeu cV.scribod as " Tho Tightrope Walkers " and " Toothache." The box phws will open at The Bristol today. No booking fee will bo charged. « SYDENHAM PICTURES. At the Sydenham' Picture Theatre last evening, a large andsence witnessed the screening of the World drama, "Broken Ties," and ft ***>*?, sUpportinir programme. The same films will be shown this eveningf