AMUSEMENTS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18308, 19 January 1920, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

GRAND OPERA COMPANY. "TALES OF HOFFMAN.” There was another crowded attendance at the Theatre Royal on Saturday night, when the Williamson Grand Opera Company presented Offenbach's masterpiece, ” Tales of Hoffman,” a delightful fantastic comic opera, which was first produced at Paris, in 1881.. There can be little doubt that tile performance of the world-renowned opera was the finest piece of stagecraft and artistry that it has been the good fortune of a Christchurch audience to witness. The occasion was also the first on winch the Offenbach work has been presonted in this city. Hitherto the opera has been known by repute and by its 6tory, which is fairly familiar. So far as its glorious music is concerned, however, that has been almost a closed book, except that from time to time excerpts from the opera have been heard in the form of short selections played by local orchestras, while

| Tales of Hoffman ” has been chiefly familiar in these parts by performances of the celebrated barcarolle, ”0, Night of Love.” But the barcarolle is only one of the-many musical gems 'which adorn Offenbach’s crowning operatic achievement. In the prologue, for instance, after a rousing opening chorus by the students, Hoffman is called on for a song, and sings the ballad of Klein-tach, a spirited composition, in which musical beauties are unfolded, delighting, the ear of the listener. In a dreamy state, Hoffman wanders into the realms of his past and tells the story of his three loves, Olympia (the mechanical doll), Guilietta (a coquette, temptress and destroyer of honest love), and Antonia (a simple country maid, who loves singing, but is afflicted' with consumption and, oespite her father’s warning, literally sings herself to death). The music sung.by Olympia is of a brilliant, florid description; Guilietta s is more passionate and seductive; while Antonia’s is pathetic, devotional and entrancingly beautiful. It is doubtful if three vocalists better suited to the requirements of the parts could have been wished for than Eileen Castles as Olyinpia, Elsy Treweek as Guilietta, and Patti Russell as Antonia. Each has a soprano role, and success depends not alone on vocalisation. In portraying the mechanical doll, Mis# Castles played the part with remarkable accuracy of detail and clockwork precision. Her facial expression remained unchanged even singing the exceedingly difficult aria of Olympia, and her reproductions of the waywardness of an automaton when the the works are running down were wonderful. Miss Castles s performance evoked storms of applause, not alone for her brilliant singing, bu “ for her acting. Miss Treweek had not quite the same opportunities to excel vocally U?. scene of the opera, but with Nicklaus (Thelma Carter) and chorus she was heard m t.ic exquisite barcarolle aria and rr ~ nvera mipassionedconcerfced numbers with Hoffman. In this 'episode, also, i 8 heard trie famous Dapertutto air, magnificently sung by Carl Formes. Miss Treweek’s rich, warmtoned soprano voice was admirably adapted to the role, and she gained a marked success. Mips Russell had, vocally, the greatest opportunities, and in a mine of wealth as the third episode is, musically, her singing of the pathetic air, “ The Dove has Flown,” was an exquisite piece of refined vocalisation. Her concerted work was also delightful, especially in the trio, with Hoffman and The Voice (sung by Anita. Roma) in tho transformation visualising Antonia’s mother. Patti Russell has a lync soprano of pretty, pleading quails 3:: u , with her very effective and faithful histrionics, scored also a great suecess.

, The role of Hoffman was presented by Walter Wheatley, an operatic artist of high attainments, both as actor and singer. He was m every way well suited to the part, and possessing a cultured tenor voice of rich quality, and displaying full appreciation of character, gave an impressive performance from the outset. Hoffman has so many good numbers to sing that it is difficult to decide m which Mr Wheatley gave the most pleasure, but perhaps the palm may he given to his singing of ’Tis She," in the doll episode, the enchanting air being sung with much grace and charm. Notable vocal and mstnomc performances were also given by Fred Collier (as Spalanzani in the first tale and ns Antonia’s father in the third tale),’ Mr Collier displaying a fine bass voice and markedly clear enunciation; Tom Minogue (Coppehus in the first episode and Franz in the third); Carl Formes (Dapertutto in the Venetian sceno), who gave an excellent portrayal of the part of the magician and wnoso solo singing, as already mentioned, was thoroughly artistic; Alfredo Valenti (Dr Miracle, the evil influence in the third tale) whose ggand bass voice waa heard with telling effect m the third episode, in which Miracle influences and compels the consumptive Antonia to sing till her spirit gives out and she dies, til© remarkable seen© ending in «i gradually darkened stage in which all the figures are obliterated! except that of Dr Miracle, upon whoso face a saffron-colon red light is thrown, the effect being to visualise vividly the presence of the Evil One; and Thelma Carter,- who as Nicklaus, is present with Hoffman in all his affairs. Miss Carter was always effectively in the picture, and her singing numbers were thoroughly enjoyable and appreciated. The chorus work was good, and the scenery and general mounting picturesque and well in keeping with the high standard of the whole production. The orchestra, under Gustavo Slapoffski, supported the singers magnificontly, the work of the instrumentalists providing a great musical treat. The incidental numbers were impressively played, particularly the repetition of the barcarolle tvs an introduction to the epilogue. The outstanding features in this memorablo performance of “ Tales of Hoffman ” were the number of high-grade soloists heard, the exceptionally fine acting, the superb scenes and dressing, the wonderful orchestration and the excellerce of the orchestra itself.

This evening Puccini’s opera, "La Boheme,” will be presented, with Amy Castles in the principal role. As Mimi, the sympathetic little flower girl, Miss Castles during the Sydney, Melbourne and ‘Wellington seasons was eminently successful. Mimi’s part is one necessitating the most refined and delicate treatment, and requires, from a vocal point, o voice cultured and powerful. With these attributes Miss Castles is amply endowed. “La Boheme ” with its alternations of pain and pleasure, grief and joy, its simple yet affecting story, is readily understood. There is an undertone of tragedy whicih swells into full chords of sorrow as tho climax is reached, and as is woll known the musio is a succession of rich melodies. The four acts Teplete with stir and incident, are full of oolour, and the bright scene in tho Latin quarter has many excellent comedy touches. The cast will include, beside Amy Castles, Walter Wheatley os Rudolph, Alfredo Valenti as Celline, Carl Formes os Marcolle, and Eileen Castlea-ns Musetta. Tomorrow night Amy Castles will appear as Cho Cho San in “Madame Butterfly, which will also be played at the matinee on Saturday next.

.WIRTHS’ CIRCUS. It is seldom that Christchurch is visited by such a first-class circus combination as that which has been brought to tho city by Mcsbts Wirth Bros., and which opened before a huge audience on Saturday night, in a largo marquee in Moorhouse Avenue, opposite the .Railway • Station. The programme submitted was in every respect excellent, many of the turns being of a character new to a Christchurch audience. The performing animals, which took a largo share in the programme, were particularly good, and they carried! out thoir, respective parts and performed their tricks without hesitation or fcult Although tho quality of the entertainment was of the best, tho show would be enhanced if the lighting- was a little better. It would also be an improvement if tho show finished a little earlier, many people on Saturday night having to got away before the last act. The outstanding feature on the programme was the excellent turn provided by the Eddy Duo, who did some marvellous things on the wire, inoluding a flip-flap somersault, cake-walking, skipping and other extraordinary antic*. This was a very neat and clean turn, and is remarkably clover and interesting- Another fine item was tho living statuary, in which two men, a woman, three dogs, a sheep and a horse took part. VanOU9 poses were enacted, and the tab loans; presented were of a novel nature, the animals anting their parts with much intelligence. The Flying Winskills, comprising three men, one of whom presented a most amusing impersonation of Charlie Chaplin, gave a very clever and exciting gymnastic exhibition of wire-walkihg. The turn, besides being brilliant, was humorous, the three gymnasts having some amazing falls, and appearing! at times in danger of injuring themselves. An exciting display «f horsemanship was given bv Transfield and l Freeman, two jockeys. The clowns, Danny and George, assisted by two clever fox terriers, contributed many amusing turns, greatly, to the delight of the children. At one time they brought out seven performing goese, which drilled like soldiers and went through a number of military movements, finally gomg off tho parade ground in a, patrol waggon drawn, by two goats. The Howards, mental telepathists, gave a mystifying second sight and thought-reading act, which possessed a great deal of real merit. The three Zoo sisters, “ the girls with the iron jaws, ’ performed some wonderful aerial suspension feats, inoluding tho human butterfly turn, which was both pretty and clever. The Garciaß, acrobats, executed a number of exciting single and double somersaults of an unusual nature. A turn of a novel and spectacular type was “ The Drag.” In this act the drag is drawn by four magnificent white hoxse3, and while it is going round th« ring the

Roland Troupe, consisting of three men and three women, do a number of acrobatic feats on the backs of the horses. ''The Loop of Death” iB a daring feat performed by Montfort, who, after swinging in mid-air for some time; does a complete circle. “ Dudioy/’ a pony trained by Mir Phillip Wirth, did a clever act, in the course of which he sits on his hind legs on a lorry end drives the horse which is pulling it round. He also gave a good exhibition of trick jumping. Aerial trapeze work of an exciting. nature was given by Miss Onra, and the six Oeire-. nes, “ maniacs on the wire,” gave a good display of wire walking of a character different from that submitted by the other artists. The grand parade, is a feature of the programme. Included in the parade were four lions bom in Cambridge, New Zealand; a brown bear, " Brisbane ”; a miniature race-horse; and five elephants, one of which plays a mouth organ and answers questions put to it by its trainer, Miss Onra. The menagerie, which will open this week at feeding time from 4 to 6 p.m. each djayv consists of seven lions, two bears, ten monkeys, three, tigers, two leopards, five elephants, besides horses, ponies and other animals, all of whioh looked well fed and healthy. The circus will be repeated every afternoon and evening this week. Reserved seats may he booked at the Bristol.

OPERA HOUSE. The now programme to be submitted at the Opera House to-night will include a number of star turns. Heading the bill is that sensational mental telepathist, Astras, who, attended bj* her panther and lion cub familiars, is prepared to answer any quesinn that may be submitted by the audience. •She has been re-engaged for a short season only. Silvester, the brilliant magioian, will present a series of illusions, including what is described as a sensational defiance of the laws of gravity. A first appearance will be made by Miss Celia Mavis, an American entertainer, who has been very successful under the Fuller banner. The Corelli Trio will be heard in further attractive musical items, while Maud Courtney and Mr. C. will continue their entertaining series of songs and storms. Others due to appear inolude Lieutenant Harper, tenor: Maggie Foatetr violinist ; and Frank, Lank and Alice, club jugglers. The plan is now on view at Miner and Thompson’s.

QUEEN’S THEATRE. : To-day, at the Queen's Theatre, a new programme will be submitted, containing two excellent star films. In “ The Venus Model,” Mabel Normaad takes the lead, and i 3 shown as an employee of Braddock and Co., manufacturers of bathing suits. Business was languishing with tho firm until she designed l a new bathing dress, whioh becomes the erszo of the fashionable bathers to such an extent that tho business is resuscitated, and Mabel marries the son of the manager. The story is full of light-hearted humour, tinged with an element of excitement. In “The Hayseeds’ Melbourne Cup ” some very fine views of the Victorian capital are shown, as well as the actual scenes at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Bay. Tho supporting items are Charlie Chaplin in “Olio All,” episode 8 of "The Lightning Raider,” and a Pictorial Budget.

CRYSTAL PALACE. “ The Uplifters,” the latest Metro oomedydrama, in which May Allison is starred, and! v/hich will bo shown at the Crystal Palace this week, is adapted from the story of the same name by Wallace Irwin, published in the “ Saturday Evening Post.” This clever story tells of Hortense Troutt’s venture into the land of -Bohemia, and of her thorough disillusionment. Listening to the lurid talk directed against society and capital by a woman Socialist, she begins to think that she, too,. is one of the downtrodden. She gives up her position as stenographer and seeks the lady of oratory, who sympathises with her, and persuades her to join the “ unshackled free." Hortense accepts, but soon finds that she has only exchanged one kind of drudgery for another. The comedy is ex* ceplionally amusing, end is filled with unusual and unexpected situations. An excellent supporting programme will be Bhown, embracing a laughable comedy entitled “ Let 'Em Buck,”Dominion Travelogue and Topical Budget, in addition to which little Emily •Turner, a clever and sprightly Scottish donseuse, assisted by Piper Lindsay Taylor, will contribute selected items. Tho Crystal Paloco orchestra, which continues to add to its laurels, will supply the necessary musical accompaniments, as well as contributing a tuneful overture and ©ntr'aote nightly.

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. Another double-star programme is advertised to be screened this week at Everybody’s Theatre. One of the leading features is the latest Vitagraph drama, entitled “A Rogue’s Romance,” starring Earle Williams. It is a powerful story, marked by powerful situations and suspense and mystery. In “A Rogue’s Romance” Earle Williams has a part that suit 3 him in every particular, and to it he imparts both realism and dash. The picturo deals with the experiences of Mona/ Picard, the greatest character in French criminal history, always suspected, but never caught, and who finally turns straight for the love of a girl. Altogether the production is a fascinating one, and the photography is of the highest standard. The other star attraction is William Fox’s latest comedy-drama, entitled "Caught in tho Act,” starring the clever and popular young actress, Peggy Hyland. This is a liVely comedy of a society bud who loved to shock Mrs Grundy. Special orchestral items are to be played by Everybody’s “ Select ” Orchestra, and they wiN includo selections from "Cavalleria Rusticana," “ Tales of Hoffman,” and, as an entr’acte. “ Blowing Bubbles ” (“ Bing Boys on Broadway ”). Seats may be booked at The Bristol.

LIBERTY THEATRE. All sessions were crowded at tho Liberty Theatre on Saturday, when the new programme was headed by Anita Stewart in a First National feature, “Mary Regan,” an exciting story of a girl’s fight against blackmailers, who seefc to enrich themselves by bringing forward accusations regarding her birth. Tho picture ends in a startling and unusual manner. Tho supporting programme includes a comedy, “ Ring Up the Curtain ”: a Post scenic, “ Amid Peaceful Scenes ”; and a Topical Gazette. Mr Tom Wallace, a distinguished tenor from Wellington, has been specially engaged for the week. He sang with great success “Dear Heart,” “Bird of Love Divine,” “ Until,” and “ Mary of Argyle.” Tho Libertv Orchestra presented a complete change of. music, this week’s entr’-acte being airs from “Carmen.”

STRAND THEATRE. The film version of tho stage success “ Paid in Full,” with that versatile picture juctrosa, Pauline Frederick, in tho loading) role, was screened before large audiences at the Strand Theatre on Saturday, and will bo repeated at all sessions this week until Fridaynoxt. “ Paid in Full ” is a story of a young man’s downfall, and of how his wife had to suffer for his misdoings. In the part of the wife, whose honour is at stake. Paulino Frederick daoa some very fine aoting, and

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the dramatio situations with which the story abounds axe very well carried out. An excellent supporting programme comprises another episode of the serial “ The Silent Mystery,” " Her Nitro Knight ’’ (comedy),' “ Stars of Yester Year ’’ (a Bray Pictograph), and an American Gazette.

GRAND THEATRE. An excellent and varied programme is promised at the Grand Theatre to-dav. The chief picture will be the latest Jewel photoplay in six acts, entitled “ When a Girl Loves,” featuring Mildred Harris Chaplin. Mildred Harris plays the part of the heroine, and carries her scenes well. The role of Eagle Ryan is the strongest in the story, and is excellently portrayed by William Stowe’l. The settings are unusually attractive, and many enjoyable photographic effects, with wild and romantio backgrounds, have been obtained. In the supporting programme will be found another adventure of “ Stingareo,” and fun galoire is promised in Charlie Chaplin’s comedy, “ Woman,”, and the Christie comedy, “ Look Who’s Here.” There is also a Pictorial Educator. The music by tho Grand orchestra, under Mr A. L. Sutton, will again be a feature of the evening sessions, The plan is at The Bristol, and seats may also be reserved at the theatre.

SYDENHAM PICTURES. At the Sydenham Pictures to-night, thl spectacular drama, “ Maiy Regan,” featuring the popular Anita Stowart, will be shown. For the change on Thursday, "A Rogue’s, Romance ” and “ Lest We Forget ” will be screened. NEW SOUTH WALES ORCHESTRA. ’ The New South Wales Government heads the list, not only in Australasia, but in the ■whole confines of the British is giving a generous State subsidy to the art of music. That they have been induced tot ' do so is due to one man, Henri Verbrugw ghen, whose self-confidence is in every way justifying itself bv results. Nor is the benefit being confined to New South Wales; so highly is the attractive power of a fine oiff chestra esteemed that the whole organisation i%' being sent round to other States .and to this Dominion, with the firm, assurance that the vast expenditure whioh is entailed will be repaid with interest from the box office returns. TMb orchestra reoently left Sydney for a tour embracing Melbourne and Adelaide, and of that tour the "Australian Musical News " (published in Melbourne) stated: All doubts as to the success of the New South Wales State Orchestra, in connection with their visit to Melbourne, were speedily set at rest. Crescendo was the mot d'ordre, alike as regards the size of the audiences and the unbounded enthusiasm they displayed. The sum total of the concerts given was eight—seven in the first eight days, and an extra one five days later on their way back from Adelaide. The outstanding fact * of all is that an orchestra of fourscore players has been brought from Sydney, to Melbourne, from Melbourne to Adelaide and back to Melbourne again, and has finally returned to Sydney, and has shown a large profit after liquidating all its heavy travelling expenses. In this city, after the fir'st two concerts, no seat was vacant in any part of the house, while, taking the aggregate series of conoorts into account, literally hundreds who desired to bo present found themselves crowded out.” Crowded audiences are the order of the day at the regular orchestral concerts, most of which are held in the immense Sydney Town Hall. The orchestra will open its Christchurch season of four nights in the King Edward Barracks on Thursday, January 29. The box plans op<ui to-day, the booking for the jirst two nights being at The Bristol and for the last two nights at Messrs Milner and Thompsons.