ENTERTAINMENTS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9478, 29 March 1911, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE DOLORES CONCERT. There was not a very largo audience at tho Opera House last evening when tho great Dolores, as ono of the greatest living singers, had an uninspiring array of empty seats to face, an ordoal which she would find strange, for even in such inhospitable- latitudes as tho West Coast of the South Island the people recognised tho honour conferred on them, and turned out on masse to hear the great artist. Had sho been less an artist perhaps Dolores might have been affected by tho uninspiring prospect, but her marvellous powers so quickly captivated the audience thai tho coldness of empty benches was lost in the enthusiasm aroused by such a display of art. Dolores' numbers were nearly all comparatively new to Palmerstoniaus, but the exquisite manner of their treatment captured the audience every time. The great singer's voice is unlike any other heard here. Its purity and flexibility are really .amazing, and these, combined with dramatic genius and personal charm, completely transformed tho works chosen. Of tlio better-known numbers Handel's beautiful aria, "Angels Ever Bright and Fair," was exquisitely rendered,-and the .audience broke into enthusiastic applause before tho singer's last note had died away. Such other triumphs as "Zingarella," "Titania," and the series of beautiful littlo English songs, were marvels of vocal art, quite unparalleled by anything ever heard 1 previously. Every appearance was oncored, and the recall items wero among the most popular. A laughing song completely carried the audience off its feet, while tho littlo Scotch item, "I'm Over Young to Marry Yet," and the evergreen Irish "Killarucy," were , further evidence of the great artist's powers, Tho. accompanist, Mr Selwyn Shrimplin, was a model in the careful and restrained manner of his work, while his solos were well received and both encored. FULLERS' PICTURES. ' The second screening of Fullers' Monday change of programme attracted a good audience last night. Again tho star films turned up in the realistic representation of Shakospearc's play, "Tho Merry Wives of Windsor" and "Tho Red Cross Seal." Both pictures were well received and enthusiastically applauded. The scenic films were also of a high • standard. "The Warwick Chronicle," depicting gleanings from tho busy world, proved to be another good, all-roun.l film. Tho several humorous items attracted much attention, and drew forth loud applause. To-night is the last time that this excellent programme will be screened, an entirely new set of subjects having been selected for Thursday. THE GREAT COMEDY HIT "SEVEN DAYS." Think of a man and his divorced wife, and girl who is protending to be his wife, and a man who is in love with the pretended wife, and a rich spinster aunt who thinks they are man and wife, a burglar and a policeman, being shut in a house for a week, with a quarantine guard watching to see that nobody gets out or in, tho servants Hod, and no communication with the outside world except by telephone. That one week in quarantine makes the clovor comedy "Seven Days," which for two years has caused an epidemic of laughter in New York", and lor six months raged virulently jn Chicago. This notable comedy success will be staged at the Opera House to-mor-row evening by Hugh J. Ward's.Company of Comedian:?. It will he presented in a- manner worthy of Hugh J. Vi'ard, whose reputation as a theatric:!] producer has been established by many brilliant triumphs.-. The Company appear here for one night only, and are making a- farewell visit here. Mr Ward in June next disbands this organisation. He enters into a partnership with J. 0. Williamson, Ltd. Miss Grace Palotta returns to (Europe, and the various members of the Company return to their respective headquarters.