ENTERTAINMENTS AND MEETINGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11539, 26 November 1900, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS AND MEETINGS.

} THE POLLARD SEASON. The Pollard Opera Company gave a largely attended : matinee performance of " Maritana" on Saturday afternoon, when the previous success attained by principals and chorus in its representation wis amply confirmed. i In the evening the- revival of that bright and melodious gem of comio opera, "La Poupee," provided a long evening's enjoyment for the very large number playgoers present. " La Poupee"—mirth-provoking from the outsetis eminently of the popular kind of. opera, and no]better antidote -for the cares of the workaday world was surely ever offered than in its bright and winsome airs and witty "book." However pleasing it may be to know that <he. Pollards are capable of more ambitious efforts, it will be conceded, no doubt, that they aie particularly effective in the class of work which Audran's charming opera represents. Saturday's performance was a notable one, its success being guaranteed from the very outset. ' Miss May Beatty played Alesia, the, dollmaker's daughter, so well that too much praise could scarcely bo bestowed upon her. Her impersonation of the doll which she had broken in a fit of naughtiness was remarkable for its consistent cleverness. She showed that she has the dramatic instinct stro«g within her, and her "business" was the best thing of its kind that she has given. She was equally convincing and charming in her solos, for one of whioh she gained a triple encore, and in the ducts with Lancelot sho was admirable. The scene in which she sets herself to charm the old Baron and his friend was perhaps her most effective bit of work. Mr. Charles Carter, as Lancelot, gave a fresh proof of the rapid advance he is making, both as an actor and as a singer. The modest young man, who sees " a lot of funny things on leaving the monastery for the world, and who falls in love with what he supposes to be" a doll, was splendidly portrayed. He was consistent throughout, and entirely succeeded in making the character real and effective. His singing was beyond all praise, the mellow and sympathetic tone of his voice imbuing his vocal work with real value, and his audience were not sparing in their applause. His singing of the fine solo, " Oh! Can it be Love?" was his best effort, and gained him the heartiest of double encores. Hilarius, the dollmaker, as played by Mr. W. S. Percy, was a olever bit of character acting, full of droll humour and replete with skilful by-play, which kept the audience in constant merriment. Mr. Percy appears to be so easily comical in all he does that it is a pleasure to sit out his versatile performances— compels laughter. Mr. Ernest Pitts had a part which suited him, in that of Father Maxime, and he performed admirably. His music was well adapted to his powerful voice, ond it may be doubted whether he has ever given us anything letter than his rendering of "Tomorrow Will Be Friday." Mr. Harry Quealy appeared for the first time during the present season. His low-comedy vein had full scope in the part of Loremois, and he made a very funny old man of the approved type. Mr. Alf. Stephens, as the Baron, ably filled his part, and was comical therein. Miss Marie Metcalfe, as Madame Hilarius, and Miss Lili Stephens, as Henri, acted capably, and all the minor parts were well sustained. The mounting of the opera was handsome, and the costumes bright and tasteful. The choruses (especially for male voices) were well rendered, the company's efficient orchestra, under Mr. Arthur King, doing splendid work. . When Mr. Pollard announced his intention of staging standard English opera, people smiled, but when they saw "Maritana," and the phenomenal business done for six nights, they acknowledged the fact that Mr. Pollard knew more about the capabilities of his company than they did. To-night he will present the second of his grand opera ventures, when ho will stage for the first time hero Balfe's romantic opera, " The Bohemian Girl." The cast will be of exceptional strength, while the Rta'einsr and dressing will be up to the usual Pollard standard. Miss May Beatty will be the Arline, while her sister Maud, will be admirably suited by the, part of the Gipsy Queen. Mr. Carter will, of course, be the Thaddeus, and Mr. O'Connor will have an opportunity of displaying his melodious voice as Count Arnheim. The ruffianly Devilshoof will be represented by Mr. E. Nable. and the effeminate Florestein by Mr. Alf. Stephens. There will be the usual weekly matinee, at popular prices, on Saturday next. DIX'S GAIETY COMPANY. The City Hall was again accorded a large share of the public patronage on Saturday evening, additional interest in the change of programmo provided being lent by the introduction of a new first-part, entitled Our American Cousins." The scenic effects and costumes were most original and effective, and the American national airs rendered by the orchestra, greatly added to the charm of a most painstaking production. _ Miss Ida Roslyn was as popular as ever with a budget of serio-comic specialties and dances, and Mr. Frank Clark made a decided hit as a comedian, and kept the audience convulsed with laughter whilo he held the boards. As a mimio Miss Ivy Scott was very amusing, and exhibited much versatility in her sketches, the best of which was perhaps, "She Just Walks On." A feature of the programme was the aerial trapeze act by the Wingate Sisters, who hold the audience breathless with their intrepid feats, their turn concluding with a "Slide for Life" on a wire stretched from the ceiling above the circle to the stage, the performer making a rather perilous descent, gripping a " traveller" on the wire with her teeth alone. Messrs. MeKisson and Reams introduced several new specialties with their knock-about and acrobatic turns, and were most popular. Other successful comedian? were Mr. Jock Kenrns, the Linwood Sisters, and Mr. Harry Leggett. The same programme will be presented this evening, when the Faust Trio, a team of vocalists, dancers, and contortionists, will mako their first appearance. The trio come direct from Australia, where the press speak of them in terms of the highest praise. FULLER'S BIJOU COMPANY. The popularity of this company was again in evidence on Saturday night, for the Agricultural Hall was crowded. Mr. Chas. Faning, although he has been six weeks with the company, had to sing no less than six songs. Mr. Dennis Carney is also becoming a strong favourite, and contributed a number of comic songs, which were most acceptable. In Miss Amy Blackie, the managemept have secured a beautiful singer, who sang "For Old Time's Sake," " Plymouth Sound." and the popular song, " Only a Leaf." Master Freddy was well applauded for bis singing of "The Little Hero," whilo Miss Myra James pleased greatly with her coon songs. The Terpsichorean Challenge" concluded the first part, in which Mr. Wal. Cottier executed a sand-jig. The farce, "What Happened to Jones," in which all the members of the company took part, brought the entertainment to a close. The same programme will be given to-night. The last three nights of Mr. Chas. Faning are announced. On Thursday evening next, Mr. Sivroni, comedian and dancer (better known as the indiarubber man), and Miss Silvern, serio comic, make their first appearance at the Agricultural Hall. ST. MARY'S PARISH FAIR. The "white fair" held at St. Mary's Parish Hall. Parnell, under the auspices of St.. Mary's Women's Guild, was continued on Saturday last. The fair was again largely patronised, the many spectators present being loud in their praise of the arrangements made. An excellent entertainment was again provided, the chief items in which were the two tableaux, " Venus' Mirror" and "Fancy Picture." A MUSICAL MATINEE. Tho pupils of St. Mary's High School, Ponsenby, gave a musical matinee on Thursday afternoon to commemorate tho silver jubilee of the Very Rev. Dr. Egan, 0.5.8. The Right Rev. Dr. Lenihan, the Very Rev. Monsignor o'Re*ly, the Revs. Fathers Purton, Patterson, Darby, O'Hara. the Mother Superior and Sisters and the children belonging to the industrial home were present at the entertainment. The following programme was creditably rendered by the.pupils:—Orchestral piece, "Coralette," pianos, Misses Ruthven a.id Jones, violins, Misses N. Lynch, E. Brown, G. Bray; 'cellos, Misses V. Fitzpatrick and M. Brown. Duet, piano, Misses N. Lynch, M. Brown, E. Brown, Marie Ralph; song, " Dream, Angel," Mis 3 B. Jones; violin solo. Miss N. Lynch; instrumental trio, violin Miss E. Brown, 'cello Miss M. Brown, piano Miss Brown song, "Roses in the Meadow," Miss N. Lynch; piano solo. Miss Ruthven; choruses, " The "* Fairies' Dance," " Gate of Dreams," and " Goodnight;" recitation. "Absalom," Miss I. Ansley; recitation, "The Lion and the Glove," Miss P. Dempsey. " The Floral March," by 16 pupils, was both pretty and effective. An address was read to His Lordship the Bishop by Miss Alda Ralph, which was followed by a congratulatory address to the Very Rev. Dr. Egan by Miss Ella Brown. ' The children presented a beautifully-carved table, the work of the pupils, to the former, and the hitter received a handsome china set. The Bishop and clergy were afterwards entertained at tea by the sisters, and then left for. the Sacred Heart Convent School, Ponsonby. SOCIAL AT NEWMARKET WESLEYAN CHURCH. A welcome was accorded Mr. and Mrs. Gilmore at the Newmarket Wesleyan Church on Friday evening on their return from a trip

to England. ' The Rev. J. T. Pinfold presided. ; Addresses of welcome were given by the Rev.: H. R. Dewsbury, Messrs. Wood, Rose, and Gilmour, and Mesdames Ellis, Gilmore, and- Miss G.iKeetleyi also said a few words. Refreshments were handed round, .and a musical programme carried out, solos being contributed by Misses H. Keetley and A Cochrane and the chairman, and organ solos by Mr. E. Chitty. Mr. Thomas Buddie took the opportunity during the evening of presenting Mr. Hogg, who has been relieving in the Sunday-school during Mrs. Gilmore's absence, with a silver pencil case, in recognition of his services. Mr. Hogg suitably responded. ■■'• ■ ''" : ' " : - v ' : - ■■■•■■•■■