ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 12878, 29 May 1905, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"SWEET NELL OF OLD DULY." "Swr.r.T Nt'.i.t. ok Oi.ti l)i:rr.Y." as played and staged by Mr. George Mu>gro\e's Dramatic Company at His Majesty's Theatre, on Saturday evening, was greeted by a large and enthusiastic audi.' by whom (he play was thoroughly appreciated. Everything went off most successfully. The piece will was thoroughly appreciated. The piece will be repealed this evening. Mr. Mtisgtove announces the production of "Old Heidelberg" on Wednesday evening next. This play is described as „ most; charmimr comedy, adapted from the German " Vli Heidelberg," and was first produced at St. •Limes' '1 heal re, London, where it ran the entire season. Produced in America bv -Mr. Richard Mansfield, it also met with immediate succe.-s. and is still being played to enormous business. The Kurdish and American success has been repeated in Australia and New Zealand, and the new play is spoken of in (he highest terms of praise by (he press wherever played. The Sydney Morning Herald, in speaking of the production by Mr. Musgrove's company and Miss Nellie Stewart, says:—"The fragrance of an old world May Day. the innocent, exuberance of youth, and the chastening influence of a devoted but misplaced affection are the principal elements Unit give .ham- to the new play at the Lyceum Theatre. The piece is quiet, fender, ami idyllic, exhibiting something of that quality of "restrain! which characterises even the mosl passionate of German love songs, and is, in fact, deeprooted in the style of (Lriiiau art." Another Sydney paper says:—" What the verdict was going to be was nor left long in doubt, for the enthusiasm commenced early and was maintained at a high pitch. It scored an instantaneous success, and the English verdict was confirmed." THE OPTRA HOUSE After a season of melodrama under the management of Mr. William Anderson, the Open* House resumed variety business on Saturday night nuclei that, capable entertainer, Mr. Fuller. The winter season has been opened with a very strong company, and despite counter attractions flier.; was a very big house on Saturday. The company appeared in the first part in a fine new scene, "The Sultan's Palace," painted by Mr. W. Hutchinson. There were several first appearances, and the new artists were all we'll received. Miss Lavinia Tyson, a young lady of majestic figure and possessing a rich contralto voice, sang with great success "The Children's Home," and was emphatically encored. Later she sang " In. the Good Old-fashioned Way" and "Goodbye, Little Girl, Good-bye" with screen illustrations. This novel form of illustrating a song at once received popular approval. The pictures were exceedingly pretty. Miss Tyson gives to the variety stage that touch of refinement ii sometimes lacks. Song and dance were capably given by Miss Eileen Murray and Miss Alma Lyndon, and Miss Flonio Leigh was successful in the .serio "All the Little Ducks Went Quack, Quack." Song anil fun were provided with plenty of vim by Mr. .James Opie, Mr. Ted Stanley and Mr. Sam. Wilson, The first part closed with Miss Flo. Calculi's dan.ov and song, "What the Brass Land Played." Miss Caleutr sings well, and she was twice recalled. In the second part also there were several first appearances. Messrs. Murphy and Delavalc claim to be the champion trick bicycle riders of the world. Those who saw- their performance on Saturday night will not question that claim. Their act include* what, seem to be every possible and impossible feat on wheel, and if. is lively and amusing. Mr. Harry Harrison introduced his lay figure, Coster .Joe, and gave an exceedingly clever venfriloquial entertainment. Then Mr. Fred. Rivenliall. the " lion eomique," sang "My Heart's Good, but My Feet Won't, Let Me," to the great amusement of the audience, and was recalled again and again. Sum. Wilson and Miss Florrie Leigh gave a bright duo. All these "new people " were highly successful. Miss Alice Layton, who reappeared after an absence of five years, sang "Come to Mo" and "Annie Laurie." and was warmly applauded and recalled. This lady bus made a great advance in voice and art since she was bore before. A very even, bright, and amusing entertainment, with not a dull moment in. it, concluded with some kinotoscope pictures.

BASKET SOCIAL. On May 25 a basket social ami promenade concert was held in the H'owiok Public Hall. Over £25 were taken during- the evening, thee proceeds going towards the. improvement and painting of live Roman Catholic Church. There were over 300 present during the. evening. Songs were rendered by the Misses Cochran, Farley, and Mttllampy. the latter being encored; due by Mrs. Wright and Miss Burns, recitations by Miss Olphert and Miss Carter, and a song by Mr. Smith. During the evening over 50 baskets were sold, some of them being really works of art. .Mrs. Whitaker (Us), -Miss Wallen (8s 0.1). Miss A. Cooper (10s). Miss Farrell (8s 6:1), ami Miss .1. Talon (8s) were, amongst those who obtained the highest prices for their baskets, Great credit is due to Mr. Brooks and Mr. Campbell (his assistant) for the able and eliieient manner in which they carried out their duties as auctioneers. Miss Mulkere, Miss Fail-weather, Mis* Buslie.ll, and Mr. Buchanan, supplied the danr-e niti'ie. Mr. Xeweombe. on behalf of Mrs. Wliitaker and, hi' social committee, thanked those present lor heir attendance, and also thanked Mr. Bennett for the use of the hall fi'Cf of charge. Mr. IT. Brady and Mr. .1. Walien acted as M.C.'s for the evening.