ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13193, 2 June 1906, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

JUS MAJESTY'S THEATRE.

THE popular Japanese opera. " The Mikado." was produced at Hir, Majesty's Theatre la«t, evening by the Williamson Opera Company, for one night, only, in tile presence of a crowded home in all parts. The uudiene* were once more treated to an exhibition of good acting, high-clas* singing, and beautiful scenery. "The Mikado "' is am of those operas that lends itself to pretty am) pictures-, Que mounting. and the opportunity, asi in all Mr. Williamson'* production?, was fully availed of. and the characters were well sustained. Mr. Frank Wilson had not much to do a* the Mikado, hilt he did exceedingly well, and his fine voice was heard to advantage in a couple of fine songs. Mr. €'• Kcuningham (Nanki-l'oo. the Mikado's son. disguised a* a wandering minstrel) had a character well suited to him. and ho was heard to good advantage in his duets with Miss Castles. Mr. Howard Vernon fas Ko-Ko. lord high, eiecutioneer) had a humorous character, and took full advantage of it. Mr. Arthur Crane and Mr. Ernest Pitts acquitted themselves well as.l'oo-Bah and Pish-Tush. respectively. The singing and acting of Miss Dolly Castles was exquisite. iter rendering of the pretty love song wag especially tine. Mis* Afftrifi Thorn and Miss Vinia dc Loitte again secured well deserved successes as the wj»rdy of Ko-Ko. and further established themselves as favourites. Miss (Telia Ohiloni had an arduous part as Katifilia, in which flu* showed undoubted ability, and scored a decided suc- <•(««. Ihe chorus was good, and the whole. piece was greatly enjoyed. The last performance of the comirany will take place this evening. The occasion will tie marked by a special performance of the aesthetic opera "Patience. ' and iu Order that all the company may appear 11 short .'elected concert will br siren, in which Misses Nelly Castles. Vinia tie Loitte, and Olive Godwin will appear. Messrs. Walter V h.vte and Ernest Fills will also ding. *iirj at the request of a number of the patrons of the theatre Mr. 11. Braey will sing it la\ourita number. The plan is now open.

ANDREW BLACK CONCERT,

Mr-Andrew Black's concert at the Chora] Mall last evening was attended by a, larr«. and as it proved, a delighted audience. it is seldom that such a consummate artist a# Mr. Black is heard outside of the important concert halls of Europe and America, and tilts was recognised last, evening, for the great baritone whs listened to with rapt attention and intense interest in every number, and was most demonstratively applauded. The audience showed its appreciation by demandiisir an encore for every item, and Mr Black, Herr Borsehke, and Miss Kthel Sinclair generously responded to every recall, and yet. their hearers wanted mere. Mr. Black opened with that eminently Uandelian classic, "'Honour and Arms." from "Juria* Maccabrt'tis." which he sang magnificently. From this number to such delicious items as " It Was a Dream," and "When Thy Blue* Eyes," was a lour way, hut then Mr. Black's marvellous versatility and extensive repertory lead one to exnect much of linn, and one wa« not disappointed. In " Non l'iu Antlrai " and in " t.iia la, Luna, ' Mr. Black gave his hearers something to remember with pleasure for years to come. He also sang once more Knrbay's. quaint " Mad a Horse." and " Near lliee." Rage. Thou Angry Storm," and the old favourite. " Blow. Blow. Thou Winter Wind." Mr. Black's season finishes to-night, but several people have expressed a wish to hear him sing t.ho noble arias from "Elijah." " It. is Enough." or " Lord God of Abraham." or both for that matter, for he is conceded to be the finest exponent of " Elijah " since Santley. Miss Ethel Sinclair's line playing wan greatly enjoyed- Her first, number was the last movement from Grieg's "Sonata in 0 Major," Hwr, Borschke accompanying. She also played an andante from a Mendelssohn " Concerto," and when recalled pave a scherzo by Van tioen. llei last number wan Mauser's " Rhapsody llongroise." which was encored. Herr Borschke's fine performance of his own "Sonata, in A Flat." and the scheito of the same as an encore, were splendidly received. Ho also performed the rent solo " Eugene Onegin,' by Twhaikowsky. which was rcdemanded. . lite accompaniments of Mr. dl- Gleeson were always in good taste. The concert was altogether successful, for from tho beginning a strong bond of sympathy united both audience and artists. Mr. Black will sing at, the Choral Hall agafti thi» evening. -

, ' OPERA HOUSE. ;•< , At. tlie Opera House last night the musical woods. Miss Phyllis Chrystal, Mr. Harry Davis, and Mr. Clms. C. Waud appeared for tlio la -t lime, and were all accorded cordial semi-oil's. This evening there: will be ,a, complete change of programme, and a, number of new'artistes will in alio their first appearance. The musical Bernards (,*yd. and Eileen) play Polos on the cornet, and the slide trombone; Little B.vd. gives, a, remarkable exhibition -of feats of strength on the trapeze. Clara Keating comes with. a. good reputation a* a clever eorio, and the Rowel misters' as scrios and dancers. The performance will conclude with Sam Bernard'r troupe of American • performing: dugs. ' ; .PALACE OP AMUSEMENTS. ' ■' There way a very large attendance at tit# rink last .might; when Mr.'Ceo: llayiior mailt his. first- 1 appearance; His > contortion feats were watched with great,. interest, and the applause was richly deserved. -Miss. Jennie l'urchas saw? three songs, and was encored for each, Both tliess artists,' with others, will" appear again on Monday evening' next. The same evening the officers and '.cn»w,, of H.M.c.s. . Iris will be present to ■ take part in a grand skating: carnival. There will al»t> he a challenge race between two members of the Iris. ■ , •- CIRCUS AND MENAGERIE. . ' Bostock and Worn bell's circus and mena* gcric, which opens here on Monday next... will arrive at. Onehnnca to-morrow morning. 'I he season in Auckland will be of two weeks duration, with matinees every Wednesday and Saturday. The capacious tents will he erectcd at Mechanics' ■ Baj-. A hypnotic display v.'ill bo placed be fere the public next week in connection with the circus by Professor Jtonner and his subject., Mr. S. C. Williams. On Tuesday afternoon next at three o'clock, in the presence of the pnblio and a committe. Mr. Williams will lie hypnotised and perform a very remarkable feat. First of all several members of the committee will drive away from the circus, and choosing their own route, will select any warehouse or dwelling, and in it hide an article previously agreed upon. They will then, drive .back, following the exact route which they took ill the first instance. On their arrival at the circus Mr. Williams will be hypnotised and blindfolded, and, with all the members of the committee in tho vehicle, will trace out the exact route, and eventually discover the hidden article. - , "THE FATAL WEDDING." .. Early on Monday morning, by the Zeal an* dia. from Sydney, will arrive the company which is to present the famous musical drama, "The Fatal Wedding." at His Majesty's Theatre lor six nights only, commencing on Monday, under the management of Messrs. Meynell and.Gunn. The company, which includes the two English stars (Mr. Charles Vane and Miss May Congdon), and a. number of familiar favourites in the Misses Dina Cooper, Amy Singleton, Messrs. Herbert Leigh, C. 11. Stanford, Tom Cannam, Oily Deering. Harry McLennan, etc.. in addition to over 30 children, is represented m one of the strongest dramatic, organisation!! touring the colonies. " The Fatal Weddinr" holds a fine, record for popularity. Musical interludes are said to be a leading reatura of the production, which is claimed to contain such a natural element of child-life in. the children's school*—the unique martial company known as the famous "Tin Can Band.'' Songs, dances, sensational incidents, and strong dramatic situations are claimed to be salient attributes of this drama. The demand for -seats at Messrs. Wildmaji and Arey's during the past few days has been very heavy, and everything points to a successful season. MR. FRANK T. BULLEN. At- length appears a notification of th* first appearance in New Zealand as a 1 at. form celebrity of the author of " The Cruise of the Cachalot,' ' and of many other popular books about the sea and seafaring life. Mr. Bullen s name is well known wherever th« English language is spoken 'a million copies 01 his first book were sold in the United States), but it is a household word in New Zealand, for it was on the shores of this colony that occurred the " change. in tb*> starboard watch" so powerfully described 1,1 his , autobiography. But no matter ho* cordially Mr. Bullen may be received in the land of his spiritual new birth, he cannot be received with greater enthusiasm than has been shown in tho Australian capitals. The Argus stated that "the, wonder and the power of Mr. Bullen'e vivid narratives laJd hold of the overflowing audiences." The Age declared that- "Mr. Bullen has captured the people of Melbourne." The Sydney press is equally, if not more, eulogistic. In both cities the lectures had to be repeated, and overflowing audiences were still the order of the night. When the Moeraki left Sydney. the South Sea Whaler, the pro«e poet of the sea.' was still Inuring in the Centenary and Lyceum Halls, lint his last appearance was fixed for the 29th ult.. and on the following dav he-was to sail for Auckland, where it is announced that, he will make his first aopearance in His Majesty's Theatre on Monday week. The first of n series of winter concerts ,in connection with the Y.M.C.A. will be held next Friday. Mr. Abe! Rowe is the musical director, and vocal and instrumental items will be given.