ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13397, 28 January 1907, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE.

The new artists that are appearing on this week's programme at the Opera House are likely to prove a great draw. Two of these are old Auckland - favourites in Mr. ''red. Graham and Miss Nellie Dent. The ability of those two as comedy artists is generalacknowledged amongst theatregoers. ()>, Saturday night Mr. Graham and Miss Denappeared in a comedy from the Tivoli Theatre, London, entitled "'The Lady Sport." The Opera House patrons readily show their appreciation of a good turn. On Saturday night, however, they were unusually enthusiastic, and it is seldom that one hears such general marks of appreciation as were given at the conclusion of these comedy artists' turn. They wore recalled time* after time. ' Mr. Graham appeared as the Rev. Titus Gee and Mis.- Dent as Mrs. Blake-Mont rose, a lady sport. The fun originates from a mistake the Rev Gee makes of calling at the wrong house. He had an appointment with Mr. Devereaux in regard to a situation to train children, while Mrs. Blake-Montrose, who had for business purposes taken the name of Mr. Devereaux," was expecting a man whose name for short was "G.," to train her horses. The wit and humour that surrounds this mistake kept the audience in almost continuous outbursts of laughter. The rev. gentleman is bewildered and shocked at. the way Mrs. Montrose -peaks about what he thinks is her family, but which is in reality her racing stud. The acting of both was good. Mr Graham interpreted the humour of his part in his characteristic style. His clever rendering of the song "Let us Pause" caused much amusement. Another turn which won the admiration of the audience was that provided by the strong man. Mr. Fred. Pranich, who made his first appearance with Fullers. Franieli is a. tine stamp of * man, and his display of various muscular feats provoked rounds of applause. Franich's measurements are as follows:— Height, sft 10in : weight, 13st 41b; chest, normal 44in, expanded 48in, contracted'37in ; neck, normal 18in, expanded 24in ; biceps, 18in ; forearm, 14|in ; girth, 34in ; thighs, 25in ; calf, 16in. Amongst his many exhibitions of strength is that of supporting a piano weighing about 9cwc and two men. Vranich to do this has his feet and hands on the ground and a board resting on his knees and chest, on to which the piano is lifted. One man steadies the piano while the other plays it. He also lifts a bar-bell weighing 2041b above his head with one arm, and with it resting on his shoulders and two men hanging to it walks round the stage. Tho other "new turn was provided by a clever quartette (the Four Rosebuds). In the first half of the programme tho Rosebuds sang "The Marionotto," instituting, the doll dance with excellent effect, while in the sow J '"" '•""7"" " .appeared in a character •</ '."'-' "}? ri th °y occasion they were rer-',', , kot ;"{■ r °," . cach ception on Saturd, ; '; ' '' a d , lf fll( '"- ,'<'; as an indicafi",' ll '"8™ can bo regarded 'pi , u .« "'• v>n they will prove a draw. mSJ-' :incols of decided merit, their ntP i, -ents '"*. quick a " cl graceful, and •■ ..wined with limelight effects they provide a turn pleasing in the extreme. A vocal treat was that provided by Messrs. John Fuller and A. L. Cropp, who sang a new duet, tho words being by Mr. .1. F. Kemp and the title being "The Deep Sea. Fishers." The rendering was excellent. both Mr. Fuller and Mr. Cropp being in good voice. Bolides these there is a large variety of clever turns, each of which has its particular merit. Miss Rubie Illingworth, who made her first appearance, was recalled for her rendering of the ballad "A Messenger T, 'rom Home, Sweet Home." Others who appear on the programme are Messrs. Slado Murray (comedy vocalist) Andy Roberts, Sam. Wilson, arid Arthur Taueher (comedian-). lx>sso and Roberts (conjurors), and Misses Florrie Leigh (serio) and Eileen McLeod (serio). The Warwick bioscope also provides new pictures.

"THE ORCHID. - ' His Majesty's Theatre was again crowded on Saturday evening, when the delightful musical comedy, "The Orchid.'' was produced for the second time by Mr. ,1. C. Williamson's Royal Comic, Opera Company. Mr. George Lauri, as the chief fun-maker, was immensely popular, and he was recalled to repeat portions of all his song numbers. Miss Clara Clifton for her singing of " In My Time" and '•Fancy Dress," and Miss Evelyn Scott for her numbers, "Little. Mary" and "Come Along With Me," Aero obliged to respond to enthusiastic recalls. The dance items were all most heartily received, and the choruses and concerted numbers were loudly applauded. The last three nights of "The Orchid" are announced. OnThursday evening Mr. Williamson will present, for the first time in Auckland the new and original musical play, "The Cingalee." Originally produced at Daly's Theatre, Loudon, where it achieved a "run" of over 400 nights, this work has been a great success in the principal cities of Australia. Playgoers may, as » consequence, anticipate something uncommonly good. In criticising the first production of "The Cingalee" in Sydney, a leading contemporary wrote: — "The refinement of the music lifts the new play above tin? ordinary range of musical comedy, and the wealth of harmonious colour in the Oriental costumes and gorgeous scenery furnish a spectacular effect not easily forgotten." On account of to-mor-row bung a public holiday, the Ivox plan for the. five performances of "The Cingalee" will be opened this morning at Wildman and Arey's, at ten o'clock.