ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13481, 4 July 1907, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE.

The performances of Raffles by Mr. Julius Knight and Mr. .7. C Williamson's new English. Dramatic Company show no signs of waning in popularity. Last evening saw His Majesty's Theatre again crowded, and the large audience demonstrated their approval in most' enthusiastic applause {throughout the clever performance of this I clever play. The. last two nights arc- announced, although one would imagine that the management, could run it, profitably for another week; but on Saturday Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's, great London success, Brigadier Gerard," will be presented for the first time in Auckland. ' This romantic comedy goes back to the days of Napoleon, with all the picturesque scenery and gorgeous military costume of the period, while I the handsome toilets of ..he ladies are said to result in some striking stage effects. The ;character of Captain Gerard is a many- ; sided one. and the role could only be properly filled by an actor of versatile talents. These Mr. Knight possesses in a marked degree, and is said to give a magnificent representation of the young soldier with rather more than a grain of folly in his bravery—full of impetuosity, quick in quarrel, his hand over ready to draw the sword 1 in defence of his own honour or that of his emperor. Miss Marion Grey plays the character of Comtcsse do Roquclaurc, the lady whom the captain loved before he had j spoken to her, and is said to be quite equal to the demands of this somewhat exacting role. " Brigadier Gerard " calls for the whole strength of the supporting company, | which is unanimously acclaimed by the j Southern press as appearing to better ad- j vantage than in any other play presented I during the Wellington season. Box plans j are now open at Messrs. Wilduian and j Arey's.

O'NEILL'S BUCKJUMPERS. One of the. most distinctive and characteristic features in tho amusement section in the recent Christchurch Exhibition was the exemplification of horsemanship given in the large arena by the O'Neills,.a family of' New Zealand riders, who have become famous for their skill in breaking and riding "outlaws." Mr. Chas. MacMnbon has now completed arrange menus whereby they will appear in Auckland for a short season, commencing on Wednesday evening next, on tho circus location in Freeman's Bay,' adjoining Victoria Park. A hug© marqueecapable of accommodating 2000 spectators has been specially constructed. The organisation, which is touring the principal centres of the colony with the most conspicuous success, includes 30 performers' and a stud of 40 horses and highly-trained ponies. It, is stated that no 'ess than 200,000 persons witnessed these unique entertainments during the Christchurch season.

OPERA HOUSE. Professor Klaer's performing cats, dogs, and monkeys gave another pleasing entertainment last, night before a large audience at the Opera House. Sheldon, the ventriloquist, introduced his merry folks amid much laughter. The Stagpooles appeared in a. burlesque military absurdity, "Defence, not, Defiance." Keldie and Davis, two clever acrobatic song and dance girls, Nellie Power. Bob Lloyd, Val. Newton, Sam. Keenan, and Phoebe Lewis also appeared. Some fine living pictures were shown by the Warwick bioscope.

BLACK-PREMYSLAV CONCERT. This evening at the Choral Hall the Black-Preinyslav combination will . make their first appearance in 'Auckland. • Few artiste have received such genuine tributes from the press, and the hearty way the publio have endorsed tho critics' opinion is exemplified by the splendid attendances at the concerts. We quote from a contemporary.—"A concert company of the excellence of that which appeared at, the Princess Theatre last evening, and in which Mr. Andrew Black and Mr. Leopold Proniyslav, the Polish violinist, take the positions of prominence, visits Dunedin at intervals few and far between, and music-lovers have an exceptional opportunity afforded thorn with the company's advent. During his recent, visit to this city Mr. Andrew Black impressed his remarkable qualities as a vocal-,.: ist upon all who heard him, -and tho roap-! I>earai>co. of the distinguished baritone is a most welcome event. There is a solid merit, a consistent truencss in Mr. Black's art which is absolutely unassailable. 'He is really a model singer, at once sympathetic and powerful, devoid of mannerisms, admirablo in all his methods, and with a splendid vocal organ at. his command. The most striking evidence of Mr. Leopold. PromyslavV abilities as a violinist was .found in the fact, that last evening he shared with Mr. Black the honours of the evening. From the outset his playing excited the audience to most appreciative admiration, and it was characterised by exceptional brilliance and finish." Madame Chambers and Miss Beattie are both exceptional artists and add their quota to tho general success. , The concert this evening commences, at eight, o'clock, and the doors will be closed during the rendering of each number. The full programme will be found in our advertising columns.

"MARITANA.'' On Tuesday, July 9, and following nights St. Patrick's Operatic Society will present Wallace's opera, "Maritana." The society is sparing no expense to make this production a successful one. They have especially engaged from Sydney Mr. James Crabtree, tenor to the Sydney Philharmonic and Licdertafel Societies, who will make his first appearance in Auckland as Don Cfesar, and for the name part (through the courtesy of Messrs. Black and Premyslav) have secured the services of Miss Ro'sina Buckmaun, a soprano of rare excellence. The chorus will consist of 60 picked voices, and there will be a full orchestra under the leadership of Mr. Colin Muston, L.R.A.M. New costumes by Barlia.ni. of Sydney, and new scenery by Hutchinson. Miss Madoliue Knight will be Lazarillo; Mr. Cecil Ryan (Christchurch), Don Jose; Mr. Lonergan, the King; Mr. Allan McElwain, the Marquis; Mr. Richard Johnson, the Captain; Mrs. Nelson, the Marchioness; Mr. Pritchard, the Alcade; and Mr. Oliver, the Boatman. On Thursday night Miss L. Knight, of whom much is said regarding her impersonation of the name part, will he seen as Maritana. The box plan is now open at Wildman and Arey's, where seats may be reserved for any night during the season. The prices of admission are 4-s, 2a 6d (not 2s as advertised previously), and Is.