ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14690, 26 May 1911, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"EIGHT IS MIGHT."

The directness and vigour of the new American school of drama is again exemplified in "Right, is Might," Edward Peple's four-act play, which Mr. Wm. Anderson's Roberts-Day Company presented before a fair-sized audience- at His Majesty's Theatre last night. Auckland playgoers are gradually being educated up to the typo of piece under notice, and so far they have found the experience interesting. Ft is being borne in upon them that they may look to the stage of America, and to its younger playwrights, for dramatic faro that strikes a different note from that to which they have been accustomed. In "Right* is Might," we have a, soundly-constructed play in which Ihe dramatic phases alternate with incidents that carry a true heart interest. Tho story is absorbing, and, though to bo more readily understood by our cousins across the Pacific, to whom it would appeal as topical, it is told graphically, both as to dialogue and situation, and hence will not lack of admirers here. A bitter fight between a great railroad concern and a Texan girl, who will not let the line bo extended through her land, forms the main theme. It is embellished by the love of the company's engineer for the opposing girl, and tho dog-like devotion of the hitter's cowboys, whilst agreeable light comedy is supplied by a New York young lady, who comes West, with an insatiable, appetite for "thrills." On the whole, " Right is Might" holds sufficient interest to ensure its success, even though it is drama, rather than melodrama, respite some fairly exciting episodes.

Mis Beatrice Day. as Allene Houston, the thorn in the side of the railroad company, gives a most artistic portrayal of a thankful enough role. Beneath a veneer of girlish vivacity, well assumed, the accomplished actress displays her emotional vein at rare intervals with excellent effect. She realises cleverly the stubborn side of the girl's character, and the fight between that and her womanly tenderness. Throughout Miss Day's work is judiciously controlled and effective. Mr. H. R. Roberts, as the young engineer, John Aahby, is forceful, virile, and sincere, his earlier scenes being brightly played in effectual contrast. Mr. Kenneth Brampton is specially good as a morose but ardent cowboy.' Miss Ethel Bashford is a pretty and dainty Lily Belle, the girl from New York, and makes herself highly popular. In the hands of Mr. Herbert Leigh the part of the railroad president, James Happington, fails to impress. Such a man would be quicker in speech and action much quicker—than Mr. Leigh's conception of him. The remaining members of the company render useful aid, and the piece is well produced. It will be repeated to-night and to-morrow night. FULLER'S PICTURES. The new programme presented at. the King's Theatre last night was well received by a good audience, and the different pictures evoked hearty applause. Drama predominated, and though the comic element was sparsely represented, the high standard of the films screened compensated for the deficiency in variety. "A Visit to Berlin" was full of interest, while a film entitled " On Board a French Ironclad" was not only interesting but instructive. An industry little known in New Zealand was illustrated by an educational series of pictures on "Arabian Pottery." Pathe's Gazette illustrated occurences in all parts of the world which are fresh in the minds of most people. "Motor Boat Racing" is a pictorial gem. " Only a Sister," a peg on which a telling ! moral'was hung; "Flag of His Country," a. military drama: "The Show Girl's Stratagem," and many other dramas, all bristling with exciting incidents,. were shown. A laughable comic study fact, the only comic—entitled "Duped by Dupin," in which an unoffensive policeman was subjected to much maltreatment, concluded the programme, and served to send the audience away in a. happy mood. The programme will be presented again this evening,, and the usual matinee will be held to-morrow, in addition to the evening performance. * WEST'S PICTURES. The admirable selection of films forming tho new programme presented at the Royal Albert Hall again attracted a crowded house last evening. Peach-growing in Canada is a picture of great interest, and describes the enormous trade that is connected with the industry; " Through the Tyrol in the Austrian Alps" is much admired. "What Shall We Do-With Our Old?" is a dramatic study of marked power and convincing detail. A matinee will bo given to-morrow afternoon, at 2.30. ; OPERA HOUSE. Barnold's animal actors continue to be a great attraction at the Opera House, and another larg' audience assembled there last evening. Tho animals will go through their performance again, this evening, and to-morrow afternoon there will be a children's matinee. ANTONIA DOLORES. This evening at the Choral Hall Mdlle. Autonia Dolores gives her first, concert, and tho booking promises a big attendance. , A great measure of the success of this talented singer is due to the fact that she cultivates originality, and refuses to follow any grooves. Her programmes include the best compositions of all centuries, by tho foremost composers, as well as anonymous works of special merit. Auckland has always been a liberal patron and staunch admirer of the charming cantatrice, and the Choral Hall will probably bo too small for the eager audiences that will assemble during the season. The box plan is at Wildmau and Arey's, whoro a limited number of 4s seats may also bo reserved. WINDSOR RINK. Large numbers of skaters attended the Windsor Rink yesterday. Last night, as a result of the recent carnival, prizes were distributed at follows: Most graceful lady skater. Miss L. Martin and Miss E. Hunt, 1; most graceful gentleman skater, B. Nicholson; fancy dress (lady). Miss Gibbon; best team of Four ladies, driven by gontleman, P. P. McQuillam; best team of four gentlemen driven by lady, Miss Lang; most original costume (lady), Miss Gibbons; most original costume (gentleman), J. Turner: best couple, Miss D. Gibbon and Mr. Nicholson; best-sustained character, J. McQuillam; most comical skater, J. McQuillan). The rink will be open as usual to-day, when the graceful . skating and waltzing events will take place. BUCKINGHAM'S PICTURES. At Buckingham's Picture Palace lf.st evening there was a good attendance, and tho various pictures shown met with appreciation. The programme will be repeated this evening.

ROYAL RINK:. Skating was continued merrily at the Royal Roller Rink yesterday, large numbers attending the various sessions. The general excellence of the floor aud the quality of the music provided appeal strongly to patrons. Tho usual sessions will bo held to-day.

ORGAN RECITAL. Tho organ recital given at the Church of tho Holy Sepulchre last evening by Mr. 11. O. Dutton, F.R.0.0., A.R.A.M., was well attended. The parishioners, and also tho music-loving portion of the general public, seem to""have arrived at the conclusion that Mr. Button's "music-makings" are not only enjoyable, but educational; and, further, tho fact" that the proceeds from this series of recitals aro to bo devoted to the organ fund has had considerable weight, for it is recognised that a few additions to the church instrument would vastly improve it. Mr. Button's programme hist evening included wellchosen excerpts from the works of J. S. Bach, ; Wagner, Mendelsshon, Llgar, and Lemarc. , His rendering of Bach's prelude and fugue in A minor was an excellent example of tho I organist's command over tho manual and.

tho pedal keyboards. Mr. Dufc'ton was assisted by Miss Adams, whose fino contralto voicfl was much appreciated in Sullivan's "Lovo Not -tho World" ("Prodigal Son"), and in* Carey's sotting of "Nearer, My God, to Thee." PRINCE'S RINK. Tho Prince's Rink continues to command tho undiminished favour of tho largo number of residents who are- lovers of the roller skates. The management have spared no expense- or trouble in perfecting tho floor, lighting, and music. THEATRICAL BENEFIT. The momliors of tho theatrical profession at present in Auckland have arranged to give a matinee l>encnt. at. Hl3 Majesty's Theatre on Wednesday afternoon next, in aid of the widowed sifter and children of tlm Into Mr. Harry Herbert. Tho latter was a member of the Roberta-Day Company, and died on Wednesday, after a short illness. Ho was the main support of his relatives, and the public are asked to assist them by their patronage at ibo matinee. Til© program mo will bo contributed to by members of .Messrs. John Fuller and Sons' Vaudeville Company, by tho West Pictures Proprietary, by Mr. Win. Anderson's Roberts-Day Company, and by local artists.