ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14867, 19 December 1911, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

'"THE CHOCOLATE SOLDIER."

A FINE MUSICAL PRODUCTION.

Even* tho epicure in matters theatrical "will bo delighted with "The Chocolate Soldier." Musically it is quite the best of the recent importations from Home, and from the true operatio standpoint it may be slid to have few rivals on the modern Stage. Of the libretto it is not possible to speak so highly, ' but it is the score that carries it to a brilliant success, and as to the melodiousness of that there can bo no two opinions. J The fact that the J. C. Williamson firm, in sending this fine work to New Zealand, have recognised that it was essential to send good singers and a sound orchestra to interpret it was appreciated to the full by the largo audience present at the first performance at His Majesty's Theatre last night. Artists and opera alike were given a reception bo demonstrative as to leave no doubt about the favourable impression ►hade. At the close of each act, and again at the final curtain fall; there were cheers such as are seldom heard in an Auckland theatre. From which it would seem clear that the merits, of " The Chocolate Soldier " are likely to ensure for it a highly-success-ful run. This is all the more gratifying since the principal singing role lias beyn entrusted to a New Zealand girl, Miss Amy Murphy, whose vocal work is an outstanding feature of the production. The music of the new opera is from tho pen of Oscar Strauss, who has given us in three short" acts an enticing collection of tuneful and haunting airs. In no single instance has the composer fallen to commonplace standards. His numbers are rich in melodic effects, his orchestration ,is artistic and free from trickery, yet so designed as to make for unexpected haunonies and conj trasts. He has boldly deserted the conventional, and succeeds in making his airs evasive to a tantalising degree, without allowing them to altogether escape in the tumult of agreeable sounds that encompasses them. With remarkable skill and daring he has given us a score for the most I part comprising seductive strains, to which the body sways whilst listening, only to be broken, in upon here and there by bari baric themes that stir the pulse. There is scarcely a number in the entire piece to which it'is not ft pleasure to give ear. Though by no means the best from the artistic point of view, certainly the most popular song in tho work is the soprano solo "My Hero." This has a remarkably dramatic climax, and the effect in solo is .thrilling. The haunting waltz refrain recurs at the end of the second act, where ' it is given in turn to the tenor, to the soprano, and to the baritone voice, thereafter being taken up by the full chorus, j with the sopranos sustaining the main i theme in the upper register. The effect is rousing in the extreme. ' Again in the third act the exquisite ; harmony of the song is repeated in the ■ opening chorus and in the finale, so that it lives in the ear and is carried away by the audience as a charming memory. ; The first act contains no chorus work at all, save for a vigorous ensemble, wherein the male voices are well used. In the main (excepting the big solo already referred to) it consists of concerted numbers for the three lady principals, and those are excellent preparatory examples of what is to follow. It is in the second act that the composer is at his best. This opens, with a chorus so finely sung as to arouse prolonged applause. There are also two sextettes, the latter of which is , an. intricate number, but,a musical gem, and three duets, of which " The Chocolate Soldier' Vis the most popular, though the others are equally fascinating. _ The finale is astonishingly effective, creating, uncommon enthusiasm. In the third act tha duets, " Falling in Love" and "The Letter Song," are lilting melodies that impr most favourably. > , .•' I The book" of " The Chocolate Soldier" is described as an unauthorised parady on one of G. Bernard Shaw's comedies (" Arms and: the Man") by Bernauer and Jacobson, the English version by Stanislaus Stange. That it proves amusing for the most part is undeniable, and that it , retains some Shavian wit and atmosphere may be conceded. But much of the dialogue is anything but Shavian, and might be vastly improved. The situations are -funny and quite in keeping with comic opera ideas, and the construction of the plot sustains the . interest well enough. At least one alleged joke, however (in which a wouldbe jocular reference to the uncleanly habits of Bulgarians is made), is in the poorest of taste. This lowers the whole standard of ttyp spoken part of the piece, and its vulgarity is liable to give needless offence. In the leading role of Nadina, Miss Amy Murphy, not only sings to distinction v but shows herself a much improved actress. The vocal strain of the part may be imagined when it is stated : that Nadina sings in every number of the opera. Miss Murphy's voice is pure in quality, sympathetic, and beautifully produced. Her upper notes invariably ring I true, and , have that power of thrilling the hearer in dramatic passages which impel admiration. Her singing is exceptional. That last night's audience rose at her i and well-nigh swept her off her feet in 1 storms of applause was rightly her due. She lias never had eo great a chance, | and never has she revealed her rare vocal ! ability so emphatically. New Zealanders | will be proud of Miss Murphy, as Aucki land playgoers will be the first to prove to her. Second honours in the vocal performance fall to Mr. Noel Fleming, possessor of a. tenor voice, the. like of which has not been heard here for many a day. His success during the run of the opera is a certainty. Miss Rita Presano and Miss Mabel Graham /; are excellent in the , remaining; female roles, both giving good character studies and singing with ability. Mr. Leslie Gaze, the \ baritone of the company, has a pleasant \joice, and a. breezy stylo of acting which will make him hosts of friends. Mr. Funk Wilson, ,an old friend, presents a clever character study as Massakroff, a fierce captain, and his vocal work is conscientious and valuable. Mr. Albert Kavanagh is a jovial " heavy father," and proves entertaining. The singing of' the chorus is distinctly good. Handsome scenery and costumes make'forspectacular attractions, and the general staging of the opera is beyond praise. "The Chocolate Soldier" will be repeated nightly until further notice. j The box plans for tho Inst six nights | of the 12 ; night's season will be opened i at Wildman and Arey's to-morrow morning at 8 o'clock. Tho curtain rises each evening at eight sharp.

CHORAL CONCERT. To-night at the Town Hall the Auckland Choral Society will present Handel's "Messiah." Tho' booking is the largest ever known in the Dominion, and it is very doubtful if there will be seating accommodation for those who have not reserved their seats. ' But those who are unable to gain admission will have an opportunity , of hearing the "Messiah" on Friday, when the Auckland Choral Society will tender a complimentary concert to the City Council. To facilitate the seating of tho enormous crowd, patrons are requested to present their reserve tickets this evening not later than 7.30. TOWN HALL ORGAN RECITAL. The growing interest in the magnificent organ presented by . Mr. H. Brett to the ; Town Hall and the exceedingly fine performances thereon by Mr. J. Maughan Barnett, city organist of Wellington, has led to the Mayor arranging a recital for Wednesday evening, when Mr. Barnett will perform a popular programme. There should be a bumper house to hear the final recital by Mr. Maughan Barentt. THE QUEEN'S THEATRE. Yesterday the Queen's Theatre was thronged by many enthusiastic audiences to witness • tho seventh bi-weekly change. "The Spy" deals with vivid incidents in the internicino ? quarrel between "the Northern and Southern States of U.S.A. The Italian war pictures faithfully depict the latest developments of the Italian-Turoo war. Arrangements have been made whereby every incident will bo reproduced in Auckland at the Queen's Theatre whilo the Italians are fin active service.. ''The Good-hearted

Miner" is an" exclusive Bison - to be seen at the Queen'^^/^onifl^ll and trust existent : between' ° 6 kith unknown lands where gold is X | n '> ' > 18 vividly portrayed. "SummSfiX** an educational study that every A? » tho Dominion should ;; see ?^ cri hygienic propaganda being viVidW K* tron « home to tho audience. ";"Ihe \f ?• "ifi Man" is a truly human study Sfe of 4 • tears into many eves, and the Ji- bl %» magnificent dramatic R ' > tho echo yesterday. "How Betty W^) 0 School is a comedy drama b/tEv?* graph Company, well known for « ; cent photography and constructive^ , and this study i 3 quito up to thl ?, of the makers. Corned?, '> scenic art are also well represent 7, 2? J "'vl programmo can only be seen W" 1118 a - m - and 11 p.m. daily until Wednesday 11

FULLER'S PICTURES. •-V .A first-class new programme of pictures was shown at the King's ffi^ before a large and appreciative last evening. The series embraS fine subjects of an interesting and aWT ' ing nature, and the many beautiful 5S ■ studies thrown on the screen were ~ " ceived last night with rounds of i The ".-tar-. picture of the progS^'; taken in the Macgregor country by ZZ** ;; - sion of til Duke of Arevll 1,!? , vividly, before the audience Se'gS | scenery in the Scottish HiS& ' "Ramble Through Derbyshire" and "Ww ' ' ter in Finland" are two highly-intereatS ' i scenic studies, tho snow scenes in the lit ter being exceptionally well photogranC" ' Too Many Burglars" is a dramatic pi ture full of exciting incidents, in which tK» ■' story ends happily for everybody but til r' real burglar. "Making a Bicycle". i 8 a i very interesting and instructive subject - the picture clearly depicting the various ■ stages in the manufacture of a bicycle. '' terspersed in the programme are several stirring dramatic studies, the pick of whir], is the one entitled " At Jones's Ferry V-' 7 ' tho scenes being enacted amongst the Itatber camps in Canada. " The Fisherraaid" and " The Delayed Proposal" are also fine dramatic pictures. The remainder of th» programme includes several highly.amusing v pictures. The same programme will h<[ H presented this evening. , ,>.

LYRIC THEATRE. A special feature of the change of.p'ii\#j gramme at the Lyric Theatre " last night * j! was the remarkably fine series of . coloured ' " 1 pictures which were shown, Patheii; ! *' colourmatography" is the system by'' f which these pictures have been produced .:-;4 and the result is striking. "A General's Fate," depicting an incident in tho life of Napoleon, is a very graphic subject, and as in this picture the new " colour-1' J matography" has been employed, the ex-'* '■ cellence of the subject' treated -is height- I ened by the splendid colour effects. The ' f new system is also seen to great advan- I tage in "Costumes of All Ages," a pio ? ture in which is seen every possible costume, from the early Roman toga" to theJ3 modern : harem skirt. " Chrysanthemums''; l - is the title of; another coloured film, in"' , J which some really glorious effects/ have/'II: been introduced. Horticulturists should 18 certainly see this picture. As showing i life amongst the savages of North Borneo,f 8 "'Amongst the Muruts" is particularly in. terestin'g. Other admirable items , are: • " Gaumont Graphic" (topical), "Diamond Gang" - (dramatic), "Too Many Burglars"||..! (comic), "Malting a Cycle" (industrial),'V, '■ That Winsome Winnie Smile" (comedy), ', and "Arizona Bill" (dramatic).| The pntffgl gramme will bo. repeated to-night. ' . . ' " r: Iff OPERA ' HOUSE. " A good audience attended at the Opera, ! House last, evening, for the first of the 3 series of cinematograph entertainments; | which have replaced vaudeville in the house. They were disappointed, in that a a ; number of kinemacolor - pictures which 1 had been promised for the evening could not be shown. Mr. Fuller announced tßatj&i.f though they were expected to arrive by the MM Maheno, they had not come to hand. He promised ' that pictures would arrive to- J| day from Wellington, and be shown this evening. One of the new colour films usee} for practice purposes by the operators on'- ■ the circuit," and thus rather the worse for wear, was shown with an apology" for, it* f, condition, and allowed the audience to what remarkably good colour - effects are . | produced by the new device. The defini-. tion in the case of this picture , was'not" particularly good, but the colouring was bright and apparently very truthful, flesh _ tints being particularly well reproduced. A miscellaneous programme of ordinary mov- H ing pictures was shown and much appreci- ks, ated. . •

• • > •' % $,• f1? I NEWTON PICTURE PALACE.','. *' A complete change of programme wa.lt >. screened at the Newton , Continuous PjC-fcv ture Palace yesterday and last evening,V L s: the new pictures being witnessed by_a constant - stream of sight-seers. Tn® "star" picture is a lengthy film, describ- • ing the familiar story, "East Lynne. ' Tna Australian Gazette deals ' with, all the Wsjp|f est doings in that country. Dramatic films * | include " Senorita's Conquest' and ry , "Women of tho-West." Aerial Anarch, isis" is an interesting study. , The programme also includes the usual comic pictures. The programme will be repeated ■■ . until Thursday. - " j —— ■ .. ■ ■ •* . • • V • . ":v» .: ,< CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT TOW?S | - HALL. The box plan of the Christmas concert v to be held in the Town Hall on Monday < evening will be opened to-day at nmea.ro., Some of Auckland's best artists 'Will ; M , | taking part in the concert, including ioh. | Hamilton Hodges, the i Lyric Four, Also | McElwain, Wm. Aspinall, J. W. Ryan, | T. Sharp (at the grand organ), Madama j Chambers, Signorina Domenica Martoen^Hj, Miss Ina Bosworth, and others. 1 -' '>>'?s.'s 1 I — j CHILDREN'S FAIRYLAND. ; "The Children's Fairyland" was-coll' jj tinued at St. Benedict's Hall, ! Newton, last night, and was again. largely . | attended, the building being crowded to the doors. An 1 entertainment given by tn& ;; diarist Boys' musical branch was much ap- J preciated. "Tho Fairyland" will be continued this evening, when a concert ■»» provided by the Remuera children. —— —. - GIRLS' REALM GUILD. -1 - . Tho members of the Girls' Realm Guild : were in charge of a successful children j picnic at St. Helier's Bay last A Sfttni^W The Devonport Ferry Company conveyed tho children to St. Heliers and back Irei; of charge. - Amongst the 135 children c ;; ~ tertained were a party, of girls and tWT from the Orphans' Home, at ? e^ Wn < a number of girls from St. Mary 8 Onto?, age, Ponsonby. The weather beauti . ful, and tho outing was much enjoyed ty, all. , ' j ;

POPULAR PICTURE PROGRAMMES, J| The current programme at, the Ropl Albert Hall will bo screened for the las time this evening. Every P ict ™.P sented is interesting and highly and is much appreciated, bv vvcs patrons. Tho survivors of the Light JJ gado charge never fails to arouse constable enthusiasm. A matinee and ff» er . programme will be given to-niorrc noon. New coloured films will ' I'® a £eu« ° The series. being screened^ _ f ji. a The programme being screened at^ Adelphi Theatre is a specially. attract Oll Tlio picture and music S tho Empire Theatre attracted a la ence last night.