ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14932, 4 March 1912, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"SWEET COUNTY KERRY."

This evening, at His Majesty's Theatre, George Marlow, Ltd., will present to the Auckland theatregoers Allen Doone and his company of 26 artists in. the musical comedy-drama, "Sweet County Kerry." With this piece Mr. Doone has completed a successful tour - throughout the United States and Canada, and was introduced to Australia by Mr.' George Marlow, under whose auspices he has already appeared in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. Mr. Doone has brought with him a complete company 'of artists, 'and; to give an idea of the magnitude of the production, it is stated that 80 tons of scenery will be used in the opening piece. Mr. Doone has been starring in America for some years, and is tho possessor of a very sweet tenor voice, which he makes groat use of in all his productions. " Sweet County Kerry " contains the most pleasing elements known to theatregoers, stirring scenes, sensational situations and pathetic incidents. During Mr. Dopne's recent Sydney season the large Adelphi Theatre was scrowded by enthusiastic audiences, tho season culminating in a presentation being made by the combined Hibernian Associations of New South Wales. The box plan is open at Messrs. Wildman and Arey'a, and day sales are made at Martelli's.

"A MESSAGE FROM MARS." | The season of Mr. Allan Hamilton's Dramatic Company was closed on Saturday with the performance of "A Message from Mars." ■ The management was well advised to make the experiment of reviving a drama that has proved one of the most popular and esteemed in the Dominion. The house was filled everywhere, and many had to be turned away. Although the audience had probably nearly all seen the play before, they were forced to no invidious comparisons, for the production was much to be commended, and the acting was good. Moreover, the play is of a type that ensures its own success. Mr. ■ Kenneth Brampton scored a marked success as Horace Parker, the selfish young egotist, who is converted to decent humanity by the " message from Mars." Mr. Robert Greig made an efficient messenger. The character of Arthur Disey was well interpreted by Mr. Hilliard Vox, and Mr. John Forde played the tramp capably. Miss Beatrice Holloway, as Minnie Templer, gave a wholly attractive performance. Miss Parker was well represented by Miss Muriel Dale, and the numerous other parts were in good hands. The play lost a good deal of its effectiveness through lack of the elaborate mechanisms which create manifestations to' make the Martian visitor terrible, but otherwise it was well put on.

TOWN HALL POPULAR CONCERTS. The Newbury-Spada popular concert at the Town Hall on Saturday evening attracted a large and very appreciative audience, and the programme deserved the patronage. Nothing finer in the way of declamatory vocalisation by a tenor singer has been heard here for a long while than Mr. Newbury's rendering of the famous recitative and aria, "Sound an Alarm," from Handel's oratorio "Judas Maccabeeus." The tenor's voice rang truly and clearly throughout the large hall, and his enunciation was exceedingly distinct, for he seemed to overcome with ease the admitted faultiness of the acoustic properties of the chamber. He had the invaluable assistance of a splendid organ accompaniment played by Mr. Harold Gregson. Responding to the tumultuous applause .of the audience, he was obliged to repeat the closing phrase of the solo. Mr. Oliver Farrow sang Sargeant's popular setting of Amiens's solo in , "As You Like It ex- ! ceedingly well, and had to submit to an encore. One could not, however, help wishing that Mr. Farrow's fine voice had been heard in Dr. Arne's music to the same words— melody which is generally used in the stage productions of the play. It is infinitely better music, oven although it is old-fashioned. Miss Mabel Seccombe was loudly applauded for her singing of "Crossing the Bar." Miss Letitia Gardner, a young mezzo-soprano, who has already made her mark in Auckland musical circles, again demonstrated her abilities most effectively in the famous number, '' Elizabeth's Prayer" ("Tannhauser "). Being imperatively recalled she gave a very enjoyable rendering of the favourite old ballad, " Robin Adair." In the second part of the programme this young lady gave, most acceptably, a new song, "Violets Bring Thoughts of You," a dainty and melodious ballad, the music of which is by Herr Raimund Pechotsch, who played her accompaniment on the piano. Miss Gardner, whose intonation and enunciation were alike excellent, was enthusiastically applauded, and on returning to the platform she repeated the last verse of the song. Miss Kathleen Major's recitations were also highly appreciated, and the fine duet, " We are Alone," from Sullivan's " Golden Legend," was admirably given by Madame Spada and Mr. Philip Newbury. Herr Raimund Pechotsch's violin solos were very enjoyable contributions to the programme. Mr. Harold Gregson's playing of Bach's Toccata and Fugue in C minor and Wolstenholme's "Answer on the organ was musicianlike and impressive. The pianoforte accompaniments were shared between Herr and Madame Pechotsch and Mr. Leo. Whittaker.

"JUDAS MACCABEUS." The oratorio " Judas Maccabaens is to be performed at the Town Hall this evening by the Methodist choirs. The choirs, comprising 250 voices, have been rehearsing for several months, under the conductorship of Mr. E.. J. Gatland. A large and excellent orchestra, under the leadership of Herr A. L. Kreutzer, has been specially arranged. The special soloists engaged are Misses Elizabeth and Madolino Knight, Mr. Wm. Aspinall, and the Rev. Arthur Mitchell. A great demand has set in for' tickets.

KING GEORGE THEATRE. The change of programme on Saturday night at the King George Theatre attracted a packed house. The new series is up to date and interesting, and the hearty reception accorded the films by the audience was thoroughly well deserved. An appealing dramatic story is contained in a picture entitled " 'Twixt Love and Art," the enactment of which is excellent. An historic film that excited much interest with its dramatic situations was Richelieu's Edict." The plot is marked by intrigue, love and jealousy, and centres in the edict of the great Cardinal prohibiting duelling in France. A dice-table row leads to the arrest of one nobleman whose temper. had betrayed him. The Cardinal uses the culprit for his own ends in a successful attempt to thwart a conspiracy that seeks his downfall. " Heart of a Savage " is an

exciting film of American Indian character. The scenic pictures in the latest selection are admirable. The best is one of the remarkable long-distance flights of Zeppelin's airship to Berlin. The views of this programme are magnificent and received great applause. "Scenes in the North of Franco" is another fine picture of beautiful country places and charming villages: The entertainment will be repeated this evening.

WIRTH'S CIRCUS. Wirtli Bros.' circus and menagerie will open in Victoria Park this evening. The menagerie, now replete with ©very known wild animal under the sun (including Lizzie), has been greatly added to by the purchase of eleven full-grown pure white performing Polar bears, which have been tamed and educated, and perform together with three North American grizzly hears, two American bisons, and two Russian boarhounds. This act is said to have been the talk of Melbourno,. where it opened for the first time in November. The circus has also been thoroughly augmented, no less than 33 artists being engaged from all parts of the world. They comprise the seven flying Jordans, double company of aerialists; 11 Bastiens, equestacrobats; Kitchen, Foy and Le Van, atrial novelty gymnasts; Harry Barge and company, of six comedians; Herr and Fraulein Schmidt, Polar bear educators; Alf. Tack, the upside-down phenomenon; and the Adelia Sisters and George, performers on a single silver thread. The menagerie will appear in the afternoon, from four to five, when all the wild animals will be on view, including the herd of elephants, dens of lions, tigers, jaguars, monkeys, water buffaloes, camels, . Lizzie (the hippopotamus), and two American buffaloes. Matinees will take place on Wednesday and Saturday. The box plan for reserved seats is open at Wildman and Arey's.

EMPIRE PICTURE PALACE. Largo audiences were present at the Empire Picture Palace on Saturday, when a change of programme was given. The new pictures were extremely interesting, and _ comprised well-selected dramatic, scenic, humorous, and other subjects. The programme will be presented again this evening.

PICTURE ENTERTAINMENTS. Throngs of visitors assembled at the Queen's Theatre throughout Saturday. A new programme of well-selected exclusive' pictures will be presented to-day. These include "Niagara Falls," a magnificent coloured Pathe film; "Making Money," a subject depicting the coining at the Royal mint; and " A Terrible Discovery," a fine A.B. drama. A number of other interesting subjects will also be screened. The new programme which is to be presented at the Lyric Theatre this evening comprises, a superb coloured flower study, "The Gladiolus Family a sensational picture, "The Flight to Death,'' in which a motor car goes over a precipice". This is reported to be a drama of thrilling interest. Other subjects are "Nat Pinkerton and the Mystery of Blyth House," "An Excursion to the Meteors,"'"The Gaumont Graphic," and "The Substitute," a Wild West story. The humorous section contains "Detective Summer," "A Well Washed House," and "Foolshead's -fold Duel."

At the King's Theatre to-night two star attractions—"Auld Lang Syne," an adaptation from "Bobbie" Burns' farfamed song, tJid " Arrah-Na-Pogue," an Irish story— be screened, in conjunction with a series of the latest subjects just arrived from England. Both these pictures are said to be depicted with a fidelity to tho true characteristics of the Scottish and Irish character, and with an" absorbing interest that cannot fail to grip. Some of the foremost artists have been engaged, and the scenery is a principal feature of the films. Appropriate music will be rendered by Mr. E. J. Burke's orchestra. . .

There were splendid attendances at both, exhibitions of West's Pictures on Saturday, and the pictorial fare liberally provided found greut favour with patrons. "The Gossip" and "Her Mother Interferes" are comedies that are much enjoyed. ,'.■'■

A change of programme will be made at the Newton Picture Palace this evening. . , :..;'

OPERA HOUSE.

This popular house of vaudeville will reopen to-night with an excellent bill, including Frank Yorke, comedian of repute; the Drificoll Boys, comedians and dancers; King and Millard, sketch artists; Bella Perman, balladist; May Nealy, serio; Marshall Palmer, vocalist; Delli Connor, balladist; Fred. Champion, end-man; Hugo and Olga; jugglers; Mai Vine, male impersonator; Les Coney, comedian. Box plan now open at Wildman and Arey's.

. The Prince's Rink was well attended on Saturday afternoon and evening. ; •