ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 15003, 27 May 1912, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"MR. PLASTER OF PARIS." " Mr. Plaster of Paris" introduced himself not only to New Zealand, but to Australasia, when he appeared in His Majesty's Theatre on Saturday night. It was distinctly gratifying to the large audience to find that the new play, brought by a new management and performed by a new company, was a piece* of excellent fooling. Having scarcely heard of the comedy beyond an assurance that it had been very successful in America, the listeners were perhaps a little fearful of disappointment, and they were not quite reassured by the first act, which was not particularly bright. But thereafter the story bustled along, and the second act was extravagantly funny. Farces are frequently more- or less invertebrate organisms, relying more upon inflation with absurdities than upon any backbone of plot, to hold them in shape; but " Mr. Plaster of Paris" has a good spine, and the story is well under control. Mr. Plaster is a divorced husband, whose aliases, having been shared by his wife, provide her with a past of the most sinister appearance, when glimpsed without knowledge of all the circumstances; and the wife marries a decent old doctor, who is provided with just such a glimpse. Circumstantial evidence, the enemy as well as the friend of justice, crowds into his perceptions, and the poor man is plagued with cold shivers, while the late lamented Mr. Plaster flits quietly about and helps things along. The play is frankly there to be laughed at, and it was remarkable that it so thoroughly carried out its intention. Messrs. Wykeham and Nable, who are individually old friends with New Zealand audiences, but who jointly have now made their first appearance here as managers, had only just got their company together, and what the audience witnessed was little else than a dress rehearsal. But no one would have suspected it, and the freedom from restraint and the vim which characterised the production says a great deal for the combination headed by the producers. There is little doubt the performance will be even better this evening. Mr. Reginald Wykeham, as Dr. Abinadab Binks, created an interestingly foolish old gentleman, and his simulation of terror and of having sustained grievous bodily harm was well done. He is a better comedian than he is a singer, but was quite successful in what singing he essayed. Mr. Otto Nable, who in days past has amused people as Branson in " Tho Belle of New York," and in other parts with Pollard's juveniles, had a part about equal in importance to that of Abmadab, as Otto Schweitzer. Tins German servant and gallant has some very comical stuff to say, and Mr. Nable knows well how to deliver himself of funny remarks, with all the appearance of being unconscious of their humour. John Plaster (of Paris), as portrayed by Mr. Max Montesole, is quite a surprising person to find in such a hurly-burly of strife. Ho is the quietest person on the stage, and Mr. Montesole displays such suavity, pleasantness, and resource, that, being penniless, Plaster must have been cut off from success only by his hounding bad luck. Mr. Tristram Greene had a small part as Jack Fcnton, including a little racy talk- and love-making, and a song or two; but his voice is not very good. Abel Sligh, a lawyer, with a tendency to patronise the wrong bar, is played with suitable absurdity by Mr. Charles Throsby, and Mr. Ernest Lashbrook waited for a w&ile as William. Miss Prissy Preston was Ire\ic, wife of Binks (divorcee Plaster), and, besides being a striking figure in fine frocks, Miss Preston was very successful in hef acting. In a duet with Mr. Wykeham, " Hubby Mine," she displayed an attractive voice, and her singing was nicely effective. Following the song was a dance, in which she struggled with a frock of modern cut, and succeeded in showing it was badly suited for such capers. Miss Maud Chetwynd, as Selina, a lady of advanced years, but of confirmed flirting habits, strengthened her reputation as an able and ingenious comedienne. Rosie Marchmont, whose chief duty was to be made love to. and to look cbarming, did both very well. Delia is a " cook lady," and Miss Ida Ingei-soll maintained to the full extent the dignity of the deposed kitchen mistress. The maiden appearance of the Tiew company was recognised in a pleasant way by the provision of a large number of- bouquets, sent into the box office by the audience. At the conclusion of tho 'performance they were handed on to the stage amidst hearty applause, and made a splendid show, the row of blossoms stretching almost the length of the footlights. "Mr. Plaster of Paris" will be played again this evening.

HOCKEY ASSOCIATION BALL. The Auckland Hockey Association's annual ball will take pjsce in the Town Hall on Friday next, May 31. The attention of those who hold invitations is drawn to the fact that tickets can bo obtained only from Messrs. Champtaloup and Edmiston, on surrender of the invitation. No tickets will be sold at the door. A limited number of spectators will be admitted to the top gallery by the Greystreet entrance, and tickets may be obtained from Miss Gerti Campion, Queenstreet. By special arrangement cars will leave for all the principal suburbs at 1.45 a.m.,

SIB 8.. BADEN-POWELL'S LECTURE POSTPONED. Messrs. J. and N. Tait regret having to announce that in consequence of the nonarrival of the s.s. Wimmera, on which Lieutenant-General Sir R. S. S. BadenPowell is coming from Sydney, to-night's lecture must unavoidably be postponed until to-morrow (Tuesday) evening. No earlier intimation was possible, as it was only upon receipt of a wireless message from Genera], Baden-Powell that his manager was aware that the steamer, which was expected at noon to-day, would not arrive until Tuesday morning at about daylight. Fortunately the Town Hall is available for to-morrow night, and the management is, therefore, arranging the lecture to be given then. In his wireless message to Mr. Tait, the general asked him to express his regret to the people who had made arrangements to attend to-night, but, of coarse, the matter was completely beyond his control. Tickets already purfJiassLfeK l^a%h^^dliiicJ^mod^r^t^

morrow night •without the necessity of exchanging, and the same , arrangements will bold good as regards tickets; that is, that the 2s and 3s seats will be on sale at Martelli's to-day and to-morrow. The reserved seats are obtainable at Wildman and Are/s, whilst the Is tickets will only be sold at the Grey-street entrance of the hall to-morrow night.

OPERA HOUSE. On Saturday night every available seat was occupied in the Opera House. Kitty Quinn and Vera Murray appeared for the last time. To-night a complete change of programmo will be given. The last three nights are announced of Miss Carrie Moore, the noted musical comedy actress. Among the new artists appearing to-night are Mr. Courtney and Maud Courtney. Mr. Courtney as a raconteur, is said to ' be unexcelled 4 and his presence on the stage causes great laughter. Maud Courtney is a lively American soubrette. The Dolinos are marvellous wire-walkers and bicyclists. Tom Tepuni is a Maori end man, and Miss Nellie Showell is an English soprano. Gus Harris will appear in his dramatic sketch, "Palestine," and Mi*. Maurice Clienoweth will sing "Thora." PICTURE ENTERTAINMENTS. Messrs. John Fuller and Sons announce that owing to numerous requests of many patrons who were reluctantly refused admission to the Theatre, the sporting picture, "The National Steeplechase," will be retained in Auckland, and will be screened for three more nights at the King's Theatre. A complete change of programme is announced for to-night, when the Irish production, " Shainus O'Brien," will be presented. The poem, "Shamus O'Brien," is a favourite with Irishmen all over the world. "Shamus O'Brien" is described as an Irish play, produced under Irish direction, and acted by Irish men and women. In addition to this attraction, a full complement of dramatic, scenic, industrial, and humorous subjects will be screened. Appropriate musical selections will be rendered by Mr. E. J. Burke's orchestra. The Queen's Theatre on Saturday was attended by very large crowds, and the pictures were given a hearty reception at each session. To-day a complete change of programme will be screened. A feature will be "Sicilian Blood," a photo play, which is said to be treated in a masterly manner. Other films will be " Picturesque Antwerp" (scenic). " Telephone Operator" (drama), " Siren of Impulse" (drama), and "When Jones Lost his Latch-key" (comic). ,-•■■■ Crowded houses were recorded at both tho matinee and evening shows at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday. "The Rights of Youth," with its exciting fire scene, and the many other interesting pictures, was heartily appreciated. "The Course of True Love" is the next star production billed for Wednesday next. The film is 3000 ft in length. Miss Asta Neilsen will play the principal part. Every week the Lyrio management has a budget of pictorial surprises for its patrons, and the programme to be screened for the first time this evening is no exception to the ride. " Tracked Down" is a detective story. A natural history study describes . some Northern animals. "Love Finds a Way," is described as a splendid comedy drama. Glimpses of the Caspian Sea will also be shown. " The Handicap" is a racing drama. "Tho Gaumont Graphic" contains many items of interest. The humorous section is well catered for, and includes "Tho Tomboy."VThe Engagement Ring (A.8.)," "A* Friendly Act," "Lea as a Telephone Girl," and "A Present for Her Husband." The Lyric Symphony Orchestra will play some special selections. The Newton Picture Palace was well attended on Saturday. The star picture in the present series is " The Liverpool Grand National Steeplechase," showing a very exciting race. The series will be shown from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., and from 7 p.m. to 10.15 p.m. The continuous pictures will be shown as usual to-day at the King George Theatre, the first entertainment commencing at 1.30 p.m. There' will be the usual evening performance. An interesting picture programme was screened at th© Windsor Theatre, Ponsonby, on Saturday evening, when there was a" very large audience.

SKATING RINKS. There will be four sessions to-day at the Royal Rink. Khyber Pass. On Tuesday, Jane 11, there will be a plain and fancy dress carnival. ' The Prince's Rink is at present attracting a large number of skaters. To-day it will be open as usual.