ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15551, 7 March 1914, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

PAUL DUFAULT CONCERTS.

The success of Paul Dufault and his Concert Company continues at His Majesty's Theatre, only in a greater degree than was evidenced at the opening concerts. Last night's programme was responsible for a largely increased attendance, with the result, in this instance, that a rare atmosphere of enthusiasm was created. The popular tenor's many contributions were much more than a merely admirable lesson in vocal interpretation. Behind each effort was the wonderful art of a, man, who could, in a single evening, conjure up many and varied emotions, and at times, literally play upon the harpstrings of one's feelings'. In more than one song, it was as if the listener were admitted to the secret chambers of the singer's heart, and heard him communing with himself. This impression was more particularly engendered in numbers like "How Many Years Ago" (Huhn), " Obstiuation" (Fontenaillos), the tragic " Lorraine, Lorraine, Loree" (Sprosa)a wonderful conception in special encore contributions, such as the graphic "Inter Nos" (McFadyen), the delicately beautiful " Boat Song" (Ware), " xuignon." (D'Hardelot), and "Au Pays" (Holmes). The great aria, " Celeste, Aida," sung by the victorious Reclames, in Verdi's " Aida," was another telling achievement by Paul Dufault, while " Spring's Awakening" (Hawley), " Au Pavs Bleu" (Chaminade), and " Answer" (Robyn), were each unique in their way. After each group of songs the vocalist was warmly encored, and in one instance sang three extra numbers ira response to the insistent 'demands. At the close of the concert the audience had no inclination to leave, but sat on applauding, and the cultured tenor again appeared and sang "The Trumpeter" (Dix). Miss Pauline Bindley showed considerable temperament—mostly well judgedin her soprano aria, " One Fine Day," from Puccini's " Madame Butterfly," and was also well received in the bracketed contributions (a) " The Prelude" (Ronald), " The Wren" (Lehniann), and "Poor Wandering One" (Sullivan). Less vibrato, on the higher tones, would enhance the effect of Miss Bindley's readings, and would contribute much in the direction of giving her work the necessary balance. She was encored in each instance, and was also successfully associated with Paul Dufault in the duets, " Breezes of Night" (Gounod), and 1 It was a Lover and his Lass" (Walt-hew), the latter being given as a recall number.

Mr. Ernest Toy, as 'solo violinist, was best suited in his opening solo, a sterling performance of Mendelssohn'? famous violin .concerto in E Minor. The slow movement, was played with much purity of intonation and expressive tone-quality ; the middle portion, with the theme t, moving over a demi-semiquaver accompaniment, being of special excellence. The final movement of the 46ncerto showed clearness of detail in the rapid bowing. In Chopin's " Nocturne," in E Flat. Mr. Toy was not always on the centre of the note, and the slurring was at times rather wide. A good technical display, involving awkward harmonics, was given in Bazzini'e " Witches Dante." and a like success was secured in Hauser's " Hungarian Rhapsody." Mr. Toy was heartily received and encored.

Mr. Harold Whittle's accompaniments were, as before, remarkably accurate, ana showed much musicianly resource. The final concert of the season will be given this evening, for which a special programme has been arranged.

WILLOUGHBY COMPANY. Popular drama at popular prices will be submitted for 11 nights at His Majesty's Theatre, commencing on Monday evening next, by one of the George Wtlloughby, LiraitedV many companies. The piece chosen for the opening performance is the latest London, Melbourne, and Sydney success, "The Beggar Girl's Wedding by the well-known and prolific playwright, Walter Melville. This powerful domestic drama of London life is said to abound in sensational incidents and wholesome comedy. ( There are four acts and numerous pretty scenes,'which are to be mounted on spectacular lines, as in the large centres of Australia. The piece will be interpreted by the strongest company ever sent on tour by the Willoughby directorate. Mr. George Cross is supported by the young emotional actress, Miss Vera JJemte, who adapts herself to pathetic roles. The dialogue is said to be smart, and interspersed with bright comedy expounded by Miss Fanny Erris and Mr- Frank- Albert. '' The box plans are at Messrs. Wildman ■ and Arey's.

"THE TEMPTRESS."

An elaborately - produced Continental film, entitled " The Temptress," nas been obtained by the Dominion Picture Proprietory Company, Limited, and will be presented on Monday at the Princess Theatre. It is stated that the plot has to do with woman and her wiles, and is not without a very significant moral. The manner in which the story is unfolded is said to be well-calculated to appeal to every one of its witnessers. 1 i "THE TANGO." A new departure will, be inaugurated at the popular Lyric Theatre next week, in the shape of the screening of a series of American motion picture dancing lessons. Two famous dancers, Wallace McCutcheon and Joan Sawyer, give exhibitions of the Viennese "Hesitation Waltz," the tango and the turkey trot. The steps and positions of the dances are said to be shown so thoroughly, and yet so simply, that any person, with a little practice, can become an accomplished dancer after having seen the picture. OPERA HOUSE. The season of tffie present BrennanFuller Company at the Opera House has been a highly successful one, crowded audiences having witnessed each performance. The same programme will be repeated for the last time to-night. BAN JOIST. The management of the Brennam-Fuller Vaudeville Company have secured an engagement, commencing on Monday, of Mr. Brent Hayes, the American ban joist. It is statsd that on two occasions this artist appeared by special command before the late King Edward, by whom tie was presented with the instrument which he will use in Auckland. He will be supported by several new American acts. Seats may be booked at Wildman and Arey's.

PICTURE ENTERTAINMENTS. The programme being shown at the Lyric Theatre this week is proving an exceedingly popular one. "The Test" is an ably produced drama, aid contains some interesting scenes in South Africa. To-niglht will be the last opportunity of witnessing " The Miracle," which is being screened at the King's Theatre. x The accompanying orchestra and choir music is very pleasing. "The Coquette," a most interesting and powerfully acted drama, will be shown for the last time at the Royal Albert Hall to-night. Continuous streams of patrons visited the Newton Picture Palace yesterday. The fine series of picture* being submitted at the Queen's Theatre was greatly appreciated by the numerous audiences that attended yesterday. A little girl figures in a clever and charming manner m a film entitled "Tjhe Pride of the Battery," contained in the present programme at the Globe Theatre Large numbers attended the Princess Theatre at each of -yesterday's sessions. Several good dramas are being screened, more notably a stirring tale of Indian warfare, entitled " A Famous Scout to the Rescue."

The films comprising the current pro gramme at the West End Theatre are of a nature much appreciated by the public An exceptionally interesting number of tihe Gaumont Graphio is included. "The Doctor's Secret" is the title of a mysterious and fascinating picture being shown at the King George Theatre. The doctor is led blind-folded to a patient for a fee of £3000.