ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 5883, 1 April 1915, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS.

MR. ARTHUR ALEXANDER.

A second remarkable exposition of pianoplaying, embodying the highest technical and temperamental qualifications, was $iven last night by Mr. Arthur Alexander at the Town Hall. Throughout the young pianist held tho closest attention of his numerous auditors, and frequently had to contribute new numbers in response to the prolonged and enthusiastic applause. Unusual taste and discrimination was shown by the recitalist in tho arrangement of his programme, which was far removed from the b;aten track usually traversed in a similar style of entertainnent. It was refreshing to listen to masterly interpretation;) of such works of the modern impressionist school as Debussy's "Reflets dans l'eau," " L'lslo Joy oust," and the same composer's quaint and amusing "Minstrels," in all of which uncommon progressions aiul nebulous harmonics played no inconsiderable part. In the second half of the programme tho finely characteristic "Prelude," by Blumenfeld, riveted the attention. Liapounow's liery and passionate "Lesghinka," from Op. 11. was rot the least remarkable of a series of memorable pianistic achievements. Beethoven's Sonata in E flat, Op. 27, No. 1, received a finely-balanced rendering. Here the refined treatment of tho moro subdued motifs was in striking contrast to the working out of the more incisive climaj.es ana powerful harmonies. Busoni's conceit transcription of Bach's well-known violin "Chaconne," showed not only nobility of conception and grandeur of design in ils amplified construction as compared with tho original method of treatment, but demonstrated to the full Mr. Alexander's finished grasp of colossal technical difficulties. Schumann's richly-coloured "Romance in F sharp," and Corder's " Prelude in A," were other solo features in a programme of rare merit. Mr. Alexander wag again associated with Miss R. Isaac*, in a powerful and well-conceived reading of the First Movement of Beethoven's famous "Emperor" concerto, tho ladv pianist being-* responsible for the orchestral accompaniment upon a second piano. Mr. Thos. Harris was well received and recalled for his recitations, "The Coward" (Anon.), and "Handing Down" (Begbie). !

" THE JAM OF CATHAY." " The Jam of Cathay," to be produced to-night, at His Majesty's Theatre, is a new musical extravaganza, and the second production of the Stepbenson-Linley combination. " The Jam of Cathay" is said to have proved a great miecess everywhere, and is so worked out as to give ample scope for picturesquo scenery, bright costumes, una a succession of ballets. The " book" of the play and music is by Mr. Harry Taylor, writer of " Humpty Dumpty'," "Old Mother Hubbard," and Little 80-Peep." It is said to be quite the most tuneful musical piece written by an Australian-born composer. The company will conclude their successful season with a matinee on Easier Saturday, with a second edition of " Humpty Dumptv," introducing new songs, dances, marches, ballets, topical, and patriotic numbers. The box plan for the matinee will be oil view at Coleman's, on Easter Saturday, and at deal's on Friday. Specially reduced prices will be charged for children. "THE CALL OF THE EMPIRE." At His Majesty's Theatre, on Good Friday, at 2.50 p.m., and at 8 p.m., a lecturettc dealing with Britain's glorious part in the present war will be given. This lecturette has been prepared by the Rev. W. G. Monckton, M.A., and will be delivered by that well-known elocutionist, Mr. Thomas Harris. Special lantern slides havo been prepared, and these will, in fancy, take the audience right to the seat of war, and will aiso help them to gain an idea of the trials, hardships, and victories of tho brave British troops. Among other attractive pictures will be shown "The Power of tho Cross." It is said that this film will illustrate in a clear manner the fact that good principles, pure affections, and human sympathies, are all important in life. By permission of the Royal Pantomime Company. Miss Dorothy Drew will sing, "To Have, To Hold, To Love," and a song will also be rendered by Miss Elsie Nicholas, entitled "Somewhere a Voico is Calling." Tho box plan id now open at Wildman and Arey's. PLIMMERHALL COMPANY. The Plimmer-Hall Dramatic Company wiil commenco their season in Auckland on Saturday night next at His Majesty's Theatre. The management announces that the whole of the profits of the tour will go to the Belgian Fund. Tho Dominion tour is under the patronage of His Excellency the Governor, the Earl of Liverpool, the Right Hon. AV. F. Massey, Prime Minister, and Sir Joseph Ward, Bart. The Mayor of Auckland has also extended his patronage. Special arrangements aro being made for the opening on Saturday night next, and some stirring speeches will be delivered by prominent people of Auckland. The opening play will be "The Mummy and the Hummingbird," by Isaac Henderson. Special attention is drawn to the box plan arrangements fur the Easter holidays. There will bo a special holiday matinee 011 Monday next., when children will bo admitted to all parts except the gallery at half- ] price. OPERA HOUSE. The Four Aerial Lesters continue to entertain large audiences at the Opera House bv their daring feats. Among the manv other good turns is that of Billy Lee" a stockwhip cracker and rope manipulator' The programme will bo repeated this eveninf. The management announces that 011 Good Friday evening a special programme of high-class vaudeville items will be presented. Matinees have been arranged for next week, when a fine programme is promised. SCHOOL CONCERT. A -successful concert in aid of the Belgian Fund was given by the children of the Napier Street School in the Trades Hall last night. Over 600 people attended, and there were many latecomers who had to be turned away The items submitted by the children were most creditably performed. Children of all ages, from the infant classes up to tho sixth standard, contributed to the programme, and by their singing, drilling or dancing, as the caso might be, reflected tho greatest credit upon their teacher* the entertainment should result in a lar<™ sum being added to the fund. "THE POWER OF THE CROSS." A specially arranged programme will be submitted at tho Grafton Theatre to-mor-row evening. The chief attraction of the evenings entertainment will- bo "The I Power of the Cross," a film which has i been woH received in an - parts of the world. Other appropriate films will be shown while 111 addition Miss Miriam Russell will sing "There's a Land" and in conjunction with Mr. Abel Rowe' 1 "Night of Stars and Night of Love" (Offenbach). Mr. Rowe'3 solo will be " Land of Hope mid Glory." A good programme will be shown to-night. ( PICTURE ENTERTAINMENTS. Another bright programme, headed by a drama of wild and mysterious adventure entitled "Tho Right of Way," will bo screened at tho princess Theatre to-dav. lho theatic ill open at 2 p.m. to-morrow when a specially-selected programme will bo screened. General satisfaction has been expressed at the excellence of the programme now being shown at tho Globe Theatre. The third instalment of "Tho Adventures of kathlyn" is proving highly interesting. Chief among the many good films tang shown at the Grand theatre is "The Price of Silence." There are several other attractive features.

A stirring battle picture, entitled " The V.C.," will bo screened at the Queens Theatre to-day and should prove a highly exciting film. Amongst other pictures _ to I be shown are two particularly diverting comedies, th) one entitled "White Lies and the other "Foolish Mr. Dingle.' A strong programme has been _ secured for Good Friday, tho feature being "Judas Maccabeus." , , | " London by Day and Night ' is the chief feature of the* programme now being shown at the King's Theatre. A good comedy is included in the other features. The' management of the Lyric Theatre has been particularly fortunate in. securing an excellent comedy entitled Mv triend from India." Good views of the New landers in Egypt are also shown. Tho feature of the new programme to be shown at the King George Theatre to-day is "Divorons," the famous American comedy which created so much interest when stage:! originally. ORGAN RECITAL. morrow evening an organ recital will be given in the Town Hall, when the city organist will have the assistance of Miss Minn Caldow, contralto. The programme will consist of numbers suitable to the day. ROYAL. SKATING RINK. The management announce that the rink will be open day and night on Good Friday. All sessions have been well patronised during the past week, and special Easter attractions are being arranged.