ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15948, 19 June 1915, Page 10

ENTERTAINMENTS.

allen-doone SEASON. : . ■ A bright Irish play, entitled "In Old Donegal," was produced last night at His Majesty's Theatre by the Alien Doone Company, before a very large audience. The piece, which was more or less melodramatic, but saved from heaviness by the unusually excellent comedy which predominated, was enthusiastically applauded, its entire success never being in doubt. Mr* Doone, as the light-hearted and highprincipled Irish lad, Larry Donovan, had' a" role peculiarly well suited to him. His work also in the assumed disguise of Shaun, was both droll and clever. Mis's Edna Keeley again graced the leading lady's part, presenting a charming type of / girl, true to all the traditions of the girls of Old 'Erin. Amongst the remaining characters, that of Lawyer Waddy, as played by Mr. Maurice Lynch, was the most striking, this actor giving an intensely diverting study. Miss Ethel Bashford was also admirable as Mary Donovan, and Miss Connie Kyte was good as the boy, Tim. Mr. Door.e's songs were greatly appreciated. To-night, the company's season closes with a revival of "The Parish Priest."

CINDERELLA PANTOMIME. At Wildman and Arey's on Monday morning the box plan will bo opened at eight o'clock for the eleven productions of J. C. Williamson's gorgeously-mounted pantomime, " Cinderella," which is to be staged here on Wednesday next and eight following nights, and on Saturday after, noon next, and on Wednesday afternoon, June 30. Quite a number of complications had to bo overcome before Mr. Barry Lupino could be released from his London engagements this year, and the. amount paid by J. C. Williamson, Ltd., to effect this result, added to Mr. Lupino's usual salary, makes the young comedian the largest-salaried artist who has ever toured New Zealand. The pantomime is particularly strong in comedy, as, in addition to Barry Lupino, the cast also includes Mr. Arthur Stigant, London's most popular dame, Mr. Jack McArdle, a noted English comedian, and Mr. Leslie Gaze. Interest centres in the first appearance of the young Drury Lane ''principal boy," Miss Minnie Love, and in the reappearance of Miss Dolly Castles. Amongst the 18 magnificent scenes is ono that always arouses a deal of enthusiasm—that is the final patriotic mcrcli, when first New Zealand, represented by a, number of pretty Maori girls, then Scotland, Ireland, Canada, France, Russia, Australia, and Belgium march down' a Jong staircase, stretching from the back of the stage right down to the footlights. A huge Union . Jack is displayed breaking into a blaza of light as " Britannia/' Mi& Celia, Ghiloni, sings ''Fighting for the Motherland." The scene and effect for the pantomime have already arrived in charge of a large staff of mechanics and electricians. OPERA HOUSE. There was a very fair attendance at the Opera riouse„last night, and several of the artiste were given a cordial reception. The current programme of vaudft- 1 ville will be. presented at the usual matinee to-day a,nd again to-night for the last, time.

THE DANDIES.

"The Town Hall concert chamber , was, packed to the doors last night, when, the Dandies. repeated their entertaining programme. Tha entire proceeds were, donated > to the Hospital Ship and Wounded Soldiers' Belief Fund. To-night the talented combination _ will again appear, . and on Monday, night anothei change of programme will be initiated.

ORGAN RECITAL ..TO-NIGHT. V J The city -organist will give the Usual municipal organ recital in the Town Hall '' to-night, when he will play an interesting -g programme of standard and light works '% tor the organ, -f'. ' • •

- PARISH HALL SOCIAL. An entertainment, will bo given at the Parish Hall, Devonport, on Monday evening in aid of the Parish Hall debt extinction fund. A programme ■of much merit has been prepared and will include items by the Misses Jessie and Elsie Campbell, f 'Winners of many prizes for Highland and fancy dances (assisted by Piper J. McDonald); Mr. Hubert Carter, fete of Pollard's Opera Company; Mr, Thos. Harris,"one of. Auckland's leading elocutionists; Master Frank Parsons, ilia boy wonder - violinist, and_, Mr. Bob. Leth* Lauder impersonator. ' •

V " SIGN ;OF THE CROSS.'' . p ; | Those who have not yet seen the pic- .' torial representation of Wilson ißarrett's' 4 great play, " The Sign of the Cross," have a last opportunity' of doing so at the King ■ . ' George Theatre to-day. Films which show the magnificent staging effects and beautiful scenes and dresses, and retain all the interest of such a play as "The Sign of . the Cross/' which has been successfully staged "for over 20 years, are exceedingly rare. , The film has been screened beforo record audiences during the .whole of this week, and those who have seen it ar« ■ ■unstinted in their ■ praise of tho produce tion. . v f r '■ •' ' . • '

PICTURE" ENTERTAINMENTS.. The Globe Theatre was well attended during both afternoon and evening sessions yesterday. "The Rounders" and "The Candle and the Moth" head an excellent programme. >: t . _ Charles Chaplin, who features in ' A Night Out," was the centre of attraction for large audiences at the Princess Theatro yesterday. This star film will be shown to-day for tho last time. "The War Baby" and "Gussie's Day of Rest" aro the chief items on an enjonblo programme at tho Palace Theatre. . The film, showing the chief items of I interest at the ,Panama. Exposition will bo presented for the last timo at the Lyric and West End Theatres to-day. " Hearts Adrift," in, which is featured, popular Miss Mary Pickford, continues to draw good attendances to the Grand Theatre. "he comedy on this programme) Is an excellent item. Crowded audiences attended all sessions at the Queen's Theatre yesterday, whero Charles Chaplin, in "A Night Out," is proving a favourite. Those who have not yet seen "Our Troops in Esypt." the film which has been greeted with enthusiasm this week at tho King's Theatre, have only two more) opportunities of doing so— this after* noon's matinee, or to-night.