ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15965, 9 July 1915, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS.

BOHEMIAN ORCHESTRA.

Upstairs and down, the Town Hall was a !sea of faces on the occasion of the second concert of the season by the. Bohemian Orchestra last night. The programme met with a very warm reception. Mr. Colin Muston wielded the baton over the usual large contingent of male orchestral performers, and while his readings were commendably free from stiffness, they, at the same time, showed an intimate acquaintance with the many beauties, melodic and harmonic of the several_ works performed. The opening selection,' the "Raymond" overture, by Thomas, though merely a repetition of the society's previous successes in this entertaining work, showed the popular society to much advantage in varied styles of interpretation. Consider- , able success was gained in a new programme piece—"Russian Rhapsodic" 1 Michiels. Though the technical difficulties were not exacting, much resource and variety of treatment was demanded, while the tone contrasts were fittingly represented. For the performance of Sibelius's " Valse Triste," all the hall lights were extinguished, in order that the necessary artistic atmosphere " might be obtained. In this piece the individual constructive methods of the composer were plainly evidenced, while the weird themes suggested a pessimistic note. In response to the persistent applause, this number was repeated. The March Triumphale," from Mancinelli's '* Cleopatra" showed richly-coloured rhythms, and forcible themes. The brass fanfares, and striking ensembles were well delivered. A selection on the most popular excerpts from Mendelssohn's " Songs Without Words," was warmly received. This included the Funeral March," the " Hunting Song," tho " Folk Song, - ' as well as carefully phrased cornet and oboe solos, the latter declaiming the strains of the popular '* Spring Song." A dainty interpretation was secured of Gossec's " Gavotte," while the attractive features of " Three Dances from Henry VIII.," Ed. German, were capably presented. .Madame Bella Russell, whoso lyric soprano voice is of light quality, and easily produced, sang with acceptance, and clear enunciation, the arias : " Rejoice Greatly." from. Handel's "Messiah," and "Softly 'Sighs," Weber. A tasteful vocalisation of " Solveig's Song," Grieg, may be noted as a recall item by Madame Russell. Mr. Laurie Kennedy, 'cellist, showed a beautiful tone quality, as well cs technical skill in his solos : "Le Cygne," Saint-Saens, and " Tarentelle," Op. 33, Popper. He was heartily encored after each solo. The orchestral accompaniments to these, as well as to Madame Russell's Handelirt contribution, were played with a fine sense of judgment. The octette for brass : " Reverie," by Hubay, and played by Messrs. Mohr, Hellriegel, Craig, Benn, Sly, Robertson. Gilbert, and Shugg, was somewhat interesting. Mr. G. I. Allen presided at the piano in the capacity of accompanist.

THE COURT CARDS. A clever coster ret, with appropriate costumes, is a feature of the new programme submitted by the Court Cards to a large audience in the concert chamber of the Town Hall last evening. Among the songs and specialties introduced was an entertaining item by Miss Maude Fane and Mr. Edgar Warwick, "Coming Home from our Honeymoon." Mr. Sydney Manuring sang very effectively " The Crossing Sweeper," and as an encore. "Sally in our Alley." Two items were given by Mr. George Titchener—a song, ** Eliza's "Wedding," and «' Baby Bfll," recited to a musical accompaniment. Apart from the coster sketch, the company was heard to advantage in a number of pleasing items. A quartet, "Hoop La," by the male members of the company was well received end the same performers were also loudly applauded for the quartet, Calm is the Sea." Miss Maude Fane £ sng in fascinating, fashion " Naughty Little Word " and Honey Bee." Miss Renee Maude also performed creditably. Mr. Edgar Warwick's efforts as the " Joker " were highly appreciated and he was compelled to give several encore numbers. The same programme will be given this evening.

OPERA HOUSE.

Interest in the performance at the Opera House last night was increased bv a challenge issued to Madame Marion, the quick change artist, who has been presenting a playlet entitled, "The Daughter of Proteus. The challenger claimed that more than one lady took part in the turn, and agreed to donate £5 to the Hospital Ship fund if his assertion should bo proved to be inaccurate. The test took place last night, when Mr. Ben.- Myers, who was appointed to view the act from behind the scenes, announced that the turn was a bona-fide one. The Opera House was ciowded and many hundreds were unable to obtain admittance. After Mr. Myers had given his decision the challenger "Mr Gordon, handed £5 to the management and this will be paid into the Hospital Ship Fund. r

KING GEORGE THEATRE.

A comedy, "The Winner," was screened at the King George Theatre yesterday when the bi-weekly change of programme was made. It was most cleverly acted, the many absurd situations having extracted from them the last ounce of fun. Chief amongst the dramas was "A Daughter of Destruction," a film which illustrated the evil influences of a girl. Tiie Warwick Chronicle, as usual, contained views of many interesting events.

GRAND THEATRE.

The current programme at the Grand Theatre contains a romance entitled " The Locked Door," m the production of which the New York Fire Brigade assisted. Woven into the story is an interesting plot, but the chief interest in the picture arises as the result of the views of the firefighters at work. Among the other films is a comedy, Fatty's Reckless Fling," in which Mr. Roscoe Arbuckle is featured. The Topical Budget is replete with good war pictures.

QUEEN'S THEATRE.

A new programme was shown at the Queen's Theatre yesterday when a clever drama, " " Cards Never Lie," was well received. "The Primitive Way " proved another most exciti'v drama, while an excellent comic, " Mus° tang Pete's Engagement," was chief amongst the films composing the lighter side of the, programme. Many good war pictures are included.

PRINCESS THEATRE.

The change of programme shown at the Princess Theatre yesterdav included a drama entitled "Romance of a Poor doling Man." The plot was cleverly worked out. and the photography was good. Great interest attached to a topical film concerning the tragedv of the Lusitania.

GLOBE THEATRE.

Large crowds again attended the Globe Theatre yesterday when "The Heart t *;-„ a " ama in wh,ch » featured Jess Willard, was produced Into the picture is introduced a realistic Sent scene. An exciting story of a girl detectivc, Following a Clue." is another good drama, while among the comedies i* Ambroses Little Hatchet."

KING'S THEATRE.

Picture lovers are showing their appreciation of the picture entitled, " Three Weeks, which forms the attraction at the Kings Theatre this week. The storv opens with scenes from the court of the King of Severn, a monarch who bv his unseemly conduct, causes disruption within Ins kingdom. The Queen leaves her lord and master, and in an obscure town «he meets Paul, with whom she falls in love 1 he murder of the Queen is followed bv the death of the King. Before the Queen's death a son xs born, and he is in time crowned

—— — ——■ , - ,'j King of Severia. The Queen was Una 9 able to secure the throne to a Severian of (M royal birth. The picture is very interesting, arid it depicts in an attractive manner many phases of court life, and the weak-fit nesses of human nature. " Three Weeka" will be shown again to-night.

LYRIC THEATRE. 'H£r=r At the Lyric Theatre a fine picture ij being shown in the drama entitled. "Goodbye Summer." The picture shows how a loveless husband brings to the wife ? l|l|p winter of discontent, and how the woman's love for her child brings the only hope of summer. Other attractions include " Mak- a , ; i" ing A Sporting RiSe," " Hie Handicap of Beauty," "The Latest. Geumont Graohic," ,- "A Thief in the Night." " Bully "Boy" (No. 6), " The Clothes Count,*' and a Keystone feature entitled, " Love in Armour."" "".{ PALACE THEATRE. : p An excellent series of pi'-tures wag' -- ji shown at the Palace Picture Theatre yes- ■'%-:'- terday, chief amongst them bf-ing "Th«-.-/^' Locked Door." a fire-fighting romance.