ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16013, 3 September 1915, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

" MAN WHO STAYED AT HOME."

The second performance of "The Man Who Stayed at Home" by the J. C. Williamson Company at His Majesty's Theatre last night drew a large audience. The piece met with appreciation, its success being contributed to by its application to current events in connection with the war. The close acquaintance of the authors with the methods of German spies is made evident as the action progresses. When the play was produced in London this fact was commented upon, and the Daily Mail asserted that the authors had had the unofficial assistance of a secret service officer with the cooperation of the War Office. It was thought that the exposure of the Teuton spies methods would result in putting the public on the alert to watch for the presence •of the x alien danger in their midst. The principal character in the play, Christopher Brent, has an excellent exponent in Mr. Prank Harvey. "The Man Who Stayed at Home will be staged again tonight and for a limited season. ;

OPERA HOUSE. ; The most popular features of the current vaudeville programme at the Opera House are the violin solos of Gregory Ivanoff, a member of Jack Waller's combination, whose classic items met with the unstinted praise of the audience. Humorous duets, ragtime melodies, were included in the numbers given by Jack Waller and his troupe. The Great Lutes and Cb.'s feats of marksmanship. with the rifle excited interest, while Lew Hoffman provided much amusement by his clever hat tricks.- •

BOHEMIAN ORCHESTRA. The first performance in New Zealand of Sir Edward Elgar's great patriotic tone- : poem, "Carillon," was the outstanding musical feature of the third " concert. by, • the popular Bohemian Orchestra at theTown Hall last night. The building was crowded and after the graphic interpretation of the famous British composer's latest musical achievement, the pent-up; feelings of ' the audience found vent " in! prolonged,' applause. Since Elgar writes! better for orchestra than for choir, it may| be conceded, that" the scoring is highly, descriptive and > ingenious. The'reciting portions," introducing a* translation 1 of j the inspired poem by Emile Cammaerts,3 were in the capable hands of Professor Max--well Walker, whose delivery of the various sentiments contained - • therein showed; - finely judged temperament and ability. Some artistic tone contrasts were, secured by the * large orchestra, whose work -in this and the other programme numbers was skilfully directed by the ■ociety's conductor, Mr. Colin Muston. In response to an emphatic en core, the society appropriately played tho Belgian National Antthem. A sterling performance was given of Herold*s popular " Zampa" overture. ■ ? Coleridge-Taylor's [ orchestral suite, "La Caprice de Nan-". nette" contained many original" features. Delightful was the independent playing in f the excerpt " Demande et Repouse," while the -breezy "La TaranteDe - FretiHante**' was responsible for an excellent technical display. . Meyer-Helmund'a dainty^:*'Ro-"% coco" Serenade ,so pleased the audience that a repetition was demanded. ,_ The " Allegre Moderato" and " Andante ? Con Moto,* 'from Schubert's " Unfinished" Symphony in B Minor showed requisite .finish." ; Grieg's "Norwegian Dances" Nos.;3 and ft. op. 35, showed executive adaptivehess," while the electrical attack and quick pas- ;• pace work, in the concluding g number, Friedemann's <" Slavonic " -Rhapsody;; so ■ captivated the audience that the closing' portion had to be repeated. The orchestra rendered valuable support ,in "the instrumental trio by Hamm, in which the. parts for ■ flute, • oboe, and clarionet were taken; by Messrs. Buckley, Jackson, and Amodeo respectively. Miss Jessie 'Bsrtlett, contralto, gave an intelligent and well-voiced •'. rendering of Hatton's fine song, "The Enchantress." and was warmly encored. Mr. G. I. Allen presided at the piano for Miss Bartlett's songs.! >

KING GEORGE THEATRE. " An exciting and absorbing war story is presented in "The Heroic Spirit,' T a two-part drama, which heads the programme now appearing at the King j George Theatre. The film portrays incidents in the life of two French soldiers, rivals in love, who forget their differences on the, battle-field. Interesting scenes in connection with the campaign in France are introduced. Choice pictures comprise the supporting programme. " Escape of the Fast Freight " is a thrilling railwaydetective drama. Two excellent comedies are contained in "Realistic Fancy Dress'' and " The Baby's Fault."

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Further prevision for the entertainment of the public of Auckland will be made on Monday, when Messrs. Hayward's fine new theatre, " Everybody's," will be opened. The theatre is situated opposite Messrs. Smeeton's. in Queen Street, and is specially designed and fitted to suit the :omfort of patrons, adding to their enjoynent of th« entertainments. Pictures will be stiown trom 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Arrangements have been made for the supply of the best pictures procurable.

ORGAN RECITAL.

The city organist will give the usual weekly recital in the Town Hall on Saturday evening, when he will play works by Vierne,. Sibelius, Chopin, and a fantaisfe on old French dances and songs.

PICTURE ENTERTAINMENTS. A drama, "Two Women," was screened at the Lyric Theatre last niche. The comic picture, " Charlie's Elopement," formed the leading attraction at tho Queen's Theatre last night. Included in the pictures shown'at the King's Theatre yesterday was a drama,-; entitled " The Living Death." " .<■'"*& At the Princess Theatre yesterday tho . ;.(*] five-act drama, "The Wishing Ring," : was :';.■: shown. " Charlie's Elopement" is the -tide of V;"-: the principal picture screened at the Globe .vV;Theatre last night. . . ._ { . < A series of interesting \ pictures was shown at the Palace Theatre yesterday. . A drama, "Bond of Womanhood," is showing at the Grand Theatre. '_ -■ -