ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16559, 7 June 1917, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

NEW ORANGE, DANDIES.

The light form of ■ entertainment provided by Mr. Edward Branscombe's' new Orange Dandies appealed to the taste of an audience which practically filled the con cert chamber of the Town Hall last night. The little company of singers and merrymakers submitted a programme in which the popular elements of the concert were agreeably combined with others more vaudevillean in type, Many previous bands of artists under the same direction have accustomed amusement-seekers to this class of musical, evening, in whzcii formality goes by tire board, and the stiffness of the concert-hall is relaxed. Black and white stage settings formed an attractive frame to the performers costumed in orange and black. There was evenness about the performance, and it gained a, cordial hearing. The vocal honours were carried off by Miss Linda Bradford, a light contralto, with merry eyes, which left one unprepared for the very expressive ' manner in which she sang. Her voice was long in range, and was used with judgment and sympathy. Miss Bradford was perhaps heard to best advance in a soulful rendering of " Com- | tug Home," an encore numoer, whicJl • resulted in an imperative recall. "My I Dear Soul," was also most feelingly ren- ! dered, as were " Until, and " Sink •Bred Sun into the West." A capable ! basso with a musical voice, well moduI lated, was Mr. John Weilby. His solos 'included: "Up Prom Somerset," "His 'Majesty the king," "Out on the Deep," i anu a rollicking yokel song. All were ; sung with the, requisite expression or vim. The soprano, Miss Dorothy Manning, Sossesaor of ft voice of nice quality, sang ounod's " Serenade," " Poor Wandering One," from "Pirates of Penzance," and a duet with Mies Bradford pleasing in its effect. Mies Ivy Davis sane of "Santa Clause" and other matters brightly, as a Bouoretta should, and .displayed vivacity in all her work. She was associated in a humorous sketch and a ragtime duet with Mr; Courtney Ford, both of which items won appreciation. Mr. Ford was heard in several amusing interludes, his facial expression creating laughter. Mr. Harry Graham's light and low-comedy songs and characterisations speedily made him a favourite. His mirth-makinc was infectious, and his songs were in the main I clever. Mr. Andrew Pace also contributed I to the p&iety and tunefulness of the evening. • Various ensembles, concerted numbers, and comedy scenes were given, and the chorus singing of the artists was well enjoyed. At the piano Mr. Philii Hardman ' rendered" excellent service. The Orange Dandies will appear again, nightly until further notice.

"DADDY LONG LEGS."

-On Monday evening next, at His Majesty's Theatre, the young Canadian star actress, Kathlene MacDonell, will, under the direction of J. C. Williamson, Ltd., make her first appearance in New Zealand. It is not four months ago since Miss MacDonell came to Australia practically unknown as far as theatregoers were concerned. Making her debut in " Daddy Long ' Legs," she instantly won popular appreciation. Miss MacDonell has since appeared in another . important role in The Outcast," and has made such decisive successes in both that she has bean acclaimed one of the most /emotional actresses that has ever visited Australia. Auckland playgoers will have the opportunity of seeing this young artist, supported by one of J. 0. Williamsons specially-chosen companies,, including Charles Waldron, in both plays. The opening production will be Jean Webster's charming and delightful comedy, " Daddy Long Legs," credited with being a skilful dramatisation, nreservine the atmosphere of sympathy and charm breathed so delicately in "her little "book of smiles." Mr. diaries Waldron will appear in his original role, and the heroine will be plaved by Miss MacDonell. The second production will be Hubert Davie's celerated play, "The Outcast." The box plans for the five productions of "Daddy Long Lees'* will open at Wildinan and Arey's to-morrow morning at eight o'clock.

OPERA HOUSE. , The excellent vaudeville . programme presented at the Opera House this week is proving very popular with the large audiences present each evening. ; The turns are of a varied and entertaining nature, and include many really first-class performers. The programme will be presented each evening during the remainder of the week, and on Monday an entirely new bill will "be presented. "

QUEEN'S THEATRE.

"The. Girl Who Doesn't Know," which has been screened at the Queen's Theatre during the week, has,been most popular, the large audiences at each session showing their satisfaction with the picture. The picture is from the Moss studios and. although of a propagandist nature, a moat delicate shbject is handled in a careful and artistic manner. • The theme of the story is woven around' a young girl who, after making a false step, realises her position, and eventually regains her position in her true sphere of life. In an emphatic manner the picture \ urges the necessity of al)"gifls being instructed in, the penalties entailed by a violation of the moral law. The title role is capably portrayed by the eminently successful English. and American actress, Marie Empress, whose characterisation of her part is one of the most pleasing features of the production. The usual interesting and varied supporting programme of topical and humorous subjects is also screened, and this, together with the principal picture, will be screened for the last time to-mor-row evening, a complete change taking place on Saturday.

TIVOLI THEATRE.

The charming little actress Mary Pickford, who is appearing to advantage in the Famous Players-Lasky production, "Hulda from Holland," the principal feature of the current programme at the Tivoli Theatre, has been enthusiastically received by the large audiences ' which have been present each evening. The picture is one of unusual interest, and. besides containing a charmin" love story, includes a number of beautiful scenes. The supporting programme, which is of the usr-al high class presented by the management of this theatre, contains a number of interesting and educational subjects. ' PRINCESS THEATRE.

The Metro picture, "The Barricade," which is the leading feature in the current programme at the Princess Theatre, has received an enthusiastic reception from the_ numerous patrons of this theatre. The leading role, taken by the charming little actress Mabel Taliaferro, capably portrays the part of a girl who, to avenge a supposed-wrong, marries a man, and then tells him that she does not love him. A strong supporting programme is also screened, and'includes a laughable Chaplin comedy, entitled " The Plumber."

"A MORTAL SIN." A Metro photo-play, entitled "A Mortal Sin," which is claimed to be one of the best releasee of this corporation, will be screened as the leading feature on the profrramme to be shown at the Princess Theatre for the first time on Saturday.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. A photo-play of unusual interest" has been secured ■ by the management of the Strand Theatre for the new programme to be screened for the first time on Saturday. The leading part in the picture, which is entitled r 'The Price She Paid," is portrayed by the eminently successful actress Clara Kimball Young. The fact that ( this popular nlaver is appearing is sufficient guarantee of the auahtv of the picture. •'» '.- ■ ■ GLOBE THEATRE.

Owing to- delay, in the arrival of the mails from' South, the management of the* Globe Theatre announce that the picture "The All-Red Route" will not be here until Saturday next. -

PALACE THEATRE'

The principal picture on the new programme to be screened at the Palace, Theatre, for the first time to-day is am.nlisually strong photo-play entitled " The Coward." The i supporting programme, which it of. the usual high standard,- pro-

vided by the management of this, theatre, includes both interesting and topical jobjects, foremost among which 'is ! a comedy entitled "Love and the Law.". ''■'~' OTHER ENTERTAINMENTS. ,; > r , Frank Keenan is featured in "The i Crab," leading -picture in the current programme at the Strand Theatre. The leading feature on the current programme at the Lyric Theatre is entitled, "The Man From Bitter -Roots. • "A Square Deal," featuring Carlyle Blackwell, is the ■:. principal •■ picture at Everybody's Theatre this week. •, ■* The feature of r the current programme at the Grand Theatre is a stirring photo"The Pursuing Veng Carlyle Blackwell is featured in the photo-play, "A Square Deal," the leading feature on the current programme at tne West End Theatre.