ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18225, 19 October 1922, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

VISITING OPERA ARTISTS. SECOND NOTABLE CONCERT. The wonderful impression made by those eminently satisfying concert artists, Paul Altbouse and Arthur Middleton in their opening programme, was still further emphasised last evening at the Town Hall, when they made their second appearance in this city,' before a numerous assembly of music lovers. The house was enraptured with the singing of both exponents, who were recalled again and again. A final triumph was gained in the closing duet, " 0 Solo Piu Ratto," from Donizetti's " Lucia di Lammermoor." The programme in general gave Mr. Althouso almost unlimited opportunities, and he lived up to every bar of his music. Handel's air, " Ombra Mai Fu," from " Exerxes," is an unusual choice for a tenor, but Mr. Althouse's revivifying rendering seemed to give this familiar selection a new lease of life. Another Handelian excerpt, " Sommi Dei," from " Radamisto, was another slow movement, having its quiet moments, and then rising to a thrilling climax at the close. One of the outstanding selections, ' The Sorrows of Death," from Mendelssohn s "Hymn of Praise," must also be placed to the tenor's credit. It was a fine example of intensely musical phrasing, in which some enterprise was shown by retaining in the solo, the concluding lines usually Plotted in an oratorio performanco to a soprano voice. The result was; convincing to a degree. Elgar's emotional "Pleading," and Lee's "I Love You More," were each in their way gems of artistic vocalisation, while Mr. Althonsea additional programme number, " The Blind Ploughman " (Clarke), ran its way to n. rousing finish. Mr. Arthur Middleton's pleasant perconality played no small part in his unimpeachable baritone interpretations. Hw selections ranged from grand opei* to Keel's settings of Masefield's V Salt Water Ballads," with a pleasant 'interlude of old Italian songs as a go-between. Great resource was displayed by the baritoue in Thomas' aria "La Tambour Major, from "La Cadi." The recit was a sterling example of skilled phrasing, while the tripping nature of the ana itself was suggested in a realistic maimer. Much versatility and tono colour were displayed in the Italian group, including .' Lungi dal Ca.ro bene" (Secchi), " Povero Marinar " (Mililloli)—in which some of the points of interest are sustained by the piano—and "Or ch'io non segno piu (Rontani). Songs like Keel's "Port of Many Ships," "Trade Winds, and •' Mother Carey" belong to that category in which the words are everything, and the music an impressive vehicle of interpretation. Everything Mr. Middleton sang was a sheer delight to the most critical, and many, no doubt, found it difficult to allot any particular preference Special mention must also be made of the operatic duet, " 0 Mimi tu_piu non torni, from Puccini's "La Boheme, sung by way of preliminary by Messrs. Althouse and Middleton. Exceptional powers of memory were displayed by Mr. Rudolph Gruen, who accompanied with unfailing skill. While playing sympathetically, he, never failed to recognise that the pinoforte score is rightly an integral part of the composer's scheme. . The final concert of the all too brief season will take place on Saturday night at His Majesty's Theatre, instead of to-morrow at tho Town Tall as previously announced. In response tc numerous requests, a special "F3ust" programme will be presented, containing three arias from Gounod'jt tuneful opera, and closing wyth the finale and duet between Faust and Moph'isto, from the first act. The plan is at Lewis R. Eady and! Son, Ltd.

NATIONAL THEATRE. A film which created a sensation throughout America is to be the chief attraction at the National Theatre tomorrow and for the ensuing week. This is the great Universal-Jewel production, "The Storm. v Already shown at a private screening during the week this picture promises to sweep the spectator up in the intensity of its drama, thrill him with its stark realism, awe him with the majesty of the vast out-doors, and maka his pulse* drum a lively tune in his temples with its adventurous episodes. Only occasionally is there a picture which holds as strong an appeal for men as for women, and " The Storm " does this. The story is the eternal triangle in its most elemental form. A woman and two men are held in a mountain shack by an impenetrable wall of show. *The girl, is an unsophisticated daughter of the forest primeval. One of the msn is shut up in his own world of solitude. The other is shut off from his world of man s artifice gaiety, and comfort. Supplies run short. One of the men must go for the provisions necessary for the lives of all of them. The men gamble, and the city man loses. He starts out, but cringes in'the face of a forest fire. On his return he induces the woodsman to go by tricking the girl into an apparent display of affection for him. The fire be- | comes so intense that the woodsman j turns back to save the girl and his rival, j Together the three plunge through the' fire, the brave woodsman effecting the rescue of the others. The theme is greater than in most stories of the kind, I and it contains scenes of real human interest, which succeed each other rapidly , on the screen. One noted American I critic wrote of the film:—" Here is a picture for you. You may have - seen North-west pictures before, you may have seen vigorous conflict with elemental, primitive nature in the background, you may have looked upon life as it is lived in 'the raw, with the. contrasting forces in man pulsating for expression, but you have never seen such a story as this adaptation of, Langdon McCormick's highly successful play 'The Storm.' It towers over everything of its kind ever presented on the screen."

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. The new programme to be screened at Everybody's Theatre to-morrow and for the 'following week will contain many features of interest. A picture with a very wide appeal will be 'shown in " Bonds of Love," with the accomplished and beautiful actress, Pauline Frederick, in the leading role. Tho story \a said to be powerful in its dramatic situations, and of great emotional force. A iilm of a contrasting type,' but equally entertaining, " Three Live Ghosts," will also be presented. This is a Paramount feature, starring Anna Q. Nilsson and Norman Kerry. The story opens on armistice night in London. The whole world has gone mad, and the three 6oldier comrades who reach the great metropolis; after three years spent in a German prison camp," together welcome the end of the war. But there are complications, for all are, for one reason or another, supposed to be dead. Their return is the signal for all sorts of events, both humorous and thrilling. It is said to b"e a delightful picture throughout, with * strong human appeal. There will be other good films. QUEEN'S THEATRE. The chief film on the programme to be screened at the Queen's Theatre for the week commencing to-morrow will bo "Gleam o' Dawn," a Fox feature, starring John Gilbert. The story tells of a man living alone in the great North woods of Canada. There he encounters his unrecognised father, r, man who had deserted his wife before their son was bom. By the time the wood-dweller has learned the identity of his father he has fallen in love with the latter's adopted daughter. This leads to a heart-stirring series of situations. Barbara Bedford plays the role of the girl. The scenic beauty of the picture is said to ba an outstanding feature. CHURCH CONCERT. ChH wUI be held to-mght. t

, CHORAL SOCIETY CONCERT ! The first performance in Auckland o i Sullivan's "Te Deam Laudamus" will be one of the features of the Auckland Choral Society's third concert in the Town Hall this evening. In the interpretation of "Te Deum,,'" Mr. Colin Musto'n ! will have under his baton 160 voices, sup- ! ported by the orchestra of the Auckland Garrison Artillery Band and an organ accompaniment by Mr. Cyril T'owsev. Judging from the final rehearsal a striking performance should be given. The rendering of Sir Edward Elgar's " Banner of St. George " should also have a universal appeal. To-night will be the last ohancf the Auckland public w4ll have for some time of hearing Signor Lucien Cesaroni in grand opera selections, with orchestra! accompaniment. Miss Dora Judson, with the orchestra, will play Schumann's "Piano Concwio." i The box plans are at Lewis R. Eady and I Son, Ltd. ACTION SONG ENTERTAINMENT. An action song entertainment will be given at the Town Hall next Saturday and Monday evenings by children of the j Auckland Bands of Hope. About 500 performers will take part. The programme ' includes several tableaux and a number of other interesting items.. Mr. F. kouster will give a selection oa hand-bells. Mrs. Lee-Cowie and Mr. W J. Holdsworth will also take part. Mr. L. E. Falkner will be the conductor and Mr. L. Bowen the pianist. DIXIELAND CABARET. The third week of Egyptian month at Dixieland Cabaret has been entered upon j with undiminished gaiety and success. The lavish decorations continue to excite the admiration of visitors, and the catering and . arrangements generally have formed the subject of appreciative com- , ment. The dance hold at the cabaret by the Nil Desperandum Club proved very successful. There can be do doubt that the popularity of Dixieland, always great, is still growing. CHINESE PLAY. The success which attended the first | presentation of the Chinese play, "En Gee Yoe,' induced the Sun Wall Dramatic j Company to give a repeat' performance ' last evening at the Scots Hall. The hall, which was decorated with Chinese lanterns and banners, was fkirly well filled j with Chinese and Europeans. The play ; was well acted, with attractive stage appointments and beautiful costuming. Thff play was enjoyed by Europeans and 1 Chinese alike, and the adventures of th« lovers who elope were followed with in- | terest. A Chinese orchestra supplied incii dental music. All proceeds from the play will bo devoted to the funds; of the Auckland Hospital. UNITARIAN CHUKCH IXWCERT. An enjoyable concert was jjiven at the j Unitarian Church, Ponsonby Road, last i evening. Several songs were isung by the i New Zealand Quartette (Messrs. Perfect, ; Adeane, Asbury, and Stewart). Otbor vocalists were Miss Ailsa Scott, Messrs. A G. Fogerty, J. Littler, and D. V. Lillicrap. A pianoforte solo was played by Miss Jeanne Fogerty, and recitals I were given by Mr. F. Adeane. Mrs. A. j G. Fogerty was accompanist.