AMUSEMENTS.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXVIII, Issue 3581, 5 November 1898, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

The exceptional character of the p-o----gramme might have been expected to attract a more numerous audience than actually did attend the complimentary entertainment tendered last night Jto the promoters oE the popular concerts. In the Oouoert p art Mias Jeanne Eamsay sang ‘ I IV lie’s at My Window 11 (Osborne). The treatment of the plain passages was very fine, and she handled the embellishments in stylLh fashion. Mr E. J. Hill, who was in good voice, Was encored for his singing of “My Queen.” The soprano and tenor joined in the exacting duet from the garden scene in Gounod's “ Fail t-,” which; ho Fever, in the opinion OE many persons, should not be §ang Unless without book. Madame Merz was heard in a striking rendering of the recitative and air, “ Soanes That Are Brightest.” Her pupil, Miss May Woodward, displayed fhe resources of a pleasing voice in her rendering oE “ Alla Stella Confidante.” In spite o£ slight buskiness Mr Ronald Boot sang ” The Bedouin’s Love Song ” with good effect. Mr Horace Stebbing had the advantage of an orchestral accompaniment by a band under Mr Maurice Manthel to the patriotic song ''Victory.” Ibzt’s “ Khapsodio Hongroisc,” played as ■ a duet for two pianos by Miss Beatrice Vartha and Mr F. E. Crowther, was an outstanding item. The excellence of Mr C. D. Mackintosh’s flute solo, Lovet’s variations on the air, “ Home Sweet Home ” was fully appreciated. Plantation songs were enjoyably sung by the Karaka Keens, a tuneful dozen of burnt-cork artists.

The musical talent employed was sufficient to attract a largo audience to the concert held in St. Mark’s Schoolroom in aid of the piano fund last night. Mr Eowntcoe’s band gave a stirring performance of movements from “ Faust ” which was greatly appreciated, and two glees, “Skye Boat Song ’’and “ Evening Beat” by Messrs Blow, Hogg, Warner, Honriohs, Nioholla, Hueston and Bray (2) provoked loud applause. Mr Laurence F. Watkins played a pianoforte solo, “ Danse Afrique,” with great spirits. Mr T. Pringle’s singirg of “ Thou’rt Passing Hence ” was the success of the evening. Miss Boss’ songs were as usual excellently given. She also sang “ Butterflies’’-(Corbett). Comic songs were given by Mr V. B. Lyon, who had to submit to repeated recalls. Instrumental trios were given by the Muses Webb and Mr Webb, and songs Were also Contributed by Mrs Greenwood and Mr J. Searle, both the last-mentioned performers receiving recalls'.

ALFRED WOODS’ DEAMATIO COMPANY. Mr Alfred Woods, Miss Maud Williamson and the members of the company supporting those well-known artists will arrive by the Taltine this mornihg, and will open their season at the Opera Hdu'e on Monday evening. Mr Woods renews his acquaintance with Wellington theatre-goers after an absence of nearly two years, coming more recently from the Lyceum Theatre, Sydney, where he has just completed a highly successful season of six consecutive months. Miss Williamson visits us for the first time, and it can safely be said that no actress has beeh preceded by more flattering press Criticisms than the lady m question. Her career in Australia sihne appearing under engagement to Messrs Williamson and Musgrove, some four years ago, has been highly successful, and sfao has earned for herself the enviable reputation of being one of the finest emotional actresses upon the Australian stage. This opiriou was endorsed during the company’s seasons in Auckland and Dunedin. The piece chosen for the opening production by Mr Woods is one of the company’s strongest, viz., “ The Gates of Bondage,” an original drama in five acts, founded upon Hall Caue’s famous novel “The Deemster.” The play, to quote press critics, is tar removed from the beaten track of ordinary melodrama, and at the same time vividly depicts, with dramatic iffShnsity and stage realism, the lives and customs of the people made famous in so many of Hall Caine’s works. The repertoire of the company is a very strong and varied one, and embraces some of the most notable successes of the present year. Therefore, the production of each piece will be limited to a run of a few nights only. The box plan at Holliday’s is filling rapidly, and a highly successful season for Mr Woods and Miss Williamson should follow.