EVENING ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4316, 27 March 1901, Page 7

EVENING ENTERTAINMENTS

- FITZGERALD’S CIRCUS. Over five thousand people were crowded into the Fitzgerald Bros.’ huge circus tent last evening to witness tho opening performance of the Wellington season. The present show of tho wellknown Australians is certainly the most complete of tho kind which has visited New Zealand for many years. There is an. agreeable absence of much of that stereotyped “business” which becomes so wearisome by frequent repetition. High-class throughout, last night’s performance was in every detail. Chief among the innovations which are introduced into the ordinary circus programme arc a remarkably unique dancing, “ turn’,” clowning by a first-class comedian, high-jumping by champion hurdlejumpers, and some very graceful juggling. The menagerie contains Several fine animals.

The performance was opened with a riding act by the company, followed by a clever “ turn ” by two ponies. Another pony, “ Silver King,” ridden by a little Japanese, also gave a fine performance. Following this was fire first of the Fitzgerald’s novelties—a Turkish dance by the Jandaschevsky family. The- dancing- was exceptionally clover, and the novelty became popular at once. “Commodore” was as intelligent as of yore, and an exhibition of trick riding by a tramp cyclist -was certainly tho best thing of the kind introduced : to a Wellington audience. Some bare-backed riding by Master Harry Gardello was very good. Mdlle. Adelina Antonia gave a remarkable performance on a, swinging trapeze, from which she threw a double •backward somersault into a net below.- A fine exhibition, of double riding was given by Mr Gus St. Leon and Mdlle. Leon, and to this followed some excellent alowning by Guillaume and “Dummy.” The clowning terminated with a bull-fight burlesque in which a. won-derfully-trained little diog acted tho bull, and Guillaume showed a genine turn of comedy. Mr Dan Fitzgerald introduced his clever bronchos, and / Mdlle. Rodesia, the “ Society Lady Juggler,” created considerable enthusi. asm by her .■■exhibition, of juggling. Mdlle. Millie Dagmar and her beautiful horse “Napoleon” drew forth much applause, and a triple acrobatic performance by Walhalla, - Simonstein and Gardello was excellent. A sensational act was the riding of an elephant byi a tiger, in, a the entrance to the tent. The principal interest, however, was centred in the three Dunbars and their flying trapeze act. The .accounts which preceded -the performance in Wellington of this, trio were in-no why exaggerated, and the Dunbars deserved, ly had ar great reception. The performance concluded with an exhibition .of highrjumiping by Newhaven, Oadet and Stockman, the ringmaster; giving the height, of Newhaven’s greatest leap as 6ft Sin. The jumping of these horses was a revelation to the audience. iA noticeable feature of the circus is the general finish of the tent and ring appointments. and. the “go ” “which characterised - the whole • performance—an evidence of the excellent management. Shortly before eight o’clock the municipaT authorities ' called ‘ upon the Management do stop the; sale of tickets, with the result that ’a great many .people were unable to gain admission. Fpr tne convenience: of families a matinee will be hold this afternoon, and a. performance, -with several _ changes in the programme, will be -given this evening. - ; 1 ■ The programme of the circus is ;a comprehensive guide'to .the show, and a very well-executed piece of work, printed in two colours, and in very alear-cut type. • The work was turned out at the New Zealand Times” office.. i

There Was again a large attendance a'!-, tin? Theatre. Royal last night for. the Dix Gaiety Company’s performance. - The Choral Hall "continues to attract lovers of vaudeville entertainment. The programme is an. excellent one. It is a matter for regret that a lar. ger audience did not assemble at thb r Church last night when the children' of the Taranaki street Sunday school gave an excellent concert, assisted by the Wesley Orchestral Society in aid of the Wellington Sunday School Union. It certainly 1 looked, ■' judging from the composition of rhe , scanty audience, as if the parents of the numerous yonng .singers had entered into a conspiracy to stay away, for they werq conspicuous by their absence. The programme consisted of fifteen items, comprising chemises from famous oratorios, a harvest hymn and other pieces. Among the items rendered with uncommon taste and a fine,volume of tone were “ Coming of' the Children (music by H. ,J'. Fnse), and '' Marching Beneath the Banner” (music by-H.j E. Nichol, B.M.'V. The rfinc,, chorus,: “ Lot Their Celestial Concerto- All Unite,” from Handel’s “Samson Agonistes,” was sung with surprising arI tistio intelligence, considering the agb f of the majority of the singers. The i, “ Gloria,” from Mozart’s Twelfth Mas®,

Wrought the concert to a fitting close. Tho solos were taken by the Alisses Randorson and W. Birch, who .were both in good voice.- Air F. Billman was the conductor, and is to be congratulated on the result of his training.