ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4389, 21 June 1901, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE OB HERN. BAND. A multitude of people rushed tuc doors of the Theatre Royal yesterday afternoon, hut though many were called few were chosen, an dthc scats being quickly filled, the majority wandered disconsolate away. The legend '•Standing Room Only" was hoisted a- considerable time before the Uplur’.s band began to play, aud when the curtain rose the audience was [jacked close up on to the stage, surrounding the band iteolf. Those who got inside wore lucky; for it is safe to say that'ncvcr have the people of Wellington or those long resident in (he colony listened lo a belter programme of music than was played hy the bund. The first half of End programme was on the strings and tho second on brass. To Air B. It. Dix, who gave up his theatre for the afternoon, tho thanks of a largo section of the community are thereiore due. Of the programme, it may bo said that it was extremely high-class, yet its ox. eclleneo appealed to the auditors so strongly chat they wore stirred to a high pitch of enthusiasm, which vented itself in round after round of applause at the conclusion of every item. Never has there been seen in Wellington before two bauds iu one in widen every performer was a finished artist, combining absolute ease with delicate precision in so remarkable a way. Of the conductor, Mr J. Wright, R.C.M., what shall ho said? Nothing, except that his performance alone was worth the money charged for admission. Air Wright evidently does not only hear music—ho feels it. He conducts in that way—to see him wield his baton is to imagine that it is from the baton the harmony is proceeding. Tho concert, a.s a whole, . was an impressive and memorable performance. The hope has been expressed that the band may possibly be heard in Wellington to-day. JOSEPHINE STANTON COMPANY. At tho Opera House, commencing on Tuesday evening, the Josephine Stanton Company, recent arrivals from America, will open a season of comic opera. Tho company is headed by the young Canadian priraa donna Miss Josephine Stanton, and the opening production will be the Oriental opera “Said Pasha.” Aliss' Stanton’s career has been a notable one for one so young. In the United States and Canada she is held in high regard. She sings in a clear, firm .voice, and has a personality that stamps her work a.s artistic. On Saturday, tho 29th inst., the romantic opera “Fra Diavolo” will be produced. The box plan will he opened at Holliday’s to-morrow. THEATRE ROYAL.

This popular house was comfortably filled last night in spite of the numerous outdoor attractions. The Hay tors are now firmly established favourites, and the audience greeted their laughable “ turns ” with much merriment. Mr Frank York e was as amusing as ever, while the rest of the capital company were 1 received with frequent demonstrations of approval. CHORAL HALL. The Empire Vaudeville Company attracted a good audience to the Choral Hall last night, aud the performance was welcomed with the usual signs of popular favour. . To-morrow night the company will be further strengthened by the addition of Miss Ivy Fulton, an Australian serio. MONTGOMERY’S BIOSCOPE. Montgomery’s Bioscope Company, which recently paid Wellington such a successful visit, will occupy the Opera House for a return season of two nights, commencing to-night. A number of new piotures will be shown, and a strong company of entertainers have been engaged to support the popular exhibition. NEWBURY-SPADA COMPANY. This evening at 8 o’clock, at the Skating Rink, a programme of popular and classical music will be presented by Madame Spada and Mr Philip Newbury, supported by leading artists. Mr Philip Newbury has been giving popular concerts in the Melbourne and Sydney Town Halls with great success, and is now taking a flying visit to tho colony prior to his departure for London. Local lovers of music should not neglect this opportunity of hearing such musical masterpieces as will be given. The garden seen© from “Faust,” and the “Miserere,” from “II Trovatore,” will be sung by Madame Spada and Mr Newbury. A sacred concert will be given in the Opera House on Sunday evening. The Ada Delrov Company closed its season at the Opera House last night, when the generous programme for the holidays was repeated, amid frequent marks of apnroval. Fitzgerald’s Waxworks, which have been open for a short season at the Elite Varieties Hall, Willis street, closed its engagement at that place of entertainment last night. The Orpheus Liedertafel postponed its popular concert last night, in order not to clash with the fireworks display. The Skating Rink has been secured for to-morrow night, when the attractive programme published in earlier issues of this week will be presented. A practice of th© society will be held tonight at the Trocadero. At the Missions to Seamen Hall last night a capital concert was given by men from the ships in port. The warmth of the proceedings was a marked feature of the evening. Mr James Moore desires to thank the many donors of books in response to his advertisement.