ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 4807, 10 November 1902, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE. Tbo second performance of “ A Runaway Girl ” by tho Williamson Musical Comedy Company was witnessed uy a crowded audience at the Opera House on Saturday night. Tho comedy, in its opening scenes, recalls the romantic settings of some of the old-time , grand operas, but there is interwoven witu the dialogue a thread of latter-day quips and humour that would have been deemed out of place in tho operas .of twenty years ago. Tuneful and “catchy” ditties are plenteously interspersed with tho action of tho comedy, and some of tho situations that ensue as a result of tho progress of tho unsubstantial plot aro ludicrously absurd. The company playing the piece is one of exceptional merit, and tho result of its endeavours is that one of tho best evening’s amusements that have been offered in Wellington for years past is now to bo obtained at the Opera House. The honours of the evening went by general acclamation to Miss Rose Musgrovo and Mr F. H. Graham, the latter in the capacity of Flipper, tho jockey, and the former as Lady Goodie’s maid. Lady Coodlo was well played by Miss BlaAoho Wallace. Miss Elsie Moore, as Dorothy Stanley, was recalled several times for hor ditty, “ The Soldiers in the Park.” Commendation is duo to the numerous chorus for its spirited singing and acting of tho refrain and marching with which tho song is accompanied. Other specially meritorious characterisations were those of Mr C. R- Bantock and Miss Aggie Kelton. The whole of the lengthy cast of tourists, travelling minstrels, gendarmes, school girls, etc., Was capably filled, and the orchestration was excellent. The setting of tho scenes is excellent in cvei‘y instance, but tho palm must bo given to the representation of an almond orchard upon which the curtain first rises. The costumes worn during the performance are especially pleasing and bright, and the stage evolutions are arranged to show them to the best advantage. “ A Runaway Girl” will be repeated every evening until further notice. To-day being a holiday, the box plan will be on view from 9 a.m. till 6.30 p.m. at Abel’s, tobacconist, opposite the Opera House.

DIX’S /JAIETY COMPANY,

An excellent change of programme vvas introduced to the patrons of the Theatre Royal on Saturday night by Dix’s Gaiety Company. The pantomimic sketch by Messrs Morris and Wilson was a rerelation in acrobatic agility. As “The Eccentric Cooks,” they performed surprising evolutions in tncir kitchen, evoking a double recall. Messrs Frank Clark and Joe Cowan were responsible for the comic element, given in their usual versatile manner. The sisters Gallardi made their first appearance, contributing serio-comic and coon items, with a neatly-danced cake walk in response to an encore. These two performers were exceedingly well received. Miss Olive Lenton achieved success with her coon ditty, “ China Twins,” also adding serio-comic numbers and stepdancing in meritorious style. “ I Seek For Thee,” by Mr Millar Fraser, was warmly applauded. Mr Sam Rowley scored well in comio songs and crisp patter. “ Irdne ” was sweetly sung by Miss Jennie Johnston, evoking a welldeserVed recall. The American bioscope showed a highly interesting and novel series of moving pictures, including the subduing of a circus lion. A most laughable comedy, entitled “Baffled,” concluded the programme. This evening Mr Dix will present a 1 special holiday programme, including a number of new films of the Coronation of the King. There will also be patriotic music and songs. No doubt there will be a crowded audience. Ino present company makes its last appearance to-night, as Mr Dix proceeds to Palmerston North for the show nights. A specially attractive bill is announced for Saturday next, when Callahan and Mack will re-appear and Mr Brown-Parker, expert ballpuncher, will make his first appearance in New Zealand. The box plan will be on view at the Theatre Royal office today. A boxing contest and exhibition will take place at the Choral Hall, Courtenay place, this evening. The final “social” for tho season of Jupp’s Brass Band Assembly is to be held in the , Foresters’ Hall, Tory street, on Wednesday night.