ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXV, Issue 5134, 28 November 1903, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

HISS CROSSLEV’S FAREVv ELL CONCERT. Wellington did justice to a great singer. The line reception given to the famous Australian was all the more pleasing because it was extended to one who comes from tho colonies. tho hearts of tho people in these southern isles beat warmly for those who go out. from amongst them and win fame, and return with laurels from abroad. Hence Hris Crossley’s triumphal success ou her native heath, It is in ballad-singing that oho strikes the soul ; she goes to tho heart where others appeal to tho head. Tin; great audience at her farewell concert last night was roused as it has rarely been roused by a singer before. There was no mistaking the tokens that went up in appreciation of her efforts. It was the warmth that springs from people wiio are charmed and delighted by genius of an exceptional kind. There was iniinito variety to show tho compaiss of the voice, high and low. there was merriment and pathos; all alike a musical feast. “Hy Heart is Weary,” “ Still as tho Night,” “When 1 am Dead, Hy Dearest,” “Mighty Like a Rowe,” “ Sunshine and Rain,” “ Tho Birds go North Again”—these and many moro wero magnificently sung, crowned with ’’Better Bide a Wee,” the old ballad at onco striking a responsive chord. Tho dense crowd cheered again and ■ again at tho conclusion of Kmbladt’s ‘‘ God Bo With You.” Hr Jacques Jacobs’s violin solos wore played with exquisite taste, particularly tlio Godard Berceuse; Hr Percy Grainger's pianoforte solos were in no less degree enjoyable; and Air Poterkin's robust songs met with goiiiiino appreciation—a triple encore fell to him in the second part. Herr Bor.uo Schcrck, who is always good, accompanied with artistic skill. Tim Cros-ley concerts form the musical event of the year—probably of years. They will bo recalled when most othor transient things haro faded from memory. OPERA HOUSE. “A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM.” The first performance ill Wellington of Mr Alusgrovo’s Shakespearian Company will bo given to-night at the Opera House. So much his been written about the production of “A Iviidsummcr Night’s Dream” by this company that little remains to lire said. This evening playgoers wi.II have an opportunity of passing their verdict upon Hr Alusgrovo’a latest venture. It is said'that tho beautiful stage pictures presented in tho woodland scenes and the influence of appropriate music delight the senses and maintain tho poetic illusion which is necessary to the 'acceptance of tho fairy comedy. In order to render worthily Alendolssohn’s fine music an orchestra of twenty players has been engaged. There is one matter which the management desire to impress upon tonight’s patrons. Mendelssohn's beautiful overture will bo played at. 7;45 sharp, and it is particularly asked that all will find it convenient to be seated at that hour, and not cause annoyance by arriving late.- Miss Kerin will tonight appear as Tita.nia. Miss Riguold wilil play her original role of Oberon, Hiss Milton will bo seen as Helena, and Miss Dorothy Marsdon as Puck. Besides Air Norman Partridge nsLysander and Hr Alfred Bucklaw .as Those us, tho favourite Loudon comedian, Mr W. H. Denny will take the part of Bottom. Tho plans will bo on view at tho Opera House from 1 p.m. to-day. Extra rows of orchestral stalls have already been opened for this evening. A late train will run to Lower Hutt.

THEATRE ROYAL. Zeno, a capable exponent of stage jugglery and a clever equilibrist, appeared again last evening with Dix's Gaiety Company, and scored much applause for his feats. Carle ton and Sutton, Miss Dora Taylor, Alias Agnes Rahilly also contributed to a good programme. Mr George Dickio will make his final appearance this evening, when tlicro will bo another change of programme. Tho last train for tho Hutt leaves at 11.15. CHORAL HALL. Last night’s performance at Fuller's Entertainers was noticeable for the appearance of Air Joe Cowan, a comedian and singer of comic songs above tho average ability. Ho was recalled several times for bis laughter-impelling buffoonery. The usual matinee will take place this afternoon, and a com-, pleto change of programme is promised for tho evening. The Elmores will pinko a reappearance. At the Missions to Seamen last night, tho principles of first aid wero explained, and some excellent work was done by the sailors present.. Tlio competition ‘‘Dislocations” came in for a good deal of attention, tho prize going to tho men of the Melville Island. The musio was supplied by the members of tho Missions’ Harbour Lights Club. Air John Coleman, well-known in New Zealand as a comedian and dancer, has Iclt Australia for Manila, to fulfil an engagement there.

Last evening, -at tho Sydney street schoolroom, the first development competition, in connection with Mr Royd Garliek’s School,of Physical Culture, was held. Mr F. A. Horndbrook, Sandow gold medallist, of Christchurch, acted as judge. There were two gold medals offered for competition, one being given by Messrs D. Benjamin and Company for the beat developed youth under twenty-one years ox ago; the other given by Air Ga click for best developed man of the seboo!. During the overling a squad of pupils went through the Sandow exorcises with dumb-bells and developers, tha work being done with neatness and precision. The winner of the open competition was F. W. Vosselor, 11. Trigger and J. A. Heginbotham tying for second place. In the youths’ competition, E. Stringleman was first, C. Humo being a close second. In presenting tho medals to tho winners Mr Hcrnibrook said that although muscular development was a good thing, it was not by any moans tho chief aim of physical culture. The groat object was health, muscular development being entirely secondary. Air Homibrook paid a high tribute to tho results achieved by Hr Garlick, saying that tho development of nil tho pupils was good, and ifiSsomo cases exceptional. Tho Ministering Children’s League in connection with tho Girls’ High School will hold a concert and exhibition of waxworks at the school this evening. The proceeds will go to tho funds of the St. John Ambulance Society. , Airs Alneller and her pupils will give their fifth annual concert in Wesley Hall, Taranaki street, on tho- 14th prox. At Airs Adelene Izett’s elocutionary and dramatic recital, on December 7th. s!io will recite “The Chariot E-ace,” from “Hen Hur.” and “Bob Cratchett’s Christmas Dinner”—two diverse, but popular items. Tho recitations of her pupils, Bliss Bello Hyama, Bliss Ala.bel Scagar, and Air Sidney Tiagoy are advanced and difficult, and should constitute a fail - ■ test of Mrs Izett’s

powers as a teacher. The interest of the programme will be enhanced by attractive musical items by Airis Annie Page, Aliss Amy Hyde, and Air A-. S. Ballance.

Tlio annual picnic of tile Wellington Heat Export Company’s employees, will take place at Upper Hutt ou December ILii.