ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 5474, 31 December 1904, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE. “Monsieur Bcaucairc” was played for the last time at tho Opera House lostevening. “THE ETERNAL Cm r ." One of tho features of this evening’s production of "Tho Eternal City” will be the magnificent stage pictures. To those who have visited Romo, the scenes will no doubt be familiar, but to those who have not, a few words of explanation will not bo amiss. 'Hie first scene in the first act takes place in the ■‘loggia” or stone verandah. Tho dome of St, Peter’s occupies the central space; the sorai-oircular colonnades, which radiate from tile main building, are to be found on tho right and theloft of the picture. The background of tho scene in tho second act gives, amongst other well-known architectural features of Rome, tho Coliseum and the Arch of Titus. Hie first scene of the third act represents one of tho under--ground chambers of tho old castle of St. Angelo; that fortress in which the Popes in times gone by would seek refuge in times of tumult and trouble. Another scone in the drama is that where the Pope is found in the Vatican, gardens. Tho quaint costumes of the Swiss Guard, tho black Spanish costumes of the civil chamberlains, the resplendent uniforms of the Noble Guard, and the Pontifical Gendarmes, are all said to bo faithfully reproduced, and to make a most imposing display. Tho curtain will bo raised each night of the production of “The Eternal City” at 7.45. "EVERYMAN.” Hie medieaval religious play “Everyman,” to be presented by Mr Williamson’s Company on Wednesday afternoon next at the Town Hall, was written about four hundred years ago, so far ns can bo ascertained. There is no certainty. but it is believed to have been composed during tho reign of Edward IV., between 1461 and 1483. It i* said to have been translated from the Dutch, and thought to have been written by a monk. Some time ago it waa revived in London by the Elizabethan Society, which takes up plays that have an educational value. “Everyman” became a great success. Mr Knight, who saw their performance, said in an interview in Auckland, prior to the production in that city: “I am quite enthusiastic about it. and am longing to convey a little of my enthusiasm to the public. It is the moat touching and appealing thing I have ever played in. I am, by the way, the first man to sustain the chief role, as in England and America it was portrayed by a woman. It is such an emotional part that it must bo treated in the most reverent spirit, and with the deepest fervour.” THEATRE ROYAL. Mr Les Warton, the coon impersonator, is an evergreen. His latest song, "Hie Phrenologist Ooon,” is as great a success as the old-time ditties. Mir Georg© Warsaw, a talented young baritone, was board to advantage in “Tho Skipper” and “Rocked in the Oradle of the Deep.” Miss Lizzie Kirk, Frank Loon, and Miss Daisy Sylvester, too, continue to attract. Hie performance concludes with a comedietta, “A Horso Lost." To-night there will bo a complete change of programme. . HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. Tho programme which has been drawing crowded houses at His Majesty’s Hieatre during the week will he superseded by a new holiday bill to-night. The popular first part, “Hiawatha.” will, of course, be retained, but there will be several new features. Hie Nawns will to-night be seen in "Pat and the Genii. Hie Messrs MaoMahon’s Dramatic Company will play a season in Wellington at-an early date. Tho company is at present in Westland. The company is headed by Mr -George Darrell, and is playing “The Sunny South” and ■Transport for Info.”