ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 5669, 17 August 1905, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE. "DOROTHY." There is a tendency nowadays to look upon the efforts of amateurs in tho field of art with a kind of superior benevo- j lencc—to generously patronise them, as | it were. The Wellington Amateur Operatic Society's production of ‘'Dorothy", presented lor the first time at the Opera House last night, before a large audience, should go a long way to disturb any such patronising attitude. They gave a performance that nobody need hesitate to witness on its repetition; that the audience thoroughly enjoyed, and one that did thorn infinite credit. Collier’s melodious opera, with its quaint, old-fashion-ed atmosphere, and simple theme, very seldom tails to appeal, however frequently it may be revived. The action calls for no groat histrionic ability, whereas the music is no light matter, and without skilled soloists would cut a son v figure in the general result. The society fortunately. did. not overlook thus fact, and by placing the xirincipal roles in capable hands, they practically assured last night’s success beforehand. Xatnrally, there were other factors, but the one mentioned was of primary importance. The chorus, consisting of nearly fifty ladies and gentlemen, was not only exceedingly well drilled both in “business'* and deportment, but sang with admirable effect. Well balanced, tuneful, and fresh, the voices blended beautifully in the several fine choral numbers, some of which—notably the “Tally Ho'* chorus—were really magnificently rendered. The whole of the ensemble work showed care and discretion on the part of the stagemanagement, and intelligence on the part of the performers. Bretty dresses, tasteful scenery, and a striking completeness of detail, all assisted towards tho good impression made, whilst in the I stage pictmes, grouping, and general effects, a very high stanaard was attained, home exceedingly picturesque dancing, in which a bevy of little girls took a prominent and pleasing part, lent variety, and added charm to the production. A remarkably good orchestra interpreted tno instrumental score with acumen and musical taste. There can be no two opinions, a> a matter of fact, about tho quality of tho performance. Musically it was far above the average, and in every other sense it was distinctly meritorious. All concerned must have worked hard to achieve such results, and tho (success cannot be looked upon as less than gru- ; . tifying from any point of view, li they do nothing else during their season they will assuicdly strike a blow at the hypercritical who are in tho habit of decrying and belittling amateur attempts. For a bright, entertaining, and really talented performance the public may safely avail | themselves of tho present xiroductiou of “Dorothy.” Mias Amy Murphy in the title role was emphatically good, xiariiculurly so in her vocal work. She sang her opening solo ! “Be Wise in Time” in a manner that was well suited to the dainty number, her purity of voice being splendidly displayed. The short passage, “What sen*e is o'er my spirit stealing” was rendered with an expression and sympathy that , made it seem all too brief an effort. In the solo part of the “Tally-ho” chorus. Miss Murphy sang with wonderful viva- ■ city, and the ringing clarity of her upper notes proved irresistibly attractive. The ; talented soprano was showered with bouquets at its close. In the various concerted numbers she was of invaluable assistance, singing always with confidence and judgment. Probably even her solo work was surpassed in Miss Murphy’s magnificent efforts in the ensembles and choruses in which she was concerned. Her voice soared above those of the choristers in rich cadences, and the beautiful quality , of her forte singing in the upper register was most impressive. Undoubtedly Miss Murphy deserved the honours that she won. Mr Frank Graham, the well-known tenor, os Geoffrey Wilder, was a brilliant success. He lent to the j)art that distinction which is the outcome of ripe , experience. His acting was natural and free from mistakes, whilst his singing was quite one of the features of the performance. In “With Such a Dainty Dame,” he displayed great vocal art and admirable tone, the robust nature of his fine voice added to artistic methods making the solo a gem well worth listening to. In tho song “I Bend my Back," Mr Graham was equally admirable, and apart from this ho was exceptionally well-heard in the concerted numbers, sustaining his share of them with marked ability. Miss Lconore Pulsford is to be congratulated upon an excellent pourtrayal of Lydia. Her contralto voice was used with admirable effect in the quartettes and other concerted numbers, and she thoroughly justified her position as on© of the principal characters. Mr A. Ballanoe made . a capital Harry, acting with an hilarity , and liveliness that was infectious. He , sang the well-known solo “Queen of My Heart" exceedingly well, besides doing ' really good service in the concerted num--1 bers/Miss Winnie Birch played and sang ‘ “ The Time has Come," very prettily. Mrs Carte di6plaj T cd a capacity for good 1 comedy work as Mrs Privett, and was i 1 very amusing. Mr W. D. Lyon as Lurch■t er was remarkably droll, and created "j roars of laughter in his drunken scene in act 2. His conception was genuinely I good. Mr W. Parsons, os the Squire, sang ■; and acted well, Mr R. Duff was good as >i John Tuppitt and Mr H. Evans acquitted himself creditably as Tom Strutt. The , j old dames’ chorus in act 3 was capitally j performed, and twice encored. Miss Es- • tello Beere is entitled to decided praise 1 ; for her arrangement and teaching of tho dances. Mr J. Maughan Barnett conducted with complete success. “Dorothy" will be reported to-night 1 and for five more nights. [ HIS MAJESTY'S. ► Tho meritorious programme submitted ! ! by Fuller's Entertainers at His Majcs- . i ty’s Theatre draws crowded houses 'nightly. The “star" attractions are the ~ Hollos, sketch artists, in “Troubles of a Bachelor," whicli creates roars of ' laughter; Trevor and Cora, in a trapeze , act; and Signor Torzlllo, harpist. Fred Rivcnhall, comedian, Stella Lipman, and i ! tho rest of the company help in the production of a capital evening’* amu*e- , ment. 1 STANFORD-HOWARD DRAMATIC CO. There was an excellent attendance at the Theatre Royal last evening, when Messrs Stanford and Howard presented “Saved from the Sea.” The piece went well from beginning to end, and the audience were not backward in their applause. Mr Charles Stanford wae most successful ns Harold Merrybright, and Misa Glover (who received several floral tributes) and Mr Boothman were powerful aids in the production. “Saved from tho ’ Sea" will be repeated this and to-morrow evenings, and on Saturday “A Roman's Sacrifice will be presented, TONIGHT’S CONCERT AT THE ’ TOWN- HALL. ! To-night, at the Town Hall, Professor 'Hugo Heermann, the celebrated German violinist, gives his first concert in New Zealand. Emil Heerman-n, Mr John •Prouse, arid Mr W, L. Laver also take part. An instrumentalist of European renown, Hugo Heermann had a warm ■ reception in the Australian cities, where hi* playing attracted great attention. As lan exxionent of Mendelssohn and Bach j ho has no rival. To-night one of his item© will be the famous Mendelssohn Concerto in E minor. Mr John Prouse is to sing “The Pilgrim's Song" and , "The Queen of Connemara." CURTIS'S AMERICAN NOVELTY COMPANY. This company, which Mr M. B. CurtiA has brought direct to Neu Zealand from San Francisco, commence their Welling, ton season at the Opera House on Thursday evening next. The organisation includes the Princess CMnqnillo, Major Ed. Newell, Mr Ernest Barbour and Clive, who is described as “the world's master magician." Another item of exceptional merit is the introduction, of

porno remarkable and mystifying illusions. Tin? box plan will bo on view at the Dresden on Monday next. At the Missions to Seamen last night. Sir Joseph and Lady Ward gave their annual concert. Every item was encored, ami all present enjoyed themselves to tho full. The subject of Mr Jas. Moore’s temperance address was ’‘Thin Ice. * Fourteen men signed the pledge. Tho following contributed items: Lady Ward, Mrs Wilson, the Misses Mills Q). Ward, Sir Joseph Ward, the Hon .Tas, Carroll, and Messrs Loughnan, Garland, Bullcn, Laurie, and Dr Hay. A large number of people visited tho Elite Link, in Ingeslre street, yesterday. A full brass band played selections; adding considerably to tbe enjoyment of those who took a "turn at the wheel.” Tbe Old Members’ Association of the D Battery of Artillery Volunteers will eulertainthe balUny at a smoke concert in the Masonic Hall, Boulcott street, tomorrow evening. A poetic recital—" Jewels from a Diamond Mine"—is to be given by the Bov J. Gibson Smith in the Sydney street Schoolroom this evening. Tho proceeds will be in aid of tho St. Andrew’s Young Aten’s Classroom. A "social” was held last night in tno Svdney street Hall under tho auspices of the Women’s Social Club. Tho hall was tastefully decorated. About eighty couples took part iu tho dancing. Among the guests were the Mayor and Mayoress, Die Misses Scddon and Captain Scddon. At the Wesleyan Literary and Debating Society’s meeting to-night, Mr C. W. Ben bow will deliver a lecture on "John, Banyan."” ’ The meeting will bo held in Wesley Hall, Taranaki street.