ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 9095, 14 July 1915, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

“THE MESSAGE FROM MARS.” Another large-audience in Ihc Grand Opera House last night enjoyed the second performance of “A Message from Mars" by the I’limnicr-Hail Comedy Company. The comedy work of every member of (he company was excellent, and the first act in particular resulted in considerable, merriment. As the selfish scientist, Horace Parker, Mr Harry Piirnmer was natural and amusing, and as the messenger from our neighbouring planet Mr V. inter HaU was impressive. The chief of tho re-, maining parts are /Bled by Mr Vivian Edwards tArthur Dicey, a smart American). Ah- Raul Latham |a tramp). Miss Eva Shanahan (Minnie Templar, Parker's fiancee), and Miss Beatrice Day (the scientist’s Aunt Martha). The revival of the comedy shows that its popularity is undiminishod, and Iho clever company do it ample justice. Tiro music is supplied by Mrs Winter Hall and Miss Lima Young from two pianosThe performance will be repeated tonight, THE KING’S THEATRE. The Vitngraph Company have excelled themselves with their latest photo-play triumph, Summer,” a pathetic romance suggested by Tosti’s famous song “Good-bye."’ which was presented with a complete change of programme at the King’s Theatre last evening. The production is superbly staged, the interjyi'otation adequately expressive, and the theme possesses quite an original charm.. Briefly told a young married woman, a-r-' tistic and refilled, pines because of beihusband’s indifference. "With the birth of her little sou the mother discovers a new interest in life, which now seems as eummer compared with the winter of the past. Her happiness, however, is but fleeting, for a time comes when the sad eom bioness of her early married days returns, and so summer departs. The touching melody of Tosti’s renowned song; artistically .sung during an appropriate passage of Die. play, lends a pathetic effect. The supporting films are exceptionally attractive; including “Rathe” s" War Gazette,” "A Thief in the Night” (Luhin drama), “Making a Sporting Rifle" (industrial), and "Clothes Count" (comedy)lIIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. Madame Marion, billed as “The Quickest Woman in tho World,” made her initial appearance with the Puller-Breu-nan Vaudeville Company at His Majesty’s Theatre last evening. The act presented by Madame Marion is a light playlet, “A Daughter of Proteins,’’ that provides a medium by which this talented performer accomplishes eeveral lightning changes as she impersonates no less than seven different characters with only a few- seconds’ interval between each. In fact, with such celerity does Madame Marion effect her changes of costume and general “make-up” that it is difficult to believe that shei lias not a “double.” The only other person in the sketch is an American newspaper reporter . who with characteristic persistency endeavours to unravel the mystery of the disappearance of a young lady. Tile scribe is faced by divers who give more or less satisfactory replies to his queries and disappear. It is Madame Marion who appears in these various roles. The “turn ’ scored an immediate success, and Madame Marion was required to acknowledge the most appreciative applause at the conclusion of the act. A lightning sketch artist who is really original. Tozart. also made his dehut in a scena which is easily one of the best items on the programme. Possessed of ,a resonant and tuneful voice, Mass Ncjlic Ivoße. a character male impersonator, made a vex*y favourable impression with a trio of chorus songs which caught on, immediately. Two other newcomers' are the Rihodcsburys, patter artists and vocalists, who gave a good account or themselves. Miss Dorothy Hams and other tstablishcd favourites were also in great demand. The company wall appear again this evening. everybody’s PICTURES. The programme that is being submitted at Everybody’s this week is, if anything, a little above the excellent standard set by this popular house of entertainment. Numerous incidents true to everyday life are vividly portrayed in “Where is My Wandering Boy To-night?” suggested by the name of tho world-famous song. The story is beautifully told, and sustains the interest throughout. An. ■ exceptionally good series of subjects from the war zone is presented in the “Pathe Gazette, while a .powerful railway drama entitled “Tho Girl on tho Trestle,” makes a wide appeal. A Keystone scream, in which the popular film favourites, Fatty, Mabel and Ford Stirling have ample scope for theix special eccentricities, .is supplied in "That Little Band of Gold,” and the frequent outbursts of irresistible laughter announce it to bo one of tho best. There will be a repetition at all sessions to-day and to-night.

THE EMPRESS. TEe popular Empress Theatre was packed in all parts yesterday. The fine motion record “New Zealand's Soldiers at Home and in Egypt” is a magnetic attraction of interest. Tho troops are shown from the route march from Trentham to the transport -right on to Mena's great camp in the sandy desort under the shadow of the Sphinx, where the men were turned into finished soldiers for their now famous fight at tho Dardanelles. Kathleen Williams and Baby/Wade arc great favourites in Selig’a drama “The Leopard's Foundling.” Lead laughter is provoked by Keystone’s “From Patches to Plenty,” ,nul. by “Malooma of Palooma.” Other gooil (subjects arc Vitagraph's "Moonshine Maid” and the “War Gazette.” To-morrow’s new star feature will be Kalem's girl detective sensation “Following a Clue." A very strong supporting list will include “Ambrose's Little Hatchet” (Keystone), "Heart Punch’’ (a big drama, with Jess Willard, the world’s champion boxer, in tho leading role). “War News” and "Australian Gazette.” THE TIVOLI FOLLIES. The Rickards circuit continues its policy of attracting artists of the highest class into vaudeville, as is shown by the announcement that the famous baritone, Mr Robert Parker, has been, engaged for the Follies' New Zealand tour, opening at the Grand Opera Sense next Monday evening. It is ten years since Mr Parker first wont into grand opera, and in that time he has had many successes. Ho has sung several times with Melba at Cov.’ent Garden, under the baton of the great conductor NikischHe is shortly to tour with Madame Melba through the United States. Wo are promised a host of features in the Tivoli Follies’ revue, chief amongst which may bo named are: Jack Cannot, whose irresistible fooling in pantomime is pleasantly remembered: Vera Pearce, the Beauty Girl; and Frank Greene are wellknown artiste, who have forsaken musical comedy for vaudeville. Isabelle D’Armond possesses rare gifts as a burlesque actress: Alfredo, a. violinist of unusual ability; Jean Keith a clever dancer, from the Empire, London; Alvaretto, Rego- and Stoppit, English panromimists, are all performers of note* The revue, with a large ballet and chorus, is another attraction which has proved a big draw in Australia. An augmented orchestra completes a bill, the like of which has never before been offered to local audiences. Bo: plana open at The Bristol Piano Co. to-morrow.