ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10207, 18 February 1919, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

ANTONIA DOLORES CONCERTS. There is nothing half so good in the whole realm of music as song—provided the artist is a singer of tho highest grade—and this is assuredly the case with Mademoiselle Antonia Dolores, the world-famed French soprano, who appears here in the Grand Opera House on Saturday evening next, and again on Monday, 24th, Wednesday, 26th, and Friday, 28th insts. The visit of a worldfamed star is always welcome, but the announcement qf a Dolores concert is fragrant also with pleasant memories of a great artist and wonderful vocal powers. Dolores, to use the words of a critic in the Old World, has carried “her song and her smile" all over the world, but the present visit to New Zealand may prove to be the last, tor she is <l uo to return to France at the conclusion of tho present tour. The programme to be given at the opening concert includes “Come Unto These Yellow Sands” (Purcell) "It was a Lover and his Lass (Morley), "Shepherd, Thy Demeanour Vary” (Brown), recit. "Ah, Perfido" and aria "Per Piota" (Beethoven), "Dans ies bois” (Weber), "Ainte” (Ravel) “Romance" and "Mandoline” (Debussy), recit. "Piangi” and aria "Un bel di vedromo" (Puccini’s "Madam Butterfly ), "O Fair and Sweet and Holy” (Rubinstein), "Gentle Zephyr” (Bennett), "Swiss Echo Song” "(Eskert). The pianist is Mr Harold Smith, who will also bo heard in Polonaise A flat, and an Irish Reel from Chopin and Stanford. The box plans for tho, series will be opened to-morrow morning at the Bristol Piano Company. Country patrons may reserve by post by enclosing the necessary amount. Concessions are also announced for students and schools. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. Every seat was occupied at His Majesty’s Theatre last night for the weekly change of programme, and judging trom the applause which greeted each item and the undoubted excellence of the performance, as a whol© ©ach and ev©rj member of tbe audience must have been well satisfied with the fare provided. Of all the musical comedy companies and revu© companies that have appeared under the Fuller regime within, the last few- months there (is not the slightest doubt that Mr Walter George s bunshine Players must occupy a prominent place. From an all-round point of view the company is really oji excellent one. There are some good comedians, some excellent choruses, and above ail, good material to work on in the repertoire ox tho company. Tho latest production, "The Grand Hotel.” is distinctly humorous. The principals of the company, Messrs Walter George," Reg. Hawthorns, George Storey, Roily Leslie, Barry HitoMngs, C. Haining, and Misses Georgio Martin, Hilda Shannon, May Gearv and Dulcio Milner are all given ample scope for their nndividual talent. "The Grand Hotel’’ is indeed a most unusual hostelry with, bell boys of four score years, and waitresses most delectable. The guests are most extraordinary people and when all are well mixed up tho result is truly ludicrous. One feature of the performance is the chorus work. The ballerinas are under the capable leadership of Miss Polly McLaren. The concerted number by a quartette consisting of Messrs George, Halnlng, Hawthorne, and Leslie are also worthy of particular mention. . Altogether the show is a bright one and well worth seeing. The first half of Die programme is comprised of vaudeville Titurne.’ Tho best is given by the overpopular favourite Fred Bluett. Bluett is a real comedian. Last night the audience roared and roared Its applause until it seemed as though the wellknown comedian must monopdise tne whole evening’s performance. His Boy Scout Empire Defence League was one of the cleverest and most laughable burlesques seen in Wellington for many a day. Also in the first half are Maud Courtenay and *Mr C-whose popularity is phenomenal. Then Murfayne, the talented xylophonist (now r.n a farewell season) and The Klento’s, clever hand-balancers and acrobats, helped in no small wav to make for the general success of the programme. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. One of the most fascinating love storiee ever told is Winston Churchill's popular masterpiece "Tho Crisis.” It has now beep screened and admirers of those two fine characters. Stephen Brice and Virginia Carfax, will have an opportunity of seeing them live and move before their eyes in the groat Selig feature "The Crisis,’’ screening this week at Everybody's. Another great attraction is Charlie Chaplin in ''The Champion," which can easily be claimed to be one of Chaplin’s cleverest and most laughable comedies. EMPRESS TREATED. "The Devil Dodger,” which is a powerful Triangle drama, continues to draw large audiences at tho Empress Theatre. Roy Stewart has the leading part, and is seen as the owner of a dqnoe hall in a Western town. There is plenty of excitement and the interest is maintained right through. A Fatty Arhuokle comedy, scenes from the Rarotongans’ Picnic at Day Bay’s and the latest Gazette complete tbe programme. THE KING’S. An appreciative and crowded house greeted the splendid triple programme at the King's last evening. The main attraction is the "Select drama “The Reason Why.” by Elinor Glyn. with Clara Kimball Young as star. The song contributions of the Cadzow Musical Trio make a delightful interlude. ■" QUEEN’S. The screen version of "The Man Who Stayed at Home” is attracting good audiences at tho Queen's Theatre, Cuba street, where it is being screened, under the auspices of the Navy League. This gripping drama has already been staged in the principal towns throughout the British Empire with great success.