ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10211, 22 February 1919, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS

ANTONIA DOLORES CONCERTS. FRENCH SOPRANO HERE TO-NIGHT "The sweetest singer of our time," so the Sydney press' described Mademoiselle Antonia Dolores, tho world-iamed French soprano, who appears here tnis evening and aga r ln on Monday, Wednesday, and Fndav Of next week in the Grand Opera House, with a new programme lor each concert. This remarkable) songstress enjoys more popularity in this country than auv other artist who has visited these shores. Referring 1 to her recent Sydney season tho "Sydney Morning Herald" said: "A grout singer and fine and plentv of it furnished tho con. d'.tions for the brilliant success realised at the opening of Mdlle Antonia Dolores' concert season. Her last song recitals were given just before tho war. Since then a long holiday has been broken onlv by Red Cross appearances, and. thus rested and refreshed, the famous soprano inaugurated her seventh tour in creator voice than four years ago, bringing her numerous audience more completely cbeneath tho regnant ■sway of her accomplished vocal style." And the Sydney "Daily Telegraph'' wrote thus: —"'Dolores is just tho same e-weet singer.' This and similar phrases ■if delight' were to be heard amongst the large audience. A number of people lingered in the artist's room for a parting word, and a crowd of adorers, young and old. and well-known singers, professional and amateur, surrounded her car and fairly smothered in flowei s the distinguished artist and her companion." All this touching cordiality between the artist and her audience was not due merely to the awakening of old memories, but to the fact that the. singer had triumphantly reasserted her old pientitude of vocal charm and personal magnetism. Dolores, tike Melba. knows f.ho secret of the preservation of the human voice and of Keeping the heart young." The Melbourne and Brisbane papers wrote in the same strain when Dolores appeared there just prior to coming here. The pianist is Mr Harold Smith, a 'brilliant musician who is also heard in solos. Seats can now bo booked for all or anv of the concerts* at the Bristol Piano Company up to noon to. day, and all afternoon at Ned Perry's tobacconist, while the unreserved tickets •nre also available at P/erry's all day. Concessions are announced for bona fide students and schools. Mr John Prouse, the Wellington baritone, will be the assisting vocalist for the season hero. The full programme for to-night is published in this issue. HIS MAJESTY'S. The chief attraction at His Maiesty's Theatre is Mr Walter George's" Company in tho musical farce "The Grand Hotel." Tho Klentos. Fred Bluett, Jones and Racne. and Maud Courtenay and Mr "C." are other provokers of mirth. The usual Saturday matinee will be held to-day.

"NOTHING BUT THE TKTJTH." Messrs J. C. Williamson, Ltd., have secured for a short starring tour the noted American comedy star, Mr ST.* B. Figaian, and Miss Lolita Robertson, a charming American leading lady; and these artists, supported by a specially selected company, will commence a short season at the Grand Opera House, Wellington, on Saturday next. They will appear in their original roles in a threeact farce-comedy, "Nothing But tho Truth," which has to its credit Ion;; Knglish and American tours. "Nothing But tiie Truth," according to a northern critic, is "an American jest in three acts, calculated to cause more real amusement than a host of. farces tlint have preceded it. In standard it is mightily superior to the common order of play coming under that category." Mr Figinan and Miss Robertson have won great praise for their interpretations of tho leading characters. They bring with them several "members of their original company, notably Mac. M. Barnes, Nellie Wilson (formerly with the Hoyal Comics). Pirie Bush, and Lucie Carter. First appearances will inciuun the Misses. Primrose Caryll (daughter of the famous composer) and Bernico Vert. Old. favourites with Wellington .audiences who have important roles are Miss Emma Temple and Messrs Kenneth Brampton and Leslie Victor. The box plans for the first five nights of the V'/ellington season open at the Bristol on Thursday morning next. "Nothing But tho Truth" concludes a wonderfully successful Auckland season to-night, and en route to Wellington will be played as follow:—Wanganui, Monday. February 24th; Palmerston North, Tuesday, February 25th; Dannevirke, Wednesday, Februarv 26th; Napier. Thursday. February 27th; Masterton. Friday. February 28th.

. TirE COMPETITIONS. This morning and afternoon, at the Town H.all, will be devoted to children's competitions. In the evening there will be a fin«. and varied programmo, including songs in character, toe dancing. Highland dancing, humorous recitations, vocal solos, oomedipttas. and other items.