AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13386, 12 September 1905, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

ALHAMBRA THEATRE. " Standing room only" was the announcement at the Alhambra Theatro long before 8 o'clock last evening, and at the time appointed for the performance to commence the theatro was completely paoltod in all parts. The sßocial attractions which the Messrs .Fuller aro offering to patrons at the Alhambra this week are, as is already well known, Clflopntra,. tho snake-charmer, and Bonita, tho champion lady'rifle shot of the world. Cleopatra was tho first to make her appearance last evening, and immediately on stepping into the railed enclosure on tho stage commenced to draw from a largo box snakes of a various order, some largo and some small,- but all sleek and glossy, and completely under the charm of their fascinating enchantress. With seven or eight snakes Cleopatra adorned herself, and, being' completely entwined with living snakes, certainly presented a very weird appearance. The snakes aro returned to their box, and the lady next turned her attention .to a rather dangerous-looking black- snake, over which her powers of enchantment wero equally effective. A largo crocodile, displaying a fearsome set of jaws and teeth, was finally introduced to the audience, also two smaller ones, and over these Cleopatra ogam exhibited her extraordinary powers. The whole -act is } undoubtedly "tho most unique that has been witnessed- here for a. considerable time, and tho Messrs Fuller aro to bo congratulated 011 their enterprise in securing such a star. Following almost immediately on Cleopatra's turn camo Bonita, an equally charming little lady, and a riflo shot of extraordinary accuracy. Bonita'o aim is truo and deadly, and the manner in which she uses hor riflo is nothing short of marvellous. Tlio targets fired at are no larger than a and whether moving or stationary are picked off with tho sarno deadlv accuracy. Bonita is assisted in her act by Carlos, whose confidence in tho aim of the child is such that lie permits himself to be used as what is practically a human target. To fully appreciate Bonit&'s " turn" it must bo actually witnessed, and it is safe to r-ay that 110 one sooing it will be disappointed. Carl Zeno concludes tho evening's entertainment with a performance of juggling which is neat and clever. The remainder of tlio company is sufficiently strong to put forward an exceptionally gocd vaudeville programme, inas it does, among others, Bob Hall, Mira Lillian Birringtou, and tlio Diamond Duo. Last evening tho perlormanco was wisely commenced a few minutes before the usual time, owing to tho length of the programme, and this rulo will bo observed throughout this week, Altogether tho performance is tho best given at tho Alhambra for years, and with such splendid amiwemout crowded houses are practically assured;

THE WATKIN MILLS CONCERTS. The audience at His Majesty's Theatre last evening on the occasion of the final concert at which Mr Watlrin Mills and his quartet party appear was tho largest and most enthusiiwtic seen during the season, and thai is, saying a good deal. Tho concert given Inst evening was also undoubtedly ono of tlio 11103b enjoyable given, especially from a fairiy popular standpoint. In the first part, of the programme the vccalisto ot Mr Mills's party were associated with the Duncdin Choral Scciety, who, under the baton of Mr AVi Pngci Rale, rendered Mr Coven's cantata " The Rose Maiden." Tliis- cantata is a delightiMl littlo work, charming altogether in its centiment and exquisitely harmonious in it.- wonderfully 'well thereto adapted music, ohonis and orchestra as well as soloists having some excellent opportunities. Mr Gov,-en's cantata has not been previously produced in Biuiedin, and the Choral Society was forhyiato in boing able to perform it under unusually happy circumstances— namely, with the aid ot so accomplished a quartet of soloists. The argument of the cantata, is quaintly jK-eity and Trill bear mention. "Weary of a life of unbroken calm, tlio queen of the flower fairies prays of the newly returned spring that lit will bestow upon her also tlio gift of love that he bestows nvpon- man. Ho warns her of the risk she runs,, but finally yielding, lo licr entreaty, changes her, while sho slumbsra, into tlio form of a.-beautiful girl. Undor.tl'.c nain-3 of Kcsc-blossoiu she wanders through the world to find the lovo she seeks, and .not deterred from' her search by meeting a broken-hearted maid who lias been deserted by (lict lover, sho becomes the wife af a forester, with whom plio lives for a time in •such perfect happiness that she cannot survive his death. The elves bewail the fate of their queen, and. in a beautiful finale deplore tho fatal influence of lovo on peace and happiness. Some excellent work falls to the chorus in "Theliose Maiden," and the ohorus work was so well rendered throughout as to bo a featuro of the production. The music waa sung with confidence and accuracy, and 1 balance and requisite modulation were always observed, bo that the chorus work never became monotonous, the <ibs.:-nco of which last quality is indeed ono of ita particular charms in tho cantata* ■ Tho opening chorus " Green vale and vine-clad mountain," the more delicately charming "A maid more beautiful than May," and " Mid . the waving rose trees," and especially tho wedding chorus, a brilliant number rendered with telling effect, might bo singled out as the choral items that mot with special favour, while tho concluding tenor solo and chorus was also impressive. As to tlio isoloista, tho soprano and tonor have some particularly go&d numbers. Miss Kirkwood sang her music most artistically, and.mado a gTent success of Itoseblossom's solo " Bloom on, my roses," besides singing to much advantage in some charming concerted numbers, especially in tho. soprano and baritone duet, tho appeal to spring, in which Bhe aud Mr Watkm Milk were heard in a delightful rendering. Again in the duet for soprano and tenor, 'I know a rosebud'shining," Miss Kirkwood and Mr Wildo wero heard iu what was oertainly one of the gems of the cantata, and received quit-j an ovation. Mr Wilde was extremely- happy |in tlio tenor role all through,. MhssGerlrud'eLonsdalohad'but onesolo in the contralto tho lament of the gardener's daughter,'but she sang it with porfoct sympathy and art and took part also with Miss Kirkwood and Mr "Mills in a delightful trio, It is hardly necessary to say that the baritone music,' as rendered by Mr Wa-tkin Mills, was all that could be desired. Ho gave his recitatives with telling effect, and his solo ""Where gloomy pine trees rustle " was rcocgnised as a fine effort. Praise.is on the whole Sne to the orokestrs, for the work they did throughput the cantata, the instrumentation of the work being particularly' delicate and full of charming effects. The Dunedin Choral Society can certainly bo complimented l on its first production.of "The Rose Maiden" and its reception at tho hands of last evening's'audience was.an indication: . that - the public appreciated ' a felicitous ,introduction, to.the cantata. The second part of the programme, whioh consisted bf - the rendering of H.Lane Wilson's song

cycle, entitled;" Flora's ' holiday," met also with an onthusinitio'reoeption, tho: nine itoma it comprises. being delightful in', their; varied ways, and, as - the title : would indicate,' particularly bright and,merry, for the mo3t part. Four quartets; wero /given with • irresistible felicity, " Thq oountry dance " especially arousing the enthusiasm of the audience and having to be repented, whilo tv lmhibrous catoli, en° titled "The pedlar," was so ■ cleverly and laughably quaint thai) it excited tv storm,of npplauEo, and had also to bo repeated. Mi»a Kirlcwood gavo n very pretty rendering of her solo'' Love's' greet ing," - and Miss Lonsdale had a good solo number in ''Maideno, beware" whilo-Mr Milla'aml Mr-Wildo in "Tell me charming crea-turo". and "Sound; a-rgimnent" rcspootivcly hod numbers in delightful con-ti-ast, but each equally - good in' it 3 way. M. Parlovifz act-ed «is 'accorapanist-,

OLYMPIA RINK. TIIO attendance at the Olympia Roller Rink last evening was all. that could bo desired a very large number joining in tho pastime, arid others being content to' look on. Thero will be the usual sessions at tho rink to-day Tomorrow ovoning tho ovent of the soason-a fancy dress and play, carnival-will come oil and, entries being large, tho affair promises to bo a great, success. ; Y, " JESSIE' MACLACHLAN. . On Wednesday,'-September 20, Mi'ss Jessie Maclachlan, tlio Scottish prima donna, and her concert company will open their New Zealand tour nt-His Majesty's Theatre, Duncoin. Miss Maclachlan has achieved a worldwido reputation. In 1898 blig had the distinguished honour of singing before the late Queen, from- whom sho received, through Princess Louiso,.a letter of appreciation and a royal present in' the form of a bracelet. ■ Prior to leaving Homo for her New ZealandAustralian ; tour slw received tho following from tho Dulte of Argylo:-" Kensington, London, January 9, 1905. I givo this note to Miss Jessie Maclachlan, who comes from my county of Argyle. I havo often listened to her singing, and baliovo that audiences oversea will appreciate her, music ,as much as have her friends in her oivn country. Miss Maclachlan has a charming voice, a,nd has cultivated it well and wisely. I wish her all success in her concerts in New Zealand' and Australia.— Argyle." Tho reserved'.seat plan will open at the Dresden on Wednesday, 13th inst.