AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16052, 20 April 1914, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS

THE MAUD ALLAN SEASON. Miss "Maud Ailu]•' and the Cherniiivskys brought their smiwoii to a close at iuis Majesty's Theatre on .Saturday night, in the presence ol a large and enthusiastic audience, 'ihe reception accorded the gittc-d iluncor demonstratm that h<?r ponormunci.s have created a deep impression, tmit appreciation of their remarkable merit lias grown with increasing ianuliarity, and tliat tiiey will remitin ninrnorahio glimpses in the minds ot those capable ol viewing them intelligently ol a k.ud of art which has hitherto been a sealuci book to local auoi- " "ences. Miss Maud Allan has set a standard in her particular line of achievement which one can scarcely imagine surpassed, lier stage interpretations have been throughout thp epitome of grace and refinement—no jarring noto has marred their artistic finish. t?ho has thrown a new and captivating light 011 the possibilities of expressing the best, of music in terms of rhythmical, poetical, harmonious, and frequently highly dramatic movement. The fuial programme was an excellent one. Miss Maim Allan's contributions included Schubert's '"Am Meer," a striking study on subdued lines; "LittleBirds," a composition by Creig expressed with the daintiest grace possible; an interesting "'Tone Pictute,'' by the same composer; the exuberant "Moment Musical," by Schubert; and the tragic ''Funeral March" of Chopin, which have ranked among her previous conspicuous successes; popular "Barcarolle," by Offenbach; Chopin's "Nocturne" (Op. 15, No. 2), which, in the realisation of a most poetic conception, ranks' with Miss Allan's finest efforts; and a most taking "Norwegian Dance," by Grieg. The delightful series constituting the artist's iinal contrilyutions aroused groat enthusiasm in the audience, which only iei luctantly permitted the dancer to make her final bow after she had responded to a double recall. The Chcrniavskys, as usual, figured importantly on the programme. 'Liiey rendered a trio in D minor by, the Russian composer Arenskv, and, in addition to tho dance music, solo items of conspicuous merit. Mr Jan Cheraiavsky was heard in a. brilliantly-executed interpretation of i Liszt's "Hungarian Rhapsodic No. 6," with Paderewski's Minuet" as recall item. ■ Mr Leo Chernia vsky again demonstrated his technical mastery of the violin in Wienawsky's "Faust" fantasia, responding to the inevitable rccall with a charming except from "The Moods" (Zacharewitsch). Mr i Mischel Cherniavsky's 'cello contributions were, as usual, admirable ill their finish, being a "Cantabile,"/by the Russian composer Cesar Cui; "Arlequin," by Popper; and, as an extra item, "Le Cygne," by Saint Saens. PRINCESS THEATRIC. It is prouaunj i.uit never in i.jo history of vaudeviuo in Dulieclin had such success ueeri attilmed as that ot week. Crowded and overflowing houses have L>een the ruie since the transferring of the i! uller-Bivmian LUsinefie to the rrincoss Theatre. Saturday night's house was crammed to witiieas the last performance ot tho then current programme. 'To-night the first appearand) ot new and exceptional features is announced. The act of Captain Brunswick and Company is one of distinct novelty. The membere appear in a sketch entitled " J-he xendertoot's .Lroublee," which is full of humorous episodes, and during the act specialties m tnc way of lariat tnrowing and sharpshooting are introduced. Cunningham and Kosa, of whom report speaks highly, are two of America's foremost black-faced specialty artists, and as comedians they must De considered two of tho most (successful that have been brought out by the firm. Foster, Lamont, and Poster's act is of the sensational order. The members give a relined and interesting exhibition of "what tho teeth can do in tho way of strength. Miss Millie Doris appears after a series of tr umphs throughout the dominion, and her re entry into Dunedin vaudeville- will be .vai'iniy welcomed. Two : groups of popular lavourites, who scored well on their last visit, "are the Strattons and. the Phillips sisters, who reopen for a short season. In addition to the newcomers, Sydney Bach, the clever entertainer, will give ot his extensive repertoire; also Charles Zoh and others of ability. The box plan is at the Dresden. A matinee will bo given on Saturday afternoon. HAYWARD'S PICTURES. To-night is the opening night at "The Octagon" of a new selection of bea-utitul pictures. In the Scenic aeries "Sicilian Cities" is one of great merit.' The latest edition of "Pathe English Gazette" contains pictures of happenings of interest to all, and a unique series of " A Bacchanalian Dance" is one that will not fail to instinct and amuse patrons. In a travel film "Grenoble to . Aix Lcs Bains,'] in colours, one gains enjoyrnbnt and knowledge. In dramatic subjects there will be "The Great Steel Beam" (a, powerful Edison story), " Anguished Hours" (a child drama with a beautiful scenic setting), and the "star" feature, a brainy story of "The Next Generation," a picture that shows how tho succeeding generation must keep pace with the march of progress, contains some startling situations, and unfplds a story that is bound to please. 1 In comedy " Bunny for the Cause' is said to be Veyy amusing. John takes a decided stand against "votes-for women," but after meeting a few of the pretty suffragettes, changes his views. Max Linder's latest escapade, entitled "Max.and a Daughter of Albion," will also be shown, and a special picture of the carnival at Oamaru. The musical portion of tho programme lias not been forgotten, the orchestra having a bright selection of appropriate music. ' FULLERS' PICTURES. The final opportunity of seeing last week's programme at the King's Theatre was taken advantage of by a largo number of people on Saturday, at both afternoon and evening performances. To-night-the presentation of " The . Last Days of -Pompeii,": a representation of Bulwer Lytton's tragedy, should prove of interest, as this and similar reproductions of the literary masterpieces are of unquestionable value. Ihe film is 7500 feet in length, and forms - therefore a complete entertainment. Its success in England, France, Australia, and quite recently in Auckland, is said to have been most pro-, nounced. Hie picture claims to reproduce in a complete and faithful manner all the incidents of Lytton's romance.. The costuming and mounting are sa.id to be on a rich and slavish scale, and only Italian artists of repute wore entrusted with the pourtrayal of the'principal roles. As many as 5000 persons are said, to be shown on the ecrccn in the great-circus ensemble, in the delineation of which '59 mounted gladiators and 15 lions and tigers also, appear. Pompeii was the gayest -of Roman seaside resorts, and the luxurious bathing establishments are . among the most , effective reproductions of the film. The picture, is referred to as abounding in striking spectacles, but the most sensational of all is reserved until the end. This is the historic eruption of ..Mount Vesuvius, in A.D. 79, and the burial of Pompeii and thousands of its people beneath the vain of fiery ashes and molten lava. Special music by Fullers' Symphony Orchestra will be an added attraction to the screening. Box plans for the season are now open at the Dresden. ~ v QUEEN'S -THEATRE. - There were good attendances at the Queen's Theatre on Saturday, when the P™gramme was shown for the last time. The new scries, which will be shown to-day will new series by "Stanton's Last Fling." This is a sensational drama, enacted in England and Belgium, and 6omc fine scenes in the' latter country are depicted. Stanton is a promising young business man, whose partner has been gambling with their clients' money. While Stanton is seeking to retrieve his fortune on the Continent, it falls to his lot to rescue a lady of noble birth from a scoundrel, to whom she has foolishly betrothed hereelf. An exciting motor car chase ensuc6, but a.ll, of course, ends happily. Other pictures that will be shown are "The Faithful Indian," The King's Man," " A Compromising Complication," "A Trip Throught Lower Brittany," "Tho Fever Bath." and "The Topical Budget." _ PLAZA PICTURES. The popular Plaza Picture Palace was just as crowded as usual on Saturday afternoon and evening when the Inst screening of " The Convict's Son " and the supporting films were enjoyed. To-day's bill will include the famous nriimal masterpiece "In the Midst of the Jungle," bv the Selig Company, in which Kathlyn W:lliams {or Captain Kate as she is sometimes called) takes the leading part. The picture has been shown in Wellington to large audiences, and the popular opinion in that city was " that it is the-.best jungle picture ever shown." Some of the incidents in the story are a fight between a hyena and a leopard (in which the leopard wins), Kathlvn attacked by a crocodile, and at another time threatened by wild lions. The management at the Plaza Theatre has made special arrangements with the owners of the film, but despite the special attraction no increase in the tariff is ; announced. In fairness to the enterprise of the, firm, patrons, after seeing the programme through, should make way for others who are kept standing. Two comedies,' a Wild West picture, an industrial, and a topical picture will 'be included.

"ALADDIN" PANTOMIME. It is now some considerable bmo sincc the pantomime of "Aladdin" has boon ween in tnis city, but "• playgoers will have the opportunity of witnessing one of tho finest; productions of th;s delightful story in pantomime form at 11 its Majesty's Theatre on Ihursday evening. The book introduces n number of topical items, and the cast will include such welLlonown artists at Miss Graco I'alotta (as captain of the Emperor's Guards), Miss Carrie Moore (as Aladdin), Miss Mabel Batahelor (us the I'rincess), Mr Edward Stanley (as the Widow 'i wankey), Mr Percy Clifton (11s Abanazor), Mr Bert liar ton (as the Vizier). Mr .1. J. LanphiVr (as Biddy, a suffragette), and a host of other favourite artists. The specialities comprise such novelties as Leon Morris and his wrestling ponies, assisted by John Hedge, their Ethiopian wrestling partner; Marcellc and Fallon, American ragtime exponent:); Morris and Sha>nd, animal impersonatom; Tiny Tot Marjorie, child contortionist.. ' The production has 'been presented under the direction of Mr Lester Brown, who was specially brought from New York by George Willoughby (Ltd.). The musical numbers (which arc of the brightest) have been composed and arranged by that well-known musical director,' Mr F. Wynne-Jones, who accompanies the show as conductor. The gorgeous scenery has all been specially painted by Mr J. S. Mann, and the magnificent costumes have been designed from original models by Miss K. Sherwood. The box plane will open this morning at the Dresden. As the prices arc popular, intending patrons are advised to secure their scats immediately. The first matinee is announced for Saturday afternoon, when children will be admitted to all parts, except the pit, at half-price,