ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 17749, 2 June 1916, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

RAUL DU FAULT. I*intrerintr memories of a former visit, together with anticipations heightened "by a score of recent triumphs in other places, drew to the .Municipal Theatre last evening a host of Mr Dufault’s admirers, whose mimbers afforded a pleasing evidence of the sound musical taste prevailing in this town. To say that Mr Dufauit was enthusiastically received .and that- the finished artistry of his oxo"cutiou W&S <luly 'appreciated is to convey hut a fain!, idea of the impression -the great lyric tenor, produced upon -ills hearers. His varied numbers were without exception excellent, each according to its kind, and in both grave and gay, equSl success waited-upon his efforts. Kach item evoked insistent demands for more, and to these'the singer graciously responded. His splendid stage presence was never more in evidence than-on this occasion, and his . genial personality served quite as much as anything to keep the house in sympathetic mood throughout. -Mr Dufauit was supported by performers of outstanding 'merit, and to them also the audience accorded a flattering reception. The programme opened with violin solos by Miss 'Florence Scapini, a talented Christchurch girl who, despite the biting cold, gave a remarkable exhibition of technique and tone. Her numbers were a "Gipsy Dance,’ by the great Iberian violinst Sarasate, and a "Waltz Caprice,” by Kreislor. Iter rendering of both earned l\er a hearty recall. The others of her numbers appearing dn the bill were “Variations on the ‘Corelli Theme’" (Tartlnl-KreisleV > and Sa rasa te's ".Spanish Dance." She quite captivated the audience by her natural and almost debutante air. Miss Paulino Bindicy’s singing of Gbo-Übo-San’s farewell in Gaicomo Puccini's famous opera gave a highly favourable impression of her capabilities, which include the mbht remarkable versatility. Miss Bindley scored equally in operatic and ballad .selections, her rendering of "Down in the Forest" (Ronald) and “Fairy Pipers" (Brewer) ranking ns exceptionally fine. Miss Bindley is a soprano of a sfaracteristically Australian type. As the great and oversluulowing attraction of Hie evening, Mr Dufauit, came" up to —perhaps exceeded—-the highest expectations. His opening number was the combined recitative and aria "How Many Hired Servants of My Father," from Sullivan's oratorio "The Prodigal Son." Mr Dufault’s introduction of gesture into oratorio was something in the nature of an innovation, and must have come as a surprise to many of the musical people present. Under tills mode of treatment the evangelical versifies assumed a robustness of form and gained in irfiprcssivencss. The contrast in the treatment of Hie recitative and the aria was exceedingly well defined, and might he held up as a shining example of how oratorio should be executed. In two encores. "Audacity" and "Philosophy." the singer was particularly happy. Nicolai’s “The Adieu” was sung with Miss Bindley, the voice* blending admirably anri producing a most agreeable effect. Mr Dufauit s treatment of Rennet's bail all, ' "Sometimes in Summer," was so distinct from that of some of the heavier numbers that it was easy to realise What range the singer possesses and by what right be holds the title of one of most accomplished of tenors. Before his rendering of “An Pays,” Mr Dufauit conjured up in graphic fashion the. setting of the song; a peaceful village where a soldier’s love resides. In "An Pays’ one heard the approaching tread of the "Poiliis” and the roll of the drum. The pleasant hamlet rose before one’s mental vision and Jean Pierre seemed visibly to step from among bis comrades to claim his false Jeannette. - The pathos of the meeting and the fatal revelation were inimitably, "expressed; and the parting cry of the deceived. Ode —“Eataille! Bataillel Rataille! rang out with a whole world in It'-of desperate renunciation. MacDermid’s "If Von Would Hove Me,” and the tuneful ballad "O, Tuttle Mother of Mine, "■ were followed by a french soldier song in substitution for "Bluets rl’Amoiuv’-■ ■ "How’s My Boy” (Sidney Home.l 1 ) was rendered with such dramatic intensity that the'electrified audience refused’to permit the singer to retire, and in response to an- irresistible appeal Mr Dufauit concluded, by 7; rendering of Bruno Huh ns, “Invictn *" on of the most enjoyable and mentor..* <le evenings that a music-lover could desire to spend. We should not omit to mention that an important factor in the success of the concert was the work of .Mr Harold Whittle as accompanist. He was heard to particular advantage in “Fairy Pipers” and "How’s My Boy," hut attained the highest point of his excellence, in “An Pays."

Mr Dufauit will give another concert this evening, and. it is hardly to hedoubted that another full house will be attracted. It is seldom that Invercargill audiences have an opportunity of hearing it singer whose mentality ranks as one of his chief characteristics. LAST DEFAULT CONCERT TO-NIGHT. The second and last concert of Paul Dufauit will be given rf-nigbt at the Municipal Theatre. There will be a complete change of programme. Mr Dufatilt’s operatic number will be the beautiful tenor aria ".She Ne’er Believed it True.” from the opera of "Mignon." He will also sing two now English ballads, which have won great praise from local critics. They are "Lorraine” and "Bird of Love Divine." The programme will also include two of the French songs which he sings so delightfully. Tb« programme will close with "The Tiumpeter,” in which Mr Dufauit created n furore in Dunedin. In response to numerous requests Mr Dufauit will sing “The Marsellaise.” Miss Bindley and Mr Dufauit will sing the balcony duet from "Romeo and Juliet." l.liss Pauline Bindley’s principal number will be an aria from "La Travlata." Miss Florence Bcapini’s items will include the "Valse Tristc.” Tiie box plan is at Lillicrap’s. Day sales at Miss Beggs Gate McLennan’s). POPULAR PICTURE PALACE. The new programme screened last night was well patronised, the house being ruled at an early hour. The pictures throughout are of a very Jiigh order, and a pleasing feature is the excellent photography of every picture. The star production i« a four part drama by the World Film Corporation, entitled "The Lure of Woman." This is a picture adaptation from the famous drama "The Renegade,” and features Miss Alice Brady, a really charming actress, who gives a very bright impersonation of the heroine. The play is full of stirring incident and abounds in exciting scenes. The fight with the Indians, is one of the best of Us kind that we have witnessed, whilst the scenery is beautiful. The 13th instalment of "T;:e Black Box" provides some real thrills. The railway smash, and the fall of a horse and rider through a oritigo, bolding the audience almost breathless. A really laughable comedy "The Merry Models” was responsible for peal after peal of laughter, and "The Animated Journal” is distinctly interesting, dealing specially with bird Itfe. The programme as a whole is highly diverting, and is worthy of further packed housern. A special patriotic programme has been prepared for Saturday afternoon, when the distribution of prizes in connection with The League of Empire will lake place. ALBION THEATRE, A GREAT DRAMA. Without the Slightest hesitation one may ■ unreservedly recommend the LondotCFilnCCoi’iipany’s latest modern feature drama, "Mr Lyndon at Liberty,” as being one of the finest plays seen here for a long time. There is a power grip and go about it, and there is in addition a positive weal Hi of incident in the shape of dramatic episodes and unexpected surprises. Tho story is splendid; and its coherency may be gauged bv .Hie fact that it is followed with Hie greatest ease without the aid of superabundant letter press. It deals with the machinations and methods of Foreign spies in England, and vividly discloses what tiie authorities have to contend against in that direction. Standing conspicuously in a grand cast of all callable players is Edna Hugarth, dainty clue and vivacious. Tins clever little lady is beyond question One of the most charming of actresses, and her popularity becomes greater and greater every time she appears in a fresh picture. The supporting films are even better than the high standard usual ruling at this bouse. Eclair's scenic pictures of “Lucerne,” Switzerland, were charming

indeed, and many quaint customs of -tuc country wore introduced with fine effec*.. No better comedy could he asked for Hi an "A Temporary Husband." in which that clean comedian, Billie Reeves, and bis smart associates create much, merriment on legitimate lines. The Australian Ga/.eltc was enjoyable, and one of its sections affords a splendid view, from start to finish, of the., race for the Sydney Cup non by Prince Bardolph. The riicnt of the programme and me soothing warmth derived from the presence of much appreciated heat radiators should ensure packed attendances for the next two days. GRAND THEATRE. SUCCFSS OF “IT WAS TO BE.” One of tho*e fine seven-picture programmes which find such favour at the popular Grand Theatre made a big hit with patrons. Worthy of first place on anv programme was the gripping drama in ‘ 3 reels "It Was to Be" admirably adapted for the screen frJiu Shannon Fife’s widely read novel of the same title. The play grips attention quickly and the interest intensifies as, the subtle plot develops. It is excellently mounted, dressed and acted, and the production from end to end, was thoroughly enjoyable. Special interest attaches, to two scenes in which are most realistically shown the brutal methods and devices employed by the American police to obtain convictions even though justice be defeated. Tliis Style of thing has been yclept "The Third Degree," and after seeing last night’s skilful reproduction one concludes that it is an acquisition a country is very much better without. Another drama, "A Child’s ■ I*aitli is ; a fine production, which makes a strong heart appeal, and draws forth loud applause. The final climax is most effective. “Blue Visions of Italy" d'scloscd some of the most beautiful cerulean tinted scenery that one could wisii to sec. A big .popular hit resulted from file screening of that very big, and very funny comedy "Joe Martin turns cm Boose," in which all sort:; of animals run wild to the consternation of folks in the-immediate neighbourhood, but to the great amusement of spectators. "Royal Engineers at Work" was a fine film' of real interest. The Topical Budget was as usual very entertaining, while fiiu and laughter arise out of the unfolding of the “A.8.” comedy "A Wonderful Life.” Quality and quantity are presented at the Grand and big houses should result.