ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 17851, 5 August 1918, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

CAPPELLI. This evening at the Municipal Theatre Bignor Cappelli, the famous Italian operatic tenor, will make his appearance, and no doubt he will receive a hearty welcome as his visit has been looked forward to bymusic lovers. In these times a visit from so distinguished an artist is indeed welcome, and the event must be classed as one of great musical importance. To-night’s programme is a very attractive one, and among the numbers selected by Cappelli are “0 Paradise” from Meyerbeer’s opera “L’Africana”; the favourite “The Flower Song,” .hom “Carmen”; “Thou Heavenly One,“ a most striking selection from Verdi’s “The Force of Destiny”; and “Lolita,” a charmingly dainty serenade. Mr John Amadio, the brilliant flautist, who is always welcomed by New Zealand audiences, will play “Serenata” (Moskowski), “Gipsy Kevels” (Ed. German), Schubert’s “Cradle Song” and Chopin’s Waltz. A brilliant young soprano, Miss Veronica Bedford, will sing “Carmena,” and Gounod’s famous “Serenade,” with flute obligato by Mr John Amadio. Signor Gesaroni, the bass, will sing the Prologue from “Pagliacci” and “Haste Thee for Vengeance,” from “Luerezia Borgia.” Mr Harold Whittle will act as accompanist. The box plan is at the Bristol for the two concerts and a complete change of programme will be presented to-morrow night. POPULAR PICTURE PALACE. “The Call of her People,” the magnificent seven-act Metro drama now screening on the current programme, is possibly the greatest triumph of the Metro studios. With a powerful story, enacted by a brilliant cast amidst scenes of surprising grandeur, it stands alone as a screen masterpiece. Ethel Barrymore, as Egypt, claims the sympathy from the start, and the interest is gripped and held throughout. Saturday’s packed houses broke into continued and tumultuous applause as the tense and thrilling story was Unfolded. The picture will be screened twice nightly, at 6.45 and 8.45, and patrons should be early, as crowded houses are sure to prevail. The 9th chapter of “The Great Secret” is also on the bill. ALBION THEATRE. Crowded houses viewed the initial screenings of Rupert Hughes’ famous story, “Empty Pockets.” This play teems with gripping adventures, and is classed as the swiftest story ever screened. The women in the case were five, and they were all redhaired. A millionaire was found murdered, and in his fingers was tightly clutched a wisp of red hair. Which was the guilty one? The story moves between millionaires’ mansions and slums, and portrays characters that live and love and struggle in this life’s vortex. The play is interpreted by a superb cast, including Kitty Galenta, Barbara Castleton, Bert Lyell, and Malcolm Williams. Other supporting pictures screened make up a programme of unusual brilliancy.