AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19366, 24 July 1925, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC.

MR J. C. NEWLANDS’ RECITAL The weather conditions last evening were labou't as bad as they could be, and if the rain and the darkness kept away from St. Paul’s Hall any who •would otherwise have attended the (elocutionary recital by Mr J. C. NewI lands, they may very justifiably be wrath with the elements, for they were deprived the privilege of participating in a treat as rare as it was delightful. It is unnecessary to say that Mr Newlands is U great artist; his claim to that distinction has been long acknowledged in the cities of the world. Last night, despite a combination of unfavourable circumstances, Mr Newlands delighted his audience, at one moment moving them to daughter and the next moment bringing tears suspiciously near, while again he held them spellbound, as, without any external aids, he pictured the terror of which a recitation spoke. Mr Newlands’ artistry lies in the fact thlat he neither j“oraffes” nor “gesticulates,” yet in isome subtle way his personality • seems to melt into that of the diameter I She is portraying. No student of elocution should fail to hear this artist. Last night Mr Newlands submitted a programme which w r as sufficiently diversified to test tiny elocutionist’s ability, memory and strength. The programme opened with old Scrooge’s experiences on Christmas Eve. This was followed by “The Bells,” a wonderful piece of work, demonstrating not only a beautiful voice hut great dramatic .power. Then came Alfred Noyes’ Admirals All,” which was followed by that enchanting but heart-plucking !story of Peter Pan’s flight to Kensjington Gardens, and his discovery of !the barred window, ns told in “The i Little White Bird.” Jeanie Deans’ • interview with the laird, concluded the [first part of the programme. This extract from “The Heart of Midlothian” (was a rare treat. Mr Bumble’s courting of Mrs Corney was told most realistically and then the (audience was given an interpretation of Edgar Allan ■Poo’s “The Raven,” such as they had not seen or heard before. “The Depu- ' !tJation,” an amusing sketch of Scottish life was greatly enjoyed by those able Ito follow the Doric. “The Ballad 1 '1 of the Bolivar” was to have concluded 'the programme, but the audience in[sisted on “one more.” land Mr New-; (lands recited Lord Browning’s description of Rubenstein at the piano. To-night. Mr Newlands will submit a big programme, the chief items of ’which are advertised. He should not be missed. MOSCOVITCH. GREAT RUSSIAN ACTOR. “The Outsider,” the record-breaking four-act drama, in which the famous Russian-.Tewish actor, Maurice Moscovitch and his talented company will make their first appearance in Wanganui at the Opera House on Monday night next, is highly recommended by success, both in ETigland and America, where it had a wonderful run of over two years in both capitals. Written by Ihe well-known authoress, Dorothy Brandon, with interpretation by the members of this famous organisation, and the added advantage of the personal production of the world-famous actor-genius, Maurice Moscovitch, a fine representation of what is spoken of as an exceptionally brilliant play should result. Tn Wellington and Christchurch, recently, “The Outsider’’ received unstinted praise of tin 1 playgoing public and the newspaper critics throughout its most successful run in those cities. It is stated to be an excellent drama, ami possesses in a marked degree a number of the qualifications that make for success. “Maurice Moscovitch on Saturday night scored a personal triumph. He played on the feelings of the audience with the sure touch of the mas ter hand, and the force of his remark able personality dominated every scene. One felt that here was one of the great geniuses of the drama.’’ This is how a leading Melbourne critic !>.•-

gan his notice of “The Outsider’’ on its first presentation in that city. The same critic goes on to say, “Throughout the play the situations are tense and dramatic, the dialogue brilliant, and in places daring. The play held Saturday night’s audience enthralled, and towards the eml of the performance the atmosphere was electric.” Owing to the Wanganui season being limted to two nights, “The Outsider” can be staged for oue night only. The second production on the following night (Tuesday) will be </r fhe Merchant of Venice.” This famous artist will be seen in this production as Shylock. a characterisation which is said to rank amongst the finest, performances of this role the world has ever seen. The. box plans for the two pieces are now on view at H. J. Jones and Son’s.