AMUSEMENTS & MEETINGS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15340, 1 October 1917, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS & MEETINGS.

THE GRAND THEATRE. Commencing at 8 o'clock to-night, the management will present in picture form Owen Wister'e famous novel, "The Virginian." Wamjanui theatre-goers will remember the fine performance by Mr Charles Waldron when "The Virginian" was staged by J. C. Williamson at the Opera House. Those who have read the book and also 6esn the play will now have the opportunity of seeing the picture.. A Fox comedy, * 'His Bomb Policy," and the Paramount Gazette complete a strong bill. , GONVILkE FIRE BRIGABE. The last of the highly -successful series of euchre parties and dances in aid of the Gonville Fire Brigade motor hosereel fund will be held to-morrow (Tuesday) evening in the Gonville Town Hall. There will be two half-guinea prizes, one for ladies and one for" gentlemen. These functions have been eo popular during the winter, that a large gathering may be expected in older to fittingly wind up the season. The ■ last tram leaves the hall for town at 11.15 p.m.

"ALADDIN/' AT THE OPERA HOUSE. Long before the time for the raising of the curtain at the Opera House on Saturday night there was standing room only. It was the occasion of the production of the pantomime "Aladdin" by local amateurs and, taking everything into consideration, it was well done. Two things are certain, however, "Our Day Appeal" funds will benefit considerably, and the hundreds of children in the audience thoroughly enjoyed the treat. A feature of the entertainment was the scenery painted by the stage manager, Mr H. Melville. This part of the performance equalled, if it did not excel, the best pantomime scenery seen in New Ziealand. As the widow, "Mrs Twankay," Mr Melville drew -roars of laughter and applause, and .his jokes appeared to be much appreciated. Mrs H. Sedgwick, 'as "Aladdin" was charming, ancf she acted and sang well. Miss E/ Gilbert, as the "Princess," saag her numbers sweetly. In the role of "Cheekee," the laundry-maid, Miss B. Raine had a part which saited her to perfection, and she made*the most of it. This lady has the makings Of a bright comedienne. Mr S. Davis had a hard part to play'in "Abanazar the Magician,' 'and,did well. He appeared to enter Intc into his surroundings with greater precision than the others, and/never once forgot whaf he was supposed to be—a deep-dyed scheme?.' A word of praise must be given /to little Miss D. Symes. This cMld is a born actress, and her sonjjj "The Goblin Man," was one of succeses qj the evening. Bo#i she and the "Geni of the Rlng# played by little Miss B. Cleland.Jujted and spoke their lines like professionals. The pv r<# of the other characters were tejjn as follow:—"Pekoe" (Mr G. MpElwain), "Chow" and "Chop," me two burlesque policemen (Messrs JBT. Anderson and H. Sedgwick), "The fEmperor of China" (Mr E. Lind) and his' Grand Vizier, "Ting Tong" (Mr L. Clarkson), the two Chinese dudes (Miss Flavell and Miss McLean). Miss McLean also appeared as the "Fairy Queen." There were three or four specialty turns, and these were excellent. Mrs Ivo Symes was iir splendid voice, and oiighted the audience with her singing. Mrs Symes had to respond to a decided encore. Miss T. Young also made a hit. This lady's tafents are well known, and her character song "brought down the house." As "Andrew" (the donkey) Mr G. B. Dowling caused fun for the children, but a suggestion might be made to him to get more into tne limelight and do more tricks. He has golden opportunities at times, but on Saturday he did not take advantage of them. Without a ballet a pantomime would b* nothing, and the ballets in Aladdin were most beautiful. {ghey were "the show," and Mrs Cleland deserves the highest praise for the manner in which her pupils had been trained for this production. The solo dancing and ballets were perfect in every respect. The most striking effect was made in the Chrysanthemum Pallet, and Miss !Hughes-Johson as the solo danwas perfect in her graceful and istic movements. Then there were "Butterfly Ballet," "Gnomes and ries Ballet," and the "Melon !let." In the last-mentioned balthe little girls came out of huge ter-melon dressed as slices of that icious fruit. , , r The orchestra was under the dition of Mr George Buckley. ... «Jaddin" will be repeated to-night.