STAGE JOTTINGS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 217, 13 September 1930, Page 2 (Supplement)

STAGE JOTTINGS.

Annette Kellerman, in her posing and diving act, has been appearing at the Drei Linden, in Leipsic. She has been a draw in several Continental vaudeville theatres.

Nat Madison, the talented son of Maurice Moscovitcb, who has been in Wellington with many companies, ha*s apparently attracted the attention of producers in Hollywood, says a writer in the "Evening Post," Wellington. He has been secured for a sophisticated little comedy called "Honolulu," and has some good engagements ahead, including ru important part in "Little Caesar.

The announcement of the revival of the musical play, "Tytankhainen, , _ by the Auckland Amateur Operatic Society at His Majesty's should be welcome news when one considers the dearth ot theatrical entertainment at the present time. "Tutankhamen," of seven years ago, was a great success, and -with, its historical book brought up to date and a. wealth of extra musical numbers will doubtless repack its houses.

In the twenty-six years of its existence the Royal Wellington Choral Union has given 135 concerts, and forty-five works—cantatas, oratorios and operahave been performed. The expenditure for that period lias been the large amount of £27,000. The following figures give some idea of what it costs to run a choral society:—Soloists' fees, £0000; orchestra, £2500; printing and advertising, £2700; rent of Town Hall and practice room; £3000; purchase of music, £2000; conductors' fees, £2800.

The cast of "Lilac Time," at the Theatre Royal, Melbourne, includes the following:—Marie Bremner, as Lili; John Ralston, as Franz Schubert; Sidney Burchall, as Baron Von Schober; Arthur Stigant, as Christian Veit; Frank Bradley, as Count Scharntorff; Herbert Browne, as Moritz Von Schwind; Lilian Crisp, as Tillij Molly Tyrell, as Marie Veit; Alban Whitehead, as Johann Michael Vogl; Bernard Manning as Kappel; Romola Hansen, as Marini; Millie Engler, as Mrs. Grimm.

The opera season which concluded at Covent Garden last month has, on the whole, been uneventful; one may apply to it the historic axiom that "happy is the country that has no history," says a London writer. There can be little doubt that the three outstanding figures of the season have been Madame Ponselle, Signer Gigli and Signor Stabile. Madame Ponselle and Signor Stabile have consolidated their position, and Signor Gigli has immediately taken hie place in the front rank. Madame Ponselle's greatest triumph has been her extremely individual and attractive per. formance in "La Traviata"; and Signor Stabile has repeated his familiar successes, especially as- Scarpia, in "'Tosca."

It will be news to theatregoers .to learn that the J. C. Williamson Company are sending to New Zealand their comic opera company, headed by Sydney Burchall and Marie Bremner, which will open a New Zealand tour in Auckland in November. The repertoire to be presented includes "New Moon," a gorgeous, spectacular musical play, with some startling mechanical effects, including a battle at sea between pirate vessels; "Belle of Now York," a revival that has charmed Australia with, its well-known airs and popular story; and "Country Girl," also a favourite play a few years back. A strong cast will make the trip across the Tasman, most of the players having been in New Zealand with the "Desert Song" production.

For its nineteenth production the Auckland Little Theatre Society has selected "Jane Clegg," that delightful play by St. John Ervine. It will be presented at the Concert Chamber on October 1, 2, 3 and 4. This excellent piece of work was one of the outstanding successes of Miss Horniman's famous Repertory Company at the Gaiety Theatre in Manchester. It was subse-quently-taken to the Royal Court Theatre, London. Miss SybirThorndike, so closely associated with all that is best in the drama, played the lead under the direction of Lewis Cosson. This selection should cause considerable interest to playgoers, especially as this brilliant author's plays have not yet been produced by the society. His most recent work, "The Second Mrs. Eraser," -with Henry Ainley and Mari* Te-mpest in the cast, is at present smashing all records in London.

Jan Kubelik, the world-renowned violinist, was born in 1880, at Michle, near Prague. His father was a merchant gardener, and a musician. He . soon recognised the extraordinary musical talent of his son, whom he began teaching the violin at the age of six. The boyprogressed so rapidly that at the age of eight he presented himself to the public of Prague. This was on the occasion of a public concert. He played compositions of Wieniawski and Vieuxtemps with -remarkable daring, capturing the public attention by his extraordinary talent. In 1592 Kubelik entered the Prague {Academy of Music, where he completed . his studies in 1898, achieving excellent . results. With nothing but his violin, ' unknown and almost penniless, he left I for Vienna, where he made his debut modcsly. His playing caused such a l, sensation that he had to give several ,i concerts in that town, and from that itims Ms success was assured.