DRAMATIC GOSSIP.

Press, Volume L, Issue 8479, 10 May 1893, Page 2

DRAMATIC GOSSIP.

Mr Joe Sfc.Clalr writes to a Wanganal paper, in reply to the letter of an anonymous writer, in defence of the stage and the travelling profession generally. He winds up his letter thus:—And be might further learn some useful lessons from the contemplation of tho honest industry and self-sacrificing nobility of spirit of hundreds of those ladies and gentlemen who adorn both tbe stage and private life by their truly Christian character and ability. The season closed a few days ago at Auckland by the HoJlowfiy Dramatic Company terminates a New Zealand tour of seven months that has been singularly successful to the management, and in this connection an Auckland writer says :— "To Mr J. St. Clair, the enterprising business manager, great credit I. undoubtedly due for the excellence of his arrangements, by which the Company always happened to be in the right place at the right time and profited accordingly." Aa previously announced tbe Company will be run as a New Zealand Stock Combination, Mr Holloway having arranged for " stars " from Australia and Eugland to come across with their plays. The first attraction arranged for is a very old favourite in Miss Maggio Moore, who will make her reappearance before a New Zealand audience at Auckland, on tho 15th inst. In the meantime the company have been filling in time in Wanganui and country districts.

The Misses Albu, who for lome months back have been appearing with success in concerts in Australia, were to have inaugurated a New Zealand tour at tha Theatre Royal, Invereargill, on Tuesday evening. The Misses Albu arrived at the Blufl: from Tasmania by tho Mararoa on Monduy. They bring with them Mr J. Fuller, a tenor who has gained a considerable reputation in London, and Mr H. B. Gunter, a young pianist and composer. Pollard's Lilliputian Opera Company commenced their Napier season on Monday night, when " Alladln up to Date" was played to a good* audience. The same piece wa3 repeated on Tuesday, and "La Mascotte " was underlined for last night. The season will be brought to a close on Tuesday next, when M The Little Duke" will be pro* duced. The company appear for three nights at Palmeraton North, commencing on Wednesday, and then return to Wei* lington en route tor Blenheim. Mr George Rignold reproduced " A Midsummer Night's Dream" at Her Majesty* Theatre, Sydney, on April 22nd, when there was a crowded audience. Mr Rig. nold first produced this play at tho aama house three years ago when it bad n long run, and judging from the favourable way it was received on the opentng night of tha present season, it should hold the boards for aome weeks.

The English Opera Company, under the direction of Messrs Williamson and Musgrove, is being fairly patronised at tho Lyceum. On April 22nd " Maritana" gave way to "Carmen" which had not been played previously in the New South Wales capital for a long time. Mr J. H. Ralford has taken over the lease of the Sydney Theatre Royal agftia where "For the Term ot His Natural Life," by the Darapier Company, Is proving Bland Holt is announced to follow the Opera Company at the .Lyceum, where he opens on Saturday night in Pettttt and Harris " A Million of Money," which plee* was first produced on any stage at Drory Lane, London, on September 7th. 1690, when Charles Warner took the principal Eart, Mr Bland Holt will be surported bf is wife and Mesdames Henrietta Watson, Maud Williamson, Messrs Sass, HOvre. Emery, Cosgrove, Baker, Corlease, and Fabert. Two considerable additions have been made to the Royal Comic Opera Company <who are still playing "The Mountebanks" to large audiences at the Melbourne Princess) in the persons of Jaws Effie Clements and Mr Joseph Tapley. Miss Clements Is a London prima donna of whom Mr Musgrove, writing of her engagement, sayß, " She Is young, chars-lagi and a really goad singer, being a.go/d medalist of the Royal Academy of Music. and better than anyone who has nppeareo in comic opera in Australia." Mr TaplejJ is a tenor who has " created " Beveral Rood comic opera parts in London. The new artists will make their first Australian appearance in "The Vicar of Jam (libretto by Mr Sydney Grundy, of "TJi| Village Priest," score by Mr Bd»mro Solomon), which was played at toe oavoy Theatre, London, last year. _ „._ Billy Emerson Is appearing aS,«™ Sydney Aihambra, and a**«jral w„2 artists well known in New Zealand «* appearing In the bill at the Gaiety. 0«L« Smith haa joined Barrington** *m°«*nj* Mloetrels and Specialty Company »o tw Opera House.