THE THEATRE.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 57, 30 November 1907, Page 13

THE THEATRE.

"And all tho mon and women morely players."—Shakcspcaro. (By'" Sylvius.") Though there may lie no placc liko "Homo, Sweet Home," and with all respect to a very decent typo ,of rational melodrama, there aro better plays than the one so domestically named. Tho Allan Hamilton Company is to play a better ono at the Opera House this ovening, when it stages Kichard Ganthdny's clever comedy, "A Messago from Mars," inado familiar to Now Zealand players by the Hawtroy Company sorao six or seven years ago. It is a phantasy more than anything olso—n phantasy that might have been penned by Charles Dickens, and would make an'admirablo Christmas story if written up in tho stylo of tho "Christmas Carol," with the messonger as tho spirit to convince Horace Parker and his prototypes "in front" that tlioir way of living and thinking is not tho only ono, and may not be tho ono that is conducivo to tho greatest happiness to themselves or those who fume and fret theirlives awav in closo proximity to such persons. The following is tlio cast of tho characters:— Horaco Parker, Mr. Robert Inman; Tho Messenger from Mars, Mr. George E. Bryant; Tho Tramp, Mr. S. A. Fitzgerald; Arthur Dicey, Mr. Augustus Neville; Dr. Chapman, Mr. Lancelot Vano; Mr. Ferguson, Mr. Arthur Blakely; Policeman, Mr. Harold Carr; Joo (tho Coster), Mr. Herbert Shaw; Jim, Mi. E. M. Bcresford; Sir Roland .Wright, Mr. Stuart Clyde; Mnggridge, Mr. A. Campbell; Butler, Mr. Henry Vincent; Boy (alias "Tho Emperor"), Master Reg. North; Newsboy, Master Cecil Nowman; Minnio Templer, Miss Fanny Erris; Miss Parker (Aunt Martha), Miss Khadijah Cooper; Bella (Maid at tho Parkers'), Miss Hilda Fraser; Mrs. Clarence, Miss Beatrice Usher; Little .. Minnie, Baby Watson; Flower Girl, Miss Addio Bryant; Polly, Afiss Stella Ashe; Mrs. Ferguson,. Miss Hazel Hart; Mrs. Jobson, Miss Gertrude Smythe. "Littlo Lord Fauntleroy" will bo produced for ono night only—on Friday next. A Curious Name. Miss Khadijah Cooper, who is playing tho leading part 3 with Mr. Allan . Hamilton's Dramatic Company, is the same lady who, as Miss Dina Cooper, played tho bold, bad woman in "Tho Fatal Midnight Wedding" of a few months ago.' "Khadijahj" a particularly trying word for linctyphists (unless they chanco , to have read tho life of Mahomet) is, however, the lady's correct name, and was' chosen; by her father; the late Mr. Horaco Cooper (brother of Sir Popo Cooper, Chief Justice of Queensland), a noted Orientalist. An Experienced Actor Manager. \ Mr. Herbert Leigh,' now managing for Mr. Allan Hamilton's Dramatic Company, occupied tho samfe position with Messrs. Meynoll and Gunn's "fatal Wedding" Company. Ho was also scon in Auckland'On several former occasions as ono of tho leading members of the Knight-Jeffries Company, playing "Jaikes" in the "Silver King, "Talleyrand" in "A Royal Divorco," and understudying Mr. Knight as Napoleon in "A.lloyal Divorce," and as Zakurn in "Tho Darling of the Gods." Mr. Leigh had a varied experience in South Africa, whero, during tho war, ho ran a company .in Bloemfontein for over 18 months, a company which numbered among its members Mr. Herbert Clemming, Miss Beatrice Day and Mr. Reginald Wykcham, lately here with tho WilloughbyWard Company. Sutro'a New Play. • Mr. Alfred Sutro has (says tho London "Standard" 'of October 11) goue back to the style of "Tho Walls of Jericho," but in his now play, "Tho ■Barrier,'.' produced at tho Comedy Theatre Inst night, he has not a root idea so .elementarily strong as that which helped to hido the ebullience and theatricality of that most successful .work; "The Barrier" is 'a. retrogression' l fi'o'lri 3 '"Jolm Glaydo's Honour." These dukes so abashed and unworldly, these millionaire drapers so austero/aml so Wing-kind, theso impossibly tyrannical women who rule • the men with a rod, hot only of iron, but iron whito hot — all these people aro of tho theatre, theatrical: they are, undoubtedly, attractive, each in his way, they "get over the footlights," they haro humour and they have .grip— because Mr. Sutro is an accomplished craftsman. That which thoy liavo not is truth, to nature—anil, missing that, thoy miss everything save an appeal to those to whom superficiality is but little so long-.'as the sentiment—must we say sentimentality?— and tho humour are hot and strong. Margaret Verrall is an actress who is going to marry Lord Ronald Dur.iaray, younger son of the Duko of St. Edmunds.' She is a superb creature, he is n very nice boy, and they are very much in love. In tho background thero is Captain Antony Erquen— tho "watchdog," the laithful friend, the silent worshipper, the rock of siipport. Years ago Margaret, a young girl, mot the African magnato, Eustace Marnllicr, and foil a victim to him. Now sho discovers that he is to marry Alma, the sister'of tho man whoso wifo sho is to bo. Hero we see tho machinery at work. Alma loathes Marrillicr with an intouso and horrified aversion. To save her, Margaret stops botween him and his desires, knowing that he is likely, in return, to tell of tlioir own episode in tl'ie past. This is tho "great" sceno of tho play, and very strong and effective it is, despite its unreality. Margaret, contrary to her wildest hopes, is forgiven by every one—by every one except her betrothed, * who, in sjjito of himself, fools that his, love has gone with the shattering of his idol. So sho. sends him away, and the path is left clear for Erquen—ono day. New Play for Bernhardt. "La Maitrcsso do Piano," tho new play given at Mmo. Sarah Jiernhardt's theatre 011 October o, is adapted from a novel by M. Duqucsncl, with the collaboration of M. Andro Bardo, and is in the stylo of "Roman d'un jeuno Hommo Pauvro." In this case, however, wo arc asked to follow tho fortunes of a poor young woman, instead of tlioso of a poor .youiffi man, who, besides boing of noble birth, has all the graces and all tho virtues. It is, in fact-,-vieux jou, but it is wo.ll. done from all points of view, and the spirited acting of Mmo. Lericho as the parvenu millionaire, and employer of Mils, tie; Chazcau, tho. maitrcsso do piano, inado tho ivholo piece go with a verve that was much appreciated by the audience; Needless to say, Mile, do Chazeau has to put up with every possible insult from the millionaire family in which sho is supiwsed to teach before sho meets tho Marquis who is to restore her to her proper social sphere, and equally needless is it to add that all onds happily for her. Tho duel scene has been much talked of beforehand; but, as an exhibition of fencing, it was not exciting, and might, as far as tho play goes, iust as well have been left out. Mllo. J)orizat made a' charming Mllo. de Chazeau, and by her naturiil. beauty saved the part from being tiresome. It is probable that "La Maitrcsso do Piano" will liavo a great success, for thorp is still a largo French public which loves to seo virtuo sot forth on tho old lines, and to whom a tearful ' heroine is always dear. Your Signature, Please. There is a movement on foot among wellknown concort artistes to' form ! an "'autograph combine." This proposition is the result of tho increasing demands "for your signaturo". from importunate autographhunters, who with tho re-oponing of tho theatrical season aro now busily at work. Among thoso who aro willing to join tho "combino" aro Mmo. Clara Butt, Miss Agnes Nicholls, Herr Fritz Kreislor, Messrs. Ben Davios, John Coatcs, Kennorloy Rumford, Henry Wood, Maurice Farkoa, Ffrangcon Davies, and many ofchors. Tlio proposal is that a fixed sum, either ono shilling or lialf-a-crown, should bo charged to tlio "autograph fiend" for each signature given. All tho money thus received would go to endow a cot, or oven'a ward, at a London hospital. A "Daily Mail" representative was told that Herr Kroislor has received as many as 1001) lottcrs in a wook asking for his autograph. Unique Protest against the Stage "Pat." Tho dotails of a visit of protest to thi Muueaster Theatre in Bootle, near Liverpool, .were narrated before his Honour Judea

bhand in tho Liverpool County Court r.ocoutly, when Daniel M'Carthy ■' sudd ; tho owners and acting manager (Mr. 11. Young) of tlio theatre to recover £50, damages for alleged falso imprisonment. It appeared that M'Carthy is chairman of tho Liverpool Federation of Irish Societies, which has a membership of something above 4000, and part of their purpose (as explained' by Mr. H. L. Riley, barrister) was to correct tho stago, and particularly tho musichall stago, conception of Irish peasant'character. During the week beginning August 26, Mr. Dion tyoucicatilt's famous drama "Tho Shanghraun" was being played twice nightly at tho defendant's playhouse. M'Carthy and 14 or 15 other members of, or sympathisers with, the objects of the organisation visited tho theatre on tho night of tho 29th. They were displeased with certain incidents, and tho climax was reached in what is known as tho wako scene, where Father Dolan iB represented as indulging in whisky-drinking by protending he did not know whotberho was drinking whisky or tea. Mr. M'Carthy stood up in his place in the pit at this stago, mid addressing the 1500 persons iii the tlieatro, said, "I presume the majority of men and womon hero aro Irish, and you will know, as I do, that this is a gross'travesty on the character of our raco. • I protest against its continuance. It must be stoppod, and I trust you will agree with me." Tho plaintiff, in his evidence, maintained that the majority of the audience did agree with him by "applauding his littlo speech." "I was 1 still standing," went on tho plaintiff, "when the corpso of Con got up from tho bed and came down to the footlights. I could not hoar what ho said mysolf, but he was received with boos and hisses by the majority of the audience." The plaintiff, continuing his evidence, said that the defendant, Mr. Young, then arrived upon tho scene, and gave him (the plaintiff) intb the custody of a police constable. Ho was taken to a police station and dotained there for an hour and a half while certain inquiries were made. . After further evidence, the jury stopped f tho caso, intimating that they had heaVd enough, and his Honour gave a verdict for tho defendants, with costs. Herbert Flemmfng's Maw Company. Tho namc.s of tho new artists selected by Mr. Herbert Flamming for his re-orgnilised company aro annonnoed in a letter received in .Sydney last week by Mr. Claude Whaito. Mr. A. >S. Homewood, who h»3 been engaged as lead, lik.s been on four tours in America with Miss Olga Nothursole aiid Mr. K S. Willard, and played Pantaloon and Steve Rollo in tho tour of " Alice-Si t-by-the-Firo" with Miss ISIIen Terry in; 1905. .• Mr. Homewood, who is well known in the English provinces, has dona a vast amount of good work there in Shakespearian and old comedy reportoiro companies, liis experience of tiie English stage extends over 16 years, for his first professional appearance was made at Sadler's Wells in lisOl, 'when ho, played: four, small parts in "Tho Ring of Iron." Before that lie had a considerable career in amateur productions. ' Born at Ilf'ord, in.Essex, ho was educated at New College, Eastbourne, and at Monmouth, and studied elocution with Mr. Alfred Nelson at the Guildhall School. Miss Joan Blair (Mrs,. Honiewood) will also corno to Australia as a mombcr of the company. Miss Blair, who studied for tho theatrical profesion at Hen Greet's Academy, has had a good deal of work in his repertoire companies and pastoral plajs. Her characters include. Lady Babbie in "The Littlo Minister," played on tour, and.sho has I also had tho distinction Jof .touting..with. Miss Ellen Terry, while she has ,paid Wo visits to America in companies headed by Mr. E. S. Willard, and has oppeared in South Africa under tho management of Messrs. B. and F. AVheeler. Miss Elsie Clemens, who has been engaged for ingenue parts, has had three years experience with Mrs. ICondal, and several West- End engagements, the Inst; ofwhich was in "Raffles."'' when Mr. Dion Boucicault Splayed the , adventurous cracksman. Tho other new members of;the company will he Miss Alice Daintreo, Messrs. Herbert Ainsworth, 'Percy Mar ton, and Aubrey Mallalieu, and' Miss Nellie Mortyne, who was here with tho "Messago from Mnrs' Company. Miss Beatrice-Day will, as already 1 announced,'continue,, as. loading, lady, wlnlo Miss Guildford Quin, aiid Messrs. Oregon M'Mahon, Winter Hall; John F. Fordo, H. W. Yarna, and J. H. Paiilton, will complolo tho company. As before, Mr.' H.- Whaito will paint the scenery, and- Messrs. Allan Hamilton arid Claude Wliaite will be on the managerial staff. ' " ' " Mr. Flomming has secured the rights of Mr. Tree's new play, which the celebrated actor recontly produced in Dublin, "Tho-Be-loved Vagabond," a dramatisation of .'Mv. Locke's book, and "Simple Simon," a new piny in four acts, bv Murray Carson-and Nora Keith. "Simple Simon" was .produced for tho first time last month in Manchester by Mr. Arthur Bourchier, These pieces,'with "The Morals of Marcus," mid two other plays, will constitute' Mr., Flemming's chief, attractions for i tho coming Aiistralasiflii tour. The company, liavinp: left England by the Omrah, will be duc.hi .Melbourne,on .Docomber 11, and will becin ,'nt onco with'the rehearsals of "Olivia,"' Mr, Flomming having decided to make that his Christmas production at the Princess Theatre in that city,. George Darrell, Optlmfet. Mr. George Durrell, anthor of "Tiro Land of Gold" just produced in Sydney by Mr. Anderson's company," has written iporo than 30 dramas, which have been-played during the last quarter of. a century in-Australasia., while many have been introduced to audiences in England aiid America. In his drama. "The Sunny South," Mr. Darroll has played tho leading character, Mat Morley, nearly a thousand times, and has- starred for- two seasons in the play in Loudon, thus securing a record which has not been equalled by,any. other Australian actor-author. • - jTho - 'Forlorn Hope," one of His earliest successes, foreshadowed in its main incident tho departure of an Australian contingent from these shores to do battle for tho Mothercountry. During his career oil the stago ho has interpreted many leading Shakespearian and classic roles, and his record also includes important characters in pantomime, ■ a tenor part in opera bouffe, and a. long list of heroes in melodrama. Since his visits to England and America, Mr. .Darroll has- not appeared in Sydney or Melbourne, but ho proposes to undertake a farowcll tour through Australia next year with, his own dramas, bnfore ho returns to England with the.intention of again appearing' in London. ■ Notes. . At tho 200 th performance of "Mrs. Wiggs oftho Cabbage Patch," in London last month, Mrs. Madge Carr ■ Cook,-' the actress, who plays tho title. role,-was tho hostess to 1500 of the "Mrs. Wiggses" of London, invited to como to tho Adelphi Theatre to see the'play and enjoy a cup of tea. Mr. John Fuller, juti.,.'of tho well-known Now Zealand firm ;of John Fuller and Sons, says he has come to the conclusion from what he has seen in his travels, that Australian and Now Zealand theatres and theatrical performances will compare'favourably with those of any part' of tlie world. To tho Australian artist who,. having made a success in his own country, desires to repeat, that success in London, he points out.that a" name in London is-secured only by years of hard work in minor parts, and even then the fact has to bo roniombored that tho audionccs of tho great metropolis remain very loyal to their own favourites, so that, though a manager may realise that he lias suporior ability in the ranks, ho must '.allow it to remain there, because of the> fact! that tho people want those whom tlioy know. It is the namo that attracts and not always tho ability. Mr. A. E. Greonaway, the clever young actor who has done such sterling work on tho Australian stage—his Romeo to Miss Tittell Bruno's Juliet will be .well remembered— has just returned from South Africa, whoro lie lias been touring with much individual success in a dramatic company. Ho has alroady boon ro-ongagod "by Mr. J. C. Williamson for a part in tho forthcoming production of "Tho Scarlet Pimpernel." "Mother Goose" has been transformed into "llunipty-Diinipty." In other words, the pantomimo company having completed its rccord-broaking tour of Australasia ; is back again in Melbourne once iiioro rehearsing for tho next Xmas Pantomime. Miss Florence Young will again be principal boy in tho now production and Mr. Harry Phydora the dame, while parts have also boon allotted to Mr. Harry Slliiie, Queen, and Lo Brun and other favourites:' Sir. Bort Gilbert, who is to play King Solium, is alroady well on his way with Mri'E. Bar.ton, specially epgaged frr lie part of "Humpty-Dumpty,.".