"HUMPTY-DUMPTY."

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 279, 18 August 1908, Page 6

"HUMPTY-DUMPTY."

J: C. WILLIAMSON'S PANTOMIME SEASON. New Zealand has to take its pantomimo when it can get it, and bo duly thankful that it. comcs along at all. This, tho, most expensive of all theatrical entertainments, is usually associated with ."tho waits," blaring pudding, tho mistletoe, snow-covered ground, and Santa Claus in the England of our imagining,' but tho topsy-turveydom that comes of living "down under" reverses the thermometer and tho pantomimo goes, up in Australia in mid-summer, but still to tho accompaniment of Xmas chimes and that "thoughts-of-homo" sensation which at such a time attacks thoso who havo strayed from the fold. Hero in New Zealand tho pantomimo comes when it listoth, and is always welcomed by both sexes of all ages, and with greater warmth when it has attached to it the magic' name of J. C. Williamson. A year ago the Wellington public enjoyed tho agreeable company of ' 'Mother Goose'.'; this time it is that quaint'mystery "HumptyDumpty," who is the chrysalis from which issues tho whirl of glittering _ people and wonderful scenes summed up in the word pantomime. Spectacularly "HumptyDumpty" is the finest pantomimo that has glowed on tho local- stage. Tho artistic work of' Mr. Coleman, _ one of - tho "Firm's" brilliant staff of scenic artists, is of itself worth a visit to tho Opera House. "The Homo of Ambition" transports ono to Ihe streets of such a city as Anthony Hop© would weave into one of his romances. "The Ocean Beach" is roally an interesting representation of tho ocean beach at Manley, Sydney. Tho submarine set is a _ rare combination of , glowing in which the designing of things marine is a notable feature. But for pure art without any filagree Mr. Coleman's "Australian _ Country Lane"- is ono of tho most attractive bits'of work hung in the Opera Houso for many a day ; and his keen sense of perspective is admirably demonstrated in the palace scone, on which tho curtain finally descends.

"Humpty Dumpty" does not depend on its scenery. It actually has a semblance to a plot. King.Solium has decreed that whosoever shall make him laugh shall win the hand of his fair daughter _ and shall have money besides. As tho Princess Aurora is very charming there_ is quite a rush of suitors, : bent on tickling the grave monarch into laughing,_ but it is not so easy. Jesters a-many try in vain, Rudolph tho Pretty tries him with an aged moss-grown wheezo that causes tears; Brie and Brae are a smart pair, but failure is their portion; "even Bison Bob, - a circus proprietor and a very funny follow, makes the attempt, but tho King is as solemn as a sto'no foncc. It is then , that tho vicious "Humpty-Dumpty," who can "wish" himself, anything, desires that the King shall laugh, and ■he duly cackles a dry, unconvincing laugh. Still, it is a laugh, and Humpty claims his reward, but tho serious King protests that ho was only laughing at liis own thoughts, and further decrees that tho fair Aurora shall bo given to the ono who finds a valuable ring ho lost when fishing. Humpty agrees, but it is left to young ' Rudolph to find tho bauble, and win- the girl. The troublesome person about: -the premises of this. pantomime is' the myth that fell' off tlie wall—ho is always wishing s'omething_ ridiculously grotesque,- which accounts for his mother, Martha, marrying King Solium in a weak moment, arid later for both of them-being reduced ito beggary, hut 'though l Huriipty has a strong advocate 1 iri 1 a loud-liraged demon, there is always the restraining influence of the beautiful Fairy Queen to check things from going too far, and who plays a graceful part in bringing youth .and beauty together. Suchf a storv, entertaining enough to the child mind (which is a stickler for the book), is merely a thread of tho vaguest narrative that winds in and out of the dazzling fabric of the pantomime. There are ballets in pleasant profusion—tho nursery rhymo ballet (in which all tho favourites of nursery loro play a part); tho submarine ballet of the fishy order (and you must bo careful of the . octopus); the gorgeous Australasian States ballet, each section representing an_ outstanding product 1 of the State it stands for; and, finally, " Tho • Grand 1 March of tho Nations" in which bevies of shapely 'girls', gaily caparisoned, advance by sections flying tho colours of tho countries they so alluringly represent. One splendid featuro of tho performance was "The Hall of Ten Thousand Lights," in which.the entire stage is ablaze with innumerable electric lights, that embroider various mechanical devices .supporting tho ladies of the ballet. Chiefcst of theso is a hugo illuminated wheel, from which aro suspended swing seats, each' having a charming occupant. There aro also independent swings high in the. air, and on tho stage the children poso prettily on see-saws all a-dazzlo with vari-coioured lights. ••

As to the cast, disappointment was felt by all—management as well as tile publicowing to tlid inability of Mr. Bert Gilbert to appear as tho glum monarch. His cyo was injured through an accidental kick received during tho performance) of "Mother Gooso" in Auckland, _ and ho is now undergoing treatment. His placo was taken at short notico by Mr. Oswald Cusling who did remarkably well'under the circumstances, though evidently too anxious to exhibit much' humour. Ho t was quite successful in tho lugubrious ditty "Brother Bill.!' Miss' Mabolle Morgan, in the pretty clothes of Rudolph, whilst acting .with dash throughout, maao -a singing success of- her "Drummer Boy" lilt of tho first, act, and in the pretty "Bayou" scoua. MissNanco Maher mado an attractive Princess Aurora. She is gifted with a fine soprano voice of great power over a big range, and her one solo was.notablo as an exhibition of her vocal capacity more than a song to please. Miss Irene Dillon, another dainty singing dansouse, appeared as Cherry (a pierotte), and sang-and danced with delightful abandon. Mr. Harry Shine, as Bison . Bob, was tho chief merrymaker. Ho has a quaint and quiet manner of persuading laughter that is irresistible. His song "Woman gets the best of it," was one of. the hits of tho ovening; Mr; Victor Loydall wa3 lioydenislily funny as Martha. His song "When ■ I was in tho Chorus of the 1 Gaiety," was given . a smart choral setting. Miss Olga Grey's impersonations of popular stars of tho stage was' one of tho most acceptable '"'turns'' in the bill, tho'l young lady's talent, for mimicry being quite remarkable. "Humpty Dumpty" was played by Mr. George Young, and tho humorous cats and lady elephant were cleverly representatcd by Messrs. Queen and. Le Brun. Miss Pressy Preston was Princo Spritely, Miss Beatrice English, tho spirit of generosity (with song), and Mr. C. Howard was Soaro, the Spirit of Ambition. A good band under tho baton of Mr. Geo. Hall did valuable work, and Mr. J. C. Whitfield deserves a word of commendation for his stage manajgement.

"Humpty Dumpty" will be repeated until further uotico. The first matinee will tako place to-morrow afternoon.