THE THEATRE.

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2462, 15 May 1915, Page 13

THE THEATRE.

IBy Stlvius.]

I'iie World's a tfleatro; tha Eartb a stage.—H'eywood.

"Les Cloches de Cornvlllc." The Wellington Amateur Oparatio Society were so pleased with the sucoess achieved by "Paul Jones" that they have once more honoured the memory of Robert Plaiiquotto by selecting another of, his operas for production. This time the choice has fallen upon "Les Cloches do Cornville," or "The Chimes of Normandy," a sparkling and melodious light opera with a strong dramatio interest, and one which has never been known to fail to catch tile public fancy. "Les Cloches" was one of the first operas produced by tliu old Amateur Operatic Society in Wellington, and was performed with comparatively great success in St. Peter's Schoolroom in the year 1887. The cast of characters on that occasion was as follows: —Marquis, Mr: James Roid; Gobo, Mr. Noble Campbell; Baillie, Mr. W M R. Block; Germaiue, Miss Selina Young; Serpolette, Miss Nellie Parkes; Gaspard, Sir. Harry Nioholls; Grenicheux, Mr. E. J. Hill. "Les Cloches" has been played in Wellington many times since, but as far as the ..toritar can recollect not since it was done by the Pollard Company some sixteen or seventeen years ago, so that its delights will he full of original charrr. to the younger generation of playgoers.

('Cinderella" Next Month. Though! matters thoatrioal are far from promising in New Zealand, the Williamson management is sending; over next month the pantomime "Cinderella," whioh has been running in Melbourne and Sydney since Christmas time. "Cinderella" is said to be one of the best mounted pantomimes which_ the Firm has ever produced, whilst little fault can be found with .the personnel of the company. The principal boy will be Miss Minnie Love (which is ever 80 appropriate a name for the Prince), Miss Dolly Castles as Cinderella, Mr. Leslie Ganzo as a gay gallant, Mr. Arthur Stigant as the Dame, and 'the inimitable Barry Lupino as Buttons. The New Zealand tour will commence in Wellington eitlier on June 8 or 9— according to the arrangements made In connection with tho ship-load of scenery required for the pioduction.

The Lusltanla Losses. After the extended notices that have appeared in the Dominion about tho prominent people who have gone to keep their last engagement through the sinking of the Lusitania, it is scarcely necessary to' refer to tho careers of such, men as Charles Froliman and Charles Klein, further than to remark that these gentlemen who were associated. for some years, the latter as play-reader to, the former, wore probably travelling in company, and most likely were going to England in connection with attractions for the. nest American season, beginning in October next. It is customary for managers to make their arrangements somo months ahead; indeed, it is necessary, on account of the artists and plays to be secured. Klein would very likoly be on the lookout for a subject, for a war play, a class of attraction that is mighty popular just i»w. / Klein will always Have the respect of local playgoers for the good work comprised in "The Lion and the Mouse." This play and the "Musio Master" aro probably his two biggest_ successes. _ Frohman was a big man in tho theatrical world, a big quiet man, who did not advertise himself, and who was always averse to being photographed. Those interested in tne stage know the facial lineaments of several of the leading managers, but I doubt if many can recall those of Charles Frohman. He was a short bulky man, with a clean-shaven Hebraio oast of features. It was Frohman that oonceived the idea of a reciprocal management under the one head in London and New York. He was tho head that put the plan into execution, and which was working when he disappeared in the Atlantic. Shico the initial message we have heard nothing further about the presence on board the liner of tho "A Pair of Silk , SHocbings" Company, which had been playing a season m'New York under engagement to Mr. Winthrop Ames of the Little Theatre. The leading actor of this company was Mr. Kenneth Douglas, tho_ London comedian, who married Miss Grace Lane. Ho made his first success in the profession as Bullock Major in "The New Boy." His subsequent career was never in doubt'. He played such parts as Tom in -&no Summer's Day, Minister in "The Little Minister," was Seton Boyes in , "Beauty and tho Barge," and some years ago ,was again successful in "The Drums of Oudo" and "Toddles." The leading lady of the company was Miss Sybil Carlisle/ who has had a long and very sticcessful career, dating back to 1891. She has supported Charles Wyndham, Ada Rehan, Cyril Maude, and was also in the original productions, of "My Pretty Maid," "The Admirable Crichton," "The Second in Command," and was Mrs. Darling in the original oast of "Peter Pan." One paper has taentioned J. Miles Forman as a playwright, and "A Garden of Lies" as his play. That Ts scarcely correct. Forman wrote the novel of that name, and the book was. dramatised, but not, I fancy, by Mm. The stage version seen in New Zealand with Mr. Alfred' Woods in the leading role, was prepared by Miss Maud Williamson, leading lady with Mr. Woods, who is now doing a sketch in vaudeville in England.

Something New in Theatres. Hastings is being provided with something new in the way of civic theatres. Mr. Henry J. Whits, tho well-known theatre designer, has shaken off tho shackles of convention, and is giving the prosperous little Hawko's Bay town not only a fine theatre, but an architectural feature that should reflect credit upon the district and borough council. The has taken the form of a building, which is to reflect that picturesque old Spanish style known in America —and particularly in California—as the Mission stylo, ono that is eminently suited to Hastings with its long suiishiny summer. The front elevation, with its plain face, is to bo finished in _ fine rough-cast of a creamy tone, which contrasts boldly with tho heavily red-tiled far projecting roof and suspended verandah. The overhang of the roof projects 6 feet, and is supported by exposed beams. At either end is a short square towor (also heavily tiled) which gives' balance and proportion to tho structure. The. front is pierced with longitudinal slit windows, each of which will bo provided with an Oriental flower box. A fine_ broad-tiled entrance in the ccntro admits to the stalls' and dross circle. The lino auditorium will seat 1300 )>eoplo, and from each tip-up upholstered seat (no others aro to be used) will command a full view of the stage. The appointments within, and behind the footlights will be up-to-date in every respect. Tho theatre, which is now undei; construction, is being erected by Messrs. Bull Bros, at a cost of £12,000.

Theatres as Usual. Mr. H. N. Southwell, Ilia lieall'li liappily restored, seems to be making a prolonged stay in London, from which lie writes gaily to tlio Sydney "Herald" on March 8 to express liis astonishment at the liveliness of London 011 its entertainment side. This appears lo give Parisians causo both for wonder and disapproval and even some of the I/ondon papers comment on nnr apparent inability to (sum, im. tte ser, iousiieas of this colos*»l conflict* 'tiara.

ftro just now 26 theatres open and doinn- well, mostly with revivals such as "Sweet Nell of Old Drury" (Fred Terry and Jula Neilson) aud "The Whip." But there are also some* long runs in progress; aud I paid another visit to "Potash and Perlmutter" for tho S6sth performance. "Plenty of good music all around," he continues. "The Royal Choral Society gets great (redit for "Gerontius," with Clara Butt for the first time as the Angel, and Gervase Elwes aud Robert Radford ill tho cast. I had the good fortuno to be present at the Mansion House eouoert recently, and, like everyone else, was astonished by those fine old singers Charies Santloy (now aged 81) and Edward Lloyd (aged 70). Santlev, as encore for "Son of the Ocean Isle," trotted out "Simon the Cellarer" with amazing rigour' and humour, and the great tenor rendered "Lend Me Your Aid," and 'Songs of Araby,' so that we all sat up and wondered. To counterbalance these old artist-warriors, three charming girls did nice work— Mignon Nevada, a daughter of the once famous American diva, Rosina Buckman, so well known m Sydney, and a first-rata violinist, Kathllnon Parlow."

Louise Mack to Lecture, Messrs. J. and N. Tait have arranged to direct a lecturing tour by Miss Louise Mack, a well-known Australian novelist, who was in Antwerp when the Germans were attacking the city. Miss Mack was formerly lady writer for the Sydney "Bulletin."-

Death of Mrs. Bernard Beore, The death of Mrs. Bernard Beera is announced. Mrs. Beore was born at Norwich on October 5, 1856, and was prepared for the stage by the late Hermann Vezin. Her stage debut .was made in 1877 at the Opera Comiqtte, put she soon took up the dramatio side of the stage, and at the St. James's Theatre played Emilia, in "Othello." She was with the Bancrofts for some years, and played many big parts_ in London productions with distinction. In 1892 .she toured "the ,TJnited States and subsequently Australia and India. Her first appearance in Australia was at the Melbourne Opera House, where she appeared in "As In a LookingGlass," She was supported by Marius and Miss Henrietta Watson. She played Mrs. -Arbuthnot in the first production of "A Woman of No Importance," in 1893. Her most recent appearance was in a sketch called "Tho Spy" in which she played in vaudeville. Mrs. Boere was married three times: To Captain E. C. Deering, Bernard Beere, and finally, in 1899, to A. C. Olliver.

Notes, Mr. W. S. Percy, tho diminutive comedian, who was with J. C. Williamson, Ltd., for so long, is now engaged on the Moss and Stoll vaudeville circuit playing a sketch entitled "A Cold Doucho" with his own little company.

Mr. E. Pirie Bush, the Wellington (New Zealand) actor, who has had suoh a long and pleasant engagement with the Niblo_ Comedy Company, is loaving for Amerioa in company with Mr. and Mrs. Fred Niblo next month. Mr. Bush has been exceedingly fortunate in securing parts so closely allied to 'his own personality, and still more fortunate fa having secured the interested friendship of the Niblos.