ENTERTAINMENTS, ETC.

Evening Post, Volume LXVIII, Issue 99, 24 October 1904, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS, ETC.

THE STEPHENSON COMPANY AND " THE ROSE OF THE RIVIERA." Announced as . having been merely "manufactured to make mankind merrier," " The Rose of the Riviera," presented by Mr. George Stephenson's Company at the' Opera House on Saturday evening, achieves its purpose very effecuaUy. In paint of fact, such a combined outburst of spontaneous whole-hearted laughter Jias not echoed through the theatre for many a day. Asked why you laughed, you would probably be puzzled to give a better or more truthful reply than that "it was excellent fooling." The piece is neither comic opera, musical comedy, nor burlesque — just "something to laugh at," on. the principle that "a little noasense now and then " is a safe tonic for the best of us. Obviously it would never do to hamper such a concoction wifli much of a plot, consequently after initiating a masquerade, the authors, or management, or both, proceed, perhaps wisely, to fling it to the winds, and to lea^e it to the players to work their own sweet will, with the simple injunction that the fun must be fast and furious. And it is. Mr. Stephenson has got tog**<her a company of bright and clever -lople, who know just what to do and vhen to do it, and they hustle for ■• * they are worth. If it wasn't for this latter factor, the piece probably would not be half the success it is, or half so "musing. You find yourself laughing at a bit of nonsense before you have tinsi to analyse it and discover how very nonsensical it all is, and no time is allowed for any such analysis. The leader of the revels is Mr. Edward Lauri, one of a great family of funmakers, and well enough known locally to need no introduction. He reappears in the character of one Brisket, a retired Cockney tradesman, taking a holiday on the Continent. A day's adven-ture-hunting at Nice — starting with snapshotting bathers, which laswls to his being suspected of photographing fortifications — compels him to resort to as many disguises as the lamented Mr. Grattan Rigg's Irish detective, and makes him the hub of humour. Droll enough throughout the masquerade, he probably achieves the topmost pinnacle when he appears as the Duchess of dapham, clothed in an " Empire " gown of black with a broad panel of sequins down the front, in which he cavorts through a giddy interlude, and gives full rein to his versatile fancy and amusing antics. It is, however, Lauri in his wildest mood from first to last, and the irresponsible comedian is seen at his best. There is other capital comedy talent among the males, notably developed in Messrs. Charles M'Naughton, Will and Charles Bovis, the former as a Spanish. Count of doubtful reputation, the second as the French proprietor of the Grand Hotel, Nice, and the latter as an American journalist. Their work was generally admirable, both individually and collectively, and it reached, a climax when they simultaneously appeared in an eccentric trio illustrating "How We Go Home." In this they picture three of the most amusing " drunks " imaginable, and carefully draw the line between laughable nonsense and objectionable stupidity. There is a hat trick in this scene which adds to the fun. Mr. Fred. Twitchin, who appears to be the one man among the principals who has to exercise a certain amount of restraint, sang himself into favour with a good baritone song. Among the ladies, Miss May Beatty, altered only physically, aud jusb as clever a comedy actress and acceptable singer as of old, appeared as the " Rose of Riviera." Most of her work had to be done "in trousers," and it was done daintily and well, and her chief vocal success was scored in a melodious number, charmingly illustrated, entitled "Egypt." Miss Garstang, a newcomer, waa bright, pleasing, and tuneful as Mademoiselle Jacquette, an actress, showing a clever comedy gift with Mr. Lauri in some mock melodrama, while she won a very emphatic encore with the song " Pansy Faces," quaintly illustrated. Miss Alice Nixon, who also sings, and is an exceptionally clever and graceful dancer, completed the list of important principal parts, though there were a dozen others who had something to say and do. The piece presents plenty of spectacle in the way of handsome dressing and scenery, and there are some bright ballets by the Rose quartet and the ' 'Four Gibson Girls," who introduce novel gymnastics into their dances. The "Rose"' will run till further notice. FULLER'S ENTERTAINERS. The change of bill given at His Majesty's Theatre on Saturday evening introduced several new performers, all of whom were well received. Numerically, as well as in point of merit, the company is very strong at 'present, in proof of Whic hit may be pointed out that none of the performers in the first part were called upon to appear again during the second half. Messrs. Scott and Wallace, a pair of Irish comedians, created a favourable impression, and won repeated encores. Kadaiha, a Japanese wire- walker, did some clever work on a slack wire, and Miss May Rose, a sprightly little maiden, was recalled for her singing and dancing. Victor, sleight of hand performer, and general dealer in mysteries, made his reappearance, anu met with considerable success. The company is well provided with comic singers just flow, Messrs. Jim Marion, Fred Rivenhall, and Harry Sadler all being well up to the standard. Mr. Harry Hart, who sang "The Death of Nelson" scored a great success. Selections by Madame Melba and Mr. Edward Lloyd, per graphaphone, were eagerly listened to. Acceptable items wepe also given by the Trevena Sisters, Little Eileen Capel, and Miss Ivy Nicholls. The company will be further strengthened this evening by the inclusion of Miss Barbara Renton. DIX'S GAIETY COMPANY. The popularity of "Dix'a" has made that bright spot in the vaudeville world proof against desertion even in the face of the strong competitions of other shows, and accordingly the Theatre Royal was on Saturday night quite filled by an enthusiastic audience. The "star" turn of the evening was the Gotham Quartette, a humorous American "four-in-hand," who rung vocal bells and rollicked through a liberal field of jokes and songs to the complete satisfaction of the spectators. A pleasantly clever and humorous sketch was given' by Mr. Fred Graham and Miss Nellie Dent in their lively and finished fashion. The doom of the patter comedian is evi-dently-not yet, as Mr. Harry Shine, one of this guild of mirth-makers, added another to his record of successes. . Miss Louie Perfect, who has warbled herself to popularity, received a cordial tribute for her tuneful rendering of "For all Eternity" and "Believe." Mr. Percy Denton's fine tenor voice was heard at its best in his items, and Messrs. Sam Gale and Sam Rowley completed an excellent programme. To-night Mr. Les Warton, the singer of coon songs, will come back to the city. The management hint at something especial for Thursday next. The sale of work in connection with the Anglican Church at Brooklyn was brought to a close on Friday night. The stall-holders, Mrs. G. Smith and Mrs. E. Smith, Guild Stall; Mrs.. Sargent

and Mrs. Davis, Produce Stall; Mrs. Mabin and Miss Baylis, Lollie Stall ; Misses Temperton and Cambridge, Flower Stall ; Mrs. Eyres and Miss L. Temperton, Refreshments Stall ; Mrs. Burrand and Miss- Fitchett, Fish Pond ; and other assistants deserve great credit for their share in the success of the sale. The Wellington Musical Union has. concluded its arrangements with soloists for its next series of subscription concerts, which follow immediately upon the opening of the Town Hall. As already announced, "The Spectre', Bride" ■ and "Hiawatha" are underlined for production. The three soloist's secured, Miss Amy Murphy, of Dunedin (soprano), arid Messrs. Hamilton Hodges (baritone), and Frank Graham (tenor), both of Auckland, will make the most noted trio of singers the Unian has yet engaged. Miss Murphy and Mr. Hodges have already scored triumphs under Mr. Parker's baton, and Mr. Graham comes with the highest credentials. He won fame in England, where he was a soloist with Carl Rosa's Opera Company.