MIMES AND MUSIC.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVII, Issue 63, 11 September 1909, Page 11

MIMES AND MUSIC.

fUX QBPHKVS.]

COMING EVENTS.

OPERA BOUSE.

J. C. Williamson, in season to 15th September. _ .. _ .

Maurice's Vaudeville Company, 16th September. Hugh J. Ward, 2nd to 16th October. Harry Kickards, l&th to 30th October. J. C. Williamson, 2oth October to 13th November.

J. C. Williamson, 15th November to Oth December. M. Branscombe, 10th to 18th December. J. C. Williamsop, 26th December. TUEATRE ROYAL. t Fullers* Pictifres. in season.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. Royal Picture Syndicate, in season.

The advent of Chas. Maurice's Minstrel and" Vaudeville Company at the Opera House next Thursday night should be welcome. Vaudeville — good vaudeville — is always welcomed in Wellington, and if Mr. Maurice has the goods ha can rely on ample patronage. There are twelve artists in the company, which is headed by George Sorlie, an American comedian.

The Pollard Opera Company is meeting with success in Dunedin, and on the conclusion of the southern tour will again invade the North Island. Mr. ired Duval, who will arrive here next Saturday, has arranged the following tour : — Greytown 27tn September, Carterton 28th, Ek oahuna 29th, Pahiatua 30th and Ist October, Feilding 2nd, Marton 4th, Wanganui sth, 6th, and 7th, Waverley Bth, Hawera 9th and 11th, Eltham 12th, Stratford 13th and 14th, Inglewood 15th, and New Plymouth 16th and 18th.

A Melbourne playgoer, who after four successive attempts failed to obtain admission to ".Othello," wrote to the Meynell and Gunn management asking that he should be refunded the out-of-pocket expenses incurred in journeying into town. The management readily complied with this request, and retained the letter, with ita unique claim, for advertising purposes. Mr. E M. Eoyle, the author of "Tho Squaw Man," has written a sequel to it, "In the Blood." Jim Carston, the squaw man, returns in the original play to his British home, taking with nim his child, the eon of his dead Indian wife. In the new play Mr. Royle shows the fate of this boy, whoj reared in the best English society, surrounded by its refinements and traditions, still ieels the mysterious inliuence that impels him to v return to his mother's people. Ihough he knows nothing of the Indians, he feels that calf "in the blood" to tho land in which her people have dwelt for generations.

The habit of becoming "stage-struck" is as common among youthful Royalties as among less excited persons. The Queen of Holland once confessed that if she were obliged to choose a profession, it would be that of an actrees. During her girlhood she took a great interest in amateur theatricals, and the little private .. theatre which she had erected at the palaco waa* often the scene of her own dramatic triumphs. Queen Alexandra was at one time a clever amateur actress, and her love of acting is shared by her daughter, now Queen of Norway. Princess Henry of. Battenberg is another Royal actress of great merit. One of the last performances she ever gave was in the part of "Miss Neville" in Goldsmith's "She Stoops to Conquer," at a representation of 'that play before the late Queen Victoria at Os borne.

Tlfe Hicks Theatre, London, has passed through many phases. It has changed its policy as the chameleon changes ite colour ; it has, turn by turn, opened its arms to comedy, drama, and to musical comedy. But, for the future, all this is to be altered. Even the very -name of the theatre, before the autumn season starts, will bo changed. Drama then and thenceforward will be the staple attraction; in Mr. Charles Frohman's own words, he will produce there only "strong, human plays." For this purpose he is engaging a company of leading players, who, eavo that they may on occasion be transferred to one of Mr. Frohman's other West End theatres, will practically represent a revival of the stocK system. At the head of these figures Miss Lena Asbwell, who will hold the position of leading lady until Easter, at least. In tho matter of first productions, a local young gentleman who has ambitions as a playwright, ''tried it on the dog" at Riccarton recently, principally, apparently, for the purpose of advertising his identity under the thin veil of "an old Riccarton schoolboy," writes "Prompter" in the Canterbury Times. It was characteristic that the cast of "The Lovers" should embody five charming young ladies, who were all heroines, and on© hero named "Jack." There wasn't a villain, or a mother, or a chaperone, or a baby, in the whole play, and on this account alone it 'possessed the virtue of novelty. Ihe author's modesty forbade his playing the hero, except by deputy. As regards the play itself, it was frankly an adaptation, and it suffered from aping the epigrammatic. Constructively it was creditable, and it was nice and short. "i'he Bush woman," an Australian, play, produced last week in Melbourne, at the King's Theatre, is by Mr. Jo. Smith, author of "A Miner's Trust." It rarely happens, as • the Australasian points out, that a local dramatist gets two of his plays staged in quick succession, and in this the author of "The Bushwoman" is a lucky exception. The local author' may, through his own persuasive powers or the promise of his play, get a first hearing, but it is generally the convincing influence of tne box-office that brings him his second chance. There is nothing strikingly new in Mr. Smith's play. For its purpose and for its audience, says the Australasian, "The Bushwoman" is a wholesome,, breezy, human, kindly sort of a play, which, liko all new plays, has to be remodelled and compressed with stage experience. In the story two neighbouring farms are picked out of the run of a rather mean squatter, known as "Money" Maxwell. The owner of one selection, J.ack Dunst&i/is in love with his neighbour's daughter, Kate Brandon—"The Bushwoman." The course of true love might have run smoothly enough but for the intervention of Leonard Ackroyd, the squatter's nephew, who loves the same girl. * Some interesting details are to hand regarding Mr. Julius Knight and some of his exoeriences in connection with his first appearance as Napoleon in " A Royal Divorce " Following on his return from Australia some years ago, Mr. Knight was engaged by an American manager to play in "A Royal Divorce," but the management had rather peculiar ideas on the disposition of the cast, and considered that the character of Napoleon should be taken by a low comedian, while, as leading mail, they offered Mr. Knight the role of De Beaumont. However, Mr. Knight differed in his ideas of the casting 'of tlie play, and eventually prevailed upon his manager to allow him to play the part of the Man of Destiny. The morning after -the first performance the popular actor was congratulated by a critic on his conception of the part, and tojd that he was born to play it. This mada Mr. Knight think over the possibilities of the role, and since then he has studied the life of Napoleon from every aspect* and made himself familiar with all the great Emperor's peculiarities and mannerisms, uDt4l it is doabtfu) it any man in Australia is as well versed in the history of Napoleon as himself. Then, besides this particular study, oi the Emperor, Mr.

Knight has played with Lily Langtry in a piece called "Mdlle. Mars," in which he was first the youthful lieutenant, and afterwards the Imperial ruler of France. . Amy Castles is getting her houses and hauling in^ adoration by the handful, writes " Joh'anna " in the Bulletin. Every concert has grown in fervour. On Thursday night a hilarious management was sending wildly in every direction for extra chairs in order that it might pack the overflow on the platform. A series of mammoth corner screens kept the goats from the path of the sheep, or rather from the track of the one woolly lamb that warbled clad in silken Parisian gear. The colleen is frocking well. Her figure is snugly slight, with pleasing curves that suit the clinging niuons of her directoire gowns. The outer gear is Frenchified in colouring. Fainting j colours— mere ghosts of tints — cling in flimsy layers like mists. She wears a new frock at every concert, and at every appearance off tbe platform. The young lady has evidently Deen on an epicurean debauch among shops. What appeals to the envious gazT girl is that there Li everything to match. It represents the pinnacle of sartorial glory. Amy has developed a " manner " — an air, pleasingly quiet, and very natural. Her voice is a natural glory — pure silver melted. The menkind are a glqry- In themselves. Nicol — an Italian .in appearance and a braw Scotch laddie in his tongusr-is a tenor to make one £it up. His is a delightful voice. Peter Dawson, quite a beauty man — a small gentleman With a big voice — is a Laps youth. His asset is a voice that climbs and descends amazing heights and depths, but does not rumble thunderously. People are being well treated with this company. The pianist, Victor Busst (another Australian), belongs to the same high plane as the singers — a delicate player of fine temperament and feeling. A pleasing little ceremony took place in the Christchurch Theatre Boyal on Monday evening at tho fall of the curtain (says the Press), when Mr> George Bellow (head mechanist) and Miss Raach (wardrobe mistress) were the recipients of presentations on the occasion of their approaching marriage. Miss Nellie Stewart presented Air. Bellew with a handsome travelling bag and a silver matchbox (on behalf of the company), and a silver cigarette case (on behalf of Mr. George Musgrove). Miss Stewart also presented Miss Roach, on her own behalf, with a gold bangle, and a travelling bag from the members of the company. Mr. Bellew was, in addition, presented by Mr. E. Rose, on behalf of the stage hands, with a case of carvers, ta.ble knives and spoons and teaspoons. Mr. T. Pollard's silvei wedding was marked by the presentation, through Mr. A. Moss, on behalf of the company, of a silver teapot and silver fruit dish. It was announced by the last American mail that Mr. Clyde Fitch, notice of whose death was cabled on Tuesday, was ' in Europe. He was. to have witnessed the first production of his play "The Woman in the Case" in Berlin, and had arranged to be in Vienna for the first production there of his play "Truth" early in September. t Theatrical Clips. — A novel postcard from Manchester notifies that Miss -Carrie Moore in the headliner — "The Famous Musical Comedy Actress" — at the leading vaudeville house, the Hippodrome. . . "Cinderella" has reached ith fiftieth performance at Sydney Criterion. . . Stanley Cherry will manago the New Zealahd tour of Geach's "Englishman's Home" Company. . . C. B. Westmacott joins Meynell and Gunn's managerial staff. . . J: C. Williamson returns to Sydney by the Makura in October. At latest hg was leaving New l'ork for Vancouver. •. . Miss Dolly Castles was appearing last month in an Indian musical love-story,' entitled "On Jhelum Kiver" at the Aldwych" Theatre, London. . . Forbes Robertson goes to America next month, to star in "The Passing of tho Third Floor Back." He will also visit Canada. . Olive Lenton was "doing" the London Pavilion, Palace, the Coliseum, and Shoreditch Olympia in ono night with her "Harvest lime" scena. . . "The Dollar Princess" goes up in London this month. Geo.. Ed ward es has secured the rights of Lehar's operetta, "The Count of Luxembourg". . . For the Asche-Brayton season in Sydney, seate for the opening night will be auctioned. . . In Williamson's revival of "The Village Priest, ' Gregan MacMahon will be the convict Torquenie, and Cyril Mackay the young advocate. . . . "Henri of Navarre," which will probably be added to the Julius Knight repertoire, has just passed its iiUUlh performance in London. . "'.The Breed of the Treshams" is the opening bill of the Julius Knight Company now in Auckland. . . Win. Jameson is conducting the New Zealand tour of Maurice's Minstrel and Vaudeville Comf>any. . There are three of Wiliamson's companies^ in New Zealand at the present time — Julius • Knight at Auckland, "Jack and Jill" at Wellington, and Nellie Stewart at Dunedin. .

. . William Anderson, who lately closed down in Western Australia, has booked dates in that State for Christinas. . . It is said that the "principal boy" for Anderson's Christmas pantomime in Melbourne, will be something "extra special" . . Allen Doone has concluded his Melbourne season, and now tours Victoria, New South Wales, an! Queensland. . . Michael Joseph, who is in Melbourne, had just recovered from an attack of bronchitis, when his little daughter fell ill. . . During the eighty-five performances of "I'he Merry Widow" in Paris, v the returns averaged no loss than £510 per perform,' ance. . . Harry Whaite has joined Bland Holt as scenic artist, in succession to the late John Brunton. . . " . Tha first nighti of "The Duchess of Dantzic" constituted a "financial record for Melbourne Her Majesty's, beating the long-standing figures of "Floradora. . . . Claude Bantock, of the Royal Comics, who has been Home on holiday, is due back in October. . . The Maggie Moore — Harry Roberts Company is doing fine business in Western Australia. . . "The Girl who Wrecked His Home !" is the title of the next Andersonian drama for the edification of Melbourne. . . It is said that F. E. Benson, the noted Shakespearian actor, will visit Australia at. Christmas time under Williamson's banner. . . On his return to Australia after the New Zealand tour, Hugh J. Ward will produce "Vivian's Papa,-" from the French. . . September 14th is the date of hearing tht> Gorlitz-Kubelik case, for a breach of contract, negotiations for a private settlement having 'failed. . . It is probable that "Dv Barry" will bo added to the repertoire of the Nellie Stewart Company. . . For "Aladdin," at Christmas, Williameon has engaged Harry Phydora as Widow Twankey, and J. Campbell for a comedy character. Fred Leslie will also be in the company. . . "Carter the Great," who has returned to America, will revisit Australia in January next. ... As well as Mr. Har'court Beatty, Mr. Gaston Mervale will join the Nellie Stewart Company. "Trilby" is to b& played by this company, and Mr. Mervale will bo the Svengali. . . - Frederick Lonsdale, author of "The King of Cadonia," now being played in Sydney, will probably write the next play for London Gaiety, with Leslie Stuart as composer. . . Charles Frohman has secured I->r America "Chantecler," Itostani's new play, which all Pans is waitiug to sec

"Hello, old man!" exclaimed Dubley at the Literary Circle reception ; "it's a pleasant eurpriso to meet, you here." "Grood of you to say so, old chap," re?lied Brown. "Yes, you see, I was afraid wouldn't find anybody but bright and cultured people here."