MIMES AND MUSIC

Evening Post, Volume CII, Issue 62, 10 September 1921, Page 11

MIMES AND MUSIC

(By "Orphene.")

THE SHOWS,

Town Hall—Mischa Levitzky, 24th, 27th, and 29th September. . His MajMty'a-Vaudeville. The King's Theatre—Picture*. Artcraft Theatre—Pictures. Our Theatre—Pictures. i Empress Theatre—Pictures. J ' Shortt's Theatre—Pictures. ' Strand Theatre—Pictures. Britannia Theatre—Pictures. Princess Theatre—Pictures. Everybody's Theatre—PicturM. Queen's Theatre—Pictures. Paramount Theatre—Pictures.

Mr. Scott Colville went South this week to arrange for the opening of the Dominion tour at Christohuroh of Mi3cha Levitzky. • f There will be quits a host of theatrical attractions in New Zealand shortly. "Welcome Stranger," by the John D. O'Hara Co., is already touring the Dominion, and other shows listed to appear hero in the near future include "The Idlao Domino," "The Maid of the Mountains," and "Soandah" Mr. Thomas Quinlan, tha weil-known entrepreneur, who is in Sydnoy visiting, is contemplating an interesting musical scheme, which.1 should find much approval. In April next he will bring to Australia the famous Sistine Choir, sixty strong, known as the Pope's Choir, or the Pope's Own. This quota has, beer released ex pressly to fulfil this important engagement. It is more than likely that Adelaide will see the first production in Australia of "Paddy the Next Best Thing." J. C. Williamson, Ltd., are bringing from England the principals, who will go ashore at Adelaide and rehearse there. The producer, Spencer Fisher, is also on the boat, and while the vessel is on the way to Aubtralia rehearsals are in full swing, bo that the company should be letter-perfect when they reach Adelaide. The farcical plot of "The Schoolmistress," one of Sir Arthur Pinero's early plays, makes it suitable for adaptation as a musical piece. The leading character presides over a school in the day and is a burlesque actress at night. Mr. Percy Greenbank and Mr. Howard Talbot —inspired, no doubt, by the sucoess of "The Boy"—have prepared a musical version for presentation in England. As a ohange from Russian dancers, London has been introduced to a troupe from Spain. The work of these Andalusians is quite unlike ordinary ballet dancing. "The foot hardly ever leaves the floor, and it is the swaying body which does most of the work. The tapping of the ■ heels on' the floor plays an important part,, too, and also the clapping of the hands by the spectators. Accompanied only by a couple of guitars, they do astonishing things with their feet in the way of rhythmic tapping and stamping, while the rest of the troupe clap continuously in time with the music, and incite them to further efforts by shouts and cries." So oppressive was the London weather in July that many male theatregoers, both in the gallery and elsewhere, were to be seen without coats. Others wore cricketing flannels or suits of the tropical varieties^ Ibspn's "A Doll's House," in which snow is introduced, was being played in one theatre. The remark, "How warm and snug it is here," was greeted with satirical applause and laughter. A festival of folk song and dance wias held in London .for a week, in July. ' Mr. Cecil\ Sharp, who directed, the performances, wrote: — "Our aim is to show —what few as yet realise—what a magnificent heritage we English people possess in our native songs j and dances, and to show also a few examples of the choral works to which our folk songs have ,given rise," English folk songß were neglected for many years after the primitive music' of other European countries had attracted attention in England. ; ■ i Misoha Levrtzky, the famous Russian pianist, whom Messrs. J. and N. Tait are introducing to New Zealand, and who will give recitals in Wellington commencing on 24fch September, was born. near. Kieff, in" Southern Russia,) less than twenty-two years ago. musical education began when was given a small yiolin at the age of five. He practised with interest and' determination, and when he was.six, afriend of the family undertook ttp give him. piano lessons in secret, and in : - less than three months he made known to his parentsihis new accomplishment,.much to their amazement, and it was not long ere the violin was laid aside. He went to Amcrioa. and studied under Sigisnrund Stojowski, and continued with Ernest Dohnanyi, and now, it is claimed, that he is "the successor to Rubenstein and Piaderewski." Levitzky will' give recitals in Christchurch, Wellington, and Auclkand only. He was brought to Australia to give a limited number of recitals, but so great was his success that Messrs. J. and N. Tait arranged, for an extension of his contract and to include New Zealand in the itinerary, but time will only allow of the three cities above-mentioned being visited. Levitzky brought no less than five full orchestral grand1 pianos with him, and one of these arrived in Wellington the other day and . was shipped to Christchuroh in order to be in readiness for the recitals there. ' > Doris Duano (Mrs Harrjr Cohen), who is appearing as the ingenue in "Scandal" at the King's Theatre,; Melbourne, has the unique record of having played in that delightful/comedy over 500 times. Most of her appearances have been as Regina (the' part she now portrays with such delightful freshness), but when the play, was first produced in Chicago in 1919 * she figured as the French maid for 107, performances, and during- the New York run 6ho 'sustained the leading role for over three weeks. In New York she was also understudy to the leading lady. In Melbourne she understudies Maude Hanaford for the role of Beatrix. Beauty, charm, and personality, added to her acting ability, are characteristic of this delightful young- American girl. Miss Jennie Hartley had a triumphant season with Fullers' Vaudeville in Dunedin. _ The clever little actress is at pre^ sent in Christchurch. and will appear in Wellington on the 86th inst. She finishes her tour in Auckland at the nd of October, and then returns to Australia.