Mimes : Music : Records

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 52, 29 August 1925, Page 21

Mimes : Music : Records

THE SHOWS.

Opera House—"Kid Boots, 2nd September, His Majesty's—Vaudeville. De Luxe Theatre—Pictures. ■ King's Theatre—Pictures. The TWoli—Pictures. Artoraft Theatre—Pictures. Our Theatre—Pictures. ' Empress Theatre—Pictures. * Shortt's Theatre—Pictures. Strand Theatre—Pictures. Britannia Theatre—Pictures. Princess Theatre—Pictures. Queen's Theatre—Pictures.

0. P. Heggie, the well-known Australian actor, is playing the lead in "Minick" at the Bijou Theatre, New York. Bentley. Sydney papers are very complimentary to Nellie Bramlcy in her work at Sydney Palace. It takes a long time for Australians to appreciate talent in local players.

"Stiffy" (Nat Phillips) and "Mo" (Roy Rene) have ended their partnership. "Mo" is playing with a revue company at Perth. '"Stiffy" is still with tho Fullers.

Lance Lister is at the London Pavilion in the new C. B. Pochran show, "On With the Dance." He has got back his old form (says,a Sydney writer)—the form we saw him in when he played "The' Boys" in Australia. Jennie- Lee, who toured the world as "Jo" in the dramatisation of Dickefls's "Bleak House," is living in London, and once again has had to deny a report of her death. Jenny Lee, as "Jo," was all the rage in Australia. . America's latest dance sensation, the "Charleston," is introduced into "Kid Boots" by Wahne Shuska (Princess Bed Wing). The "Charleston" has already been the subject of discussion in Melbourne: 'It has been described as a "cross between the hula-hula and the one-step." Wahne Shuska's dance has the accompaniment of a fine ballet, and is novel and graceful. , . , The J. C. Williamson production of "The' Street Singer" presents Gladys Moncrieff in her latest success. The newspaper critics refer to Miss Mon- ; crieff's triumph as her biggest since ■ "Tho Maid of the Mountains" lifted hor | to star rank. j Josie Melville never played golf until : she took part in "Kid Boots." Then ' she caught the infection, and became an ardent player. Now, she seizes every opportunity of a game. Most of the principals in "Kid Boots" are keen golfers, including George Gee, Paul Plun- j kett, George Voltaire, and Gaston Mervale.

Arthur Middleton, who will appear in Wellington shortly, in association with Paul Althouse, both notable artists from the Metropolitan Opera, New York, declares that singing plays an important part in the promotion of health. "We want our young people to go in more for singing," he urges. "We want their lungs to be strong, and their eyes to be bright, and their step alert. I know of no exercise which is more beneficial than singing for an hour a day, or longer if the time is available. In addition, singing produces a most beneficial effect temperamentally. A man who sings is a happy man."

Madame Anna Pavlova, tho great Russian dancer is coming to Australia, to appear under the J. C. Williamson, Ltd. management. The name of Pavlova is something to conjure with in tho world of dancing. She is coming at the height of hor career, and with her complete company, which has been appearing at Covent Garden, London. The famous Novikoff, her male partner, will accompany her. Pavlova is an artist of great charm, beauty, and personality. She is said to have amassed a fortune of nearly a million pounds since she commenced her stags career. The J. C. Williamson management state that this is the most expensive engagement the firm has over made for Australia.

Georgo Gee is n&yer at a loss for words, and this ready resource has stood him in good stead during his long theatrical career. In "Good Morning, Dearie," he'tumed an unforeseen mishap Info n piece of by-play thaf made the house roar with laughter. He was taking the part of a det«ftive, nnd disguised as a Chinaman, had to struggle with a crook. One evening, during the struggle, Gee's wig: was knocked oft. Without a moment's hesitation, he called out, "Shingled, by gosh!" It brought' down the house and sent the artists on the stage into roars of laughter, almost holding up the play. ' Rufe Naylor, well-known sporting man of thus city, has long cherished an idea (says,a Sydney paper). It is to own and control a popular-price- Sydney theatre wherein burlesque shows v'll he a feature. This will probably be realised in the near future, for Mr. Naylor has just secured ,1 very prominent sito almost opposite Central square, Sydney, whereon a compact and most modem edifice will be erected as soon as tho shares are all taken up. It is Mr. Naylor's contention th?it a bright show of some six or eight principals, a ballot and chorus, land plenty of bright song numbers, is what the present-day public favour. With this in mind, Mr. Naylor has already negotiated for several of America's most favoured tabloids, and, in the event of the scheme going through, the first of series will be presented about Easter of next year. i

Among the many tributes paid to the ' visiting Sistine Soloists during their remarkably Buccessful season of eighteen' | concerts 1- in Sydney may be quoted that of the Sydney "Evening News," which devoted a special article to the cultural value of the Soloists' programmes. | "The programmes of the Soloists." says ' the writer, "and the art of tha singers, must bavo a stimulating and refreshing influence on the community. They carry the listeners back in imagination over past centuries to a period when tho art of music was" very young indeed, and thoy glimpse both its intellectual and emotional sides. Apart frum theao examples of early Italian art, tlia programmes cover a wide field of musicil thought, and their offect is to increnso the lovo that humanity has for what is best in music. Thero arc compositions in tbo offerings of tho Italians wbi;h should bo heard by all music-lovers, and they may bo assured th.it tin; pleasure thoy receive in listening to thorn will not be of a merely superficial character." The Sistine Soloists, ■who appear under the direction of Evelyn Shephard, arrive in Auckland next week. ■ | After an absence of five years, Mnr- ■ fayne, tho "Wizard of the Xylophone," has returned to Australia. He came 12.000 mile's for a bride, for immediately after his arrival ho was married to Mis 3 Ella Airlio, the author of "The Bunyip." Mr: JVlurfnync, who can tickle tho wooden keys so skilfully, has brought tho largest xylophone in the world, and predicts Unit within six months ho will have Mrs. Murfayiie us proficient ■v (> it ■is himself. The couplo wero married in Sydney. Sir Benjamin Fuller giving tho brido away. It is Mr. Murfa.yno's intention U> continue in vaudeville with a aiii/da act, although at somo later dale Mrs. Murfayno threatens to join him in W act, on tho stago. if h«". fails to Ret the applause sho thinks bo is entitled, to.

The comedy success,' "Cappy Ricks," will shortly be on tour in ISew Zealand.

George Portus, who was last round here in advance of the Newcastle Steelworks Band, is now connected with Beale's Concert Agency, Sydney.

Allan Wilkie has successfully revived "The Bells," a drama'that made the lats Sir Henry Irving. Wilkie plays tho old burgomaster, Matthias, who murders a Jew peddler for his money, a role admirably played in New Zealand by Walter

Among the passengers on the Orient Imer Orvieto, which recently sailed from Port Melbourne for London, was Mamie Watson, who had leading roles in productions by Hugh J. Ward during tlio last two years. She appeared in "The O'Brien Girl," "Tangerine," and "Little Nelly Kelly." John Cosgrove, one of the best known of Australian actors, is dead. For a number of years he was a member of Bland Holt's Company. On several occ.-v. sions he ventured into management on his own account.

Bob Grieg, whoso last venture in New Zealand was not very successful, is now a star on Broadway, New York, playing in "A Night Out." ■ Recently, ho "went to England and played at Manchester in revivals of "Betty," "Floradora," and "Tho Geisha." He is now on a long contract with tho Laurillard-Shubert management. The chief virtue of 'Hay Fever," according to a London oritic, is that it Erovides a part which brings out the est of Miss Marie Tempest. She is supposed to be a married woman who, once' a famous actress, has given up the stage, but-has not given up acting. She cannot help acting, even at • the breakfast table. . The smallest domestic situation she treats as though it were the "big" scene of a melodrama. And always Miss Tempest is delightful. No other actress can lend such magic to a commonplace or make a platitude sound like a mighty truth.. She. can be all a woman's wiles and whims in.five minutes.

One of the sensations of the London theatrical season is the success of "Rose Marie," which has been breaking financial records at Drury Lane Theatre. According to the "Daily Mirror," for eight performances in the previous week the box-office receipts were £5958, which, says the "Daily Mirror," is a record figure for a theatre in this country. The Australian rights of "Rose Marie" were secured recently by Sir Georgo Tallis on behalf of J. C. Williamson, Ltd.

Maude Fane, who is appearing iri "Whirled into Happiness" at Melbourne His Majesty's, is anxious to transfer from musical plays to legitimate comedy productions. "Musical comedy is very pleasing," said Miss Fane, "and is full of interest and variety, but I am very keen to get a chance in comedy, which gives one more satisfaction artistically. I hope one day to achieve this ambition." Miss Fane -would be follow^ ing the example of Miss Marie Tempest and other comedy stars who commenced their career in musical comedy.

Muriel Starr is another member of the theatrical profession who has a partiality towards becoming a racehorse owner. Miss Starr intends to acquire a' thoroughbred and to commence her association with the Turf in Melbourne. A well-known horse.,is: at present under offer to her. In Canada Miss Starr was well known as a breeder of horses, 'and a sister of hers is carrying on the actress's, ranch during her absence ill

Two old 'cellos are to be broken up to provide material for repairing the £2000 'cello belonging to Mr. Michael Cherniavsky, which was smashed at Fmston Station when the artist arrived from the Continent in March. It was thought at first that the damage was beyond repair, but London experts declare they can put it right and make it serviceable in any part of the world. " This is important," Mr. 'Cherniavsky told a " Daily Chronicle '•' representative, " because the heat in some countries I visit would melt the glue in an ordinary repair. The railway company are giving me a substantial .sum in compensation for damaging my 'cello and for the loss of my English tour, and are also paying the cost of repairing the instrument." , .

William J. Aspden, the brilliant baritone now appearing .on the Fuller circuit in company 'with Constance Upstenem, the accomplished pianist, secured his first position on the stage as the result of a bet. At the age of eighteen ho was witnessing a performance of "The Bohemian Girl" at a theatre in Manchester. A friend who accompanied him was so disgusted with the baritone that he turned to Aspden and remarked: "You're a bettor singer than that chap—why don't you go and apply for his part. I'll bot you a level 5s that you'll get it." Mr. Aspden laughed, but nevertheless, to win the ss, applied for the position. To his surprise he was accepted. From that day he has never looked back in his chosen profession. He ha 3 toured the whole of Great Britain with many splendid organisations. "He was about to take up his old part in the Scotch opera, "The Gentle Shepherd," at the Garrick Theatre, when Sir Benjamin Fuller persuaded him to make a tour of Australia. Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Huxham, of Huxham's "Serenaders," left Melbourne the other day by the Maloja for Colombo and the East 'on a holiday trip, accompanied by their two daughters, Ina and Marjorie. Mr. Huxham organised t-hB Serenaders in Melbourne in 1911, opened in Brisbane on 2nd March in that year, and ran the company continuously without a break of any kind until 23rd April last, when he disbanded at Hobart—fourteen years of very strenuous work. The Serenaders appeared in Now Zealand with the Fullers. .

"Originality," remarks Sir Benjamin Fuller, "is a. beautiful thing—no matter what form it takes. Its great charm lips in its unexpectedness. I had an instance of this the other night at 'Littlo Jessio James.' For generations the squawk of thn seat-holder against the lute arrival who crowds in, steps on hats, bumps knees, and falls on ladies' laps, lia3 resounded in husky whispers through . tho theatres of the world. There arrived a late-comer wedging into tho centre of a fully-occupied row, with his seat the only vacant one." Quite audibly ho complained as he laboured, along: 'These people who come in early give mo a pain,' It was," concludes Si>Benjamin, "an entirely new one on me." The Pictures. This year, during the first seven days of September, Paramount Week is being celebrated right around the world. This will ho the world's greatest demonstration ot the power of the motion picture, and of the supremo fashion in which a. <jreat message can be flashed lo the nethermost corners of tho earth in some times of great bli'hss or need. The motion picture., as has been ho frequently demonxlralecl, makes tlic most easilyrcad appeal to the cyo ami Lite lnind. ami it is this appeal which lir» inspired the, woil'l (■.elobrution of Paramount Week, Tho sUrs themselves are raora I

enthusiastic; than ever about this international celebration, and several of them have already travelled oversea in order to be present in person at the various participations. Thomas Moighan will celebrate Paramount Week in Ireland: Lois Wilson will be there too. Virginia Valli will see the week celebrated in Germany and Austria. June Elvidga and Pauline Fredrick, who have been in many Paramount pictures, will see it in Australia^ So now when movio fans here, there, and everywhere are flocking to their favourite theatres during Paramount Week, they will know that all over the world, at the same time, millions of other fans are doing the same.

"The Winding Stair," from the novel by A. JE. W. Mason, has been put into work for the screen by William Fox, with .Edmund Lowe and Alma Rubens in the leading roles. The production will be directed by John Griffith Wrayi and the cast includes Mahlon Hamilton, Warner Oland, and Emil Fitzroy. As Paul Ravenel, the hero, Edmund Lowe has one of the most romantio roles of his career. "The Winding Stair" is described as being one of the most colourful ever written. For tho main part its scenes are laid in Morocco. ■

Malcolm Waite concocts the villainy in "Durand of the Bad Lands," Buck Jones's newest starring production, made by William Fox, under the direction of. Lynn Reynolds. The "heavy" actor towers well over six feet in height, and with Buck simulates one of the most engaging screen battles ever filmed for a picture. *

Mary Pickford's new picture, '"Little Annie Rooney," will have its premier at the Strand Theatre in New York this atumn. United Artists Corporation reports that "Little Annie" is being sought by theatre managers all over America.

Working with Douglas Fairbanks is different from the experiences on any other lot in Hollywood. This is the opinion of Albert Parker, who.has directed Fail-banks in several pictures, and who will direct "The Black Pirate," Fairbanks's forthcoming production. "When you come on the Fairbanks lot, the first thing you do is exercise your muscles before you start to exercise your mind," Parker said. "Without following a routine. Doug, exercises daily, and his associates fall into the same habit, so that by the time shooting starts the staff is trained down physically. The entire staff joins in these athletics diversions, and continues them throughout the time they are with Fairbanks." ■ '

_ "Girl Shy" Ls billed as an "exceptional Master picture," and it is said more than acts up to the title. It is the story of a bashful boy superbly played by Harold Lloyd. This comedy is so simple that a child can laugh at it; so clean that old-fashioned grandma chuckles over it; yet. so subtle that philosophers chortle. Lloyd's fun is universal in its appeal. It has that human touch that makes the .whole world kin—and grin.

Practically one-third of the productions on the schedule for 1925-26 have been -completed by Warner Brothers, and 50 per cent, of the entire schedule will be completed by Ist September. Among the pictures finished are "The Man on the Box," starring Svd. 'Chaplin, "Bof>bed Hair," with Harie Prevost and Kenneth Harlan, and "Three Weeks in Paris," a Matt, Moore starring vehicle with Dorothy Devore in the leading feminine role.

Reports from Los Angeles regarding Charlie Chaplin's new picture are most enthusiastic. This film, "The Gold Bush," is the first production on which Chaplin will reap the full benefit of financial success of any of his pictures. His last comedy, "The Pilgrim," was released' in 1922, and "A Woman of Paris," which he directed, but in which he did not appear, was released here in September, 1923. "The Gold Bush" was commenced in 1924, and finished at the beginning of April. To this time must 'be added about six months of preparation. It is said to have cost more than £160,000. Gramophom Notes. At her recent " silver wedding " concert in London, Dame Clara Butt sang three- songs that. Columbia have already recorded, namely, " Kathleen Mavourneen," " The Lost Chord," and "Abide With Me." Thess she will sing in Australia and New Zealand, as they were specially asked for at the Albert Hall, when she last sang before leaving England on tour. " Siegfried's Journey to the Rhine," from Wagner's " Gotterdaramerung " (the Dusk of the Gods), is a graphio description in music of the events following I .the hero's'wooing and winning of Brunnliilde. It includes themes identified with persons and incidents in the " Gotterdammerung " as a whole, and theso cannot, be bo interesting to those who hear the " Journey " as it is performed by -the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for Columbia and reproduced on a 12-iuch double-sided disc; but as it has been reproduced from the conducting of tha orchestra by that great interpreter of Wagner, Bruna Walter, it is beautiful and stirring enough, considered as a concert piece pure and simple. . "O, Let No Star Compare With Thee " and " Eleanore " are the latest records of that delightful tenor, Arthur Jordan. One of the great merits of these records of one of England's leading singers of -love songs is the clearness of his_ diction. The latter song ..needs no introduction, as it is. well known on all concert platforms, but the former is a delightful song in the manner of love ditties of the times of the Tudor monarchs. Both are issued by Columbia. Lcff Pouisbnoff, the brilliant .young Kussian pianist, whoso rise to fame in London and Paris, and subsequently in tlio TJnited States, was sensational,' can lie heard in Now Zealand in Dehussv's •' Arabepque ." in G, and Glazounuv's Polka (Op. 42). The records which aro issued by the Columbia Company have just arrived,* and are unusually successful. ■ ' " Aida" shared with "I Pajliacci"" the distinction of heading the list of operas played at the Metropolitan, New York, for the season just concluded. It is a most melodious work, and, although the great tenor aria, " Celeste Aida," is pretty well known to concert habitues, the rest of .the work is not. An excellent selection from "Aida" is that recorded from n performance by the. New Queen's Hall Light Orchestra, conducted by Alick Maclean for Columbia. The music, as recorded makes an instant general appeal to lovers of melody. Sume time since anything was- heard of tlie "Da Kcszke Singers, who wero vccciilly louring in America. Soon we will have their record of "The Winter is Gone " and "Bushes and Briers," which Vaughan Williams has arranged most beautifully for thorn.

Supercilious persons a re. sometimes rather unfair in their musical judgment of Tosti, and many ar« especially severe on his " Uood-byo." Why? Press thaia

for a reason, and they will fail to give a convincing one. Tosti could point to the undoubted popularity of his songs, and of their melodiousness there is no question. This point is emphasised by the delightful arrangement recorded by the band of the Grenadier Guards i&r Columbia. It includes (not "Good-bye") " Beauty's Eyes," " For Ever and For Ever," "Ti Rapirei," and "Muriella." After hearing some pianoforto accompaniments to solos on stringed instruments, one may be pardoned for wishing that tho rule should be enforced that they should be by at least a string quartette. A notable exception is the pianoforte accompaniment to W. H. Squires beautiful performance of Dvoraki's " Songs My Mother Taught Me " and (on the reverse) Dunkler's exacting "La Fileuse " (the Spinning Wheel). The two pieces are in sharp contrast, and while the first calls for most sympathetic expression, the second is an exceedingly difficult work, a kind of test piece, for tho 'cellist of superb technique. It is issued by Columbia. Carmen Hill's art is not sufficiently appreciated by gramophiles (writes a London reviewer). I have been trying over many of her recordings and find them nearly all of high excellence. The record under review of two retrospective songs of gentle sentimentality—''When I think of the Happy Days " (Foster) and "Golden Days" (Sullivan) —is really admirable singing and should meet with due recognition. Miss Hill should be singing only good English songs and lieder, -where tho demand for such fare is what it ought to be. I think that the credit,, for the introduction of the melodious, rhythmic, and symphonic elements into dance music must be given jointly to Paul Specht and Paul Whiteman, and particularly the latter, who, even-at the time of. " Whispering " and " The Japanese Sandman " (H.M.V., B. 1160), was far in advance of any of his contemporaries (says a contributor, to a London paper). Take almost any of his' records issued during the past twelve months, and listen to them critically. Above all, observe the unique and musicianly qualities of his arrangements. There is one trick alone of his which I have never heard done by any other orchestra in the world, and it seems to be quite simply achieved. It occurs in, amongst other records, Spain (B. 1847), a striking example of his work. He gets a terrific crescendo with, apparently, the full orchestra, followed by a diminuendo on the saxaphones alone. The effect produced is akin to that of a huge wave breaking angrily on the shore, and, its force spent, peacefully receding. There are a few American orchestras almost as £ood as his—The Benson of Chicago, Waring's Pennsylvanians, and those of Paul Specht and Vincent Lopez might be mentioned amongst those whose recordings are available. Jack Hylton's has developed -wonderfully and has something of " the Whiteman touch." How many instrumentalists are there who have played with the gramophone? (asks a contributor to a Londoli musical journal). The writer is an amateur 'cellist who has found through experience that the very utmost pleasure may be obtained in this direction. In these string quartettes, operas, etc., and publishing firms are issuing countless mmature scores, the way is easy to form a good library for use in this particular way. I have found the deep resonant tone of the 'cello much more responsive and sympathetic towards the gramophone tone than, say, a violin. To any who feej disposed to experiment in this way I would recommend them to try the intermezzo record from the Cortot-Ichu-man " Pianoforte Concerta," continuing with, say, Beethoven's " No. Symphony," a standard, overture, or a Hayden string quartette. The results will, 1 think, be surprising to the player. The Government's choice, Wilson's 1 Malt Extract selected.—When the New Zealand Government selects an article for use, depend upon it that article is subjected to the severest tests by experts before it is selected. Not only must it conform to the highest standard, but its quality and value must be unsurpassed. The fact that the Wilson Malt Extract Company has been appointed suppliers to the Government is therefore convincing proof of the superior quality and value of Wilson's Malt Extract, it 13 a mark of approval from the highest authority in existence. To pot the freshest and most effective Malt Extract—that which is best for strengthening and building up those who are weak and run down—follow the lead of the New Zealand Government and demand "Wilson's." With or without Cod Liver Oil, in lib and 21b jars and 71b tins for family use. All chemists and stores. Be sure it's "Wilson's," as supplied to the Government.—Advt. do you kjncwt tho one cough and cold remedy that never yet disappointed anybody is Nazol. It relieves and soothes, and its action is direct and immediate. But a few drops on some sugar and dissolve in the mouth, or inhale through a Nazol Inhaler, la 6d for 60 doses.—Advt. .. ' HAPPY, WELL NOURISHED CHILDREN. The problem of maintaining the vitality and sturdy growth of children and keeping their bodies well nourished at all times can always be solved by the use of "Shreddo" beef suet., Suet puddings, for instance, when made with Shreddo, are fully satisfying, most nourishing, and certainly economical. There is no waste tissue, waste or moisture in "Shreddo." Those inconveniences of raw suet have been removed, loa-ving nothing but good, ever fresh beef suet, shredded ready for use. The . quality of lightness, digestibility, arid high food value are in every pudding made with "Shreddo." If you have not tried "Shreddo," send 3d in stamps to Dept. A 9, Shreddo, Ltd., Box 1097, Auckland, and we will forward you a generous sample.—Advt. 9 Glad hearts go singing all the day, Contented minds are always gay, i Despondent moods which sadden life i Arise from sickness, grief, and strife. ' C!li)d hearts and song no more prevail I When winter's coughs and colds assail.. Clear-voiced and glad you'll sing, be sure, llf you take Woods' Great Peppermint j "Cure.—Advt.