Mimes and Music

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 137, 6 December 1930, Page 29

Mimes and Music

BY "ORPHEUS"

THE SHOWS.

Grand Opera House.—"The Belle of New York." Season opens to-night. St. James's—Pictures. ' .'. Majestic—Pictures. ' ; Regent—Pictures. ; De Luxe—Pictures. . I Paramount Theatre —Pictures. '. Klas'a Theatre—Pictures: < . : Artcraft Theatre—Picture*. i Our Theatre—Pictures. i Shortt'a Theatre—Pictures. Britannia Theatre—Pictures. Queen's .'hoatre—Pjctures. Princess Theatre—Pictures. ' Kilblrnli Einems—Pictures. . '

"Particular."—Correct! "On Appio^ val" avqs in the repertoire pf leiie Vanbrugh aud the lato Dioa Boucicault. Mr. Herbert Webb conducted the Ha"wera Male. Choir's final; concert r;o-----cently. The chief number was "Rolling the Log," froni the Coyent "Garden opera, "Lumber Love, "with Mr. William- Waiters,. Palmurstbn-"North, and Miss Mary Massej*, Stratford, m soloists. ' .■■..•:• •. . ■' : The Wanganui Choral S.ocicty's final concert for tho year took place on Wednesday night. . •.;..: .■■■.: ■. ';' . Mr. Lanco Craig, formerly of Wanganui, conducted tffe ' Napier' Choral Spr ci-ety's presentation... 'of Sterndalo' Bennett's cantata, "Tho May Queen," recently. " : .-■ r\^r■ ;„. .. ; ' A movepipnt is afoot,, in.. Auckland to form junior orchestral-and choral asso: ciations similar to those, obtaining iin other countries. -In America, for instance, an annual convention of HighSchool orchestras is held, when works like "Eroica" an* other symphonies are performed. Maurice Moscovitch was appearing at the Tr-emont Theatre, Boston, last month in "The Merchant of Venice,'' delighting "audiences:.with his Shylock. performance.. '.'■..':"■' '.':"•.'., ''- ;■ Freddie and Adcle Astai.re, tho dancing brother-and-sister tearii, who made such a hit in England in musical comedy, were in. the cast of Florenz Ziegfeld's new production"Smiles." Marilyn Miller gained' mediocre success inthe leading role,;but,the rpiece did not pleaso Boston critics 'pi; ally except the Astaires..:., '' . • ;■'.. ~'-.;.-:.;..... ... . / Leon Quartermain, the English actor, has .been appearing. ./in .the version .of Shakespeare?s- -."TwelfthNight," in the role of Malvolio; -Jane Cowl was Viola,;'a delightful" miss; a fine cast interpreted .the..;comedy, to: the complete-satisfaction of;'critics. .]'■',. ■ Isabel Jeans, .the English- actress,: is another who: has gone, to the States," she was scheduled to .appear on; Broadway, New .York, last rmonth in "The Man iv Possession." -.:'.' -- .. ; ; Jean Porbes Eobertson has, been figuring in. the; role of Bita in the Ibsen play "Little Eyolf" in London. After her work in "Petex.PanV and,."Berkeley Square," it'was to be expected she would succeed. She has—so much so that Charles Morgan, critic, writing in the "New York Times," predicted she will become, iv the great tradition, a great actress. -The- Auckknd-Cho-ral-Society's-'-'-Mes-siah" presentation is set down for 18th December. ■. ; ...... -~. -~.,.,. ~, '-■ The: Auckland Little,:^Theatre ' So^ ciety's season of ' "Peter Pan" commences on Wednesday next. Kenneth Brampton, formerly an actor of note, now resident in Auckland,,is producer. Ida Geddes, an Australian singer, undertook a big programme at the Wigmore Hall, London, recently, in association with Miss- Joan Singleton, pianist. The title of "Whoopee-' for .an allsinging' and dancing show has started '.'a discussion in America ovor the origin of the name. It is a variation of "Houpla," tho traditional circus call, and means "to shoilt out loud." Edith Taliaferro, the American star of the Williamson plays. '' Eoad to Romance," "Let Us Be Gay," etc., is interested in industrial conditions in the countries she visits; She Has been going the rounds of factories in Australia, even to early morning visits, followed by breakfast at a. coffee stall. "Puss in Boots'" is to be produced at St.' James Theatre, Sydney, on Boxing Day by Ernest Rolls, producer of musical comedies and revues, for long connected with the Empire, .Sydney. He is importing a few artists, but intends to give -Australians a chance, and it is possible that Jennie-, Benson will be principal boy. Harrington Reynolds,- well romem-. bered in association with Harry Plimmer. many years ago, is in the cast of "pidJEnglish," the latest Arliss talkie. JAck .'Hooker is returning to Australia, under engagement to Hu^h D. M'lntosh for a year. Jack Hooker's acrobatic dancing," partnered by Reita Nugont, is still remembered with ;joy. He has been producing "High Jinks'" for Williamson's in. the English pro-' vinces. -.-.'.'. -.» ~ : ■ The Canterbury- Repertory - Theatre Society produced Shaw's "Arms and the Man" this week with success. Prank Martin, formerly of tho Auckland Operatic Society, is one of the male chorus supporting Gladys Moncrieff at the State Theatre, Sydney. Ha-niilton has a new orchestra,, tho-. Cremona, , directed by Mr. H. Spencer Salt,'comprising many of tho Waikato contre's musicians. ,^ . ... •.• ~ GalliCurci has put on 20lb in weight and is proud of .it. She has arrived.in England after an absence of six years, and is glad to be back; she was to'sing a'song, .."L'Eioile dv Nord," thathas not been sung in England since Jenhy: Lind- sang it. - . •Jean Clyde, hero in 1914 with "Bunty Pullsjho Strings," is heading an- English company touring Canada and tho Statea playing '' Marigold.''. She .is tho daughter of John Clyde, famous on the Scottish stage for his "Rob Hoy:" ■ Wilkio Bard, who was in Ne\V' Zealand, about nino years'-ago, was at tho' London.Music Hall, S'hbroditeh, when tlio mail left. ■ Phyllis dv Barry, last hero in "Rio Rita," has gone to Hollywood to try her luck. Peter Dawson, singer, was on : .tho variety bill at tho Palladium, London, quye recently. \ "The Now Moon" Company, now touring New Zealand, hag commenced rohearsals of "The Country Girl,'' so that probably New Zealand will see that revival as well as "Bello of New York." Hermie Ward, with his partner, Slierman, and Nick Morton, aro newcomers totho'Bt. James Theatre, Sydney, to join 'the Clem Dawe company playing "The Skotch Book." This followed on "Rain 01' Sliino." Clem revives his jazz' band burlesque in "The' Sketch Book." Reginald Tatc, tho Captain Stanhope, of the Australasian version of "Jour-' noy's End," has been playing at tho London Coliseum with Phyllis 'Neilsoir Terry in a romantic sketch. Mr. and Mrs. Tato are finding it difficult to pick up the threads after their 'length/ absufice iv tho Antipodes. ' M-'il;uno C. G. Gheysojis, formerly Mis- ..Mignon Frey, an Australian violinist, is to give a series of recitals through New Zealand. She is a young artist of considerable experience with orchestral background. Her repertoire includes Cesar Franck's Sonata in A Hajor, Wieniawski's Concerto in D Minor, the Moto Perpetuo of Ries, Sarasate 's Zigeunorwcison, .tho Max Brucli Concerto, Mendelssohn's Concerto in E Minor, and the B Minor Concerto of Saint-Saens. Tho second Anglo-American Music Education Conference is to bo held in Switzerland next year.' Lausanne will be the meeting place between 31st July and 7th August, whea the entire field

(si musical activity and education will be. discussed by professional and amateur musicians. The conference should offer interest for musical New Zealanders travelling abroad at that time. The programme of the .Gore Orchestral Society's filial concert, for. ..the year included excerpts from. ."Carmen," "Poet and Peasant," and "Barber of Seville." More modern airs were "Skater's Waltz" and a march. On Saturday night next,. 13th December,.^ Her Majesty's Theatre, Sydney, the- Williamson comedy "Sons o' Guns" will.be replaced by "A Night Out," in which.. Giis Bluett, Elsie- Prince, and Bertha Biceardo will have the principal roles. .'-..' ; In the cast of "Possessions" (the Neil F. Grant marital comedy-drama), at Sydney Criterion, are Ethel Morrison (formerly of Wellington).'as Mrs. Arnott, the hero's mother, a■ capital character study; .Frank Bradley as' Sir William Jesmond, "'Mary M'Gregor (the Australian actress, '-formerly .with Leon " Gordon and William Faversham) 'as Monica Jesmondj-Campbell Copckrnd as David Arnott, the herb. ■■.-".' ■'. , '< Dorothy "Bruriton, who recently ,; returned- to Australia,' sifter a' lengthy- ab-. sence in-England (w-Kero «ho was playing lead in ."-The White Camellia"-) is -j slimmer and: younger looking than .ever!.. j She wears a handsome ring,- too, but the ,j id-entity of'-the, liic'ky mail- lias' not -been. disclosed; -; She is-to spend .the'summ'er iK--' Australia;'with her' motfl" 'of, and re} turns to England in February or' March. ; '■• Bhaylo Gardner, the New-;Ze'aland' actor, is introducing Boy Sheppard, the -, Australian pianist, to London's music world, by giving' the visitor "at homes," at which he meets the bestknown people.- Mr. Sheppard.gave his first .recital. last .month,, and f . appealed Avjtnjthe.Virility. ;o.f"Ms" woiiv..';;.;;.; .\ j 1. . The. Nelson Aniateur pp'eratic Society gave a performance, this week of "The Sunshine Girl,". Miss Nellie Balph taking the part of Delia Dale, Mr. E. A. Bradshaw, her lover, Vernqn BlundeH. .Mr. Theordoro..Trezise, who produced, took the part of Lord Bieester, commonly known as "Bingo,", and made the most.of..his Argentinian dance with Miss.Balph., Mr. J. B. Leminer conducted a most* efficient orchestra. . Gustave Slapoffski is to conduct the. I musical side of the Williamson Christmas attraction at Melbourne, "Uncle Tom's Cabin.". .. \.:\,'.J . " .-..';■' Frank Harvey Returning.. Prank Harvey, one of the most. popular actors who. has. ever appeared in New Zealand, is 1 on his way back to [ Australia, under engagement to Messrs. J. C.. Williamson. According to present arrangements, he is to appear in the firm's production,. "On. the Spot," the latest and most successful of all the 1 Edgar .Wallace plays. . It was written .after the. author-playwright had beento Chicago. Since his return to London after a lengthy'sojourn in Australia, during which •he was starred- • with' Muriel Starr,- the late-Emilie Polini, and other well-known stage folk, Prank Harvey achieved success on the English stago, and has also written plays. Lee Shubert, the American producer, chose | Mr/llarvey 's play, <' The Last1 Enemy," fdr'"production 'in'the 'States, 'beginning with New York. Mr. Shubert also took, to his'managerial heart, "On the Spot,'" written-after Mr. Wallace had been in Chicago only a few hours, but , evidently long enough to' secure material for a thriller that attracted the attention and praise of a producer of the calibre of Mr. Shubert. He described it as the best American gangster play .he had ,<3yer seen. :Mr.'; Harvey's? 'return will be-good'news for his admirers in this part of tho world. Tho Sydney Players' Club recently chps'o his play, "The Last Enemy" for its dramatic geason. It is a drama of. the supernatural, wherein two Arctic explorers meet on the stairway to Heaven, and then; return to earth to intervene in the'affairs of two persons related to them.-, by affinity. London Successes. The^Elmer Bice play, "Street Scene " has repeated at the Globe lhcatro, London, the success it achieved in New York. High praise has been given to the impersonators of the heroine, Bose- Maurrant, and her father and mother—three characters played-to perfection by the artists who appeared in the original production in the States —Miss Erin O'Brien Moore, Miss 'Mary bervoss, and Mr. David Landau The story is of the • domestic life of the tno, with Bose, a. typist, likened io a 'girl-Hamlet, of the slums"; keeping licr way faithfully through the exciting, events of her mother's murder;'her father's arrest, and the rivalry o/'hor lovers Master Charles Hawtrey :fa ? T upl!, of "alin Conti) and ' Josephfno Hunt ey Wright, daughter of Huntley Wright one of the most famous comedians of the London Gaiety in the Goorge Edwardes production days, were also in the cast. .-•■■■• •-. Powerful Cast. ...- --li^. ~ si In the cast of '^icfe^Ttfnr's Cabil " yet another Cliris.tmas;;attraction, arc -roaiiy; peqplo ;Xwho fVare well known in New Zealand, Among them aro Eeginald:' Boberts/' the tenor 01 many musical comedies and comic °?Mr S lnr tllo clays.'pf Florence Younrr; Wilhani Inness, Marion /Marcus Clarke Agnes poyle, a clever juvenile actress; Eutland Beckett, D'Arcy Kclwaj', Win- • ■ cent Scully (sound actor)1; B. Needhata, Nelhe Mortyne, and^'June Mills,.vthc plump lady of several Fuller revues", A male double quartet, . a big chorus and a _ ballet, plantation revels, buck UJ!-LWllie dancing, a.:sma]l armv^'-of children, and spectacular effects'■■ aro promised by Geoi-g^J). barker, producer,, who-will hav^aS^fisical director an old iavourite m GustaV Slapoffski, well bekyed fpe- Jijs.. ofefiostral direction of- Gilbert afifcSuJlivany: and comic opera. . ■ " The House that Jack Built." Boy Bone, better known as "Mp," ■of Fuller fame, has been engaged-"for the "Williamson1 . pantomime, "The ■House that'Jack'Built/" at Melbourne for Christmas. He is to havo the role of Sammy. The dame part will 'r bo handled expertly by Arthur Stigant; Sadio Gale, also a former Fuller favourite, will bo a shapely principal bbv; and Kathleen Goodall (Kathleen Fanning before her marriage to Mr. John Goodall, well-known stock and share broker Of ; Melbourne) - as tho Fairy Queen. Miss Goodall; appeared "in "Sally," in "Sybil," and "Maid, of tho Mountains," being Miss Gladys Moncricff's undqrstudy.- She was originally engaged by Mr; Charles A. Weu,man (who'is to,produce the forthcoming Christmas attraction), and it was through Mr.'Wehman's persuasion that she agreed to accept the rolo of Fairy Queen.