Mimes and Music

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 106, 31 October 1931, Page 17

Mimes and Music

B y "ORPHEUS"

Miss Cissio Jamicson, .for sixteen years secretary to tho lato J. C. Williamson, and formerly secretary to tlio Uanco of Pudukota, is noiv representing Itf. J. Carroll interests in London. She arrived in Sydney recently, and roported that Kreisler i3 to visit tho Antipodes next year, and Florence Austral the following year. Maurice Chevalier, John M'Cormack, Elizabeth Schumann, Paderewski, Ninon Vallm, and Yehudi Mcnudin are other possibilities at later dates. Strolling Players, Duucdin, presented the old farce, "Are You a Mason?" this week. Gladys Cole, of Sydney, is to sing tho title role in "Aida" during the Covent Garden season. Mr. and Mrs. Alan Wilkio are giving Shakespearian scenes and classical comedies in the States, with Canada to follow. Visits to universities arc part of their tour. Essie Jennings, wife of Jim Gerald, has left the stage and gone into business in Melbourne as a costumiere. Alice Wyatt, a cousin of Carrie Moore, is her partner. Mary Clare is heading the cast of Noel Coward's operetta, "Cavalcade," at Drury Lane. The play, spectacular and effective, depicts a woman's life ranging over a period of thirty years, linking up noteworthy events iv England's history. Tho Titanic wreck, Trafalgar Square on Armistice Day, Boer War, and other events are pictured. Strclla Wilson, well known in New Zealand for her G. and S. roles, has won praise for her part. Sir Edward Elgar's "Nursery Suite," dedicated by the Master of the King's Musick to the Duchess of York and her two children, was played at the British Composers' Concert in London last month. The composition ,is fanciful and tender, and is similar in style to Elgar's "Wand of Youth" music, written when he was it child. Lewis Casson, husband of Sybil Thorndike, is the male lead in "The Painted Veil," Somerset Maugham's drama of .the Malay States, at London Playhouse. Austin Trevor is the lover to Gladys Cooper, as the unfaithful wife. Charles Waldron, who was in the Australian and New Zealand versions of "Tho Squaw Man," is iv the New York presentation of the London success, "The Barretts of Wimpole Street." Joseph Coyne, who was here in 1921, recently celebrated his stago jubilee. Ho received more than 300 telegrams and other messages at the Vaudeville, London, whore he was playing in "Apron Strings." Patrons of the new Sydney Repertory Society (under Scott Alexander's direction) recently spent a thrilling evening with Grand Guignol drama. Strong women shuddered to the horror of "Vultures," tho tale of a night of terorr in a mental hospital; to Planches "Moulding Hall" haunted house drama; to Leeocq's "The Unforeseen," a once-famous surgeon's struggle against the drug 'habit; and "Tho Grip," a play in which a paralysed man regains the use of his hands to strangle his son's murderess, tho daugh-ter-in-law. Kone ltiano, whoso eccentric dancing and grotesque contortions amazed patrons of the.Regent Theatro, Wellington, a few years back during a Celebrity Vaudeville season, is in the cast of "Scandals of 1931," at Sydney Opera House. Qlem Dawe, Erie Edgely, Alfred Frith, Muriel O'Malley, Cyril James, and other well-known favourites are also featured, and the ballet includes some solo dancers of note. , Gus. Eluett, last in New Zealand with "Sons o 1 Guns," is reported to bo joining Ernest C. Rolls's new theatrical company in Australia, International Attractions Pty., Ltd., representing Melbourne capital, and with, headquarters there. Gus. "Bluett's father, Fred, his sisters, Belle and Kitty, Jennie Benson, comedienne, and a cast of some 100 will interpret.the first revue contemplated, "Bright Side Up." All kinds of theatrical fare will be presented by the company. ; The G. and S. opera '.'The Sorcerer," to be presented in Sydney on sth December, was previously played in> Sydney in 1879 by the Kelly-Leon Opera Company. Edwin Kelly was John Wellington Wells; Edwin Lester (here in tho "Give and Take" Company in 1926, and later in "The Trial of Mary Dugan" in 1928), waa Sir Marmaduke; Eva Davenport Constance, Fanny Murrell Lady Sangazuro, and Leon, the female impersonator, was Aline. In 1886 the Koyal. Comics played it, with Nellie Stewart as Aline, Billy Elton Wells, Howard Vernon Sir Marmaduke. How-1 ard Vernon waa Wells in the 1905 revival, Dolly Castles Aline, Vinia do Loitte (Mrs. Vernon) Constance, and Celia Ghiloni Lady Sangazuro. Norman M'Kiunel, a member of the Boucicault company in 11929, is in tho cast of "Tho Silver Box" at London Savoy. ■ Madame Clothilde Sakharoff, tho famous dancer, is partnered by her brother in all of her stago appearances. She ia now in Paris aftor a triumphal European tour, delighting with graceful-dances of lier native Russia. Marie' Tempest wa3 to open at a West End Theatre this month in Major and Mrs. Frank Vornou'a vorsion of Alfred Savoir's comedy "La Petite Catherine." Sir John and Lady Martin-Harvey commenced their autumn tour at Eastbourne last month, and will finish in London towards the end of November. Tiie repertoire includes "Tho King's Messenger" and Pinero's "A Private Boom." George Zucco, who was hero with Maurice Moscovitch in 1926, is with tho Shakespearian company of the Old Vie and Sadler's Wells, London. Edith Evans and Diana . Wynyard were in the cast of Nigol Playfair's revival of Congrovo's first comedy "The Old Bachelor" at the Lyric, Hammersmith, last month. Olive Dyer, who made a hit as tho crippled boy in the charming operetta, "The Piper," was also admirably cast. Thomas F. Dunhill, composer of "Tantivy Towers," arranged music by Purcoll for the production. Frederick llobbs, who played tho Pirate King and other baritono roles with Ihe 1920 G. and S. Opera Company throughout New Zealand, is business manager for the D'Oyley Carlo Opera Company's tour of the English provinces. ' ' Richard Strauss, tho composer, received from tho hands of President Miklas, of Austria, the Medal with tho Star, tho highest order available in Austria, in token of his birthday and of gratitude for his work as gueat conductor at the Vienna Opera. Madame Gittar Alpar, who was in New Zealand some time ago, has come into her own in Berlin. Her unfortuuato experience in the Dominion—comparatively unknown and in financial difficulties, Madame had a hard time following the death of her husbandso it is gratifying to report that in Mollocker's now operetta, "Dv Barry," she has achieved a triumph in tho star role. American appearances will probably follow her Berlin succoss. One critic wrote of her performance that Madame Alpar was tho best that Central Europe hasi to offer for a role calling for subtlety, poise, delicate charm, and enormous vocal demands. A paragon of all the musical comedy virtues! Two stagrs on different levels arc In be used iv the Ournbridgc 'Theatre,

London, for tho presentation of tho German play "Elizabeth of England." Tho characters of tho two nations concerned in the play, England and Spain, play on tho different levels, and when scenes avo to bo played simultaneously, the stage is divided by a huge cross. Phyllis Neilson-Tcrry will play the Queen; and Matheson Lang, Philip of Spain. lludolf Kcsici-, tho author of "The Barretts of Wimpole Street," is aged 53, and has written several successful plays; he is part-author of "Secrets," "Tho Barretts" has, earned for1 the author something like £20,000 in royalties, in England and the States. It was originally intended to have only a short run in Londou, but turned out to be v record-breaker. Bruno Frank's fine play, "Twelve Thousand," has been revived at the Embassy, Hampstead, in William Drake's admirable English version. Williamsons have "jazzed" up the popular comic opera, "Florodora,"_with new lines, new lyrics, and new topicalities. Grace Palotta's aristocratic Lady Holyrood has been substituted by Dot Brunton, in the same role, with a gay burlesque. The only numbers unaffected by Producer Blackmail's pencil are "Silver Star of Love," "The Queen of the Philippine Islands," and "Under the Shelt'ring Palms." Cecil Kelleway and Leo Franklyn, Anthony Tweedlepuuch and Cyrus Gilfain, bring back memories of George Laufi and Hugh Ward. Sir Granyillo Bantock,. who is Professor at Birmingham University, is to conduct 'a special course in musical composition at the Trinity College of Music; the new course is for two years and one of its chief purposes is to help young eonvposers, as well as those who already hold university degrees. The Carl Rosa Company had a new Susuki in its Madam Butterfly presentation at Chiswick last month. This was Betty Thompson, a young artist of great promise. It is stated that one of the reasons for Charlie Chaplin's visit to Juan dcs Pins was to induce Mrs. Frank Jay Gould, wifo of the American millionaire, to tako part in a new film with him. The lady so far is undecided. Rudyard Kipling is to collaborate in the screen adaptation of "The Light that Failed" at Blstroe, England. The War Office and the Sudan Government are co-operating for tho exteriors, to be taken in Africa next month. Dorothy Gill, the Savoyard who was recalled Homo from Australia to take the late Bertha Lewis's place in the DOyly Carte opera company, is in the cast for tho opening at Golders Green on 9th November next. Miss Gill has the presence and indefinable G. and S. manner that comes from following true tradition. The salary reductions among stage people in England include 3d a performance for stage and goneral hands; Id an hour for hourly workers; 10 per cent, (with a guaranteed minimum.of £5 10s a week), for departmental heads. The reductions affect 1500 employees in the West End; 1000 in the suburbs, and 3000 in the provinces. Eugene Goosscns, the famous conductor, is evidently a very hardy man. Ho went to England for a holiday (hay ing given just seventy orchestral concerts in 2S weeks in tho States), only to find himself roped in to tho Russian season at London Lyceum. In Devonshire, where ho went for a rest before reluming to New York, he finished Act 11. of his new opera, and scored the iirst, and hopes to have the third and last act finished in November. , John M'Connack, the tenor, will celebrate the 25th anniversary of his first appearailco at tho London Ballad Concerts by appearing at a special ballad night in the Albert Hall, on 2-lth April next. C. B. Cochran, the eminent London producer, has been laid aside with a serious illness, a severe' operation following, but has been a lively patient. Frank Leighton has been chosen to play the rolo of Princo Danilo opposite Dorothy Brunton in the Melbourne revival of "The Merry Widow." Arthur Stigant will be Baron Popoff; Leo Franklyn, Nisch; Herbert Brown, de Jolidon; Romola Hanson, Natalie; Maidie Hope, Praskovia. Williamson's will have Frederick Blackman as producer. George Highland is now on Ms way to London to see tho production of "Waltzes from "Vienna," which the Firm are to stage in Australia later on. Mr. Highland will engage artists from London. It is described as an "eye, ear, and heart show," and is playing to capacity business at tho Alhambra, London. "Elijah." Tho oratorio "Elijah" has for some time past boon in rehearsal by the choir of the Methodist Church, Lower Hutt, and the performance will take place in tho Church next month. This choir has earned a good reputation for its choral work in past years and the forthcoming perforinauce may bo anticipated with pleasure. The choir will be considerably augmented for the occasion and will have the assistance of a full orchestra drawn from the leading instrument talent in Wellington, and led by Miss Ava Symons. Tho soloists will be Mrs. Muriel Tunley (soprand), Mrs. Wilfred Andrews (contralto), Mr. Roy Hill (tenor), and Mr. S. Evelyn Rodger (baritone). Tho performance will be under tho direction of Mr. Ernest Dawson and Mr. R. Horman will preside at tho organ. As this is the only presentation of this oratorio in the Wellington district this year no doubt many people from tho city as well as from the Hutt Valley will tako advantage of the opportunity thus 'presented. "Sweet Lavender." . Old theatre-goers will welcome the revival of that charming domestic comedy "Sweet Lavender," which will be produced by the Little Theatre Players under the direction of Mr. Clement May for a sefison dt four nights, commencing on Saturday, 14th November, at the Town Hall Concert Chamber. The following cast has been selected to prosent the play:—Lavender, Miss Dorothy Miller; Ruth Rolt, Miss Madge Thomas; Mrs. Gilfillian, Miss Lenore Pulsford; Minnie, Miss Ragnhildo Meo; Mr. Geoffrey Wodderburn, Mr. James Entwistie; Clement Hale, Mr. Bartholomew Cahill; Dr. Delaney, Mr. John Storr; Dick Phcnyl, Mr. Clement May; Horaco Bream, Mr. Ken Aitken; Mr. Maw, Mr. Ray Kemp; Mr. Bulger, Mr. William M'lvcon. Half the proceeds of tlio full season will be devoted to the Plunket Society Fund, who are working in conjunction with Mr. May for tho success of this presentation.

New Dance Records. The following dance records, culled from tho H.M.V. November list, should have a wide appeal:—"Mino Yesterday —His To-day" (Waltz), played by the Troubadours, and "Havo You Forgotten" (fox-trot), played by Henry Busses Orchestra (EA926); "I Wanna Sing About You" (fox-trot), played by Burt Lown and his Hotel Biltmorc Orchestra, and "Maybe It's tho Moon" (fox-trot), played by Johnny Hump's Orchestra (EA929); "Laughing at tho Efiin" (Fox-trot), played by Ambrose's Orchestra, and "You're Twice as Nice as tho Girl in my Dreams" (fox-trot), played by the Now Mayfair Banco Orchestra (EA923); Trees" (fox-trot) and "Black Eyes" (fox-trot), played by Nat Shilkret and his Orchestra (EA933); Ho! Hum!" fox-trot) and "I'm Gonna Get You" (fox-trot), played by Gus Arnhcim and his Cocoanut Grove Orchestra (EA92B); "You Didn't Have to Tell Me" (fox-trot), played by the Troubadours, and "Just a Blue-Eyed Blonde" (fox-trot), played by the High Hatters (EA925). Glorious Organ Playing. All the majesty of the glorious Liverpool Cathedral organ is heard in the performance of Chopin's "Marche Funebre"

Harry Goss-Ciistavd. The famous organist's performances aro always welcome, and in this record lie uttains sublime heiglits. Chopin's famous composition is in reality the third movement o£ his great 1! ilat minor Sonata for piano, written by tho Polish pianist while in Paris. It really reflects his grief over the loss of Polish independence. The march follows the regulation form of march, trio, march, •and particularly beautiful is tho trio which seems to breathe a spirit. . Liszt says of this composition, "All that the funeral possession of our entire nation in mourning, wcoping for its own death, could contain of desolate woe, of deepest sorrow, ia found in this funeral knell. One feels hero that it is not only the death of a hero who is mourned whilo other heroes remain to avenge him, but rather that of an entire generation of warriors who have succumbed, leaving only women, children and priests." Throughout the organ tone is wonderfully clear and realistic, and the playing is that of a consummate artist. (H.M.V.,C2147). "Tales of Hoffmann." A selection of tho principal airs of Offenbach's opera, "Tales of Hoffmann" is played by tho Coldstream Guards Band, conducted by Captain B. G. Evans. Jacques Offenbach is called the

"father of modern opera buffa." Though Gorman by birth, Offenbach, like Meyerbeer, is chiefly identified with the French school, for his works were written for the Opera Comiquo of Paris. His operas have met with great popularity, but of his one hundred works on the stage none is more beloved than "The Tales of Hoffmann," which includes the ever-popular "Barcarolle." All the airs have a delicate sweetness and the band brings out all their entrancing effects. No orchestra is bettor disciplined than the Coldstream Guards' Band, its tone is uniformly good,' aiid its conductor displays deep musical insight. (C 2092). Elgar Symphony. . Conducted by tho composer, the London Symphony Orchestra plays Sir Edward Elgar's "First Symphony in A Flat Major," Op. 55, which was composed 23 years ago. This is undoubtedly ono of tho greatest symphonies since Brahms, and abounds iv passages of wondrous beauty. The first movement, an allegro, begins with an andante introduction, and is full of life and colour. Tho second movement is' another allegro, and tho third a fine slow movement, adagio. A lento and allegro completes the symphony, which is realistically recorded under the

composer's personal direction. The symphony is recorded on eleven sidos of six 12-inch records, and on tho odd. side is Elgar's "May Bong," played by, the New Symphony Orchestra. (H.M.V.,D 1944-49.) Rich-toned Playing. , . " It is always a' pleasure to hear the Covent Garden Opera Orchestra. In. tho past this body gavo us some of the most realistic recordings of the more popular type. This time it is the "Naila" Waltz, of Dolibos, that is offered. Tho former clarity and grace of the playing is again in evidence. Oa the same record, the New Symphony ! Orchestra gives an outstanding performance of the "Judex" music from Gou-< nod's now-forgotten oratorio, ''Mors et Vita." There is plenty of good rich tone. (H.M.V., C 1969.)