DRAMATIC NOTES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LIII, Issue 5905, 29 January 1880, Page 6

DRAMATIC NOTES.

Riccardi’s Opera Company opened at the Auckland Theatre on Jan. 12, the piece selected for the occasion being GiroJU Girofla. The cast was the following: —Marasquin, Mr 0. Harding; Hon Bolero, Mr Leopold ( Moorzouk, Mr Riocardi; Girofle Girofla, Miss Loaf, Aurora, Miss Teague; Poquita, Miss B. Leopold ; Pedro, Miss Isabel Hunter. The Company are said to have acquitted themselves very well, and a payable season is anticipated. It should bo said that in addition to those mentioned above, Messrs Crain and Love are members of the Company. After playing two or three weeks in Auckland, the Company will probably proceed to Australia. —Batoholder's Panorama closed a short and not very profitable series of exhibitions at the Royal on Jan. 10,—The phonograph is on exhibition opposite the Bank of New Zealand. —The Liugurds have left for Sydney. The panorama of the Zulu War is still at the Thames.—The Oriental Exhibition, after a short stay in Auckland, has token up quarters at the Academy of Music, Thames. The Carandinis closed their second series of concerts at Now Plymouth on Jan. 9. Both visits to this town were attended with good financial results. The Mammoth Minstrels gave eight performances at the Theatre Royal, Napier, commencing on Jan. 10. The lower parts of the house were well attended throughout, but the circle was not extensively patronised. From Napier the Minstrels proceeded to Auckland, The JuveniloTroubadours commenced their season at Wanganui on Jan. 12, but up to latest advices were not receiving the patronL, unquestionably deserve. Iho Stray Leaves Combination seem to bo orawmg good houses at the Theatre Royal, Wellington.— A ooraplimontory benefit was to bo given to Mr Carey by the Pantomime Signor Ohurini still has Dunedin all to

himself, and as » consequence the Circus lift* been very extensively patronissd.—Th# Gem Burlesque Company gave two performance* ftt the Princess Theatre last week, and on the last night Mr Hydss announced that the troupe Intended to return to Dunedin shortly as members of a big double company, who. would play a short season of comedy and burlesque. The people of Invercargill are assuredly most liberal patrons of the drama. They support the companies which visit them in a liberal spirit, and do not neglect an opportunity for bestowing praise. Genius is not likely to go unacknowledged in the chief town of Southland, indeed its critics would appear to possess a special talent for discovering individual worth. Not long ago wo learnt that tho company now at the Theatre Boyal had played UamUt with remarkable success, and that a better rendering of the title role than Hr Harford’s "could not well be imagined.” Encouraged by this, The Merchant of Venice was put In hand, the result being that Mr Burford shines with still greater brilliance- After praWna the performance ns a whole, tbo "Times"proceeds to individualise, and very naturally commences with Bhylock. It says; 11 Mr Burford's impersonation of tho Jew was perhaps the best that has ever been seen id Invercargill, and must be put down at one of tho most brilliant of his many successes on the Without exaggeration, ho yet played the part with a vigour and evident knowledge or its requirements, that entitles him to rank as one of the best exponents of the character of the money-loving but revengeful Jew." Again do we say, " Bravo Burford.” Continue in this form and a bright future must perforce await thee. Our space will not permit of the other characters being noticed in detail, and need we say this is a matter for great regret.—The concert given for the benefit of Miss Lizzie Morgan Srior to her departure from Invercargill.— Marini's Circus is to open there on Jan. 27. We are in receipt of theatrical advices from Melbourne up to Jan. 12. Two out of the three pantomimes are still running to good houses. The Babes in the Wood at the Royal is evidently a great favourite, but Mohinson Crusoe at the Opera House bids fair to have the longer run of the two. The Academy of Music has been the first to show signs of weakness, for on Jan, 11. it was deemed necessary to withdraw the harlequinade portion of Cinderella, and preface the burlesque with Still Waters Bun Beep, This proceeding was considered wise by the local critics, who do not hesitate to say that ti e harlequinade could very well be spared. Mr Wybert Reeve appeared as Joha Mildmay, a part singularly suited to him, and Messrs Ireland and Oily Peering also appeared in the cast. The ladies parts were very indifferently filled. — The Forlorn Mope seems to gain in favour with tho play-goers of Melbourne, and the result is a large audience every night. Monday, Jan. 12, was designated the “ Australian Natives night,” being under the special patronage of old colonists. The ” Argus ”in its report of the proceedings says:—“ The Australian Natives' night at the People’s Theatre, tendered in compliment to Mr George Darrell, in recognition of the merits of his patriotic drama The Forlorn Hope, was a great success last evening. His Excellency the Governor and suite wore present, and the theatre was crowded in all parts. Mr Darrell re-appeared in the character of George Somerset. He was most cordially received, and the play went remarkably well. Many of the good-humoured hits at our colonial institutions gave rise to hearty laughter and applause.’ ’ —The Froliques are s till drawing good houses at St George’s Hall.—The Wbodroffe Company of Glassblowers have combined with a waxwork exhibition, and the double card draws very well. —Another troupe of juvenile troubadours are in the field. They are under the management of a Mr Cottier, and ore playing at the Apollo Hall to crowded houses. The programme comprises an opening chorus by the company; a clogdance, which was cleverly executed by Master Ernest Cottier; and a number of songs, solos, and comic sketches, which are well received, and elicit repeated encores.—The Argus of a recent date says : —“ Mr J. E. Fulton, the late Manager for the Baldwins, announces that he will give an entertainment in the Town Hall on Jan. 24, when be will repeat the performance given by the Baldwins ia their entertainment of "Spiritual Mediums Exposed,” and then explain how each trick is done.”—A recent telegram from Melbourne announces that Captain Pearce will proceed to Europe by the Kent, to exhibit a Panorama or Victoria with descriptive lectures, with a view to encouraging immigration.— Madame Camilla Urso has returned to Melbourne, and is giving concerts at the Town Hall. The concerts are very liberally patronised.

From Sydney wo learn that the pantomimes at the Royal and Victoria continue to do well, and promise to run for some time yet. —The Doctor of Alcantara , though still attracting good houses to Messrs Kelly and Leon’s new place of entertainment, was to be withdrawn on Jan. 10, to make room for negro minstrelsy on a large scale. The troupe is said to be 60 strong, the end men being Messrs Edwin Lester, G. Gardener, C. Holly, and Dave Gardener.—Messrs Bakerand Farron’s season at the Queens’ Theatre is drawing to a close, but their popularity continues undiminished. Miss Imogens, the American actress was to appear in La Cigale on Jan. 12,—Burton’s Circus is still open, but the proprietor has filed his schedule, this being due, it is alleged, to losses in a store and hotel which he has been running. His liabilities are £5024, and his assets £4854. The Maori troupe are performing at Wagga Wagga to fair houses. Gardner’s English Comedy Company are more popular than ever in Adelaide.—The panorama of the Russo-Turkish war is attracting a fair amount of patronage at White’s rooms.

Thyme’s Dramatic Company have latterly been drawing good houses at the Queensland Theatre, Brisbane. —Lingard’s panorama of the Eusso-Turkish war also appears to bo doing well at the Town Hall. There is nothing new to record from Hobart Town. The dramatic company at the Theatre Boyal, and Professor Pepper, have been fairly well patronised of late. Foreign Gossip. Mr Henry Hallam, who was in Christchurch some years ago, is now principal tenor at the Garrick Theatre, London. Oar Oirls has made a decided hit at Wallaces Theatre, Mew York. There has been discovered in the French army a tenor singer such as has never before boon hoard. His voice is said to bo more wonderful than any voice yet known in Franco,

Miss Emily Soldene and her company have returned to London, and are playing Carmen at the Standard Theatre. The fair Emily seems, however, to be losing her hold on the British public, and business is but moderate. Crutch and Toothpick is having a good run at the Royalty Theatre, London. It has been played 200 nights, and still draws largo houses.

Mrs Sullivan (Adelaide Stanhope) was to leave San Francisco for Australia by the last steamer.

Mr G. D. Chaplin has loft the Standard Theatre, San Francisco, and joined the Company at the California, whore Miss Rose Osborne is playing lead. Dion Bouoicault has written, adapted, and dramatised 600 plays. Ho has just concluded a new comedy to bo produced at the Boston Museum. William Hambleton, a veteran actor, who last appeared on the stage in 1874, playing Polonius to Charles Dillon’s Hamlet, died Nov. 17, at Liverpool, aged 81. A prominent New York theatrical journal states that Mr George Fawcett Rowe intends to visit Australia next spring. The late Mr Buokstono’s two elder boys have adopted their fother’s profession, and Mr Clark has taken the oldest into the Haymarket Theatre. Mr Frank Towers, now in London, talks about returning to Australia and Now Zealand next season. The Royal Illusionists (Messrs Thome and Damn) gave a senes of taoir entertainments at the Standard Theatre, San Francisco, in the early part of last month, but only to moderate business. The local critics state

that the entertainments were a shade too quiet lor San Francisco. Mr John Owens, for some time manager of the Standard Theatre, San Francisco, pnr* poses paving a professional visit to Anstrslia and New Zealand by the nest or succeeding mail steamer. . Madame Carlotta Patti states that unices something unforeseen should happen, her present tour will be her last. A new comedy by Mr Byron, The Upptr Crust, was to be brought out in December at the Folly Theatre. . They were out sailing on the Atlantie Oity Inlet. Tlie Captain, as he spied the buoy, cried “ Hard-a-100 1 ” and one of the party, by force or habit—-it was not intentional—murmured, " Bver 1 ” There was a splashgone 1 A novelty in New York is The Frog Opera, The piece is a comic operetta, its story being an embodiment of the old nursery tale of the particular frog who would a-wooing go. diversified by the humorous experiences of the Baron Hat, Sir Thomas Cot, Queen Frog, the Baroness Bat, and others.

An original one-act plsy, by Alfred Tonnyson, founded on a story m the Decameron of Boccaccio, is in rebsanal at the St James’ Theatre, Loudon, and will shortly bo produced. There is also promised a new threeact play, suggested by Slack Sped Susan, the first two acts of which hare been originally treated by Mr W. G. Wills. On the night of Madame Patti’s debut in La Traviala, at Berlin, the aged Emperor, accompanied by Prince Frederick Charles, wont on the stage to congratulate her. There was, however, a counter demonstration in the house in favour of the baritone, Herr Betz, aad of course against Madame Patti and Signor Nicolmi. The artiste have attracted crowded houses, but the cheers which greeted Herr Betz were attributed first, of course, to the gentleman’s high talent, and, secondly, to the fact that the prices have been raised because Patti and Nicollni are paid at (be rate of £4OO a night. Messrs F. W. Green, J. F. M’Ardle, and T. L, Olay will, between them (says “ The Era” of Nor. 30), furnish about a score of the forthcoming Pantomimes. Mr Green is the author of Sinbad at Covent Garden, The Forty Thieve• at the Liverpool Alexandra, and of Aladdin at the Prince of Wales, Birmingham. With Mr M’Ardle, he has furnished Sick Whittington to the Manchester Boyal, and Sinbad to the Brighton Boyal. Mr M’Ardle supplies the Surrey with Aladdin, the Leeds Boyal with Robinson Crusoe, the Sheffield Alexandra with Puts in Boole, the Newcaetle Tyne Theatre with Red Siding Hood, the Bristol Boyal with Sinbad; the Hanley Boyal with Puss in Boots ; the Greenock Boyal with Sinbad ; the Huddersfield Boyal with Seautg and the Beast, Ac. Mr T. L. Olay is responsible for The Babes in the Wood at Southampton, and the Children in the Wood at the Elephant and Castle. Messrs Green and Clay have written The Forty Thieves for the Dublin Boyal, Jack and Jill for the Plymouth Boyal; Cinderella for the Marylebone, and Babes in the Wood for the Pavilion Theatre.

At half-past two o’clock on the morning of Nov. 29 the Grand Opera House, Toronto, Ont., was discovered to be on fire, and, as a heavy gale was blowing, the entire structure was destroyed in about one hour and a half. Bobert Wright, the stage carpenter, who also officiated as janitor, occupied with his family —consisting of his wife and a little daughter named Mamie —apartments in the top story of the theatre. The flames out off their means of escape by the stairway, and drove hack the firemen who attempted to scale the walls and reseue them, and all three perished in the flames. William Scott, the gas engineer, saved his life by jumping from a window about 30ft from the ground. Daniel B. Band maun and company, who were fulfilling an engagement, lost all of their wardrobe and stage properties, Mr Bandmann also losing a quantity or scenery he carried with him, besides, it is said, his entire theatrical wardrobe, estimated at £4OOO. At nine o’clock Saturday morning the ruins were sufficiently coolfed to enable the firemen to make a search, and the charred remains of Mr Wright and his wife and child were found.

The Pari* “Temp*” discourses thus about the present popular favourite : “ The Vessel of Her Majesty, the Pinafore, is, we are informed, sung everywhere; the troupes of Christian Minstrels, a pious opera corps, sing it; M. Charles Godfrey, band-master of Horse Guards, found* marches upon it; never in a country of the English tongue have there been seen a like vogue and fury. It is a satire on, or rather a picturesque tableau of the English navy, and the sailors, the little ship boy and a sort of old she sutler amuse greatly the public, which sings everywhere. ‘ Farewell, my On,’ or I call myself ‘The little battercap.’ Captain Corcoran is a drawingroom mariner who- has never navigated, and who, when they speak to him of tempests or manocuvers, or even of a simple crackling of the sails and cordage, replies gayly s * I would like to see that; 1 have seen that. The minister has named mo a captain, but I know nothing at all about what a ship is.’ ” Mb Bubnand’s Nhw BubiiBSQUE. (iPkoatre.)

Mr Barnard Isas bean very muoli more for* innate at the Gaiety k» his burlesque of Rob Roy than in his version of the farcical comedy Let Trente Milliont de Gladiator. During the long interval which has elapsed since the same author’s Ixion was produced at the Royalty no better burlesque than Robbing Roy, or Scotched and Kilt, and very few so good, have been placed on the stage, and were it not for the exigencies of a Christmas season, Mr Burnard’s new piece of drollery might fairly bo expected to win the reward of a very long run indeed. It is unnecessary to notice in detail how, while following the story of Bob Hoy as closely as may be, the burlesque makes genial fun of its chief incidents and characters, how the brave Highlander becomes a henpecked coward, very uncomfortable in his chilly attire, how Rashleigh Osbaldistono becomes a transpontine villain, and how a comic fight between him and the Dougal Creature brings down simultaneously tne curtain and the house. All the principal players are well suited with parts, Mr Terry being peculiarly grotesque as the hero, Mr Boyco a Dougal who gives absurd accentuation to the eccentricities of that faithful follower, and Mr Elton finding in Rashleigh an opportunity of making his first important mark on the London stage. Miss Kate Vaughan, though not very happy in her selection of a dress for Di Vernon, dances so gracefully as to disarm all criticisms directed to other phases of her performance, and Miss E. Barren gives with all necessary point a “ topical ” song, written, like other very sparkling ditties in the burlesque, by Mr H. T. Stephens. A Dba.ha.tio Mixtubb. (N*i» York Clipper.)

J. 0. Williamson having “ Struck Oil,” determined upon “ A Trip to the Moon," but, on reflection, changed his mind and joined J. K. Kmmet in a tour “ Around the World in Eighty Days," both taking their “ Wivce " with them. During the journey they frequently referred to their "Daughters" as “ Our Girls." On arriving in Europe they met " Fritz in Ireland," he being very fond of that land of *• Enchantment "—the eveninf?*, ho said, reminded him of " An Arabian Night," At their earnest solicitation he consented to join "The Tourists j” but, having previously formed a violent attachment for " The Banker's Daughter," he resolved that they should immediately become “ Man and Wife," “ Marriage ” being one of his favourite " Hobbies." After “ Much ado About Nothing " they were married and returned to America in " H.M.S. Pinafore,” a pleasant voyage laudingthom safe and sound in " The Streets of New York." This ended their " Honeymoon j" but their happiness did not long continue, for one night he discovered her with "Dan’l Druoe" at “The Mulliganguard Ball." He was Wild with "Jealousy," she turned Gray from fright, and ho endeavoured there and then to wreak vengeance upon her ; but she was “ Rescued ” by Dion Bouoicault, who threw her husband from a seven-story window into “ The Brook ” which meanders past the domicile. From here he was taken by Dominick Murray, who had just “ Escaped from Sing Sing," and transferred to a room in a row of “ French Flats." Recovering from his involuntary

immersion, ho thought of commencing pro. cesdings for a “ Divorce but, not liking * “Trial by Jury," and afraid of its becoming “ A Celebrated Case/’ having an “ lion Will/* he determined to put her to “A Terrible Test” to prove her innocence. Being “ Engaged ”in business, ho said t " j will first consult ’My Partner.’ ” Bi» partner, “Joshua Whitcomb,” told him “The Wife” was above suspicion, and taking the advice of this good old Yankee, he despatched “A Messenger from J«rvU Section " to “ Wolfert’s Boost," saying ” Toll *My Son ’ that I forgive his mother.” This brought “ Mother ana Son ” “ Face to Face,” and effected a reconciliation between these “ Hearts of Oak.”