DRAMATIC AND MUSICAL

Free Lance, Volume XV, Issue 789, 13 August 1915, Page 16

DRAMATIC AND MUSICAL

By Foot light.

4< The Man Who Stayed at Home.'' THIS is J. C. Williams on Ltd. 's latest dramatic attraction for New Zearland, and the season, which opened in Wellington on Wednesday night, spells prosperous business. The Grand Opera House was quite full, khaki uniforms in every part of the house denoted how keenly military interest was aroused by the play, .and the applause which punctuated the' performance told iow surely it was gripping the attention of the audieaice. Among those present were the Australian nurses with Mr. B. J. Wilson (director of Tourist and Health Resorts) as their cicerone. At the call of an enthusiast the nurses got three rousing cheers before the play pegan.

There is nothing shoddy about "The Man Who Stayed at Home." It is a Jjlay of considerable merit,with a cleverly constructed plot, and typical characters strongly drawn. Each of. the two acts ends with a snap that heightens the interest, and the denouement is highly leffeotive. The much-misunderstood man who stays at home (Christopher Brent) Is, to all outward appearances, a careless, devil-may-care, shallowpated society fool or dude. Beneath the surface he is a quick-witted, resourceful officer of the British Intelligence) Department, detailed to watch for j&eronan spies, and working in co-opera-tion with a fascinating widow (Miriam Leigh).

All the episodes' of the play, with its •undercurrent of love-making, transpire in a fashionable hotel on the East Coast of England. The "paying guests" include a strong posse of German spies. Mrs. Sanderson and her son Carl (who has got a billet in the British Admiralty enables him to copy plans of mine-fields, details of naval strategy, etc.), Fraulein Schroeder, "naturalised alien," and for twenty years past governess in "our very naicest families" (which does noit prevent her sketching harbour defences for German use), ana Fritz, the waiter (ostensibly Dutch and also naturalised), who looks after the carrier pigeons who carry on a postal service /with Potsdam.

The other leading personages are a peppery old English J.P. much given to highly spiced patriotic speeches, his attractive' daughter, (in love with the alleged dude), Percival Pennicuik, a good average specimen of the British Territorial officer, plucky and unsuspicious, and' Molly Preston, a youjig lady who tries to help on the recruiting spirit by fiandinp: out white feathers to hesitating Johnnies.

Mr. Frank Harvey as Christopher Brent, and Miss Violet Pacet as the ©harming widow Miriam Leigh, impersonate the leading roles, and easily maintain the interest of the play. Brent is fashioned on lines made familiar to us in "The Scarlet Pimpernel," from which the joint authors must have derived their inspiration. He receives the ft white feather" with a chuckle, and proceeds to clean Ms cheery-wood pipestem with at. In knocking the ashes flut of his pipe by tapping it against the jfireplaoe, he discovers a secret spring, which reveals a secret wireless installation. This is a very skilful piece of stage machinery. And a simple cane that he carries about conceals an air,guni with which he knocks over the Potsdam pigeons and relieves them of messages intended for the German WaxOffice. Finally, Brent comes to grips with the chief German spy, and in a passage of tense interest completely baffles and outwits him, bringing down the curtain amid loud applause. Mr. Frank Harvey deserves hearty felicitations upon has success in this role.

Miss Violet Paget has a part that fits her like a glove and enaMes her to wear eome ravishing costumes which reveal her graceful figure to advantage. In the dialogue and by-play she takes her share with well calculated effect. Mr. Arthur Cornell, as the choleriic J.P. and conceited British solid_ ciitrizen, presents a. capital study, and Miss Dorothy Cumminer makes a sweet Molly Preston.

The roles of the German spies are in clever hands. Miss Emma Temple, who is never at fault, leaves nothing to be desired as Mrs. Sanderson, and _ Mr. Austin . Milroy scores every available point as Carl, who turns his billet at the Admiralty to such unscrupulous use.

Mr. Leslie Victor looks like the average .German waiter, 1 and speaks like him, while Miss Florence Gleeson might pass easily for a German governess of uncertain age. »■ * In short, this play is. real good stuff, and pourtrays in strong episodes a phase of the pjesent war thalfc ought to teach every patriotic citizen of the British Empire to be constantly on guard against the cunning tricks of enemy sipies. # # # # The Red Dandies. There is no gainsaying the fact—the Red Dandies are the most popular combination that the Branscombe firm has sent this way. On their return to Wellington last Saturday evening, after a long absence, thev were accorded a most pattering reception, the audience completely overflowing the Town Hall Con,oert Chamber. It was a record house, hundreds being turned away before the curtain was hauled up on the familiar opening chorus, "We're Dandies Gay." And ever since biz has been very brisk round about' the box office. So much for the popularity of the Reds. Since they were last here, a fair proportion of the Reds have faded away, but as bright new Reds have been installed in their places, the changes are not noticed. It suffices that Claude Dampier, the fun-maker-in-chief, still remains. * « # * ' Individually, I opine that the present company are'every bit as strong, if not stronger, than the old combination that entertained us in winters gone by. But collectively, judging them on this their opening programme, one missed the delightful ensembles, quartettes, etc., that used to be one of their features. The old members of the company are Messrs. Dampier and Oliver Peacock and Miss Irene Vere. The droll Dampier, with the exception of a-comic interlude in the first-half, reserved himself until after the interval—presumably .waiting until the male portion- of_ the audience had sufficiently fortified itself .with the usual lemonade. When he did appear it was in his mirth-provoking take-off of that poor simple soul, the stage version of the curate. In his homily on the old nursery - rhyme about "Pat-a-cake," etc. the Rev. Dampier is quite irresistible, and fairly brought down the congregation. Mr. Oliver Peacock, whose shadow, by the way, has not grown any less, is not of the squeaky order of tenor. His full-toned voice was heard to great advantage when he basked "In the Sunshine of your Smile.". He paid the usual penalty in encores. Miss Irene Vere, the lively comedienne, never pleased more thani in such ragtime classics as "He Promised Me," etc. * * * * Of the new members making their bow to a Wellington audience, Miss Mona Thomas is a charming song-bird, .whose trill, though of modest volume, is sweet and full of sympathy. Miss Ida Newton's penchant is for such ditties as "Willie, willl you leave off winking," and she renders them with fetching archness. Mr. John Welby (bass) contributed his patriotic numbers with stirring effect. Likewise, Mr. Harry Borradale was very successful with his patriotic recitations. He was best in these and in his monologue. Mr. Cyril iConnolly pleased with, his violin solos, and Miss Mima Young played the rote of pianoforte accompanist very capabjDy. Messrs. Borradale, Welby, and Connolly deserve mention also for their trio as the dudes, "Cuthbert, Clarence, and Claude." Altogether, a bright, wholesome show, of which Messrs. Dampier and Peacock are the two stars. The Dandies' sojourn at the Concert Chamber continues until further notice. -*•*** The King's. There is a really capital programme running at the Bang's this week, and anyone who takes the least interest in our boys at the front will make a point

of seeing it. The film of special interest shows the . Sixth Reinforcements at various episodes up to the point of embarkation, and then skips the seas and exhibits the New 'Zealanders at their drill under the shadow of the Pyramids of Egypt. Another very interesting re'el introduces you to the Channel Islands, where quaint customs and picturesque scenery abound. The leading drama is an Edison production called "The Si toning," which very forcibly preaches the lesson of charity. It shows the stages by which the only daughter of a worthy couple is led astray and basely deserted, but it carries the story too far when it pictures the, drowned girl's body being; taken from the waiter. The Pathe Gazette as usual is full of vivid scenes reliated to the war, and the spirit of fun. comes into lively prominence in "Cartoons in a Barber's Shop'' and "Billy's Wager." A very attractive new programme will be screened on Monday. The chief film is an exciting. drama of love and adventure, styled "A Child of God," and the supporting reels include one devoted to New Zealand's Hospital Ship. ■* * * ' » Vaudeville. This _ week's reinforcements fro the vaudeville bill at His Majesty's include King and Brown, a couple of acrobats who can only sport one pair of legs between them, and Orphea, who is a sort of one-woman orchestra. That of Bang and' Brown is rather a remarkable turn. Both men are minus a leg, and, notwithstanding this defect, they t>erform acrobatic feaits the ordinary mortal couldn't accomplish if he had half-a-dozen legs. Their best feat as a handbalancing aict. "Standing" on their hands, they spring from a platform, about 6ft high, to the stage, landing full-weight on their hands again. This is proof positive that the loss of any limb but strengthens. the remaining ones ; Orphea plays all manner of musical instruments, and flaunts the old theory about no one being able to do more than one thing at a time by playing piano, chimes, a horn, and clacking the bones all at once. Mointambo and Wells, the sensational acrobats, however, still remain the star turn on the bill. Their item alone is worth the box office fee. "The Butterflies" are heard to advantage in their new numbers, and of their individual nerformers, Miss Marion Armitage, comedienne, Miss Ada Smart, the sweet songstress with the preitty lisp, Gregory _ Ivanoff, violinist, Fred Dennett, pianist,; and Wylie Watson, funny-man, all well merit their share of the applause.

# " A Scrape o' the Pen."

One need not be a Mac to acquire a keen relish, for "A Scrape o' tli© Pen/' which. Mr. and! Mrs. Graham Moffat will present at the Grand Opera House on Saturday, August 21st. Into this charming little studv depicting Scottish life as it was some forty years ago, Mr. Moffat has traced the characters with rare fidelity, threading humour and pathos with an adroit touch. He takes as his theme the old custom prevailing in Scotland, marriage by the flighting of H;roth before witnesses. On this lie has constructed a story of absorbing interest and charm.

Mr. Graham Moffat will appear as the dour, rigid old' farmer, Mattha Ingles, and Mrs. Moffat as his lovable old wife. "Just like my old) grandfather,'' remarked one Scotchman in the audience during the Auckland' season. as Mattha railed at his wife for her vanity in Ithinking about her new bonnet, reduced her to apologising, andi then quarrelled with 'her afresh because she did so. Associated with Mr. and Mrs. Graham Moffat are a newly, augmented company of Scottish players, while the old favourites of the "Bunty" Company will appear in new roles. The box plan for the seven nights' season will open at the Bristol on Wednesday night. The last night of the season, Saturday, Aug-

ust 28th, will be devoted to a revival of "Bunty Pulls the. Strings'," the comedy that was so successfully produced here last year. » * * Kinemacolor War Pictures. , The most complete film descriptive of the war and the forces of the warring \ nations yet screened in these parts is "With the Fghting Forces of. Europe,'l; which will be produced in- Wellinsrton for the first time at the Town Hall, next Wednesday evening. It comprises a whole, programme in itself, and has come from the Scala Theatre, London. In Nature's own tints it reveals " the different fighting ' French, Russian, Italian, (German, etc. —just as they really are in their natural hues. It shows the rival armies at the front and in training. It is a film of universal and genuine interest, and should noit- be missed. Popular prices will prevail. The box plan, is at the Brist-ol Piano Company. •» * » Wellington Professional Orchestra. The Professional Orchestra's periodical concerts' on Sunday* nights in His Majesty's Theatre are now an established institution in Wellington, and are eagerly looked forward to. On Sunday night the fifth of the series was given before a crowded house, and Mr. Herbert Bloy resumed the conductor's baiton. The programme was bright/ varied, and at all points attractive. It opened with Herold's "Zampa," which for fifty years has held a foreanost place among instrumental overtures. It was crisply played. Then followed' Leonjcavallo's "Spanish Suite,"containing three dance movements glowing with the warm hues of sunny Spain - and recalling memories of the cachucha danced to the sound of the castanets. Beethoveai's noble "Egmont" overture, so instinct with martiail' fire, was interpreted , with fine effect. Bishop's wedl-known air. ''Lo! Here the Genitle Lark," was discoursed most sweetly by Mr. A. P. Truda (flute) and Mr. H. Moschini (clarinet). These gentlemen are accomplished performers on their respective instruments, and the tones of flute and clarinet blended admirably, the result being a finished interpreltation. The audience insisted enthusiastically on an. encore. The other items were a fine "Hungarian Rhapsody," by C. ! J. Roberts, and Tschaxkowsky's "Marche Slave" or "Slavonic March," a very striking work resembling in many features the same composer's "1812." It introduces the Russian National Anthem very effectively, and is warlike in tone. The orchestra played it very well indeed. The next concert is fixed for sth September.

Miss Maisie Carte, of Wellington, has been figuring-in a new role in Sydney— that of - a moving-picture actress. _ She has recently been playing lead in an Australian film production called "Eureka Blockade," in which also Mr. Ronald Denniston, another New Zealander. has been helping to provide the necessary excitement as the scheming villain./ The play was enacted outside Sydney, and it shows a gold mining camp, with diggers, armed police, etc. When. Miss Carte and other women act-

ors first went out to the camp to play their respective parts, they had rather a startling and quite unrehearsed experience. One timid member _of their company caught sight; of a number of uniformed men, armed to ' the teeth,- and she gave one yell, "The Germans are coming!" It was quite-sufficient'for the rest of her sex. They gathered up „ their skirts, and. with wild shrieks, fled for their lives. Later the " cinematograph operator assured them that whom they took for terrible Huns were only tame and innocent photo-play-actors dor ing their stunt as the armed police: It must have been a realistic sight. Ailother thrilling scene Miiss Carte experienced was that part where, as the beautiful heroine, she was dragged'out of the bank by the horrible villain and gagged and bound to a horse. .

Two new leading artists to appear under the J.C. Williamson management are lan Maclaren, an English actor of ■wide experience, and . Charlotte Ives, an American leading lady. . Both make their first appearance in Australia in the war play, "Inside the Lines," at the Criterion, Sydney.

Miss Muriel Starr has bfeen starring in "Sunday," which was one of TittelT Brune's most successful performances. A Sydney critic remarks!: ''We nrefer her in her proper live-emotional parts' —so I should imagine.

Miss Maggie Moore, the very first prima dionna of th-© W iHiamson Uoya.l Comicss, has returned to that company. The mature Maggie has played many parts since last with the Royal- Comics, and her waist measurement, I venture to remark, has not grown any less.

Odette Goimbault, a child actress-, seems to have taken London by storm. She has been playing in a new drama, and of her performance a correspondent speaks in these glowing terms : — "Even if she should grow up into a great actress, she can never do anything more wonderful than these few minutes m the witness-box when she is trying to tell the story of what her mother said and did before the murder for which her father is on his trial. Sh©_ is the very incarnation of haunted,' shivering, and pitebusly appealing childish anguish. The voice of the little creature cuts into your heart, and) I do not know what to marvel at most, the amazing of the technique of her art, or the amazing depth and fulness of the power of her emotion. It is a combination the like of which I have never met and do not hope to meet again, of the most complete maturity of art and feeling with a child-like, simplicity entirely unspoilt; and if ever the problem of playing the perfect Juliet is solved, this little girl, when she is rather larger and a few years older, will solve it."

The Williamson firm are overhauling their big stock of musical' plays with a view to staging them again. A strong company is being formed to present them. The principals will be Miss Minnie Love and Barry I/upino, from Uhe firm's last pantomime company. The company "will play seasons of short runs wiiih quick changes.

Carlyle Smith, who specialises in importing celebrities ta Australasia for lecturing tours, has written from London to state that he ha® booked Frederick Villiers, the famous war artist, for a tour.

Miss Violet Lorraine, who was principal boy in one of the more recent of the iWilliamson _ pantomimes, is at present making a hit on the London stage with a coster song called "Saturday Night. ' jViolet was one of the comeliest of prinpipal boys we have seen out here.

Tom Shelford and Henry J. Ford, the fast-and-furious funmakers of Beaumont Smiths "Glad Eye" Company, are making their debut in Australia in . musical comedy in _"Stor» Your Nonsense." It was in musical comedy in the Old Country that they made their reputations.