AMUSEMENTS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 813, 30 September 1887, Page 13

AMUSEMENTS.

[lnformation from members of the theatrical profession respecting their professional doings in this and the neighboring colonies is invited. Communications to be addressed to the Editor of this column.] THE THEATRES. Most attrative entertainments have been presented to the public all the week at the Te Aro Opera House by the talented Majeronis. H gher dramatic art than theirs, especially the Senora’s, has never been presented to an appreciative public in Wellington. As a rule, very good houses have rewarded the enterprise of the management which brought the show this way. As we have implied above, the leading light of the company is Signora Majeroni. When scope is given her she is the all-pervading spirit of the play—the central figure of absorbing interest. This is pre-eminently apparent in the historical plays in which the Senora appears—‘Elizabeth,’ ‘Marie Antoinette,’ and ‘ Marie Stuart.’ In these she is seen to the highest ad/antage. Her versatility is truly wonderful aud her command of expression, her graceful demeanor, mobility of feature, educated utterances, and unaffected gestures stamp her as an actress of the first rank. Her presence, too, is remarkably gracious and commanding. Each of the historical parts she takes is a study to the critical observer from the time when she comes upon the stage, a young woman, till she leaves it, an old one. The gradations of age are extremely well and delicately marked, voice, manner, and all, blending with marvellous harmony. This is very apparent in * Eliza* beth,’ which, to our fancy, is her best character. The Seuora is capitally supported by her company. Signor Majeroni is an actor of high type, and iu him the lights and shadows of histrionic pourtrayal are admirably blended. Painstaking and praiseworthy Mr Musgrave comes next. It is always a pleasure to see and hear him ; while Messrs Keyworth, Jewett and Lawrence fill the parts entrusted to them with infinite credit. Mrs Gordon commends herself to us as an actress of sterling merit, she is never wanting in essentials. The visit of the Majeroni Company to Wellington will long be remembered, and they will be heartily welcomed when they come again. The Mohawk Company, which had been playing at the Opera House last week, broke into ‘ a second course of mischief ’ at the Theatre Royal on Monday night, and since then have been doing fa rly good business. Some notices of both companies appear below. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. Hugo’s Buffalos are in the South, where business is very good with them. The Mammoths are at the other end, and are coining money. They are about to work due South now, and may be expected here shortly. ‘ School ’ was played by Christchurch amateurs last week. The Telegraph very cantiously says that ‘ criticism would be out of place, but a few friendly hints might be offered.’ It also says : ‘Of all the comedies written of late years the Robertsonians are the most difficult for amateurs to attempt. They require for complete success so much of the finer touches of acting only to be found in the higher class of professionals, that seldom or never do they fully satisfy an audience when performed by amateurs.’ It is a curious coincidence that a year or two ago the same piece was played by Wellington amateurs, whose performance was noticed in the Times in exactly the same strain. The haughty amateurs of this city, however, ob. jeeted to that kind of comment. They thought that if their acting was noticed at all it ought to be unreservedly lauded to the skie3.

Mr James McMahon has secured the right to play * The Mikado ’ in Queensland. The Fisk Jubilee Singers are announced to appear in Sydney shortly. The principal topic in theatrical circles during the week (says a Melbourne writer) has been the complications at the Bijou Theatre between Signor Majeroni, the lessee, and Mr J. A. Wilson, the proprietor. The story goes that Signor Majeroni had a lease of the theatre at £64 per week, and that he 3ub-let to one Harrison at £IOO per week. Harrison started with the Harding-Plaisted company ; and subsequently Miss Emelie Melville was induced to try a comedy season. Signor Majeroni, being in New Zealand, omitted to pay one week’s rent when it became due, and the landlord, for special reasons, at once closed the tenancy and let the place to Messrs Brough and Boucioault. Signor Tassero, Signor Majeroni’a agent, tendered the rent and refused to give up tho keys. Lively rows were expected, and it was reported that Messrs. Brough and Boucicault would not be allowed to open on Saturday. Miss Emelie Melville's season was brought to a sudden close to her great financial detriment. Damages to an extraordinary amount were to be claimed, and there was to be a high old time all round. The matter came before Mr Justice ICerford in Chambers and an order was made, by consent, that Sig nor Majeron should surrender the unexpired term of hi 3 lease, dated August 14, 18S4, to Mr J. A. Wilson, together with the other property referred to in the same indenture. Upon gjguor Majeroni executing a general release

of all claims or demands in respect of the lease or any other matters of every kind, Mr Wilson is ordered to return three cheques for £64 14s each, and pay the plaintiff (Majeroni) the sum of £3OO now held by him under the conditions of the lease," less £24 due for the electrio light. Each party to pay his own costs. The Lynch Family of Bellringers were passengers per Penguin from Lyttelton Sunday morning. They have had a very successful career down South, and are highly pleased with their New Zealand tour. On Monday they went to Blenheim, and thence to Nelson and Wanganui. The company return to Wellington in about four weeks’ time for a farewell season, and will afterward revisit Christchurch and Dunedin prior to their final departure from the Colony.

The Mohawk Minstrels commenced another season at the Theatre Royal on Monday night. There was a capital attendance, and the performance was a very successful one—in fact, the best the company have given here. The first part, which was entitled “ The Water Nymphs in the Coral Cave,” was quite a featureof the performance, the very fine scene, painted by Mr E. J. Williams, producing an excellent effect. This scene drew forth great applause from the audience. In the first part, Miss Laura Roberts’ singing of “Sweet Spirit Hear my Prayer” was de--sarvedly applauded, as also was the double song and dance by Willie and Bella Perman. The corner men’s jokes amused the audience, and the finale, “ The Mississippi Boat Race,” was capitally done. The clever dancing of Miss Bella Perman and Masters Willie and Percy Perman in their graceful statute clog act was vociferously applauded. The other items of the programme were also well received, and the farce at the conclusion, “ Koafushun, or lll.Fed-Dora,” created great merriment. The intrinsic value of a name, in spite of Shakespeare, would appear to be consider, able. The Mohawk Minstrels, who opened at the Theatre Royal on Monday night, were announced to play, among other things, a negro sketch, which in a facetious moment was called “Konfushion, or 111-fed Dorah.” Last Friday the managers received the following communication:—“Opera House, 23rd September, ISB7. Messrs Hall and Perman, — Dear Sirs, —I am instructed by Signor Majeroni to inform you that as he alone possesses the sole colonial rights of ‘ Fedora,’ if any adaptation or burlesque of same, bearing its title, is performed by your com-, pany as advertised, he will institute legal proceedings to recover damages and prevent the continuance of same.—l am, dear sir, yours truly, Henry Hoyte, Secretary to Signor Majeroni.” Mr J. L. Hall has replied maintaining that he has the colonial rights of the piece in dispute. Autolycus.