Amusements.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1030, 27 November 1891, Page 14

Amusements.

& Ttie Theatre. “THE GOLDEN LADDER.” The production of this well known drama at the Opera House by Bland Holt and his company last week was in every respect a complete Buccess —overflowing house, delighted audience, good scenery &Dd capital acting. The plot of the piece is too well known to need description ; it is chiefly remarkable for the purity of sentiment that pervades its every line, and that boing so, it can never be viewed In any other way than with the highest appreciation. Tho manner in which the piece was staged was distinctly in advance of the last production about two years ago, the difference being more particularly marked in the second act, where the island of Tamatave, Madagascar, is depicted, with the French and English warships lying anchored close by. In fact, all through the scenery was of the highest order of excellence, and as the various scenes unrolled they were greeted with rounds of applauso from the delighted audience. As to the acting, of course it was good— Bland Holt’s Company always do act well—but we must give our opinion, viz., that in regard to acting moro histrionic ability was exhibited than on any previous occasion this seas 'n. Mr Walter Howe took the principal male character, the Rev Frank Thornhill, a young missionary, and acted avi h an evident appreciation of the part, which showed careful study and great innate ability. Lilian Grant, who eventually becomes his wife, was pourtrayed by Mrs Bland Holt in a maimer that immediately brought her into direct sympathy with the audience. The purity, devotion, and love exhibited by the character she represented were apparent in every word she said and every movement she made, and the fall of the curtain at the end of each aot brought with it a fragrant shower of bouquets from admiring spectators. Samuel Peokaby, pastry oook and confectioner, found a worthy representative in the person cf Bland Holt himself, and when we say that that character was represented with all Mr Holt’s well known ability and skill ami forcibility we have said all that need be ; Bland Holt performed it, therefore it was excellent. His partner, Mrs Peckaby, was well represented by Mias Flora Anstead. Mr Albert Norman, as the fraudulent clerk, Michael Severn, was very good ; and his companions in crime, M. Peranza (Mr W. E. Baker), and dupe, Jim Dixon, a clerk (Mr Augustus Glover), gave excellent representations of thoirrespective characters. To give a criticism of each of the 28 characters in the piece would fill more space than is at our oommaud. We must not, however, forget to mention the part of “ The 'fearer,” a female desperado in Millbank Prison, represented by Miss Edith Blande, who caused much amusement by her excellent portraiture of a by no means easy oharacter. The other parts wore all well represented, and the piece wont with a swing from start to finish, THE PAYNE FAMILY OF MUSICANS. This company of musicians and bellringers gave on Monday in the Exchange Hall, before a large audience, the first of a series of four drawingroom entertainments. Their varied resources and talents are thus enumerated :Mr Payne, tenor ; Miss Lizz>e Payne, soprano, violiniste, and pianiste ; Miss Alice Saunders, soprano and pianisto ; Miss Maud Payne, contralto, violinist 6, and pianiste ; Mr Ralph Steele, baritone and pianist j Mr W, J. Payne, baritone and flautist. The programme was diversified, vooal and instrumental selections being about equally balanced, but in character the humorous predominating. With one or two exceptions all the items constituting the programme were also well known, and therefore met with a cordial reception. In the first part a lugubriously funny vooal quartette entitled “ SobbiDg,” which afforded opportunity for a good deal of amusing byplay and facial expression, provoked very hearty laughter. Equally effective was the 11 Tickling ” trio in the second part, which, being.eDcored, elicited a “ Sneezing ” trio by way of supplement. The vocal and instrumental quartettes “ Fairie Voices ” and “The Cuckoo Galop,” the voicss at intervals accompanying the instruments (two violins, two piauoa and one flute) were executed very pleasantly, and Miss Maude scored a decided bit with her violin solo ‘‘The Mocking Bird.”

HARMONIC SOCIETY’S CONCERT. The concert given by the Harmdnic Society in the Theatre Royal on Wednesday evening was indisputably one of the best of its kind yet presented to a Wellington audienee. The programme, although every item was of a high class, was nevertheless thoroughly popular in charac'er and possessed remarkable variety, while its performance was exceptionally gord throughout. The choral singing wra pecuiarly excellent, alike in the sympathetic undercurrent to the soprano solo in Mendelssohn’s “ Hear my prayer,”' and in the strong contrasts of vigorous forte and delicate piano—of impetuous presto and dreamy adagio—in the five part-songs by the same composer, and in Schumann’s spirited “Gipsy Life.” Better part eingiug has not hitherto been heard in this city. It reflected credit both on the able conductor, Mr Robert Parker, and on the performers. The solo singing was equally meritorious. The special feature of the evening was the splendid delivary by Miss McClean of the celebrated bravura aria “Bel raggio,” from Rossini’s opera “ Semiramide.” In that work Rossini reached the olimax of florid writing for the voice, and this particular song is one of Adelina Patti’s show pieces. All the more honour is due to Miss McClean for her successful interpretation of the masterpiece. The beauty and evenness of her vooal tone ; the perfection of her production and phrasing, and the crisp delicacy of her eoale3 all were admirable, and she concluded amid enthusiastic applause. Mrs Parsons sang beautifully in Mendelssohn's Hear

My Prayer,” the richness and purity of her voice showing no sign of impairment after ber many years’ ooncert work. Lotti’s antique but melodious air “In the Meadows” was charmingly given by Mis-s Grcig, whoso fresh young voice is always listened to with enjoyment. Mr R. B. Williams repeated a previous success in the exquisite tenor air from Parnby’s “ Rebehah,” which was delightfully sung, as also was Kjerulf’a “Last Night by the same popular vocalist. Mr J. Whittall was gladly welcomed ae the owner of a rich and" well cultivated baritone voice, which he uses with musioianly skill. He contributed Maude Valoiie White’s “ Absent, yet Present” and Gottschalk’a “O Loving Heart,” both vory tastefully and expressively, but the former carrying off the palm. The bright voice of Mias Stanford, whose absenoe, through illness, from the last concert was groatly regretted, was heard with much pleasure in the soprano part of Curschmann’s beautiful trio “Ti Prego,” which she sang exceedingly well, and the same trio introduced a valu. able acquicition to the Society’s contralto soloists in the person of Mrs Desborougb, who was formerly one of the leading singers in the Christchurch Mendelssohn Society under Mr Parker, and who sang with much vocal charm and musical taste. The same lady also sustained very effectively the contralto part in the other trio presented Smart’s sparkling “ Queen of the Night,” whioh was capitally done, Miss McO’oan, as the soprano, again winning laurels by her Hue. siugiDg, and Mr Mabin’a rich aud tunofut voice telling to great advantage in the bass part. There wero two instrumental items. Misses Medley and Hamer ton gave ou two pianos a most admirable performance of the famous and very difficult duet, “Hornmage k Handel,” written by Mosoheles specially for execution by himself and Mendelssohn. Mr McDuff Boyd norformed a graceful “Melody” by Wolfl with his usual skill and finish. The various pianoforte accompaniments were in all cases very ably and artistically played by Miss Little and Mr Parker respectively. In the Mendelssohu motet, Mr Parker presided at the organ, and Misi Hamorton at the piano. 1 he audience, although not so numerous as I the merits of the ooncert deserved, was extremely appreciative. The chorus numbeied only 60 out of a full strength of 100, in consequenoa of the numerous absences caused by the prevailing influenza. The two upright grand piano 3 and the American organ wore supplied by tho Dresden Piano Company.

Mr Austin Brereton, a dramatic critic and author of considerable experience, is at present a visitor to Wellington. Ho is travelling New Zealand for tho double purpose of piloting Mr Grattan Riggs through the Colony, and writing a series of articles in the London and New York papers on the country. Mr Brereton dates his connection with the press from an early period of his life, and for seven years he oocupied a lead iug position us a dramatic crit'c of London, for a portion of the time being associated with Mr Clement Scott, who stands at the head of the army of critics, in the editorship of the monthly magazine, ‘‘The Theatre.” In 1883 Mr Brereton wro'e-a biographioal sketch of Henry Irving, with illustrations by the late Edwin Long, R.A., and others; two years later this work was followed by “Some Famous Hamlets,” a record of all the chief actors of Hamlet from Burbago to Fcchter; and in 1886 hi 3 “ Drama'ic Notes,” these being an illustrated critical record of the London stage from 18S0 to ISB6, were published. Ia 1889 Mr Brereton came out to the colonies, and for two years was the dramatic and art critio of the Sydney Morning Herald. In June cf tho present year he resigned that position, and during the Sarah Bernhardt season in Sydney he contributed the dramatic notice to the Daily Telegraph. He has not confined himself to newspaper work in the colonies, for last year he brought out in Sydney his “ ‘ Romeo and Juliet’ on the Stage,” being a history of the productions of that play from 1662 to 1899, and this year he wrote a biographical and critical sketch of Sarah LSernhardt, in anticipation of the visit of that distinguished actress to Australia. More recently, while in Melbourne, Mr BreretoD edited the book of “Much Ado about Nothing” for Messrs Brough and Boucicaulfc, and wrote, over his own name, an introduction to it. Mrs Brereton is already well known in Welling, ton professionally as Miss Edith Blande, the leading lady of Mr Bland Holt’s company. On Saturday evening the Exchange Hall was filled to overflowing to witness the last performance of the Buffalo Minstrels. Mr Hugo has leased the Theatre Royal for a season, the Exchange Hall being found too small for the attendance. The Company will open there on Saturday evening with new artistes, new first part, new songs, dances, and farces. Mr Grattan Riggs, the well-known and favourite Irish comedian and characteractor, who has just concluded engagements in Dunedin and Christchurch, left the latter place ou Tuesday for Wellington, <n route jtforfch. The present is Mr Bigg s third tour of New Zenlind. He is now playing under the management of Mr Robert Inmao, with Mr Austin Brereton, the journalist, as business representative. Mr Riggs yrill °P® n at Wanganui on Saturday next in * The Irish Detective,” for a short season of three nights. He then proceeds to Palmerston, Woodville, Waiputurau, Waipawa, and Napier. Arrangements are at present in progress for hia appearance in this city at an early date. , ~ , , Mr Tallis Trimnell, Mus. Bao., the able organist of St Peter’s Church, Te Aro, has added three new anthems to the long list of those whioh ho has previously composed for cathedral and pariah choirs, and which hold a high place in the estimation of all English musicians. His three recent anthems have been purchased and published by the emiuent London firm, Novello, Ewer and Co. The first is a setting of the verses beginning “ Sing, O Heavens,’ from Isaiah xlix., 13, 14. It opens with a fine and impressive chorus in D major. This is followed by a vory melodious air in B flat for tenor solo, and the anthein concludes

with a bright and spirited chorus in the original key. The words of the second anthem are taken from the 68th Psalm, “Let God arise.” This begins with a broad and dignified choral movement in B flat. Tho short choral recitative whioh follows, set to tho verse “Like as the smoke vanisheth,” is a veritable inspiration of genius. Tho sudden sforzando on the 6-4-2 chord, to the word “ fire,” ha 3 a remarkably striking effect. A charming quartet ia E flat comes next, and a vigorous ohorus, with a brief fuguod passage, brings the anthqm to a tolling close. The third of these anthems is set to several verses of the 122nd psalm “ I was glad whea they said.” Here again we have a bold open’ng ohorus. It is succeeded hy a brief tenor solo and semi-chorus, both in the subdominant key, and an unaccompanied quartet in the original tonality (F major). The conclusion of the anthem is peculiar, a slow and soft chorus gradually dying away into a pianissimo on the word “ peace.” The effect is very beautiful and original. All these novelties will, we are sure, be gladly welcomed by church choirs.

THEATRICAL NOTES. The last night of Bland Holt’s season will be a memorable one. It was Thursday, the big day of the Agricultural Show at Hutt Park. The day was a general holiday, the weather was delightfully perfect, and as a matter of course there was a rush for the Opera House. When the curtain arose at eight o’clock the house was simply packed. Not only every seat occupied, but people were seated upon every spare spot, on the floor, the steps, the rails—in fact everywhere, whilst hundreds had to stand packed six and eight deep in places at the rear of the dress and family circles. The passages were even filled, and scores stood in that house unable to catch the faintest sight of the stage, but they had paid their money like Britons, and they could hear Sam Peckaby’s merry quips and cranks, and they were satisfied. It was a hot night, and the theatre was—well, it is easy to guess the condition. But the play was worth the crush. Beautifully mounted, splendidly played, it thoroughly hit the public taste, and everybody was satisfied. Bland Holt is a name to conjure with in Wellington, i&d on his next visit .a month or five weeks will not exhaust the curiosity of playgoers. W. A. J inkins is on his way to the sultry clime of India, to pilot the phonograph and Professor Archibald through the land of rupees and rice. ‘ Pete ’ Hughes is simply simmering in Brisbane, looking after the interests of the Juvenile Opera Company lately in this city. Myra Kemble has been on the verge of coming to this colony for the past six months. First one trouble cropped up, and then another, until it resolved, itself into a question of dates. As the principal towns are theatrically occupied till February next, there was no chance for her to get houses until after that time. But come she will as early in the New Year as she can, with ‘ Dr Bill,’ and other' novelties. Mr W. E. Baker, a prominent member of Bland Holt’s company, is a gentleman of splendid physique. He also is an actor of undoubted ability, and as Captain Vere in the ‘ Bells of Haslemere ’ scored a great success. His frequent exclamation, ‘ Dear Boy,’ speedily became the catchword of Wellington, more especially amongst the fair sex. Although Mr Baker disclaims the idea of belonging to the masher fraternity he was the object of much attention from feminines of various ages, and night after night was the recipient of very handsome bouquets. On the last night of the season, when playing Peranza, in the ‘ Golden Ladder,’ he, in answer to a call, appeared before the curtain with Michael Severn. An enthusiastic young lady admirer had a lovely bouquet of dark red and white roses, surrounded with delicate maidenhair fern. When the two actors appeared she raised the bouquet and threw it with all her might. It fell equi-distant between the two gentlemen. Each saw it, and each for a moment paused, hardly knowing for whom it was sent. Michael Severn advanced one step towards it to make his final bow, when he seized the bouquet, placed it on his heart and made his exit. The young lady burst into tears, the wrong man had got her bouquet. After this who shall say that the drama is not attractive. Hugo’s minstrels concluded a three weeks’ season on Saturday night, and during the week have appeared in the Wairarapa. They are due again in town to-morrow night, when fresh talent and several novelties are promised. All who knew him will, I am sure, sincerely regret the death of Mi* Vincent West, late business manager for J. F. Sheridan, says Touchstone, in the Tasmanian. On the occasion of the Sheridan Company’s recent visit to Hobart, Mr West contracted typhoid, and although at one stage of the illness strong hopes were entertained of his recovery, a relapse occurred and he never rallied. He came from a very good old English family and was liked by all whom he came in contact with. The following cable message has been received by the Melbourne Theatre Royal Management Company :— ‘ Miss Billie Barlow, the well-known representative of boy characters in burlesque ; Miss Edith Vane, prima donna ; Mr Harry Barnes and troupe, four lady character dancers, and pantominists and acrobats sailed in the Orotava on the 28rd inst. under engagement to the Theatre Royal, Melbourne, for the Christmas pantomime.’ We clip the following from the Musical

Times :— ‘ The . idea of a comic musical dictionary is good, and has been carried out —in Germany of all places! If the following be a fair sample, the book is worth buying :—“ Bach (John Sebastian) oaves his fame to- the good fortune which allowed him to write an accompaniment to a celebrated melody by Gounod. Actuated by an inexplicable vanity, he published this accompaniment without the melody under the title of a Prelude, in a collection of various pieces called The Well Tempered Clavichord, but on account of this strange title the work found few lovers among the admirers of the Ave Maria. His Passion Music is said to be noble, though in these days it is held in but light esteem. His numerous sons were also named Bach, to the great despair of historians”.’

The Gaity burlesque troupe have once more left for England. ‘ The Old Guard ’ is an unqualified success at the Melbourne Princess; Elton still scoring heavily as the Village Mayor. The Gerald-Dnff Dramatic Company have opened a season at the Adelaide Theatre Royal with ‘ Human Nature,’ Mr A. Tenneyson Dickens, fourth son of the great novelist, has been giving excellent lectures on his father’s works, at Melbourne Athenaeum. Snazelle says lie intends to stick to his Music, Song, and Story for the future, and give the ordinary play-acting a rest. He is to go to Adelaide. Paderewski, the great Polish pianisi, is to be in Australia next year. If he should come ave may expect to witness considerable excitement in the colonial musical world. * Augener’s Monthly Musical Record ’ says that at the concert given in the Albert Hall on the occasion of the visit of the German Emperor in August: * M Paderewski’s Chopin recital was an extraordinary success. We thought ths fair admirers of the popular Pole would have torn him to pieces when his recital ended. They made him play three more pieces, and some of the fair entusiasts insisted on his writing his autograph upon their programmes.’ Are the colonial ladies less impressionable than the ladies of London ? is a question I am unable to answer. A young man who took his affianced to hear the great singer Nilsson warble her sweetest songs, asked the young lady how she liked the singer’s repertyire. ‘Very much, indeed. I think it fits her beautifully,’ was the surprising reply. That noted entertainer of the early days in this colony, well-known as Billy Barlow the Blue Tailed Fly, commenced a colonial tour on Tuesday last at the Theatre Royal Nelson.

Mr Arthur Clampett and his concert party drew a good house at Wanganui the other night, and the local press gave the company great kudos for their work. Mr Clampett has given the Wanganuites a taste of a new quality he possesses. He has the faculty of imitating, avith fair success, several musical instruments as practised by the Ancient Romans. The local scribe says that in this respect he excels Frank Lincoln. His mimicry of the cornet and basoon was very good, and the interruptions of that old German torment, the bass trombone—avhere the imaginary player indulges in a delightful • bit of fat,’ is irresistibly funny. Ijiber.