NOTES BY “LORGNETTE.”

New Zealand Mail, 29 January 1902, Page 30

NOTES BY “LORGNETTE.”

The farewell of Mr and Mrs Brough and their talented company commenced at the Opera House on Monday evening, ine Louse vas pa cued to me door-, n.anv failing to gain admission. ♦'* * * * The opening production tv as Mr R. C. Cartons tnree-act comedy. "Lady Huntworth's Experiment." Mrs Brough a performance of Lady HuiitwortU was an artistic success. Her scene with the tipsy Cray;!, and her defiance oi his upraised fist, svere received with rounds ci applause. Altogether her conception of the part '.va- very clever, ana was frequently applaud ed.

Mr Brough scored a brilliant succes.% as the doting old bachelor clergyman. The Captain Dorvaston of Mr Cecil Ward was a fine exposition. His pourtrayal of the good-natured, manly, easygoing officer would be dililcult to improve on. * . * * * .» Mr Leslie Victors impersonation oi Mr Crayll (Lord Huntv. orth), the drunken reprobate, was a really fine piece of acting. M iss Gillies Brown as Keziah, Miss Susie Vaughan as Miss Hannah Pillenger and Mr Percy Walshc- as Gandy, were distinctly successful. .Miss Temple as Lucy, and Mr Lrnest Vere, as her curate lover, played admirably, althougii they had somewhat thankless parts. # * * a a

The comedy, which was staged and mounted in first-class style, was produced ou Tuesday night, and on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings Captain Marshalr-s comedy, "The Second in Command.will be played, and will doubtless attract crowded houses. * * * * 4 At the Theatre Royal on Monday evening, Mr P. It. Dix introduced to his patrons three English artistes, who must take rank as being amongst the best of their class. « * • » • Miss Lizzie Kirk is a serio and commedienno of an entirely different kind to what we have been hitherto accustomed. » » • • . Mr Frank Leon, who is a first-cla'-s comedian, introduced some entirely new business into his "turn." He is also champion clog-dancer of the world. ***** Mr Edgar Granville, tlic third of Mr Dix’s English importations, is a character artiste of rare versatility. *** * J *

The manager of the Cornwall Family of bellringers, instrumentalists, vocalists, comedians, terpsichorean and specialty artistes, writes me that the company opened in the Greymouth Opera House on Wednesday and Thursday, January 22nd and 23rd. They report splendid business throughout the Taranaki district, where they have been recently showing. *.* * * « The Valdares’ Vaudovillo and Comedy Company intends paying the West Coast a visit during the racing carnival, and has secured the Theatre Royal, Westport, for Easter Monday and Tuesday. After playing in Westport the company will visit Greymouth, Reefton, Brunner, Kumara and Hokitika. # * » -» • I must congratulate Mr P. R. Dix on having secured tho marvellous Cragg Family for a tour of Now Zealand. This is the most expensive turn Mr Dix has as yet engaged for his circuit, but I am

sure the venture will be a financial success, and thereby encourage P. R. D. to import other high-class artistes. The acrobatic acts of the Craggs are acknowledged by the English, American and Australian press to be as near perfection as it is possible to get. Speaking of their performance at the Tivoli Theatre. Adelaide, the "Critic''' says:—‘"The marvellous Craggs still fill every seat nightly at Adelaide Tivoli, and the run their appearance created shows no signs of abating. They have added still another clever item to their already wonderful performance. It is a mixture of high pedestal. Risiey, and somersault- act, and is attended by a spice of danger that renders it doubly popular. The rest of their performance is gone through in the same clean, finished manner and amid the same enthusiasm that marked their opening night/ 1 There are twelve members of the Crags family, though only seven are performers. * 1 4 •

The Auckland season of the Hairtrey Comedy Company was commenced at the Opera House on Thursday evening, the 23rd. There —as a first-class attendance. "A Message From Mars'-' was the play staged, which was received with great enthusiasm. In commenting on the performance the ••Herald’’ says: "The whole burden of the piece—or almost all of it —falls, of course, upon Horace Parker. He is seldom off the stage. In the potirtrayal of the character Mr Herbert Ross is a distinct success. His method is quaintly original and he carries off the characterisation with decided cleverness- Throughout lie is droll and yet natural, and when necessary imparts a very forcible meaning to his role. It is indeed a characterstudy, wonderfully devoid of blemish, and considering its arduous nature and the lesson that is in it. Mr Ross may be to have achieved wonders. The audience alternately laugh at and applaud him. In bestowing praise upon him but bare justice is done. Mr 0. P. Heggie, as the mysterious and ghastly messenger who comes to save Horace Park'-r from himself, reveals a studied care for the exigencies of the role. His enunciation and its weird tone partake of mysticism in themselves, and altogether he makes a most impressive part- of it. It falls to the two actors mentioned to di-course a good deal in a philosophical vein, some of their linos being decidedly clever, and both act admirably up to each other. Mr W. F. Hawtrey plays a tramp, and gives u- a type which can scarcely be distinguished-from the real. The unkempt, neglected being of the husky voice, the besotted countenance, the drunken., maudlin stupidity, and withal the human craving for the daughter he has sought for years—are all pourrrayed with intense fidelity to life. The character in Mr Hav.try’s able hands is indeed a very real study. Miss Winifred Austin plays with delightful pathos as Minnie Templar. Horace’s fiancee, and quickly wins her audience’s esteem. Miss Nelly Mortyne. as Horace’s Aunt Martha, plays well, as also does Mr C\ P. Hammond as Arthur Dicey. There are innumerable minor roles, most of them being introduced in the second act. and they are for the most part capablv filled.”

Fitzgerald Bros. X’o. 1 Circus and Menagerie is at present touring Tasmania. after which New Zealand will be visited. The combination is under the management of Mr Dan Fitzgerald. Xo. 2 Circus and Menagerie, under The control of Mr Tom. Fitzgerald is to visit Western Australia. Both Circuses trill unite at Easter time in Sydney, where a lengthy season will he played. * * • * • Air William Anderson’s lease of the Lyceum Theatre, Sydney, lias proved a regular bonanza to this enterprising manager. The Adelphi "Greed of Gold,” drew splendid houses for five weeks, when it was withdrawn to make room for the production of another English success, "For a Child's Sake,” hy Henry Herman. The drama is produced under arrangement with Mr W. J. Holloway. Air Anderson’s company plays a season at the Opera House from March 29th to April 14th. « * * » • Air John Hare, the famous English actor, contemplates touring Australia with his company next year. The Pollard Juvenile Opera Company is doing well in America, and at the Tivoli Opera House, San Francisco, closed a very successful season on the 16th December. Los Angelos was the next town visited.

• * * • The famous Gotham quartette, at present appearing with the greatest .success in “Aladdin.' 5 at the Princess Theatre, Melbourne, was formed in 1808, (says Melbourne “Punch”) the Messrs Fairbank, Harris, Lang and Parker, the four artistes forming it, having been in the business “on their own” for many years previous to joining forces. Since the organisation of the quartette seasons have been played throughout America, Europe and England, and always with consistent and popular success. In Berlin and Vienna the Gothams beat all records for a single act as a draw, and extended their season several times. Tho first appearance of the musical Gothams was at the American Roof Garden, New York. In America tho singers sung under the manage-

| ment of Wrn. A Brady for five years, | and under that of 3£law and Erlanger j for four-seasons. The line of work tbe ■ Gothams are giving us is not tlie only ' trick they hold, a burlesque comic operet- * ta, “The Princess Lolah, or the Kajah ‘ of Tittipompom,” in which. they play [ about twenty totally diderent parts, : being a good card in a strong hand. Mcst of the Gothams’ business and turns are arranged by the artistes tnemselres. Mr Parker being responsible for the harmonies. * * « * * It is stated that Mr Bland Holt will commence a sis months’ season at- the Lyceum Theatre. Sydney, in March, after which he will tour New Zealand.

*_4 « * Mr \Y ilson Barrett nas every reason to bo satisfied with the success of nis season at the Christchurch Theatre Royal, crowded houses being the rule nightly. During last week "Virginias'"’ and "the Manxman” were produced. Of the performance of “The Manxman"' the "Press"' says :—ln the role of Pete Quilliarn. Mr Barrett achieved a notable success. He gave a fine, manly picture of the honest fellow, whose unselfishness and self-sacrificing love were so miserably rewarded. It is a difficult part to play, but Mr Barrett sketched the character with true artistic touch, bringing out to the life the simplicity, the trustfulness, the natural wit, and the many fine qualities which were included in poor Pete's composition. The touching scenes in which Pete figures after tne flight of his wife were handled with true delicacy, and in the impressive finale or Act IV.. where Kate returns to the home, Mr Barrett gave a masterly pourtrayal of the mental agony which the unhappy Pete is called upon to suffer. His denunciation of old Caesars hypocrisy was another piece of good work, and the scene where he dictates his letter was capitally done. Miss Lillah McCarthy, as Kate, rendered very able support, and scored an emphatic success. She excelled in the more emotional scenes, and her acting at times rose to a high level of excellence. 3fr Frank GLeeirs Philip was rather disappointing. It is true that the part does not allow as much scope as it might for histrionic effect, but Mr Gheen hardly made the most of what opportunities he had. HLs best effort- was in the final act. where Phillip confesses his falseness to Pete. Mr Ambrose Manning, as old Caesar Cregeon, gave an excellent character study of the man whom Pete described so graphically as “the cantin', snufflin’. psalm-singing old hypocrite.'-' The other parts were satisfactorily fillet, and the staging fulfilled all requirements. * * * * *

Arrangements have been made, it- is said, for the famous “Haver ley 40/’ a. minstrel troupe of world-wide celebrity, to make a tour of the world. First, they are to play in the four large cities of ' New Zealand, and then in Melbourne. Sydney. Adelaide and Brisbane. The tour, as arranged at- the present time, will cover a period of two years.

BroadhursCs latest- and greatest farce comedy, “Tlie Wrong Mr Wright,” is freely paragraphed in tlie English papers as “the comedy of the hour.” The amusing complications of the story, the delightfully funny situations, the crisp, pungent and original dialogue, and the clever character drawing (says one journal) meet with universal recognition, and the invigorating swing with which the comedy is invested, no less than its contagious gaiety, leave no dull moment during the entire performance. "The Wrong Mr Wright” is to he presented at the Criterion Theatre on March Ist by the Willoughby London Comedy Company—the Arnold Company under another name—under the direction of Mr Edwin Geach. The company includes the following ladies and gentlemen : —Mr George Willoughby, Mr Frank Denton. Mr George Leopold, Mr T. C'anau (late of the Brough Company), Mr Edmund Lester and Mr Tasman; and Misses Sallie Booth, Koxy Barton, Ada Lee, Hope Mayne, Hill and Mrs Hill. The repertoire includes, besides "The Wrong Mr Wright,” “What Happened to Jones” and “On and Off,” a piece adapted from the French. Messrs Willoughby and Geach have pencilled in dates for a season at the Opera House from June 24th to July sth. * * * *

Miss Alice Way, of Colby and Way, at present, under engagement to Mr Rickards, is said to be the first artiste who played a doll on the stage, and her performance is copyrighted. Before "La Poupee ’ was produced her consent bad : to be obtained. * * • • » I During the opera season at Monte Carlo Madame Melba will play Marguerite in "The Damnation of Faust,” with Jean de Reske as Faust and M. Renaud as Mephistopheles. ***** When the last mail left London Mr k, ;' Al * Bol i was announced to play Falstaff at the Queen’s Theatre, ManChester. • ' * * * W „ COlll .' se of an interview with a Melbourne journalist. Mr Alf Lotto ot the Lotto team of trick cyclists who Biiou Tair^ Pe <^ ng afc t . ho • Me] l>ourne +1 o'i’ S i U T - - Is a mistake to think wnm ra + k n< ? mg 1S a new sensation—-it Srnth’Qr e ?i y 3 [ oars ago in a circus at boath Shields the ‘turn’ was done by

a cyclist, so no one can claim recent and original w **(

Miss Alma Stanley, round New *7 land with Mr Harry Paulion, £?* ously ill in London when the mad jg At the Sydney Tivoli a* new ' mic7 has recently been imitated bv Mr W, Eickards, who has found it to abolish the traditional in order to provide time for the tS; ber of new star turns by American S other artistes. One of the most and novel of the features recently™ troduced is the marvellous club ;S' gkng of Messrs Herenda and Breen' One or their best tricks is that bvwS the two performers rapidly etchant clubs across the full width of the with dazzling rapidity and unSrS,’ * * * . •

A new play adapted from the Ger man, entitled. "Eve,” was recently nr L duced at the Shakespeare Theatre Q2 ham, England. Miss Geraldine Oliffi Miss Grace Warner, and Mr Cfife Warner were m the cast.

Fillis’s Imperial Circus, after an absence of tliree years, commenced a successful season at Capetown on Bos. ing Xight. Mr Fillis has got a firstclass combination of artistes with his show, the piece de resistance (ays the Cape' “Times") being the equilibrium feats of the three Herzog sisters. One of the most amazing feats that they perform is the following The strongest of the three swings the second to her shoulders, the latter then balancing with one foot on her sister’s head. The third sister now ascends to the shoulders of the second, and poises with her head upon her sister's and her limbs extended in x form above. The figure—for by this time all three seem to have attained the rigidity of one body—then ascends a steep flight of stairs, up and down , aud then up again backwards and down in the same way.

Mr Charles Holloway's dramatic season at the Sydney Criterion is proving , very successful. After a run of five weeks the drama “For the Sake of a Woman” has been withdrawn, and on Saturday night the sensational and exciting drama, “The Executioner's Daughter,” was produced for the first time in Australia. The piece is in_ four acts, and is written by Air E. Hill-Mitchelson, author of the blood-curdier, “Death or Glory Boys."'"

* * * * .«. The Jackson iamily ,oi musicians, direct- from London, made their first Australian appearance at the New Opera House. Melbourne, on the 11th inst, and received an enthusiastic reception. "Indeed, it may '.veil be said that tier made 'a hit’ (says the Sydney the audience being sufficiently alive to high-class’merit to be able to percent that the members of the family trera far above the ordinary. The heartiest and best-deserved round of applause was at the conclusion of the performance of Scotch airs. The music here was perfect, and the artistes becamo firmly established after this. A number of instruments are played upon —all with equal finish. True musical effect .is never sacrificed for the sake of show, and for that reason every section of the immense audience was pleased. They are under engagement to Mr Rickards. * * * « •

It- is remarkable to read in a London paper that- Mr Beerbokm Tree lias received a letter from a daughter of Count d’Orsay, the “Last of the Dandies.” The unfortunate lady has fallen on evil times, and dates from a London workhou.se. During the run of the pw founded on her father’s life, Mr Tree, it is reported, is going to make her a weekly allowance.

Mr Charles Arnold staged "The Professor’s Love Story” at the Palace Theatre, Sydney, on the 18th, • with in following cast Professor Goodwiu% Charles Arnold; Agnes Goodwills tW sister), Miss Agnes Knight; W White (his secretary), Miss Dot freeeric; Effie Proctor Giis liousekeeper/j Miss Ada Lee; Dr. Cosens (hisJW*' cian), Mr E. W. Thomas; Dr. YeUe** lees, Mr Edwin Lester; Sir George ing, M.P. for Tulloclimains), Mr George Willoughby; Lady Gilding (his Miss Hope Mayne ; The Dowager (tgjv Gilding his stepmother, aged 2o),.J““?, Inez Bensusan; Henders, Mr Fraiis_ • Denton ; Pete, Mr Fred B. Sharp, production was a great success.

I t * | A Now York paper says that Mr i has decided to engage legitimate m j al stars to play upon tlio high-clas deville stage, believing that there v good field and a demand for singing and playing under cona j which can appeal to a large P u I Miss Maud Hewson is at pr®? cn i ; filling an engagement with Wr . St. Joint at the Theatre Royal, ." . , , bane.

1 Ernest Hogan who toured ff jg land with M. B. Curtis’s Minstrels, running a show at the Orpb atre, Honolulu, during the e jjajof the month. Billy McClain ff j]l,,-. ame Cordelia are in the hi •. • a nd be remembered that Billy , . }lf j Madame Cordelia were er l.£ a % j but P. It. Dix to tour New broko their engagement at V

TTarcus Plimraer writes me from *J£3 the Janet Waldorf Company doing good business at the liaS * Roval ‘‘The Merchant of VenTh f, at "° R s on Friday evening, epJnalion and Galatea” on Saturday a Tlio Ladv of Lyons ? o \fpSJced'onSd. y “lluchAdo About Nothing”; Wednesday “Ingowr”; and on Thursday, “The Jewess. * • 9

The American audiences must be more than fond of entertainments. In most of the theatres of the eastern states +he performances commence at 11 a.in. and close at 11 p.m. The artistes have to do from 14 to 21 performances per

week. , „ » The clever little McLeans, whose Darto act is one of the strongest features of “Alice in Wonderland,” at the Royal Theatre, Sydney, were taught the act by their father, Mr “Teddy” McLean, who for some time was ballet master for the Lyster Italian Opera Company, and since then has been associated with the leading Australian managers. It took six months to teach the children the act. Their fir si/ engagement was with Mr Williamson for panto. two years ago, and they re-appeared last year, on both occasions being big successes. They have fulfilled no other engagements, but their latest hit has resulted in several offers, including one to go to America.

• **• 3 » ■» A correspondent of the “Bulletin” savs ‘.—“Surely there are some writers of bright nonsense in England who might turn their attention to a branch of°the game so profitable as musical comedy seems to be. The average ‘book’ of such productions is deplorable. ‘Florodora’ was the first decent dialogue since ‘The French Maid.’ ‘The Geisha’ seemed to touch the lowest depths of did ness, but ‘Sail Toy’ beats it hollow. There is* not a bright line from beginning to end; there are tedious explanations of the plot, such as enter into a badly-constructed melodrama; and the songs are introduced so clumsily that they had better be announced by an interlocutor.” This is undoubtedly true, and only when “decent dialogue” is introduced will the musical comedy be the good all-round show it should be. * ° * * * Mr Harry Roberts is leading man with one of the Frohman companies at present- Maying in New York. •*■* * * • , Raul Cinquevalli, the world’s greatest juggler, who is under engagement to Mr Harry Rickards, has added a number of interesting and difficult feats to liis already wonderful entertainment-. One of the most marvellous is as follows: He drives on to the stage in a carriage and pair. The horses are taken out. Cinquevalli then, with the assistance of two men, raises the" vehicle on to liis chin, juggling and balancing the same up to his"forehcad. The driver sits in liis seat all the time. * * * e •

dy all to themselves in their Conference ! (writes the Melbourne correspondent of the “Otago Daily Times”). The Rev. ,F. H. Sugden is the master of Queen’s College, the Wesleyan institution for the ! training of ministers affiliated to I'ne Melbourne University, and though a Yorkshireman, he is an accomplished and J enthusiastic amateur musician, who : plays a bassoon or some other instru- ! meat >u Marshall Hall’s orchestra, and i therefoiv. is a Marshall Hall sympathiser. All Melbourne at one time, your readers may remember, was split into two camps—Marshall Hallites ai.d non-Marshall Hallites. Possibly his Mar-shall-Hallisin is the reason why he and the Rev. Dr. Fitchett are at daggers drawn; anyhow they are. Now, Mr Sugden, in pursuit of musical enjoyment, was a regular attendant at the recent Italian Opera performances. Dr. Fitchett brought this fact before the Conference, and as may he imagined, there was a lively disturbance. Mr Sugden had to admit that the feeling of the brethren was against him. Scarcely a soul had a word to say for him, and some of them had very strong ° say against him. But he had “one up his sleeve” for his accuser, though he awited patiently till the end before he delivered it, He was content, he said, to abide by- the opinion of the brethren. If Italian opera was sinful, he would not go there any more, and he would accept in the kindliest spirit admonition for having gone at all. But T» u 6 could n °t understand. Was fitchett serious in his objection to p la - Had he not himself gone no tewer than eight separate times to opera, and Italian opera at that, in London. Ihe R°v Dr. was “dished.” There was complete revulsion of feeling. Be could only plead that, being off the chain, the i„fln re ’ b T?. far awa y from where tamW U n i 6 V s . exam ple could ionpleasi 10 had indulged in operatic Confers Pr °° f -’ 16 could ass ure the them S !T + n . 8t al ‘ sin and harm in ter of On r , dat , 10 ,r between the masof the Af u ll v College and the master College for Girls, are encounter HS the result of -heir «(»* ' * &■ the ,. de]icate of the best t by Figaro’ to ;ome st known French actresses and

operatic singers. They are further asked whether, if they had to begin life over again, they would choose the dramatic jirofession anew, and whether they would desire their daughters to go upon the stage. Mddle. Emma Calve’s answer is, “I wish with all my heart I had never beeii an artiste,” leaves it clearly to ho inferred that her reply to all three questions is “No.” Only this year, she went on -to relate, she was singing in her native town in the Aveyron, and she took the opportunity to ask fifteen of her former school mates to dinner. ‘All are married, having made matches suitable to their various conditions of fortune and their looks, and they all, I confess, envied me a little. Well, at that very moment there was jiot one of those fifteen women whose lot I myself did not envy, and she whom I envied most was not the most beautiful—who is now a marquise—but the humblest, the least gifted, who lives the humdrum life of a provincial bourgeoise.” Mdlle. Calve summed up lier opinion of the triumphs of a successful actress by saying, “I know nothing in the world so melancholy as the day after ‘a first night.’ For weeks, for months, one lives in a fever, with one’s nerves strung to tho utmost. Then when it is all over the deadly feeling comes that the end was not worth striving for.” The lot of a prima donna is, in Mdlle. Calve’s estimation, a particularly disappointing one, unlike the actress i who can play her part as she feels it, the singer is but an instrument in tbe composer's hands. * » * * ■*

Mr Charles 3?roliman is about to produce a new play in New York dramatised from a book called “The Old House by the Sea,” of which the authoress, (says the “Illustrated Mail”), Mrs Sarah Phipps, is a washerwoman. While standing over her daily washtub, scrubbing at so much a dozen, Mrs Phipps evolv- i ed the thread of her story. At night, I when the steaming linen was drying before her little cottage fire, the play was constructed, the “old house by the sea” furnished, and her characters called into being. While hanging out the clothes in the back garden, the authoress took her heroine into society and made her feel quite at home with haughty members of the aristocracy. She is loved by three lovers, she is kidnapped, and finally rescued by a big St. Bernard dog. There are new interests and exciting adventures in every chapter, and there are twenty-five chapters in the book. Mrs Phipps, the Rochester laundress, belongs to a good family. Her father was Thomas Blake, a younger son of one Lord Blake, of England, and great nephew of Sir William Blake, the eccentric poet and painter of Devonshire. Her father went to America to seek the fortune denied him in England as a younger son. There his daughter was tenderly reared and carefully educated. Five years i.after her marriage to John R. Phipps, of Washington, she found herself a widow | with an invalid mother to care for. The i two women being alone in the world, the younger set to work to earn a livelihood. She tried giving lessons in painting, she tried teaching, she studied telegraphy'. She was often hungry. Someone, seeing her straits, asked her if she could scrub. She borrowed money for the proper implements and set to work. She wrote only when she had earned the right with hands roughened by suds. “For my first book,” she says, “I never received a cent, though the publishers, I hear, made a fortune out of it. It was called ‘Arc de Morenei.’ After my hard day’s work,” said Mrs Phipps recently, “I would sit down at seven or eight o’clock and become so absorbed in my story that I would write far into the night, sometimes till two in the morning. I wrote it in the rough in three months. Sometimes I got up early in the morning and wrote, hoping that this story was going to bring me good luck. Then when I finished it I found that it must be typewritten to have any hope of being read. I couldn’t afford to have that done, so I bought a second-hand typewriter, paying a dollar a week for if, and somehow or another, though I had never had any teaching, I managed to typewrite the whole manuscript.” After Charles Frohman presents “The Old House by the Sea,” Sarah Phipps expects to cross the ocean to press her claim to a fortune in England. The sum —something over £200,000, she says —was left by a bachelor uncle to her father. A copy of the will was sent to Mr Blake when he was dying. His widow somehow mislaid the important document. Mrs Phipps says lawyers have notified her that there is record in England of the will, but so far poverty has prevented her from making a search for it. • . * * * Miss Maude Adams, the American actress, whose statue in gold was one of the features of the Paris Exhibition, is to visit Australia under the FrolimanWilliamson arrangement. Miss Ellen Terry recently witnessed Miss Adams’s acting in J. M. Barrie’s play, “Quality Street,” at the Knickerbocker Theatre, New York. Sir Henry Irving’s leading lady said: “I feel very glad that I came over from Brooklyn to see Miss Maude Adams in Mr Barrie’s play, ‘Quality Street.’ It is worth a mucli*longer and more difficult journey than that to sec so charming and matchless an actress and- so pretty and delightful a play. As for Miss Adams, she is quite a dar-

ling, and I love her. She is tremendously fine, and perfectly remarkable in this play. I might say she is really a winning little demon as Phoebe of the ringlets, so wholesalelv does she capture people’s hearts and merrily run away with them. I hope that when Miss Adams comes to London I shall be in a box with Mr Barrie on her opening night to welcome her. I know Mr Bar-, rie very well, and I am positive that he would be enthusiastic with delight could he see the beautiful manner in which his ‘Quality Street’ is played here. Miss Adams is so fresh, so new, so splendid! Her art is refreshing and fragrant. Everything about her is so individual, so enchanting, that I must repeat wliat I said at the beginning—that she is a darling, and I love her!” * * * • *

The Hawtrey Company commence a twelve nights season at the Opera House on the 17tli February.

Dramatic authors’ fees or royalties form an important item in the theatrical manager’s expenses. Take, for example, j a Pinex-o success. In London Mr/Pinero | receives 10 per cent, of the gross receipts throughout the run of the play, whilst in Australia he receives 5 per cent. This comparatively low rate is probably due to the fact that, with such rare exceptions as “The Amazons” and “Dandy Dick,” a Pinero piece seldom runs more than three or four weeks in Australia. On the other hand, in the case of such plays as “Charley’s Aunt” and “What Happened to Jones,” which make a more general appeal to the playgoing public, the authors demand a heavy royalty, for the reason that these farcical comedies draw enormous audiences for eight or ten weeks in cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Mr Charles Arnold paid the author of “Charley’s Aunt” £3600 in royalties during his Australasian tour of 1893. In the' same way the author of “What Happened to Jones” has received over £4OOO during Mr Arnold’s present tour. Mr Arnold was more fortunate, however, in his arrangement for “Hans the Boatman,” with which he was so struck when he first read it that he offered the author a price for all rights, taking the risk of success or failure. This was fourteen years ago, and Mr Arnold has played it ever since.

It will be of interest to readers (writes “Erie”) to know some of the dresses that will be worn by Mrs Brough and the ladies of the company during the coming season. “Lady Huntworth’s Experiment” is an excellent comedy, but does not give much scope for dressing. Mrs Brough is an altogether ideal and fascinating cook, and in the last act she wears a smart coat and skirt of electric blue cloth, with facings of white and gold, and a large velvet hat, turned up in front with gold, and trimmed with black feathers. It is a most charming costume. Miss Temple wears a couple of pretty dresses, a morning and an evening gown, also a smart white cycling suit, in which she runs aWay to be married. The spinster of old-fashioned type in this play is excellently got upland there is a clever kitchen maid. In “The Second in Command” there are three ladies, and each appears in four different dresses. In the first act Airs Brough wears a cream voile skirt, with a pink and cream bodice, a French hat of sunburnt straw with pink and black roses, and a cream feather boa. Miss Chatteris wears a mignonette green voile, tucked lengthways, and the bodice relieved with cream lace vest with touches of black velvet, and a large brown straw hat trimmed with masses of mignonette. Miss Vaughan wears a fawn silk brocade, with tucks, turquoise velvet, and a very smart bonnet of the same shade. These very pretty afternoon visiting dresses are very charming indeed. In the second act Mrs Brough wears a pale blue crepe de chine gown, very simply made, with a soft white lace fichu with long ends and a bunch of pale yellow roses and lilies of the valley, and a pale blue and gold cloak, which is a perfect picture. Miss Vaughan in this act wears a dark heliotrope brocade evening dress, with lace front and long lace sleeves, and a cloak of reseda brocade, with black and white lace and chiffon frills. Miss Chatteris wears a yellow brocade, trimmed with yellow chiffon frills, and the bodice relieved with lace. In the third act Mrs Brough wears a lovely heliotrope dress with a touch of yellow, and heliotrope hat. Miss Chatteris has a bright red and black dress and hat. Miss Vaughan wears a grey dress, trimmed with steel and black, and a bonnet. In the fourth act, Airs Brough wears a fawn coat and skirt, with a cream silk front. Aliss Chatteris has a pretty white dress. Aliss Vaughan, a cardinal walking dress strapped with black. The male characters in this play are all in uniform — 10th Dragoon Guards. This play makes a very bright show, and is one of the most charming in the company’s repertoire. Another exceedingly pretty play is “Airs Dane’s Defence.” In the first act the dressing is full evening dress. Airs Brough looks lovely in an ivory satin dress with a slight touch of pink. Aliss Temple has an amber satin brocade ; Miss Vaughan, pale blue and black striped brocade, with chiffon frills; Aliss Chatteris, pale pink brocade, with largo trail of pink pompom roses. Act ll.—Aliss Vaughan

wears a very pretty brown silk walking dress, and brown hat with pink roses. Mrs Brough wears a. delightful dress of maize, with lace vest and undersleeves, and maize and black hat. In the third act, Miss Temple wears a very striking costume of satin foulard, with underdress of green and black, and large black hat. Airs Brough wears a perfect gown of heliotrope muslin de soie, and an equally fascinating floral hat of sweet peas. Aliss Chatteris wears a pretty grey and white walking dress. In act IV. Airs Brough’s dress is a white cashmere, strapped with silk, and Eton coat, and vest of chiffon and lace, and large black picture hat. Miss Temple wears an apricot gauze Empire dinner dress, - with long sleeves of black lace. Miss Vaughan wears a yellow satin with black lace, the perfection of an evening dress. Miss Chatteris wears a pale blue evening dress. Altogether this play has the most lovely gowns worn all through it, and they are of themselves a perfect feast to sight. The Liars”, is also a dressy play. The following plays will also be put on during this farewell season:—“Sweet and Twenty,” “The Magistrate,” “The | Amazons,” and “Sowing the AVind,” ! making a very tempting programme. • * « # «

Aldme. Dante (widow of Dante the Great), who opened with Air P. R. Dix at Auckland last Alonday, requires no less than nine limelights in order to get the wonderful effects shown in her ict. * *»*'■»*

Rowley’s Waxworks and Variety Company commenced a short season in Wilkins and Field’s building on Wednesday, and have been doing splendid business.

The Rangers (Florrie and Stella), who finished at the Tivoli on Friday night last, did four years continuously with Mr Rickards—one of the longest runs put up by any artiste. The absolute record is held by Air Will Whitburn, who started with the entrepreneur so long ago that no one seems to exactly know when. The Rangers -are negotiating with Mr P. R. Dix for an engagement in his Theatres.

* * * *■ « Air Arthur Albert, comedian and endman, opens at Dix’s Alhambra Theatre Dunedin, next week.

Aladame Dante (widow of Dante the Great) opened at the City Hall (Dix’s) on Alonday evening, and made a most favourable impression with her dance creations. It is a decidedly novel act. ***#-.

Air John Sheehan, who gives a very clever musical act, playing innumerable instruments, will shortly tour Dix circuit. •» * * e

Air Frank AI. Clarke writes me from Ashburton that his company is at present successfully working the small towns of the South Island. lam glad to hear that Mr Clarke has almost recovered from his recent illness.

I hope Air Brough will stage “The Village Priest” during the Wellington season.

The opinion of most of the general public who are not in the know is that it will be impossible for Air P. R. Dug to keep up his supply of first-class artistes ; but could they see the number of applications for engagements that arrive every mail from all parts of the world, they would be satisfied that there is no likelihood of any famine as far as the variety artiste is concerned. Air Dix has now about twenty artistes booked for the year 1904, and two for 1905. This is looking ahead, indeed.

The Brough Comedy Company appeared at the Town Hall, Masterton, on Thursday and Friday evenings to crowded houses. The pieces produced were “Lady Huntworth’s Experiment” and “The Ty-&miy of Tears.” * * » m

The Auckland season of the Brough Comedy Company was brought to a close last Friday evening, when Sydney Grundy’s play, in four acts, “Sowing the Wind,” was staged. The following account of the farewell appearance is taken from the Auckland “Star”: —“Last appearance of Air and Airs Brough 1 W© wonder how many of the numbers of people who assembled at the Opera House realised, as they watched the performance of “Sowing the Wind,” that this was so, that they were for the last time witnessing the splendid acting of two- artistes who had for years compelled their laughter and their tears. We do not think that many realised it, for attention was fully occupied with th® magnificent rendering of a fine play, and the want which will so surely come in the. future was not felt. It was indeed fitting the last appearance of two such artistes as Air and Airs. Brough should be greeted with a crowded house in every part, a house unstinted in its applause, and enthusiastic in its admiration. For, altogether splendid as tho Company’s rendering of “Sowing the Wind” was, the audience must have remembered at times the long list of the Brough triumphs, the laughter-compel-ling farces, tho brilliant comedies, and the dramas, witli their irresistible appeals to the intellect and tho higher emotions, and the happy'memories of these memorable productions must have added force to the applause and'strength to

the cheering. Of the performance of Sydney Grundy’s “Sowing the Wind” it is almost impossible to speak too highly. The play is well-known to most playgoers, the story of the old man who has “sown the wind,” and who after many vicissitudes lives to see the union of bis daughter with his adopted son. Mr and Mrs Brough and their admirable company have done many fine things, but they never did anything finer than the performance which it j was the privilege of the Auckland 1 theatre-going public to witness last ] evening. Mr and Mrs Brough seemed to act as they never acted before. As Mr Brabazon Mr Brough was magnificent, and as Rosamund Mrs Brough was equally so, and this one word covers the whole of their two performances. Mention must be made of Ihe great scene in the third act, where the father and daughter, unknown to each other, oppose one another. The acting was simply superb : both artistes rose to heights to which they have possibly never attained before, and a pourtrayal of human emotion was given such as we are not likely to see again for many a day. The other members of the company excelled themselves, Mr Cecil Ward played admirably as Ned Annesley. Mr Mclntyre gave a most finished interpretation of the character of Mr Watkin, the crusty bachelor friend of Air Brabazon, with his heart, however, in the right place. This piece of work stamps Air Alclntvre as an actor of considerable ability. Air Charles Gary’s Lord Petworth was the finest characterisation this actor has given us, and must bo considered one of the features of the performance. letter scoundrel from head to foot, polished and diabolical, ho was the very incarnation of cynical villainy. All the other parts were most capably filled. At the end of the third act the curtain had to be raised three times, but that was not enough, and at a cry, “Three cheers for Air Brough,” the house responded enthusiastically, and again at the call for three cheers for Mrs Brough. At the end of the play tho applause was spontaneous, and .lirce more times the curtain was raised. The cry then came for a speech, and Tien Air Brough stepped forward. In a speech which wiUjlong live in the monies of those who heard it, and during which he was greatly moved, he thanked tho audience for their presence, for thenpatronage during the season, and for the very marked enthusiasm with which they had received Airs Brough and himself that evening. It was very pleasant for them to be the recipients of such keen appreciation on the part of the Auckland playgoers, and they could l ot have wished for more appreciative or intelligent audiences. Auckland, and indeed the whole colony, had always been very good to them, they had been -cry happy in their associations in these islands, and with their good, loyal, and bravo people. Ho had received kindnesses at the hands of many friends, and both tho public and the press had always been cordial and generous towards himself and his wife, and they owed to all a deep debt of gratitude. On past occasions when he had said a few valedictory words, he had been able to promise to return, but on this occasion ho had to deny himself that pleasure, for as players the work of his wife and himself had closed, and that night they t-ook farewell of the public. The recollections of many happy visits to Auckland would keep Aucklanders green in their memories, and he hoped the audience would remember his wife and himself in tho same way. It was not without the very deepest consideration that they had decided to sever old ties. His work had throughout been most arduous but it had been made much easier kv tho constant and sympathetic help of his wife. No man ever had a more devoted helper. If they had pleased their patrons they were happy indeed. Jn conclusion, in bidding good-bye, he wished all the greatest happinness, and assured them of his own and his wife’s lasting friendship. Applause was f-V------quent throughout Air Brough’s speech, and at tho end three hearty cheers were given, and the performances of a memorable company were things of the past, and certainly as the audience streamed out of the theatre to many the world must have seemed a good deal poorer.