BOOKINGS

New Zealand Mail, 5 February 1902, Page 30

BOOKINGS

OPERA HOUSE.

January 27 to February 12.—Brough

Comedy Company. February 17 to March I.—W. F. Haw-

trey Company. . March 3 to March 15.—J. C. Williamson (Wilson Barrett Dramatic Company). March 20 to April 34.—'William Anderson Dramatic Company. April 16 to April Waldorf

Dramatic Company. May 26 to June 4.—'William Anderson

Dramatic Company. June 24 to July s.—Geach and vVilloug’nby London Comedy Company (pencilled). July 14 to August 9.—Bollard Opera

Company. October 18 to November 6.—George

Musgrove. November 24 to December 6.—Geacli and W T i)loughby London Comedy

Company. December 26 to January 22.—Charles Holloway Dramatic Company.

1903

January 23 to February 21.—Pollard Opera Company. February 24 to March 10.—Frank Thornton (pencilled).

THEATRE ROYAL. P. R. Dix’s Vaudeville Company.— Permanent.

FEDERAL HALL. Empire Specialty Company.

WTLKINS AND FIELD'S PREMISES Rowley’s Waxworks

NOTES BY “LORGNETTE.”

“The Second in Command,” as presented by the Brough Company on Thursday and Friday evenings, was a brilliant achievement. For moving effectiveness it is unquestionably one of the most powerful productions ever witnessed by theatre-goers in this city. It pourtrays the life of the hour, while its motif is expressive of glowing patriotic fire. There is in “The Second in Command” a wonderful combination of soldierly-manliness, humour and pathos; but it is by the representation of such a character as Major C. Bingham (Mr Brough) that we are given to understand something of the loveableness of the British officer and of the honour that still actuates gentlemen in all ranks. Mr Ward’s was a clever and able representation of Colonel Anstruthers ; and as Miss Mannering, Mrs Brough won the admiration and affection of all. In this character surely Mrs Brough was at- her best.. The minor parts were admirably sustained.

Soon these talented and accomplished artistes, Mr and Mrs Robert Brough will bid farewell. It is, indeed, difficult to believe that they are going to leave us. The Brough’s have made their name a household word and the thousands who have witnessed with pleasure their reproduction of the latest and best English comedies on the colonial stage will sincerely regret their final leave-taking.

Perhaps no actor-manager has* acquired a wider popularity than Mr Brough, and certainly no lady on the colonial stage has endeared herself more to the hearts of all classes than Mrs Brough. They will bo greatly missed from the colonial stage and many will regret their departure, while all will realise that the rest in retirement which they seek has been well and worthily earned. It will be a long time before their places are filled on the colonial stage.

The versatility and genius of the Broughs may be gauged to some degree by the variety of the plays produced. They have each played from two hundred and fifty to three hundred roles. In each and all they seem to excel, and that they have captivated the public of New Zealand testifies to the merit of their representations. To the production of brilliant play and sparklingcomedy replete with wit and satire” they have brought both ability and genius. The success of their season in Wellington is assured. The performances of "Lady Huntworth’s Experiment” were crowded on all three occasions, as was also "The Second in Command” on Thursday and Friday.

¥• * * * # Next week Mr and Mrs Brough will appear in three new productions, namely, “Tyranny of Tears,” "Mrs Dane’s Defence,” and "Sweet and Twenty,” aggregating fire new pieces during an all too short season of fifteen nights.

• U < K In a cablegram to "Lorgnette” Mr Tom Fitzgerald, of Fitzgerald's circus, who was present at Broken Hill when the lion escaped from its cage, killing a performing goat, states that the escaped lion created quite a scare, and to use

his own phrase “frightened six months’ growth out of me.” After a little delay, and no little difficulty and danger, the lion was re-captured near the office of the Proprietory Mine, and Mr Fitzgerald is thankful that no human fatality has to be recorded as the result of Leo’s adventure. *****

Mr aud Mrs Robert Brough will bid farewell to Wellington theatregoers on the 12th instant, when the old favourite "Nioho” will he produced. During the jast nine nights of the season the following plays are to be staged:—Monday and Tuesday, 3rd and 4th, Air C. Haddon Chambers’s comedy “Tyranny of Tears; Wednesday and Thursday, sth and 6th, Air Henry Arthur Jones’s play, “Airs Dane’s Defence”; Friday, 7th, Captain Basil Hood's comedy, “Sweet and Twenty”; Saturday, Bth, Air H. A. Jones’s comedy, “The Liars”; Alouday, 10th, Air A. W. Pineros' farcical romance, "The Amazons”; Tuesday, 11th, Air Sydney Grundy’s play, "Sowing the Wind”; Wednesday, 12th, (when Air and Airs Brough will make their farewell appearance), “Niobe.” • » • •

On the termination of the New Zealand tour the Brough Comedy Company will play farewell seasons in Alelbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth. Before disbanding the company will visit the East. *****

On Wednesday and Thursday evenings Air Brough will stage Air H. A. Jones’s play “Airs Dane’s Defence.” Ihis play has .been successfully produced in Australia and is sure to draw crowded houses. Of the Alelbourne production by Air Brough’s Company the “Argils” of December 2nd says:—lago’s doctrine, that

“Good name in man and woman, dear my lord. Is the immediate jewel of their souls,” forms the foundation of the moving and powerful play which was presented at tho Princess’s Theatre on Saturday evening by the Brough Comedy Company. In “Airs Dane’s Defence” Air Henry Arthur Jones returns once more to the theme of feminine mendacity, which he turned to such good account in "The Liars,” hut in the later work he treats tho thomo with incalculably more strength and depth than in the earlier. Lady Jessica tells her tarradiddles with an anxious fluency that excites mirth, but Mrs Dane goes through hor "horrible morass of lies” with a desperate resolution, prompted by the strongest motive which can influence a woman—• tho dread of losing the man she loves. There are no intricacies in the plot, and few surprises, but in the character-draw-ing which is the salt of drama, Air H. A. Jones has surpassed himself. Every one of these ciiaracters stands out lifelike and distinct. They compel attention by sheer naturalness. They are original and nnstereotyped, hut absolutely true and convincing. A high general level of excellence was achieved in the performance, and Air Brough in particular distinguished himself in a part which makes severe demands upon the resources of an actor. The audience were warmly and cordially appreciative, and recalled the principals at the close of every act. *****

It is necessary to explain that Airs Dane is a lady with a past of an unusually lurid and kind. So tragic, indeed, was it That she was moved”to abandon her own name of Felicia Hindmarsh, and assume the name of her deceased cousin, Lucy Dane, late of Montreal. Then at Sunningwater, 25 miles from London, she meets and loves young Lionel Carteret, the adopted son of Sir Daniel (Air Justice) Carteret. Airs Dane is, unfortunately for herself, recognised by a young attache, who knew her as Felicia Hindmarsh in Vienna, and the whisper once started speedily grows into a trumpet-tongued denunciation, under the fostering influence of a modern Airs Candour. Sir Daniel Carteret, impelled by a keen desire to save his adopted son from a marriage which he feels would he a ruinous one, sets himself to unravel tho facts, and Airs Dane, “splendid mendax” throughout, is at last brought to her knees in a tragedy of humiliation. *****

, The ingenue whom Airs Dane has displaced in tho love of young Carteret remains to console the infatuated young feUow, and by what iooks like a bril-ijiant-afterthouglit of the author Mrs Bulsom Porter, tho wrecker of reputations, is forced to sign a written apology to tho woman who she has persecuted and _who.se guilt has, in fact, been established. The master-stroke of reprisal is enacted by Lady Eastney, a delightful society woman, with a tendresse for Sir Daniel Carteret, and, after the poignant grief and bitter abasement of Mrs Dane, the writhings of Mrs Bulsom Porter, who is forced to apologise under the threat of an action for damages, make a truly enjoyable interlude. The last act shows that deft skill in construction which is a feature of the work of this dramatist, and the closing picture, which just hints at the reunion of Janet Colquhoun, the young ingenue, with Lionel Carteret, brings the curtain down upon a neat and thoroughly satisfying finale. It is a play throbbing with passion, but whilo Sir Daniel Carteret occasionally discusses with embarrassing frankness subjects which cannot bo argued in the

drawingroom, the whole tone of tho piece is thoroughly clean and healthy.”

Air Robert Brough will produce several new pieces during his farewell season at the Sydney Theatre Royal, which commences in July. Amongst the productions will be Pinero’s latest play, "Iris.” * * * * *

When asked what the price of admission would be during the New Zealand tour of the Alarvellous Craggs, Air Claude Whaite informed us that Air Dix had no intention of raising the prices, but would make the early door sixpence extra—the same as was done during the Darto season. *****

Air Harry Abbott, who went to Australia with the Josephine Stanton Opera Company, returned from Sydney by the Alokoia last Wednesday, and proceeded next day by the same boat to Invercargill to make arrangements for the New Zealand tour of Air E. H. Stevenson’s English Bioscope Entertainment. Air Stevenson will commence his New Zealand tour about the middle cf the month, opening at Invercargill.

Air Dix last week received no fewer than thirty-seven applications from artistes in Australia anxious to tour New Zealand under his direction. * * * * »

An up-to-date version of “Aluldoon’s Picnic” is at present being staged by the Afessrs Fuller at the Empire Theatre, Sydney.

Whilst Air Williamson was in New York last- March (says the “Sydney Alorning Herald”), he was approached by his old friend, Mr Henry Lee, upon the subject of an American vaudeville company for Australia. At that time he cculd not go into the matter, Art with a big A, in the costly and worrying form of Italian opera, occupying all his attention. Negotiations were resumed, however, and Mr Williamson is now a partner with Alessrs Henry Lee and J. Rial in American vaudeville entertainment. Air Rial is just now leaving America with a fresh contingent of the World’s Entertainers. *****

The Janet Waldorf Company commences a season at the Opera House on the 16th of April. * * * * 9

Air Wilson Barrett concluded his Christchurch season on Saturday night with a representation of “Hamlet.”

Congratulations to Aliss May Beatty on being engaged by Air J. C. Williamson to appear in the musical play, “The Runaway Girl.”

Air Bland Holt has cancelled his New Zealand dates (pencilled), he being unable to make satisfactory arrangements for the projected tour.

Air J. C. Williamson anticipates a long run for the musical play, "San Toy,” in the Victorian capital. Two changes have been made in the cast. Air Hugh Ward, in place of appearing as the emperor, plays the character of Sir Bingo Preston, taken in London by Air Fred. Kaye, whilst Air Howard Vernon rejoins the company as the emperor. This artiste is the only remaining member of the Royal Comio Opera Company as founded by the old firm. He was the Alajor-General in “The Pirates of Penzance” as far hack as 1880. '

Mr Fred Seager has severed his connection with the Dix Gaiety Company.

During the last week of Mr Wilson Barrett’s Christchurch season, “Alan and His Alakers,” “Othello,” “The Silver King” and “Hamlet” were staged. The season was a thorough success, both artistically and financially.

Air George Alusgrove has booked dates for a season at the Opera House from November 24th to December 6th. It is not known what the attraction will be, but it is believed he will bring his dramatic and comedy company, with “Sweet Nell of Old Drury,” and other plays.

At Her Alajesty’s Theatre, Sydney, on Saturday evening, Air J. C. Williamson produces the greatest of American successes, General Lew Wallace’s “Ben Hur.” The stage of the theatre had to be enlarged to allow of a perfect representation of the chariot race. An American trainer was specially imported t° tra hi the horses engaged in the race. After a lot of worry aud trouble the much-sought camel was purchased from a- herd of 200 at Bourke, New South Wales. The chief characters are cast as followsßen Hur, Judah, Son of Ithmar Mr Conway Tearle; Alessala, a Roman youth—Air H. Hamilton Stewart; Simonides, a Jew friend of Ithainar ~Mr ■'Austin Melford; Arrius, the TribTrC~wr ™ L l ,msden Hare; Balthazar T Mr , W. F Grant; Ilderim, an old Sheik—Mr George F. Black; Malluch m service of Simonides—Air Roland Simonides’ daughter— Miss Alay Chevalier; Iras—Miss Ruth Mackay; Alother of Hur—Aliss Alabel Lane ; Tirzah, sister of Hur-Aliss Rose Ahnf°w,; g h! nurM «*

Hirin'* 1 was l e 6 a Uy performed for Duke E nf ‘v rn P -ml ght P ur P«ses at tho ike of York’s Theatre, London on ffimoT* er A 25 ’ - 8 "’ and was f >rst V Z Klaw ami i n r iCa > a yf!ar later - Messrs Klaiv and Erlanger’s syndicate lias stag-

ed it in New York, Boston m.-, " and Chicago and everywierew'+t cess. Air William Youne«3 author m the task of staleSp^ Air P. R. Dix, has *i«, S , and will shortly jota’Stf&S*

the farcical comedy, “Tom, Dick'S Harry,” and the one-act play land Legacy.- Business ‘Lrttn'la

Professor Paul De Wvnne +i, Q i , owgraphist, who was toSing AusS’ under engagement to Air H° RinlL i la died in the Adelaide Hospital f d’ fever.' 101 ” h ° art di!B “ 8 Md

“ » • > Air Sydney Grundy’s new “Frocks and Frills,” which has bee’ produced with great success at the Hot, market Theatre, London, is an Sfe tion from the French, and essentially , play of to-day. It is also essentially a ladies play; a play in which feiniifina fripperies and lady performers haw l strong part. The play takes its title of Frocks and Frills” from two acts, wlncl are represented to he at a fashlonabl dressmaker’s in Alayfair. The first scene opens at a country house in Angle, sey ; and a West End drawing-room sun! plies the scenic equipment of the third act. In the fitting-room of the modiste there is one of those society talks (and some rather sensational effects!) whirl, Mr Grundy knows so well how to conduct.

The following is from the pen of the Christchurch correspondent of an Auck land paper:—“A local critic has actually taken upon himself the task of instructing Wilson Barrett as to how he should play Marcus in the ‘Sign of the Cross,’ and how he should enact other of lii’a famous impersonations. It seems a little singular that the ‘staff should have succeeded in winning the approval of the London critics, the American critics and the critics of the European Continent-, and should have failed to secure the favourable verdict of the critic of a Christchurch journal! ‘Ker-ushed again!’ I hope you Aucklanders will make a point of seeing Barrett. He is never iikely to re-visit Alaoriland, and (take my word for it) he is worth seeing.” * * * *

Pollard’s Opera Company are successfully touring the YVest Coast of the South Island.

A four nights’ season of the successful entertainment, ‘‘Our Navy” was given at the Princess Theatre, Dunedin, on the evenings of Saturday, Monday, Tuesday aud YVednesday. The shortness of the season was due to the fact that Air Dix required the theatre on Thursday evening for the appearance of the Alarvellous Craggs. * * S- * *

The Hawtrey Comedy Company will commence a six nights’ season at the Theatre Royal, Napier, on Thursday night. * *■ *■ * • .

Air John F. Sheridan is at present touring Tasmania to good business. * * * •

Air George Alusgrove - sends a company to tour Tasmania in April.

* * * * * «.: Air Alf. Linley, agent for the Brough Comedy Company, has left for Christchurch to make arrangements for the opening of the company at the Theatre Royal on the l.'th inst. *****

The following comments about somn of the artistes at present appearing at the Sydney Tivoli is extracted from a letter received last week I “Verenaz and Breen do most of their work witii Indian clubs. Their dexterity with the clubs is simply marvellous. lam sure theiffs would be a very popular turn New Zealand under the Dix banne • Val. Vousden is a first-class imperso * ator. His Irishwoman is perfect, au his imitation of animals wonder! • Holdsworth’s illustrated songs are ing very well. They are well £UD £u 8 - have a refining influence. He wou popular anywhere. Winton has a o • new gags, and is better received when last in Sydney. Ada Delroy James Bell are great favourites; "turns” being exceedingly popular.^ * * * *

The pantomime; “The Invisible Hj'L and tho Seven Princesses” was sta D the Royal Theatre, Edinburgh, on 14th December. According to a r g.. paper, the principal girl is ‘ Muss‘ ®[V ton (Princess Ivy), who hails fr tralia, where her experience * $ extensive and varied. Excel! g vocalist, Miss Eyton also ac much grace, and speaks her J expression and point.” . Mr Edgar Atchinson-Ely, »JjfJ American Vaudeville arose, a Australia in May. He is h ta forty-two weeks’ engagement, whom is not yet announced. A new play, suggested °P Jff!” W. ton’s romance, “Eugene O ’ ro titled "After All,” was to -be^ tW at Avenue Theatre, London, , month.

Marvellous Craggs will open their Tho tour under the nianagefle# Zf frV It- Dix, at the Princess V* u \° on the 6th. Their Theatre, lv ’ e minutes, and during set laato for t the stage the audithe tiro .?i some of the greatest ence will ™ tnes | v | r performed. The acrobatic ft S ;J vill run in to £2 f^iuuti whife they aro on the stage; « * . * * TPillianison has engaged an EngMr J* 111 ! .. tour of the CommonHsb] t f r He is due at the end of the year. * « * * ~ ir r o n ir Yorke and Miss Annetta Dunedin on Sunday by the f, Melbourne. They have been ft Dix’s companies for two with 3* r v all d a half years.

The American invasion of the theatre hi Australia has its counterpart in Louj An American drama called Ari- » » hv*Mr Augustus Thomas, is un- «”»> „ri for production at the Adelphi be presented by a ' consisting of American artistes When Mr T nomas’s drama was revived at the New York Academy of Music a few weeks ago, a sensational feature was introduced in the shape of a charge of a detaemnent of cavalry of fifty horses. # #

The Auckland season of the Wilson Barrett Company commences to-morrow evening with the production of Mr Barrett’s dramatisation of Mali Came s novel, “The Manxman.”

It is staged that Mr Pinero will shortly write a°new play for Mr John Hare, the English actor.

Xo*fever than 250 auxiliaries are required for the production of “Ben Hur,” at Her Majesty’s Theatre,^ Sydney.

A crusade against theatre ticket speculators has been instituted in New York, and so far, with success. Prior to the opening of Sir Henry Irving’s season at the Knickerbocker Theatre, the most strenuous efforts were made to prevent the sale of tickets upon the sidewalk, and the victory of the house manager was complete.

It is understood that Air John Fuller, junr., of the Empire Proprietary, will leave for a trip to the Old Country at the end of February.

The well-known Australian actor,. Mr A. E. Greenaway, is in the cast of “The Broken Melody” at the Princess Theatre, London. * * * * *

Mr Dion Boucieauit is now stage manager for Air Charles ■ Frohmau at the Duke of York’s Theatre. London. A four-act comedy, entitled “The Twin Sisters,’ ’translated from the German by Mr Louis Parker, is the latest production. * * * * *

A correspondent wishes to know which manager in Australasia controls the greatest number of theatres. The question is rather a difficult one. to answer, in view of the fact that some theatres, like hotels, are “run” by what may be described as “dummies.” However, it is generally understood that the following list is pretty near correct: —Air J. C. Williamson, five—Sydney, two ; Alelbonrne, one; Brisbane, one; Adelaide, one. Air H. Rickards, five —Sydney, one; Melbourne, three (the joint lease of the Bijou and Gaiety has almost expired); Adelaide, one. In March next Mr Rickards will add the Brisbane Royal to his list. Air George Alusgrove, two — Melbourne, one; Sydney, one. Other managers in the Commonwealth have one each to their credit. New Zeaij > theatrically speaking, is owned by aii Av ith six houses, viz., uckland, one; Wellington, two; Christenurch, one; Dunedin, two, while in -uckland another theatre on the lines the Melbourne Princess, is being ' UQ der a ten years’ lease to the sa me manager. *****

iJwiP 6^6 , ®huart, who has been tournf .r£f OUg 1 the United States with a?l „ I ° r ? dora ” company, was obliged Danwu’* 1111 to ' Tn hl Arizona to accomthe'lnani 6 °? era himself on the piano, Petenf ° rc hcstra being entirely incomterviewe/vv, lnterv . al Ue told an ined bv tv, 10 . m usic liad been spoilthe * “ lca P acit y of the pianist, and on the P follv!5 fc +c ay dlscoursed at length cheap pianfstf tte i eC ° UOmy of travellin S ‘Tlorodnra” t ’ ai , ld suggested that when “feessarv tr, re . ac^ d Texas it would be shoot nm l a £V- he ° ld l e " end ’ “ Don,t Prist’s back d ° lng my best >” 011 their M ?'wilLm'L reCCnt * visit *0 Melbourne, the SydnCT T l arr r ged to hand over George Royal to Mr greater part 6 + i° r dates coverin g the «ead * « Resent year. Infove will Lyceum , Mr Alush«rlesqu e P “ vi., m bl > s , great spectacular ®°yai early n *} m at the Theatre , We a dramatfe he will als ® some time aU°v t. here t and then, the house d he ?f ar > as he has the close of the t'°ns in hand a 0 , 1 ? 16 Powerful attracts *lr “Aladdin,” howf or a ujamson takes active nosf from AmericJ 1 a ° on . tircl y Sew to Produce ospecially formway Down East” and

“Lovers’ Lane.” “Way Down East” is a domestic piece by Lottie Blair Parker, elaborated by Messrs V/. A. Brady and J. R. Grismer, the former of whom sent out the original “Trilby” company to Australia. These managers have made an immense fortune with “Way Down East,” which is being performed all over the United States. The Australian company will be formed early in the summer season, when the American theatres begin to close, and in this way the best artistes will be chosen from the various combinations on tour. “Lovers’ Lane” is a sentimental comedy of rural life in the States, (by Clyde Fitch, an American author, frequently staged in London, though lus works have not hitherto reached this country.