NOTES BY “LORGNETTE.”

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1618, 4 March 1903, Page 30

NOTES BY “LORGNETTE.”

After tlie performance of fi A Circus Girl” at tlie Tlieatre Royal on Wednesday evening Mr Fred H. Graham, the popular stage manager and comedian of Mr J. C. Williamson's Musical Comedy Company, entertained the members of the combination and a number of personal friends to a supper and dance. The occasion was the celebration of Mr Graham's third anniversary on the Australasian stage, during the whole of which time he has' been under engagement to Mr J. C. Williamson, and also to mark the bond of friendship which has cemented the citizens of Wellington to the members of Mr J. C. Williamson's company. Amongst the guests invited were Mr and Mrs R. E. Bannister, Mr Guy Williams, Major Davey, Captain Johnson, Mr Skerrett. Mr Turnbull, Mr Brookes, Mr Milne, Mr J. B. Jackson. Mr Morris Potts, Mr and Mrs T. L. Mills. Mr Frank Thornton, Mr and Mrs Joseph Wilson, Mr and Mrs Erank Wilson, Mr Alec Mayne, Mr R. W. Kane, Mr and Mrs A. Smart. Mr J. W. Haybittle, Mr and Mrs Duncan Thomson, Mr and Mrs Gilruth, Miss Hayward. Mr and Mrs George Dean, Mr and Mrs Eraser Shaw. Mr and Mrs Pete Hughes, Miss Ta; ior, Mr Abbott. Mr Perry, Mr and Mrs Morison, Mr and Mrs James Hughes. Mr and Mrs George Hall. Mr Edwards. Mr Lincoln, Mr Spiller, Mr Sam Hopkins. Mr J. B. Moutrie. Mr Maurice Dudley, Mr C. R. B’antock, Mr Geo. Bryer, Mr Whitfield, Mr and Mrs Leslie, Mr Monar, Mr Lissant, Mr Laurie. Mr W. J. Beck. Mr Costello, Mr Santley, Mr Cushing, Mr O’Toole, Mr O'Rourke, Mr King. Mr S. Ralfe, Mr Foreman. Mr Heaps, Mr Rice. Mr Crooks. Mr Woolfe Mr Asioli, Mr Morley, Mr E. T. Smythe’ Mr Hill, Mr Ranson, Mr Rosevear ’Mr Sweeney. Mr Maxwell, Mr ’Cooper. Mr Jockinsen. Mr Kinsella, Miss Rose Musgrove. Miss Wallace, Miss Digges Miss Moore, Miss GrahamNewton Miss Lane-Brown, Miss E. Macginty. Miss Cobb, Miss Melvin, Miss Hillas Miss Bennett, Miss I. Kelly, Miss Lenton Miss Olive Lenton. Mrs Lenton, Miss Schafe. Miss O'Shea. Miss R, Baxter Miss E. Baxter, Miss Hammond, Miss Perfect, Miss Rees. Miss Caples Miss Allison, Miss Armfield, and Miss Clayton. Mr Graham’s guests sat

down to a first-class supper. While supper was being enjoyed the stage was cleared of all the scenery and otherwise prepared for the dance. After full justice had been done to all tiie good things provided the dance was commenced, and spiritedly kept up until the wee sma' hours. A very courteous Master of Ceremonies was found in Mr George Hall, and tile honorary stewards were Messrs C. R. Bantock, J. B. Moutrie, Maurice Dudley, George Bryer and W. J. Beck. The dance programme was as follows: —Waltz, “Bravura," Lancers, “Trilby;" Barn-dance, “Happy Darkies;" Waltz, “Beauty’s Eyes;''. Quadrille, ‘‘Scotch;" Leap-Year Waltz, “Blue Danube;” Schottische, “Menura;" Lancers, “San Toy;" Alberts, “The Brook;” Galop, “John Peel;" and Musical Chairs (a screamingly funny item), danced by the ladies, was won by Miss Cobb. A word of praise is due to the staff for the brilliant ballroom set, fitted with festoons of electric light, which they took special interest in arranging as a mark of their esteem to Mr Graham. Mr Harry Fleming was an excellent accompanist. Mr Williamson, who has great admiration for Mr Graham, cabled over his congratulations, and hoped the good feeling existing between the members of the company would manifest itself on this and several other occasions. The host Avas a truly happy man. The party, before breaking up, sang “AubJ Lang Syne," and gave three cheers for-Mr Graham. A word of praise is due to Mr James Godber for the very excellent manner in Avliich the supper Avas served. The Frank Thornton- Comedy Company has been doing first-class business at the Opera House. “Facing the Music" and “A Test Match" Avas played for six nights. On Tuesday evening a revival of “Charley's Aunt" was staged, and Avas Avitnessed by a large and enthusiastic audience. Mr Thornton ay as simply immense as Lord Fa-ncourt Babberley. His make-up Avas first-class. Mr John Denton's impersonation of Stephen Spettigue Avas very clever. The parts of Charley Wykeliam and Jack Chesney Avery cleverly played by Mr Gahvey Herbert and Mr Alexander Bradley respectively, and both successfully managed to give the audience an insight into- the mannerisms of Oxford students. Mr Joseph Wilson’s pourtra.yal of Colonel Sir Francis Cliesne.y, Bart., Avas a capital one. Miss V era Fordyce as Kitty Verdun and MissLeouie Norbury as Amy Spettigue first-class delineations of the parts allotted them, Miss Phoebe. Mercer played AYell as Donna Lucia di Alvadorez. Miss Eva Macdonald and Mr Fred. Cambourne ably filled their parts. On Friday evening “Sweet Lavender" will be staged. Tiie Wellington season of Fitzgerald's Circus Avas in every Avay a success, notAvitiistandmg the fact that on Tuesday evening they could not slioav on account of the Avind. On Saturday afternoon and evening perfect circus weather prevailed, Avith tiie result tkat people Avere turned away from both performances. The programme Avhich tiie popular brothers JL>an and Tom are presenting during the present tour contain several novelties and sensations, Avhicii ought to pack the immense tent Aviierever they decide to pitch it. -

The return \ T isit to the Empire City c-f Mr J. U. Williamson's Musical Comedy Company is proving in every Avay a great success.. “A Circus Uirl" Avas staged for six nights to packed houses. On Monday and Tuesday evenings “San Toy" .was revived, and Avent aviui as much vim as it did ay he n produced at the Opera. House. Mr Fred. ii. Graham AYas a great success as Li. Mr C. R. Bantock's impersouar tion of Yen Hoav AYas a capital performance. Miss Rose Musgrove's character as San Toy A\'as a great success. Miss Elsie Moore Avas very good as Poppy. The part of Ko Fan AYas ably played by Miss Blanche Wallace. Miss Lillian Digges Avas very dainty as Dudley. Mr Maurice Dudley as Sir Bingo Preston, and Mr E. Mozar as Lieutenant Harvey Tucker, gave good performances. The other characters in the play Avere all ably filled. This evening “A RuiiaAvay Girl" Avill be revived, and ought to be Avitnessed by a packed house. On Friday and Saturday evenings, which Avill be the last tA\ r o performances- of the season, “The Belle of NeAV York" Avill be produced.

Messrs George Pran and James Petherick continue to do big business at the Choral Hall. The programme presented is a first-class and varied one, and is free from any taint, of vulgarity. The illustrated songs are enthusiastically received every evening, encores being numerous. The other members of the company all do good Avork, and help to give one of the best entertainments ever Avitnessed in Wellington for the nimble sixpence. *

It is almost certain that “Zaza.” will not be included in. the repertoire of Mr George Musgrove's English Comedy Company, which visits New Zealand next month. Mr J. C. Williamson holds the Australian rights of “Zaza.” Mr Harry Lyons, the veteran advance agent of the Erank Thornton Comedy Company, has travelled somewhat since he joined the profession. During his career lie has visited Java, Burmah, Siam, Penang, China, Japan, Manilla, India, Ceylon, Honolulu, Fiji, Cochin China, California and all the- Australian colonies. The following is a list of some of the combinations which he lias been connected with: —Lyons and Weiland's Great Australian Circus (British-Indian Tour); Chevalier Blondin the Hero of Niagara; Cooper and Bailey’s Ten Allied Shows; W. W. Cole's New Orleans Circus and Menagerie; Stewart’s Rainbow Revels; Louise Pomeroy's Shakespearian Dramatic Company; Emelie Melville's English and Comic Opera Company; Kennedy, the World's Greatest Mesmerist; Zulu and Zulea, Queens of the Air; Fryer's American Equescurriculuin; Lyons' Tourist and Pleasure Party; Wirtli's Grand Circus; Japanese Village; Klaer's Canidrome; Cousin's Oriental Hippodrome; Thatcher, the Poet Laureate of the Australian Goldfields; The Original Barlow; Fred Yonnge and Dominic Murray's Comedy Company; Fitzgerald Bros.' Australian Circus; The Congress of Wonders; the Silbon-Stirk Troupe; George C. Milno's Shakespearian Revivals; Sell Bros.' Combined Shows, Roman Hippo-

drome and Menagerie; Lyons' Operatic Burlesque Company; Valdare’s World of Novelties; Fitzgerald Bros.' Huge Australian ShoAvs, Circus and Performing Wild Animals; Frank Thornton’s London Comedy Company. The Oswald Dramatic Company has been appearing at the Alhambra Theatre, Dunedin, to fair business. The company has staged seA'eral old-timers. During the present season of the Frank Thornton Comedy Company at the Opera House, the successful comedy, “A Little Ray of Sunshine," Avill be staged. In speaking of the Auckland production of the piece the “Star" says:—“A .Little Ray of Sunshine" is purely comedy Avith) the merest upper-crust of sheer farce. And, hoAvever much one may care about farce, and though one has the utmost admiration for the acting in that kind of the present company, it has to be aclcnoAvledged that the change- is for the better. A comedy more charming, more good and wholesome arid yet more destitute of cant, more laughable and yet more touching, it Avonld he hard to find. From start to finish it breathes tenderness and goodwill, and yet it keeps one in a ripple of appreciative laughter. Without going back on our favourable judgment of Mr Thornton's previous performances. let us acknoAvledge now that his latest study is far and away the best piece of Avork he has so far accomplished. As Lord Markham, the tender-hearted. mischievous, Avhimsical old jester, just returned after long years in Australia, Mr Thornton's art is at its very best. Every Avord and every movement is perfect. This Gerard, Lord Markham, is the uncle of Sir Philip Ashton, Avho, in order to be of service to his friend, Dick Markham, has ruined himself by placing, himself in the hands of one Dobbs, a moneylender. An underplot tells of Sir Philip's comingmarriage next (Christmas) day Avith Connie Markham (Dick's sister), and of Madge Ashton's'(Philip's sister) love for Dick. The main, action concerns itself Avith the approaching sale of Ashton Hall in order to- satisfy its OAvner's debt to this Dobbs. On Lord Markham appearing, he is taken for Dobbs, enters into the spirit of the joke, and plays his part Avith relish. He meets Dobbs, aylio mistakes him for Sir Philip, and treats him Avith a roughness which he (Lord Markham) exactly imitates on meeting again Avith the real Sir Philip. Then. Polly, the housemaid at the Hall, mistake's him for a. possession of her OAvn, and he is claimed beloAV stairs as soon as he is rejected above l . Then folloAV endless complications. The merry old man, to his delight, is Wilson's man, sent round Avith the wedding cake; he is “Harris's man," he is “Mr Dunn," and he is “Mr Green," he is/ everything that too eager expectation on the one hand and the desire to conceal himself on the other can make him. And ahvays the little old man laughs his merry cackling laugh, and rubs his hands in child-like glee—and plays the part expected. Then lie meets Avith Saunders, his old butler, and convinces him of his identity in a scene that isi beautiful and touching. They keep their secret, and the old man maintains his role of the money-lender, accepts cheques for the debt, passes them on to Dobbs in the character of Sir Philip, only to be refused, and thus to gain his cue of lioav to treat the real debtor in the character of Dobbs. Dob 1 is' words even are repeated, and the cheques refused Avitli rough disdain. Things get more and more serious, until at last “Jerry's" warm old heart can hold out no longer, and (still as Dobbs) he relents and postpones the payment of the debt sine die. Then, received as a friend, he announces' that the expected Lord Markham Avill appear at midnight. He does. Such is a merest hint at the plot, and if it has as much as suggested, the elusive charm of ths A\ r hole comedy, something Avill have beeai done tOAvards satisfying the just debt OAved by a critic to real and undoubted merit. Jameson’s Entertainers have been touring the Canterbury province Avith good results.

The Hawtrey Comedy Company has done excellent business at tne Theatre Royal, Christchurch. Montgomery's Entertainers have just concluded a most-successful tour of the Hawke's Bay district, and are at present touring the Wairarapa Avith a like result.

Mr William Anderson’s Dramatic Company has done splendid business at the Dunedin Princess.

Amongst the neAV artistes Avho were engaged by Mr Hal George during his recent visit to America, England and the Continent in search ‘of novelties for the popular Fitzgerald Brothers' Circus, are Eric -and Reano, trapezists, and the Marattos, bar performers. Several other sensational acts have been secured. The whole company are passengers to Melbourne by the White Star liner Runic. The craze for realism in America seems to l have reached its zenith Avhen Ronald B. Molineaux, the “hero" of the sensational Adams-Cornish poisoning case in New York, was offered 1000 dollars a Aveek to appear as the villain in a melodrama entitled “The Road to Ruin.’’ It is understood that Molineaux, Avho a feAV months back Avas lying under sentence of death declined the offer at the entreaties of his father, General Molineaux. A Taihape correspondent sends me the folloAving: —Mr Edmund Montgomery, the Avell-known proprietor of Montgomery s Entertainers, seems to be of the opinion that there is a prosperous future m store for the toAvnship of Taihape and the surrounding'district.!. During his recent visit to the tOAvn. he purchased property the price of Avhich runs into considerably over <£looo. Mf Montgomery has also bought several sections at Mataroa.

The Bland Holt Dramatic Company revived ‘‘The Cotton King” at the Sydney Lyceum on the 21st February. On the termination of the Sydney season Mr John F. Sheridan will go on a tour of Queensland, after which New Zealand will most likely be visited. “A Chinese Honeymoon.” was staged for the farewell performance of the MuSgrove Comic Opera Company at the Theatre Royal, Sydney, on the 26th. February. Mr George Musgrove's English Comedy Company inaugurated a season at the Sydney Royul last Saturday night. “Sweet

Nell" Avas the initial production, witli Miss Nellie Stewart in the name part. Miss Neva Carr-Glynn, Miss Pearl Lovell, Mr Wallace Brownlow, Mr Mark Antony, Mr John Coleman and Professor Maccann are all in the bill at the Sydney Tivoli. ♦

Miss Fitzmaurice Gill has purchased from Mr Charles Holloway the sensational drama “The French Spy." The play Avhich has been successfully produced in Australia will be put in active rehearsal at once, and will most likely be produced during Miss Gill's season at the Opera House. Avhich commences on the 19th March.

In criticising the first performance of “The Lady of Ostend" at the Theatre Royal. Christchurch, the “Press" says: “The Lady of Ostend." Avith which the Hawtrey Comedy Company opened their season at the Theatre Royal last night, is alike in construction and dialogue far in advance of many of the so-called farcical comedies Avhich have been produced here. It A\ r as. of course, to be expected that the dialogue by Sir F. Burnand Avmuld be smart, and in this respect there is no disappointment. But in addition to this the situations are- decidedly humorous. and very cleverly constructed. Mr Hawtrey gives on artistic character study in the part of the Baron. From first to last, in accent and gesture, the struggle of the Frenchman Avith the English language is remarkably Avell pourtrayed. There has been nothing of the kind so good upon the Christchurch stage except Mr Dion Boucicault's performance in “The Amazons." Mr HaAvtrey in the character enters most thoroughly into the humour of the part, with the result that it is a complete success. Mr Oily Deering plays the character of Joseph Carbury excellently. The gay man Avho comes up to toAYUi and has a real good time on the plea of urgent business was splendidly represented, the references to cricket matters evoking a storm of applause. Mr McMahon Avas excellent as'the Jonah of the piece. In his hands the cliild-like simplicity Avith Avhich Whortles involves not only himself, hut his friends, by his indiscreet utterances Avas avoll brought out. Mr Heggie, as John Humbert. Avas presumedly American, but his pronunciation, was a kind of a. hybrid. As a rule Americans on the stage are intensely so, but Mr Heggie was an exception, and. he left considerable doubt in one's mind as to Avhat was his nationality. Mr Hammond Avas good as “The Gripper." and displayed his poAver in the way of furniture demolition with much effect. Miss Elsie Austin's impersonation of Dorothy was cleverly played throughout, particularly in the sepnes Avith. her faithless husband, and Miss Bronton Avas good as Matilda Carbury. Miss Austin, has not much to do in the part of Winifred, but it Avas well done. Miss Bancroft is entitled-to high praise *

for her performance as Mrs Crockitt, the scenes Avith Mr Carbury being played with a keen sense of the humour of the situation?

It is said that Miss Ada Crossley will visit the Commonwealth before long under Mr J. C. Williamson's management. Differences of opinion betAveen clergymen and players are not'uncommon, but a recent pulpit attack on Miss Virginia Harned, for his impersonation of Iris), by a Presbyterian minister in Chicago', lias produced a more than usually bitter and personal reply from her husband. In an open letter, Mr E. H. Sothem thus defends his wife: —“I have read your article on the play of ‘lris/ and it is incredible that a minister of the Gospel, a professed follpAver of Jesus Christ, should Avrite as you do. Mrs Fiske, Mrs Ivendal, Mrs Campbell, my wife, Mme. Bernhardt, Mme. Duse, are not dolls. They have minds, equal perhaps to your OAvn, and they select their roles. They are not ‘commanded' to do anything. My Avife chooses to play this part. She thinks it Avorthy of her art. and so do I, and so does Mr Pinero —quite a clever man, believe me, and possibly a Christian, too, but not of the kind you Avouid understand. ‘The stage should be as free from, vice as the ‘Church/ you cry from the top of your steeple. It is-. A thousand l times it is! You don't know Avhat you are talking about. The refrain of all plays is: ‘The wages of sin is death/ ‘ln virtue alone is happiness.' Plays .which have not this refrain cannot succeed. And these very plays of ‘Mrs Tanqueray' and ‘lris' burn these lessons into one’s soul. There is much talk just now of a Church and stage alliance. I wonder what we actors and play-writers have to learn, from such men as you, dear sir—faith, hope and charity ?" The' star attraction at Mr Harry Rickards’s Adelaide theatre are Messrs Seeley and West, the English sketch artistes and musical comedians. According to the Adelaide “Register," ' their turn is exceedingly funny. One is extravagantly made tip as a black man, and the other complied witk all the conventionalities of Avhite society. Who was Seeley an-d! Avho was West nobody knew, but that mattered little, as both touched the topmost “note" of their profession. Any and every instrument seemed to come the same to them, and they drew forth harmony from the most unmusical looking l arrangements. Their performance started in a peculiar way. Directly they had made their boAv a couple of bouquets Avere handed up to them, and before the audience were quite aware A\diat Avas happening the Avhite was blowing with tremendous vim a coronation march, Avhjle his companion was bursting out Avith ‘‘Dolly Grey." Then there was a Aveird duet which called forth roars of laughter and rounds of applause by turns. Whenever one picked up a new instrument the other, not to be outdone, produced a miniature specimen from one of his capacious pockets, and so -the fun went on fast and furiously. Added to their musical abilities the pair f»re thorough comedians, and their turn is sure to find favour. Although they bowed their acknowledgements three or - four times the audience insisted upon more and Avouid not allow the programme to be continued until Seeley and West had given another numbefr. Mr Alfred Dam-pier's Adelaide reason was brought to a close on the 14th February with a performance of “For the Term of His Natural Life." Mr Dampior played! the part of the - Rev. John North,

The New Zealand, tour of Mr George Musgrove's English Comedy Company will be commenced, at the .Princess Theatre, Dunedin, on the 11th April. The initial production is almost certain to be the successful play ‘‘Sweet Nell of Old Drury" with Miss Nellie Stewart in the title role. Miss Stewart will be supported by a very strong combination of artistes. In speaking of the revival of ‘‘Sweet Nell of Old Drury,-" at the Melbourne Princess's, the “Age" says:—“Sweet Nell of Old Drury" was reproduced at the Princess's v Theatre before a crowded audience. Miss Nellie Stewart's charming representation of the name part was still fresh in the recollection of many of those present, and she received a very cordial vv.eicome on making her reappearance. The Nell Gwynne pourfcjfayed By Miss Nellie Stewart has many of the characteristics which history has given to the sweet singer of Old Drury. She nas all the wit, the brightness, the vivacity and the beauty that made liar name Known from one end of England to the other. It is the fault of the author that the audience is given little of the womanly side of Nell's character—the tenderness and pathetic affection which is said to havo impressed even so shallow a ilature as that of Charles 11. The King in the play has most of the qualities in which the* King in reality was deficient. But were it not so the play would lose half of' its attraction. The author has in Sweet Nell and Charles 11. drawn two strong characters —strong enough, in fact, to need only a little background sidelights here and there. Judge Jeffreys, historically brutal and repulsive, is th 9 villain of the piece, and the foil to the dainty charm and winsome grace of tb~ central figure. The gaily dressed courtiers and ladies in waiting arc the frame of the picture. Miss Nellie Stewart re. peated her former success in the title role. At the conclusion of each act she was compelled to respond to repeated calls, besides receiving a great many beautiful flowers. The part of the King is remarkably well played by Mr Haroourt Beatty, and he came in for no small share of the approbation. There have been one or two changes in the cast since the company was here before. The part of the Duchess of Portsmouth was sented by Mrs John Sandes. The Duchess in the play has not much to say, and Mrs Sandes cei-tainly succeeded in looking the character. Sir Roger Fairfax was played by Mr Gordon Bailey, and Mr Albert Grau repeated his clever impersonation of Lord Jeffreys. The other parts were capably represented, and the mounting and scenery left nothing to be desired."

Mr William Anderson's Dramatic Company have done remarkably good business at the' Dunedin Princess's. The following are the dates arranged for the company’s tour of the North Island: —Masterton, March 10th to 13th: Palmerston, March 14th, 16th, 17th; Napier, ]Btii to 23rd; Hastings. 24th and 25tli; Dannevirke, 26th and 27th; Wanganui, 28th to April 2nd; Hawera, April 3rd and 4th; Stratford, April 6th and 7th; New Plymouth. April Bth and 9th; Auckland, April nth, four weeks. Miss Nellie Mortyne, It is stated, has joined Mr Edward Terry's company for a tour of South Africa.

Miss Edith Blande, who visited Ngav Zealand several yeiars ago Avith Mr Bland Holt's Dramatic Company, Avas at latest advices touring the English provinces with “The Worst Woman in London.” Mr William Anderson's Dramatic Company, at present touring Tasmania, includes Misses Linda Raymond, Helen Fergus, Mensie Maxwell, Kathleen Duggan, Little Florrie Kelly, Hilda Frazer, Rlorris Hamilton, Abbie Taylor; Messrs Stirling Whyte, Vivian EdAvards, J. P. O'Neil, Frank Reis. William Taite, Hans Phillips, Herbert Linden. John Enniss, F. Eossmore, Chas. Thompson, F. Lacey, and others. Mr Frank Reis is stage' manager, and Mr Charles MarloAV business representative. Messrs Fuller, after a season of nearly eleven months, have decided to close their Launceston theatre.

Aii English paper has the following relative to Mr Philip Newbury*s singing at the Albert' Hall. London:—“Mr Philip Newbury, who made his first appearance since his return, from Australia, was in very fine voice. We do not remember another tenor who can preserve a pianissimo to the very top of his compass without the use of the falsetto. We can give his rendering of ‘The Message* no higher praise than to say it reminded us of Mr Edward Lloyd.” Largo numbers were attracted to the recent auction at the Hotel Drouot, Paris by the sale of. the personal effects of Mile. Wanda de Doncza, the young actress of the Comedie Erancaise. the sale of whose jewels, fans, and linen during three days realised over .£60.000. while the sale was to conclude over four more days. As an example of the enhanced value existing in Paris of articles that have been owned and worn bv a favourite actress or celebrity, a necklace of a single row of pearls fetched <£10.300, which Mile. Wanda de Doncza purchased two years ago from a well known jeweller in the Hue de la Paix for only £SOOO. Mme. Sarah Bernhardt has now been engaged at intervals for four years on her memoirs, and she will spend eighteen months or two years longer at the work. To a large extent it will be a history of the French stage of her time, as well as an autobiography, and it will also, she states, contain numerous anecdotes, her views on acting, and a refutation of many mis-statements made concerning her by French and other writers during her career. When her is fully told it will provide the publishers with material for three volumes, and will be issued simultaneously in four languages. The Royal Comic Opera Company commenced: a season at Her Majesty s (Theatre, Melbourne, last Saturday night with a revival of “The Geisha/* The musical play will be followed by the first production in Australasia of “The Emerald Isle,’* which the company has had in active rehearsal for some time past. It was a fight to death between lion and tigress, says the New York ‘‘World,** referring to an occurrence in a local arena, and the lion won. Annie, the tigress, was gasping out her life m

her cage while Romeo, the big eight-year-oid lion pompously paraded Ills ettge as if proud, of his feat. Professor diaries Miilere. one of thte animal trainers connected with the show, is getting up a new act. In it are two lions, two tigers; a i'iubet osar, a JPoiar bear, anu a Ug baboon. Every morning they are marched out into the arena and put through choir paces behind a 26-toot iron railing. As yet the animals are not on very friendly terms, The other morning the lions and the tigers did ‘‘their turn. Evsiything went well, and Professor Millers ’"as congratulating himself that the act would soon be ready for public production, bucldeiil y Romeo and Annie came close to each other. It all happened in a moment “Gr-r-r!" snarled Annie. Romeo roared. Then the tigress flew at Romeo, and tried to catch him by the fill oat. He shook her off with one toss of his head; she tried for the shoulder hold. She missed by an inch. Either cluten secure, and a tiger will hold on, Swtj the trainers until it is killed. In a twinkling the arena was in a tumult. The baboon was screeching upon a pyramid, paralysed with fear, and the bears were lunging madly against the iron bars of their pen in a mad attempt to get away. Romeo battc-d his paw at Annie and knocked her down, bho sprang wildly at him. Uue savage roar and he buried his fangs in her spine. Deeper and deeper sank liis teeth in the soft flesh. The tigress shrieked madly and clawed frantically to get free. Every animal in the place heard the conflict, and began echoing a lusty- chorus to the light. _ The attendants were powerless. Both beasts were fighting for their lives. Miilere whipped a revolver filled with blanks out of liis pocket. “Bang! bang!" went his weapon, but it didn't disturb the death hold of Romeo. F. C. Bostick, the proprietor, heard the rumpus and rushed into the arena. In liis hand lie had a fire extinguisher. He turned the nozzle full into Romeo's nostrils and the big beast let go. Miilere and liis helpers drove Annie back with their iong prongs. She sank helpless in a corner, while Romeo, with bristling mane and lusty- roar, slowly retreated into his cage without a scratcii. The tigress had to be carried to her cage. There was an ugly wound in her back, and examination showed that the spine had been injured. She was unable to stand up and her death is a certainty 7. Annie is worth <£4oo. and had she submitted to training with the lions her value would have been doubled.

Mr Maurice Grau. the well known American entrepreneur, has been lying ill at liis hotel in New York, and his condition when the mail left was said to be serious.

The heart of Mdlle. Roggers, an actress of the Athenee Theatre, Pans, is the subject of a judicial investigation, necessitated by the lady's fear of being seasick. According to a London paper, she was engaged to go to Cairo, but at the last moment alleged that she had a weak heart and could not face tlie sea voyage. The theatre doctor said that her heart was perfectly sound, and the result is a law-suit for breach of contract. Mdlle. Eoggers still insists that hex 7 heart is too weak to permit of the voyage, and the Court has ordered Professor Bronardel to make an examination.

The American company Avhich is to produce “Way Down East" and “Lovers' Lane." on behalf of Mr Williamson, is to arrive in Australia in May, but it has not yet been settled Avfler© the company is to open, Avhether in Sydney or Melbourne. Miss Maggie Moore contemplates playing another season in Sydney before journeying to the land of the Stars and Stripes. , The company avlucli has oeen engaged by Mr J. C. Williamson to present “Are You a Mason?" in Sydney at Easter, are on their Ava.y to Australia. The English contingent, consisting of Mr George Giddens the principal, Misses Olga Beatty Kingston, Mollie Pearson, DreA\ 7 , MiHenry Desmond, and others, left London by the Orontes, and are due in the city of tho beautiful harbour about the 26th March. Miss Ethel Knight Mollison, the leading lady of the company, left San Francisco by the Sierra, and should arrive in Sydney about the second Aveek in March.

Mr George Musgrove's Comic Opera Company are actively rehearsing “La Serenade," Avhich Avill receive its Australian premiere during the present Melbourne season.

Mr J. C. Williamson intends producing “Tapu** in Australia. Probably it will be done by the Royal Comic Opera Company. If “Tapu” is a success Mr Williamson will try another one of his own, entitled “Hinemoa,” which, although of the same name as Mr Alfred HilTs successful cantata, must not be confounded with it, as the writing of it was begun before Mr Hill came forth as a composer. “Hine-Moa” is a comic opera, with its scenes laid in England, and Maoriland, the time being the period of Captain Cook. From the sketches of the characters made by Mr Barnes, who is now in America., the dressing should be quaint and picturesque. The sketches taken of the Maori subjects of Hinemoa were used in the recent production of “Tapu.** The Woods-W illiamson Dramatic Company are at present appearing at the Melbourne Bijou to fair business. , Mr Ernest Fitts has been appearing ’with success at the Opera House, Melbourne. . , . Miss Minna Phillips, the young Australian actress, who has for some time playing thej leading wjoman’S parts in ‘‘The Christian,* *“Under Two Flags,** “East Lynne, ** “In the Palace of the King," and other high class plays in the United States. The leading dailies in Syracuse, New York, Chicago, and Pittsburg all give unstinted praise for her various impersonations. Writing last mail from Pittsburg, she states that there are? six theatres there in full swing, all doing great business; There are two performances daily, Sunday rehearsals, and a new play to study every week, so that an actor’s life in America during the theatrical season is a wearying round of hard work. On the termination of her existing engagements Miss Phillips hopes to appear before Australian audiences.— "Referee/* „

Mr Allan Hamilton, writing to the “Sydney 7 Morning Herald'' from the Calcutta Theatre Royal under date 17th January, states that the Broughs were to close their comedy season of fourteen weeks on 31st January. One of the greatest hits of tlieir stay was made with the new farce comedy 7 “Are You a Mason?”* which achieved the unusual run (for Calcutta) of twelve nights. Mr Hamilton describes the piece as a ‘‘screamer," which eclipses “Charley s Aunt," and adds that Mr J. C. Williamson will find it a great money winner in Australia. Mr and Mrs Brough were to remain at Hongkong five weeks, until 17th March, and then intend to open in Shanghai, where the tour would close on 25th April. The curtain will then fall for the last time upon the famous Brough Comedy Company. Mr Hamilton himself will not go on to London, but will return to'Australia with the idea of a permanent resident position in Melbourne or Sydney. Mr Hamilton, has no intention of entering upon independent theatrical management. Mr Lion el Brough (according to a London paper) is preparing his reminiscences for publication. Tlie book, is to be anecdotal as well as biographical. If Mr Brough can include but a tithe of his store of funny yarns the book should have an enormous sale.

Morris and Wilson, the acrobats who were round New Zealand with Ashby s American Stars and later on with Mr P. R. Dix. were in the bill at the Gaiety Theatre, Melbourne, on tin* loth February. They are styled “Morris and W ilson. the American comedians." Morris, and none other than Joe Morris, who visited New Zealand on several occasions with Fitzgerld's circus.

Mr Dan Barry- and his dramatic company are at present touring Queensland with several blood curdlers, amongst which is the drama “When the Sea Gives up its Dead." A very 7 good story is told in connection with the entree of “The Widow , O’Brien" to London. The play has been a great success in Manchester, Liverpool, and other provincial . towns, and Mr Sheridan naturally decided, in the usual course of events, to add the London scalp to his srirule. Mr Toole's manager, Mr Loveclav was sent down to see the production, though Mr Sheridan advised, him not to do so, for “Fun on the Bristol," was then being played in a hall (the Corn. Exchange), where, with the limited stage accommodation, the scenes could not be properly ‘‘set." Mr Loveday, with the assurance that all allowance would be made, for shortcomings in this respect, visited the scend* - of operations, witnessed the show-, and then .saw Mr Sheridan to whom he explained that ‘ it wouldn’t do for London." In reply Mr Sheridan only smiled, and fully determined to do “the little village. He “came, he saw, and conquered." That is, he took the show along, receiving a set-back at the first step, for .at this time, a metropolitan theatre was somewhat difficult to secure. All playhouses -were in full SAving, Avith the solitary exception of the old, tumble-down, musty, dilapidated Olympic. Sheridan, hoAvever, nothing daunted, • engaged this place for a fortnight and opened up. That “The Widow O’Brien” caught on may be judged from the fact that the two weeks' season had to be extended, first to a month, then another four weeks. Avitli “a ditto repeato" of a month, and finally an extra fortnight in all fourteen weeks. Among the multitude ensnared by “The Widow O'Brien," and who basked in her sunny smiles wa.s the Prince of Wales (now the King), who visited the performance more than once during this season, and heartily enjoy-ed it. Miss Annetta Bodin is reappearing at the City Hall, Auckland, tinder Mr Dix's management. Mr J. C. Williamson’s Dramatic Company has successfully produced “If I Were King" at His Majesty's Theatre, Auckland. Mr Walter Knott, the well-known theatrical advertising agent, arrived in Wellington from Christchurch last Sunday. m The earnings of Madame Patti have for many years been phenomenal. During one single y 7 ear she netted <£70,000. Day after day during one part of her career she made within two or three hours over <£looo. The highest figure ever paid to a singer at Co vent Garden was the sum of .£9600 paid to Madame Melba in 1870 for sixteen appearances, or. <£6oo for each appearance. During her American tours she obtained as much as <£l2oo a night. Her fees for singing have cei’tainly been “princely"; but she probably bears the palm in her profession for being paid for not singing, for at one season at Covent Garden, besides her <£Boo a performance, she was paid a retainer of .£12.000 not to sing elsewhere for a certain period. Madame Patti's voice is “underwritten" for £IOOO a performance, or for £BOOO for total loss of voice. Only twice, it is stated, has she drawn the insurance. The Smith Sisters are in the bill at the City Hall, Auckland. Miss Olga Nethersole made her first appearance as an actress on the stage at the asylum at Coluey Hatch, recently destroyed by fire. It was an amateur performance, and she took the part of a servant maid, who, when the curtain rose, was supposed to be dusting the room and singing “I Would I Were a Bird." On the rising of the curtain, and seeing the intent, starng faces of the mad folks, some of whom added to the disagreeableness by their gesticulations, one old woman im- the front row being especially violent, it is hardly to be wondered at that Miss Nethersole had an attack of stage fright. She was tinable for some time to utter a Avord. and it was only as they were preparing to lower the curtain, and she felt that she must get over it unless her chances of becoming an actress were to be ruined, that she found her voice and managed to sing her song and prevent a fiasco. “In the ShadoAV of the Night," Mr William Anderson's latest production at the Theatre Royal, Melbourne, is (says the “Leader") a melodrama well suited to the desire of Theatre Royal audiences. The colour is laid on with a slab, the villains and the virtuous wrestle with each other with varying fortune until the

climax brings victory to the deserving and disaster to those who have revelled in all the crimes of the decalogue. The plot may be .rendered somewhat obscure by the multiplicity of incident, but there is never any- doubt as to the ultimate result. It i 3 hardly worth while describing in detail the course of a story which does not differ in essentials from innumerable others of a similar class. It supplies opportunity for effective situations, lor sensational emphasis and for scenio display. Mr Inman as the innocent hero and Mr H. O. Williard as the specious villain Avere on faiviliar ground, and Mr G. P. Carey- did good service. Miss Ada Guildford Avas an attractive heroine, and Miss Etliel Buckley gained approval in. a small, but sympathetic, part. The audience like to laugh as well as to shu<K der, and the requirements in this direction were attended to by Mr Bert Bailey and Miss Ada Laivrence. Miss Millie Herberts, who visited New Zealand some months ago, was at latest advices showing at Johannesburg. Miss Kate Rowarde and her dramatic company are at present touring the “smalls" of Queensland with a fair amount of success. . ,

Nobady would quibble at the fact that Madame Sarah Bernhardt is at the heard of the “poll," inaugurated by the Paris “Figaro," to decide who, in French opinion, is the greatest actress in the world. M. Coquelin comes second as an actor, and M. Monuet Sully is third. After these come Eleonora Duse. Madame Res jane, and Adelina Patti. Sir Henry Irving. who has never yet appeared in. Paris, has a tremendous support. Mr John Hare is credited with the intention of playing the Abbe Constantin in an English version of the drama adapted by MM. Cremieux and Decourcelle. from a story by M. Ludovio Halevy. Mr Clinton Stuart's version of thig piece was seen in NeAV York some fifteen years ago. a version which, if memory may be trusted, has not yet been produced in England. It is rumoured that Mrs Kendal Avill be artistically associated with Mr Hare in this venture. Professor Mascott's compact vaudeville company is at present touring the “smalls" of the North Island with fair success. The company includes Miss Lettie Smith and Mr Sheldon Kindley. Th e Wiiloughby-Geach Comedy Company opened'at the Palace Theatre, Sydney, last Saturlay night with “The Wrong Mst Wright." During the early months of this year there was quite an epidemic of cycleracing on “tea cup" tracks in the London halls, but the Noiset troupe (consist- • ing of one lady 7 and three gentlemen), who appeared for the first time at the Alhambra, go one better than their predecessors by not only riding at full speed while the track rests on the stage, but continue to do so after it has been hoisted into midair. Of course there is nc|£ any additional skill requisite to retain one's balance while riding at such a difficult angle, but it increases the performer's danger immensely, and reqders the feat immeasurably more daring.

It is reported that Miss Hilda Spong, who has been a great success in the United State®, is negotiating for a tour of Australia and NeAV Zealand on the termination of.her present engagements. Mr Robert Grau has signed a contract Avith Mme. Patti for a six months' tour in the United States. There aaull be 60 concerts, for each of which Mme. Patti is to receive- 5000dol. and an additional 50 per cent, of the receipts Avhen the takings for a concert exceed 7500d01. It is further stipulated that the sum of IO.OOOdoI. shall be banked to bind l the contract, and 40,000d01. banked some months before the tour commences.

Of course wiien actors or singers are commanded to appear at any of the royal residences, says a London correspondent. they are still further honoured by His Majesty Avith a gift of jewellery in some form, or a gold cigarette case, or a silver cigar box, Avhen it is a masculine recipient. In every instance the royal coat-of-arms. either in raised gold or enamel, Avith His Majesty’s monogram in small diamonds underneath, ornaments the gift from the King, and some idea of the diverse selection of these royal presents may be gleaned Avhen I tell you that the ones I have seen myself within the past year or tAVO have ranged all the way from the tiniest gold scarfpin to a big silver box holding 100 cigars, while) heavy gold cigarette boxes, gold and diamond sleeve links, and gold-mounted paper knives, in every instance with the entAvined E.xt, in either diamonds or enamel. Needless to say, actors and singers seem to value these royal gifts more than anyone else. In Queen Victoria's lifetime the gifts Avere of less value, perhaps, but certainly more interesting, as they invariably included a fine signed photograph of Her Majesty in special cases, as Avell as some trifling piece of jewellery. In every instance the sovereign's secretary also forwards a letter after any “royal appearance." In this letter the late Queen always warmly expressed her thanks and appreciation of an artiste's efforts. Mme. Melba, when she appeared a dozen years ago or more at Windsor Cattle and sang, was given a small jewelled brooch, so insignificant that she laughingly wondered what its value could have been as she held it out for me to see one day. During the rendering of his soulmoving passages Paderewski sits almost impassive; he does not rock upon his seat, nor throw his halo-surrounded, head to the rhythm of the music; neither do his hands fly from the keyboard after the manner of the third or fourth rate‘performer. But undoubtedly the most wonderful part of this truly wonderful individual is his bowing. No young girl after a course at a school of deportment boAvs half so gracefully as does M, PadereAvski. After the playing of a piece he rises from his seat, bows all round -the house three or four times, reseats himself. rises again, and goes through the whole operation from start to finish. On. arrival upon the platform he bows half-a-dozen times; so also does he on his leaving it; and as he leaves it at least once during a recital it will be seen that tne sum total of the boAving has before he leaves his instrument for tn© last time.

Miss AggiU Kelton, the popular comedienne of Mr J. C. Williamson's Musical Comedy Company, started her professional career under Mr AV illiamson's aegis some twenty years ago, her first appearance on the stage being in '‘The Pirates of Penzance." Like many other popular artistes, she commenced in the chorus and graduated in the Gilbert and Sullivan opera. The first part Miss Kelton played was Lady Angela in “Patience." Since then she has scored distinct euccesses as Leila in ‘'lolanthe," Lady Psyche in “Princess Ida," Lydia Hawthorne in “Dorothy," Marjorie in “Nell Gwynne," Chopinette in “Paul Jones." The cast of '‘Paul Jones" with which she was associated included Miss Nellie Stewart, Madame Marion Burton, Messrs Snazelle, Woodfield, Gourlay. Leitcli, etc. Miss Kelton was also associated with Miss Nellie Stewart, Miss Alice Barn eat, Leonora Braham. Howard Vernon and the late Billy Elton in the production of "lolantlie," “Erminie," “La Mascotte," “Tambour Major," “Le Cloches de Corneville," and many other parts. Miss Kelton has also played lead in the pantomimes “Cinderella," “Jack and the Beanstalk," “Robinson Crusoe," and “BoPeep," all with success. For a brief period 'Miss Kelton appeared in drama, playing in “The Colleen Bawn," “Harbour Lights," “Silver Falls," etc. Her latest successes have been Carmenita in “A Runaway Girl," Mrs Drive-1 li in “The Circus Girl," Lady Hawser in “French Maid," and Mrs Bang in “The Messenger Boy." A fine photograph of Mis-s Kelton in the character of Carmenita appears in this week's “Mail."

Mr Edward S. Moulton, a young English elocutionist and entertainer, will mail 1 ? hi? first New Zealand appearance at the Exchange Hal], Wellington, on Monday evening next, when he will give one of the entertainments that have made his name and fame very rapidly in Australia recently. Mr Moulton’s average audience in Melbourne was over 2000, whilst Sydney was almost up to that number. The papers and leading critics give him an excellent name, and he should do well in New Zealand. His present tour through the colony is more for rest than business. He has been working very hard across the water, and has- to fulfil an engagement in America, commencing about six weeks hence. Miss Belle D'Arcy, who is a member of the Frank Thornton Comedy Company, will make her first appearance in the Empire City in the production “A Little Ray of Sunshine," is a native of New York, and a typical American'"girl. Miss D'Arcy has been connected with the profession for a number of years, and was for a lengthy period a prominent member of Mr Augustin Daly's dramatic companies, with which she has successfully toured America. Miss D'Arcy. also visited Europe on two. occasions as a member of Miss Ada Rohan's company, both tours being under tife. direction of Mr Augustin Daly. During her connection with Miss Ada Rehan's company she played, amongst other parts, Rosa in “The Countess Gucki," Fairy attending on Titania in “A Midsummer Night's Dream," Mariain “Twelfth Night;" Port in “London Assurance;" Cores in “The Tempest;" and Lady Teazle's maid in “School for Scandal." Miss D’Arcy also toured the land of wooden hams as a member of the Wells-lleath Comedy and Dramatic Company, 0 f which Miss Marie St. John was the- star, playing Polly in “Caste;" Mrs Howard in “Our Strategists Clara in “Our Bachelors;" Gay Carlyle in “LynwoodNadine iin “The- Russian Serf," and Louise Newton in “His Atonement." Miss D'Arcy lias- also made- a 31 ame for herself on the operatic stage, paving, played several seasons with the Henry W. Savage Opera Company. Amongst the parts she has appeared in may be mentioned Lieutenant Poppm-be-rg in '‘The Beggar Student," Master of Ceremonies in “The Queen's Lace HandkerchiefCasilda in “The Gondoliers;" Countess Cepvano in “Rigclefto;" Leila- in 'TclantheAngela in “King Dodo;" Will in “Magic Melody;" Prince Orcfski in “Die Fle-dermans;" Edith in “The Pirates of Penzance;" and Mme. de Fmnt--sac in “Nanon." Miss D'Arcy played i.v several of the above-mentioned operas with Mr Reginald Roberts, who is at present principal tenor of Mr J. C. Williamson's Royal Comic Opera Company. It will he seen from the above that Miss D'Arcy has appeared in a wide range of characters. On the advice of her medical advisers. Miss D'Arcy visited the colonies for the benefit of her health, and was engaged by Mr Frank Thornton as a member ox his company during his recent Melbourne season. A fine picture of Miss D'Arev as Casilda in “The Gondoliers," appears in this week's illustrations of the “Mail."

During tire recent season of Fitzgerald's Circus at Kalgoorlie; Western Australia, tliey had the tent, valued at A3oo, torn to ribbons. The matinee for the afternoon had to. be dispensed with, and Mr Tom Fitzgerald at once engaged 40 local men to repair the damage. Having- been told that Is 3d per hour was: tho local union rate, Tom —who, like his brothers, is a strong Labourite—went 3d pea- hour better, and gave his small army Is 6d per hour, and the day being exceptionally hot, provided for the men the malt liquor they desired, with the result that by 7.30 p.m. the tent was as good as new, and everything in readiness for the performance as usual.—“ Tocsin.” Mdlle. Dolores will give three recitals in the Choral Hall, Auckland, on the 18th, 19th and 20th insts. Mr Claude E. Bantoek, one of the principal members of Mr J. C. W illiamson's Musical Comedy Company, before joining the profession was for eighteen months on the Stock Exchange, but not being able to settle down to the life, made up his mind to go on the stage. His first engagement was in ci musical eomeay called “A Village Venus.” Mr Bantoek was next engaged by Mr George: Edwardes for one of his companies, with which lie twice toured the English provinces, playing Sir George St. Alban in “An Artist's Model.” „xt the conclusion of the second tour he was laid up with an attack of typhoid fever, which necessitated his leaving the stage for about nine months. On hfs re-appearance he r-laved Sir 'Til-.us Wemyss in “The Circus Girl,” after which

he had a try at farcical comedy, playing the principal low comedy part with Mr E. B. Norman in “Miss Francis of Yale," on tour. Mr Bantock next joined his brother, and took a company of their own out with a play called “Sweet Briar," during which he had an accident to his leg which incapacitated him for six months. He next managed a tour of the provinces with the drama, “Bluck-Eyed Susan," in which he played the principal comedy part. He then joined Van Beene, the 'cellist, for a long tour in the play “The Broken Melody," after which he started out again with “Sweet Briar." Mr Bantoek's services were next secured by Messrs Morell and Mouillot for a tour of “The Greek Slave" and “The Geisha." A summer tour next followed with “Those Terrible Twins," which was written by his brother, in which he had to play a splendid comedy part. Another tour followed in “The Greek Slave" and “The Geisha," during which Mr George Edwardes offered him an engagement to visit South Africa for six months with one of his companies, which he accepted. During the tour he played Yen How, Tamarind. Marquis Imani and Hooker Pasha. While in South Africa Mr Bantock visited several of the battle-fields, amongst them Gras-pan, Belmont and Mo-dder River. While at the Cape he received an offer from Mr J. C. Williamson for a twelve months’ tour of the colnies, with the option of renewal at the end of the term. Mr Bantock arrived in Melbourne in time to rehearse “San Toy" with the Royal Comics. He has visited Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne, but likes the latter city best, where he has established his headquarters. "While with the Royal Comics he played Yen How in “San Toy," Tamarind in “A Runaway Girl," Father Tuppitt and Squire Bantan; in ''Dorothy," Usher in “Trial by Jury," Sir Titus in the “Circus Girl." Friar Tuck in “Robin Hood." Rinaldo in “The Toreador," Edward VII. in tho Coronation Tableau. Miss Grace Palotta being the Queen. He was very pleased wlie-n. informed that he was to join the Musical. Comedy Company for the New Zealand tour. Since he arrived in this colony he lias enjoyed himself immensely, and likes New Zealand much - better than Australia. Mr Ban too IPs favourite parts are Yen How in “San Toy," Marquis Imani in “The Geisha." and the Prefect of Rome in rT The Greek Slave." The latter play he, hopes Mr Williamson will stage, it being what he considers a beautiful comedy opera. Hei likes to play Johnny parts in plays like l “The Shop Girl" and “The Toreador." Mr Bantock says, “Because I'm fat some people imagine, I can only play-certain'heavy parts, but I would like to show the public nyself ag 'an English Johnny.'" He is very fond of cricket, but at present lias got the camera craze. Mr Bantock thinks the chorus and ballet girls out in these- parrs the best workers be has ever seen. Tie would like to stay for another year it Mr Will iam son wants him. after which he intends returning to the Old Country. Two of Mr Bantoek's brothers visited the colonies about seven years ago with f.i.-e of Mr Edwardes's gaiety companies.