WANGANUI THEATRICAL NOTES.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1618, 4 March 1903, Page 32

WANGANUI THEATRICAL NOTES.

(From a Correspondent.)

A large and fashionable audience attended Madame Melba's only concert in Wanganui, and great enthusiasm was displayed throughout the concert. That tile venture proved highly remunerative is shown by the fact that the takings were between A‘soo and <£6oo. Considering the size of the musical community here, and taking into account the unusual tariff charged, it must be conceded that Wanganui's practical welcome to the great singer who has delighted crowned Reads and music lovers of the- Old World, was i'U no way inadequate. Owing to an unforeseen circumstance, your correspondent was unable to be present, so that anything in the nature of a detailed criticism is impossible under the circumstances.

Mr Walter Impett has. received from Herr Albert Friedenthal the programmes of three pianoforte recitals, which he has been giving at the Steinway Hall, London. The programmes are of a high standard, and the recitals have been attended Av'ith considerable success. Herr Friedenthal made a tour of New Zealand a rear or two since.

On Thursday evening, 26tlx February, a two-nights’ season of drama was inaugurated by Miss Fitzmaurice Gill's company, when the stirring melodrama entitled “Man to Man” was played before a good house. The performance was liberally punctuated with the heartiest of applause, as, indeed, it deserved to be, for while in some instances the histrionic ability of some members of tlio company might have been displayed to better advantage, the scenic effects were the finest seen in Wanganui for some time past. All the sets were most artistically painted, and the company had no recourse to any of the stock' appliances. The scene at'Portland, witli the convicts working, was loudly applauded, and was a fine stage picture. The great railway collision was highly realistic, and well merited the plaudits bestowed upon it. As for the piece itself, while cast upon conventional lines, it must also be admitted that in some scenes the author has excelled himself in construction, and the incidents which rapidly follow eacli other in the scene in the old barn are worthy of Sims and Pettit at their best. Miss Fitzmaurice Gill, wlio was warmly welcomed on her first appearance on the stage, was all that could be desired as Ethel Maythorne, the perescuted wife and heroine. As James Gordon, wrongfully accused of embezzlement and sent to- a convict's fate at Portland, Mr Clias. Blake was powerful, and acted in a manner which quickly gained the sympathies of the audience. As the convict Bill Blrkley, Mr Gus. Neville displayed considerable talent, and his impersonation was most realistic. Mr Edward Ivey made a satisfactory villain as Eichard Ellerton, thongli at times rather superficial in’his conception of the character. Mr Leo. Du Chateau provoked much laughter as Samuel Plumtree, Esq., and his" successful low comedy efforts- were shared by Miss Kate Gair as Lavinia

Dove. As Liz. Lovel, Miss Douglas was most commendable, and her lines were well delivered. Mr L. Wa-lshe was Matthew Ellerton, and Mr F. B. Francis was cast for the role of Phillip Ormond. Other less prominent characters were fairly well pourtrayed. The season was concluded •on Friday evening, when a dramatisation of Hall Caine's Bhe Christian" was presented. Miss Fitzmaimed Gill’s internretati.on of the part of Glory Quayle evinced muen caietul study, while Mr Chas. Blake was convincing as John Storm. The piece was well played, and mounted in the company's best style. The Majeroni Dramatic Company play a three-nights’ season, beginning on the sth March. The repertoire includes Frank Harvey's powerful drama-, “Judge Not," “Enlisted, or, The- Chain Gang," and on thei last night of the season a new dramatisation of Mrs Henry Wood's “East Lynne" will be played. The return visit cf Mr J. C. Williamson's Dramatic Company eventuates on March 23rd and 24th, when Mr Justin H. McCarthy’s absorbing romantic drama “If I Were King" will hold Die boards. Tbis piece, which has had a phenomenal run, will doubtless prove as successful as “Sherlock Holmes” in drawing big houses. After this a season of spectacular melodrama will be played by Mr William Anderson’s powerful company, which has been doing extensive business in New Zealand since its arrival from Australia. The local Leidertafel has resumed its weekly practices, and everything points to a most successful season.