NOTES BY “LORGNETTE."

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1679, 4 May 1904, Page 28

NOTES BY “LORGNETTE."

After a lapse of something like eight years Mr J. C. Williamson’s Royal Comic Opera Company made its re-appearance at the Opera House last Wednesday evening. The reception, which this talented organisation received was of a very enthusiastic character. The house was literally packed from floor to ceiling by a delighted audience. The initial production was the musical comedy "A Country Girl/’ a play which brings witb it the ball mark of success from England, America, and Australia. It is in two acts, the first represents a rural Devonshire scene, while the second shows the interior of the Ministry of Fine Arts. From every point of view both sets are admirable, and. reflect tbs utmost credit on Mr Williamson's scenic artists, Messrs W. Tittle and John Gordon. O'ne of the principal features of “A Country G'rt” is the gorgeousness of its dressing. The costumes worn in the second act exceed in beauty and attractiveness anything that has probably ever been seen on the New Zealand stage. The company which Mr J. C. 1 Williamson has sient to New Zealand this time is an exceptionally strong one, and the performance is of an unusually high order of merit. The opening chorus "Under the Harvest Moon,” attacked with power, rendered with effect, and enthusiastically applauded. Indeed, the work done by the chorus and ballet from the rise to the fall of the curtain, and they had plenty to do, was a marked feature of the production! The principals, one and all, vied with" each other to make the performance a success, and ably succeeded in their endeavours. . Since her last appearance m Wellington Miss Florence Young has made a vast improvement as an actress, whilst her rendering of the numbers allotted to the part of Marjory were ajDstic pieces of vocalisation, Miss Evelyn Scott achieved a distinct success as the village hoyden Nan. She scored;‘a great hit with her songs "Try Again Johnnie” and "Molly, the Marchioness.” ! Miss Maud Chetwynd gave a splend : d. impersonation of the milliner, Madame Sophie, scoring heavily in the duet ‘'Two Chicks.” with Mr George Lauri. Miss Celia Ghiloni created a good imnression as the Princess Melielanch. of Bhong. This lady did very well '■ in her rendering of the solo "Under the Deodor.” Mr Haigli Jackson, as Geoffrey Challoner, cut a picturesque figure in naval uniform. He is .the possessor of a voice of good quality wh l 'ch was heard to advantage „ in the songs "The Sailor’s Life” and "My Little Girl. 5 ’ Mr Jackson also took part with Miss Florence Young in the duet "Boy and Girl.” Mr George Lauri as Barry, has a part'tbat fits him like the proverbial glove. He is given abundant opportunity to show bis versatility, and he scored, heavily in the soups "Yo Ho. Little Girls” and "The Pink Hungarian Band.” He also made a hit in the second act with a lecture on “Man” given in' his disguise as a fair haired gushing dowager attired in a ball dress. Mr Claude Bantock got a hearty reception on makhig liis first appearance as the sham Raiah of Bhong. His impersonation of the character was a quaintly humorous one and the manner in which he sang the two songs allotted to him, "The Rajah of Bhong” and

"Peace! Peace!” was greeted with roars of laughter." Mr Maurice Dudley played well as Granfer Mummery, whilst others that deserve mention are Mr Arthur Hunter as Sir Joseph Verity, and Mr Beginald Bobeyts as Douglas Verity. Miss May Hill as the solo dancer of the company created a good impression for her graceful dancing of a mazurka. M. Leon Caron wielded the baton and deserves great praise for the excellent work done by chorus and orchestra. The incidental dances, all of which are arranged and invented by Miss Minnie Everett, are uncommonly striking. Mr Henry Bracy and Mr Spencer Barry are responsible for the excellent maner in which “A Country Girl" is) staged. Summed up, the performance is a notable one, and has been most enthusiastically received by Wellington theatre-goers. A successful run of “A Country Girl" is assured, and if the other pieces to be played are staged in the same elaborate style the season of Mr J. C. Williamson's Comic Opera Company will certainly be a record. The Fuller Proprietary have this week submitted an excellent programme to their patrons, the result being splend’d houses. The Lsnton Trio made their first appearance at this theatre last Saturday and met witji a hearty reception. Miss Kitty Leu ton is an excellent exponent of coon songs whilst Messrs Prank and Bonnie do some fine head-to-head balancing and hat-spinning. It is a very good turn. Mr Will Watkins’s comicalities are also well received. The Stagpooles are as great favourites as ever. Miss Kate Maher. Miss Daisy Chard, Miss Addie. Wright, and Messrs James Williams and Ted K elm an are all appearing to advantage in their respective turns.

Mr Beginald Boberts's principal solo in "Mv Lady Molly" is ‘‘There's a Little Maid I Know." Mr Boberts also takes part with Miss Eivelyn Sbott in the duet "The Land of Make Believe.”

Miss Maud Chetwynd who plays Mademoiselle Mirabeau in “Mv Lady Molly," has ' a good number to sing entitled "'Opeless z© State of Me."

Mr Clement Wragge, the well known meteorologist, will give a series of three scientific lectures at the " on the evenings or the iltn, mil, ancl T3th inst. The first will be entitled “A Voyage Through the Universe," the great Paris telescope, and the moon, illustrated with beautiful lantern pictures of the heavens, sun, moon, and planets, specially sent out from the Lick and leading observatories of the world. These entertainments have been given in the leadiner cities of the Commonwealth, and are highly spoken of, being thoroughly entertaining and instructive, therefore a special treat is in store for those wishing to be initiated in the science of meteorology and astronomy.

Owing to the immense booking of seats for “A Country Girl" the management has. decided to run the piece until Saturday evening. The second production of the season will be the comic opera “My Lady Molly," which is to be staged on Monday night. The new London Gaiety Company which arrived at Auckland by the San Francisco mail steamer went on bv the same boat to Sydney from whence they travelled overland to Melbourne where they are due to appear on the 14th inst. The Australian season is limited to eighteen weeks as tho combination has to return to America on the 18th September to resume its triumphant season there. It is stated on good authority that Paderwiski will make bis first appearance in Australia at the Melbourne Town Hall on the 9th July.

The majority of vaudeville artistes who earn their bread and butter in New Zealand and tb© Commonwealth consider themselves "stars” and think that they can hold an audience and command a salary by night after night, week after week, and year after year giving the same old "dry hash’ 5 songs and gags that were Tjerpetrated when Noah entered the ark. The following sentence in the "Queenslander” 5 notice of Mr Harry Riickards’s Company at the Brisbane Royal ought to be seriously considered by a number of vaudevillians at present in New Zealand who for their own benefit and also that of the general public ought to try and get some "new goods” to amuse their patrons: —"lt was rather a surprise to those who know the good work of which Mr Kearns is capable when he inflicted upon the audience, as an encore turn, that hoarvo]d absurdity, "The Charge of the LightS Brigade,” as rendered by the schoolboy and the dancing master., etc. People laughed—at the idea.” Mr Haigli Jackson, has two fine solos allotted to him in the part of Captain Harry Romney in "My Lady Molly.” They are entitled "To You, Sir Miles” and "At My Lady’s Feet.” Mr J. O. Williamson’s New English Comedy Company commenced a fortnight’s season at the Melbourne Princess’s last Saturday with "The Marriage of James Nevin T'ait, who successfully managed Mdlle. Dolores’ last Australasian tour, arrived by the Moeraki last Wednesday and proceeded to Lyttelton by the Rotomalmna the same evening, en route to Dunedin, where he will complete arrangements for the New Zealand tour of Miss Lilian Foulis, the clever violinist, who has just recently created a musical sensation in Sydney and Melbourne. Miss Foulis’s tour will commence in Dunedin on the 9th May. One of the members of Mr Tom Naum’s Vaudeville and Comedy Company, which arrived by the San Francisco steamer this week is Mr Pete Baker, the renoAvned Dutch comedian, who \vas in Australia about twenty years ago. Miss Florence Y oung’s principal solo m "My Lady Molly” is entitled "Once Too Often.” Miss Young also takes part Avith Miss Celia Ghiloni in the duet, "Oh. I’ll Greet Him Soft and Low.”

To hand a little box of cake, with card enclosed, neatly tied with white ribbon and got up in the most orthodox bridal manner, which is Mr J. C. Williamson's ingenious idea of advertising the appearance at the Melbourne Princess's of his New - English Comedy Company in "The Marriage of Kitty." Mr Albert Clark writes to "Lorgnette" to say that he has completed all arrangements for the Sydney season of the Tom Nawn Vaudeville, Musical Sketch, and Comedy Company. The season starts at the Palace Theatro on the 14th inst. The combination is said to include some of the best artistes on the American vaudeville ctage.

Mr George Lauri, who plays Mickey O’Dowd in "My Lady Molly," has got a fine song with chorus and dance allotted to him. It is entitled "Don't Whistle so Loud." Another ditty that he sings is called “Te Sarve a Man for Sivin Years."

Miss Lilian Foul is, the violinist who will shortly visit Wellington, created an excellent impression in Melbourne by her playing. This is what the "Leader'' eays:—Expectation has not been disappointed in Miss Lilian Foulis, who is giving a series of concerts in the Melbourne Town Hall. Oil the opening occasion on Saturday she proved herself a musician of admirable culture and feeling. We have heard violinsts of greater brilliancy, but she has qualities in her playing which entitle her to esteem and appreciation. Her production is excellent, the tone full and pure and her facility of execution is exceptionable. Among the numbers she presented to the audience was the Concerto in D 1 by Vieuxtemps, a Chopin Nocturne arranged by Sarasate, an arrangement by Joachim of Brahms's Second Hungarian Dance and Wieniawski's effective "Souvenir de Moscou." The New Zealand tour of Wirtli's Circus, which finished last week, was a thorough financial success. The combination left the Bluff by the Aloerak’ for Hobart, where a tour of the "tight little island" will be commenced. It. is reported that Little Tieh will shortly visit Australia, under engagement to Mr Harry Back aids. At the close of the performance of the "Green Lanes of England,” by the Dampier Dramatic Company, in the On era, House, Auckland, on the 21st April. Mr J. McDermott called the working staff of the Opera House together on the stage, and, in their behalf, presented Mr Alfred Dampier. with a fine photograph’c shield—oft by 3ft Sin—the work of Mr B. Love, illuminated by Mr Hutchinson. The shield contains photogranhs* of all the workers at the theatre. Mr McDermott made a very graceful little speech in handing over the shield, and Mr Dampier replied in very affecting terms. Another pleasant little ceremony was then performed, Mr McDermott, again on behalf of the working staff, nrespiikng Miss Katherine Bussell (Mrs Alfred Dampier) with a beautifully bevelled arreenstone bangle, heavily mounted in gold. “Interested," Wellington.—Mr Stephen Phillip's drama in a, prologue and three acts was produced for the first time at Her Maiej sty’s Theatre. London, under the direction of Mr Beerholim Tree, on Saturday evening, the Ist February, 1902, with the following cast of characters: : MORTALS. Ulysses ....: Mr Tree Teiemachus Mr Gerald Lawrence Antinous Mr Oscar Asche Eurymachus .Mr S. A. Cookson Otesippus Mr .Henry Ivemble Phemius ....Mr Courtice Pounds Eumaetis Mr Lionel Brough Melanthius Mr Ernest Leigh Peiraeus Mr Eric Leslie Pheidon Mr Francis Chamier Phocion Mr V. Willing Elpenor Mr G. A. Warriner Eurycleia Miss Elsie Chester Melantho Miss Mab. Paul Clyti Miss Buth Maitland Chloris .... Miss Eleanor Crelian Penelop Miss Lily Hanbury IMMORTALS. Zeus (Jupiter) Mr Charles Fulton Poseidon (Neptune), Mr Norman McKinnel Hermes (Mercury)...Mr Julian L’E'strange Pallas Athene (Minerva) Miss Constance Collier Aphrodite (Venus) Miss- Winifred Arthur-Jones Nymph .. Miss Lilian Arden Calypso Miss Nancy Price PHANTOMS IN HADES. Agamemnon Mr Nicholas Holthoir Charon Mr Allen Thomas Teiresias i Mr J! F'sher White E'urydice Miss Eirskine. Phaedra Miss Lilian Moubrey Anticleie. Miss Amy Williams Synopsis of scenery:—Act I—Scene 1 (prologue). Mount Olympus; scene 2. seacave on Calypsies Island: scene 3. Forecourt of the,Palace of Ulysses at Ithaca. Act II —Scene 1, Approach ?o Hades; scene 2, Hades. Act lll.—Scene 1, Hut of Bumaeus off the Coast of Ithaca; scene 2, Banqueting Hall in the Palace of Ulysses. Mr Alexander produced Mr Stephen Phillips’s poetic play ‘‘Paolo and Francesca" at the St. JamesV~Tlieatre, London on Thursday evening, the 6th March. 1962. The piece is in four acts, and the following is the full cast of characters ancl synopsis of scenery: Giovanni Malatesta, Mr George Alexander p ao lo Mr Henry Ainley Oorrado Mr Lyall S-wete Valentino Mr Herbert Dansey L~igi Mr B. E. Goddard Marco Mr Lempriere Pringle Pnlci Mr H. B. Hignett L' ar ] o * Mr Arthur Machen Lucrezia Degl’ Onesti, . Miss Elizabeth Bobins Costanza Miss Beatrix de Burgh Miss Margaret Halstan NTD-fi ”' ” Miss Lilian Braithwaite Angela ..'..-- Miss Ada Ferrar Francesca, (la Bve!yil Act I —A Hall in the Castle at Bimini. Act ll.—Scene 1, the same; scene 2 A Wayside Inn. Act lll.—Scene 1. _ A Drugseller’s Shop; scene 2, A lane outside the Castle; scene 3, An Arbour in the Castle Gardens. Act IV.—A Chamber in the Castle,

Mr Harold Ashton, touring representative of the Boyal Comics, leaves Wellington on Friday for Masterton, Napier, Wanganui, and New Plymouth en route to Auckland. It has been decided by Mr Williamson to visit the four above-men-tioned towns so that his New Zealand country patrons will have the pleasure of witnessing the latest successes of the Comics.

The Adelaide season of Mr J. C. Wiliam son's new Englsh Comedy Company was a great success artistically and financially. During the season "The Marriage of Kitty," and vhn double bill “Madame Butterfly’’ and "Cousin Kate" were staged. In referring to the production of the last two pieces the "Begister” says:—

It would be impossible to lecair a more enjoyable double bill than that presented bv Mr J. C. Williamson's new comedy company to a large and enthusiastically appreciative house at the Theatre Boyal on Saturday evening. "Madame Butterflv," a play in one> act by David Bel a sc o, the author of "The Darling of the Gods," from a story of Japanese life by .John Luther Long, was first produced. It was a delightful idea to present several striking tableaux illustrative of Japanese scenes as a prelude to the quaint tragedy, because these beautiful stage pictures brought with, them just that particular ah mospi.ere which was needed in which to introduce "Madame Butterfly.” When the curtain rose Cho-Chn-Sun’s little house at the foot of Higashi Hill was revealed to che audience. It. was such a pretty "comfv" room, and so artistic in every way. Cho-Clic-San, a dear dainty Japanese lady, was watching and waiting for her husband, a lieutenant in the United States Navy, bhe would not listen to offers of marriage l from wealthy Japanese merchants. She wanted only her sailor lover, who had promised to come back to her "when the robins nest again. Oho-Cho San looked out through the pink peach blossom to the harbour. She kept vigil while the moonlight succeeded sunset and the nawn came again in a flood of rose. IVhen her heart was sad and heavy tho booming of guns sounded over the water. She looked through the telescope. It was the Connecticut —his boat. Then why did lie not come? The poor little creature brought forth all the old things that her husband loved: she put pretty red flowers in her jet-black Fair: sho set his lounge chair in the same old place; shook flower petals all over the floor; and, sitting the child, the pledge of love, on a soft cushion, placed a tiny American flag in its hand, and exhorted it to wave "like hell.” She remembered the 1 expression from the happy days, and she said it quite innocently. But Cho-Cho-iSan's heart was to be broken. The lieutenant had used' the little. Eastern lady as a plaything. Ke had with him on board a real American wife. Cho-Oho-Son. when she learned the truth blindfolded her baby, cilentlv changed to her bridal robes, and 1 then taking down her father’s sword, killed herself. Just as she was dying the lieutenant rushed in, and lies caught the poor broken-hearted Tittle sweetheart in his arm. only to hear her say, "Too bad, those robins didn't nest again.” The tableaux depicting "Tine Bicefields,” "The Harbour," and “A Garden” were beautiful in the extreme. The tragedy was perfectly mounted, and the lighting effects wer & splendidly managed. The passing of the sunset, the rising of the moon, and the coming of the dawn were so beautiful and realistic that the audience were auite carried away. With the impersonation of every new character Miss Bose Alusmyove seems--to excel her last effort. The clever little lady, of whom Australians are justly proud, is suited in every way for the part of Cho-Oho-San. She was such a sweet, dainty, delicate, graceful little thing that she soon won all hearts’. Miss Musgrove exliilvted all the exquisite playfulness of the character, and yet there was the sadness over it all. In the pathetic passages the actress was so earnest and sincere that the audience were- ironed to tears. Compared with Ch o‘Ch o-San the other characters were minor, but they were all excellently played, even to that of the child Trouble by Little Elsie. Then followed the delightful comedy "Cousin Ivate," in three acts, by Hubert Henry Davies, by arrangement with Mr F. Harrison and All* Cyril Maude, of the Hay market Thehtre, London. When "Cousin Ivato" was first presented in London the critics were warm in their praises of the work of the young writer. "The Times" said: Joyous comedy is what our stage lias been seeking for so long, the comedy not of ideas or social satire or worldly wisdom.. but of the lighter emotions—the lighter Emotions gaily aroused end agrecablv contented —and it has, we still think, found what it wants in “cousin Ivate,’’ by Air Hubert ■ Henry Davies, Joyous describes the comedy to a nicety. The audience quickly caught, the spirit of the piece, and so thoroughly did they enjoy the comedy that they repeatedly made the auditorium resound with applause. The first act shows Airs Spencer, a. rather silly, amiable widow, in tears at the fact that lier daughter Amy lias been jilted by Heath Desmond an artist. Bobby Spencer, a precocious schoolboy, is indignant at the way- liis sister lias been treated by "the cad " Amy, meek and mil'a, is sitting like a little Puritan thinking of her principles and "her 1 higher duty." The Bev. James Bartlett arrives to condole with the family, and to express the opinion that it might all be for the best. He, indeed,, wants to take the place deserted by Heath. At the critical moment Cousin Kate, a woman of the world and a novelist, arrives. She nips the rev. gentleman's wooing in the bud and orders Amy to write to Heath a slung to be forgiven for lier presumption. On the way down Kate has met a delightful man in the railway carriage, and, besides sharing lier lunch with him, has fallen in love at first right. The second act—which is perfect and 1 irresistible comedy—is the best of all. Cousin Kate* arrives to air the rooms in the bouse which Amy and Heath are to occupy after the ip ding. There she meets tli e fascinating stranger who is one other than Heath Desmond and a. refreshing flirtation soon developed into mutual love. Everything happens so naturally and' innocently that

the effect is both delightful and convincing. The audience found themselves listening to the nursery story of s The Three Bears’* which Heath tells to Kate just as.'if,; they were children again. The lovers sit = by: the fireside and live in a world of- their own right away from, the world. They are in each other’s arms, when there is a. knack at the door, and the little Puritan Amv enters.- Then the old,, cruel, everyday world comes hack again. When Kate finds that Heath is the man whom Amy is going to marry she flings away all idea of happiness, and unselfishly confesses to Heath that she has only been flirting all the while. But Heath will not believe the statement. A brief third act unites the affinities. Amy confesses that she thinks sh© is more suited to be the wifd of a clergyman, and bo pairs off with her James. Then the good-natured rogue of an Irishman turns to Kate asid says—" Will you marry me now?” Kate says—“ Share, an* I will.” Nothing but’the highest praise can he bestowed on the manner in Avhich the comedy was presented and acted. "Mr Wilfred Draycott, as Heath., and Miss "Florence Hamer, as Cousin Kate, simply lived their parts. The second act was quite a triumph. Ai t was at the back of it all, but fiever ouce -was it repealed. It seemed 'that the flirtation in the cosy room was really all happening, and the business with th© hat. the lighting of the fire, the making of the tea. and the nursery tale grew all absolutely real., It is hard to remember when more delightful comedy than rhfs second act, was presented in Adelaide, and the performance of'Mr Draycott and Miss Hamer has never been excelled. It was a far cry from Cho-Cho-San to the character of Amy, but Miss -u-ivsgrove’s wonderful versatility stood her in gpod stead, and she presented the little Puritan to perfection. Mr Athol Forde, was excellent as the Rev. Jaimes Bartlett, Master Sidney Halliday was exceedingly clever and amusing asthe precocious schoolboy, Mrs Henderson was responsible capital character sketch as Mrs Spencer.the widow, and Miss Florence Le Clercq made the small part of J&ne, a gigglmg servant, most diverting. Mr Claude Whaite, touring representative of Mr Sp.urr, writes to “Lorgnette” to say that he is finding some difficulty in fixing a hall or theatre for Wellington. It is to be hoped that the difficulty will be overcome so that Wellir.gtonians may be afforded the opportunity of witnessing this clever one-man shoAvr There are still some dates to be fixed up ye,t. The fteAV York season of “Glitter ng Gloria” Avas anything but a success, the piece “passing out” after a three Aveeks’ run. It is said that Mr George Musgrove, who is ac present/in London, is negotiating for ibe production of two Amer can jueees in the B‘g -Smoke. One is a pantomime entertainment called “The Babes of Toyland” and the other a comic opera entitled “The Wizard of Ox.*’ Mr Claude Bantock. \Avho plays Sir Miles Coverdale in “My Lady .Molly.” has a fine hunting sung to sing called “Hurrah for the Field” " Mr Walter canford’s company of American players are at present appearing to excellent business at the Princess Theatre, Dunedin.* The 'combination will commence a Wellington season at the Opera’ House on the 18th inst. The first .production Avill be the melodrama entitled “The Power of Gold.” This dranm has been staged throughout New Zealand and the company is said to bet seen at its best in the piece. Melodrama is a brays appreciated by Wellington theatregoers, and Mr Sanford -and his company ought to enjoy a suoceisful reason. In noticing the' company’s first appearance in New Zealand the Auckland “Star” said-;—What is the secret of it? Why did one take pleasure for the first time in one’s life in that egregious -order of dramatic composition lcnOAvn as a melodrama ? Here is a tentative solution of the problem. A melodrama can be taken by the actors at a Aval k or a canter. so to say; but it can also be taken at the gallop. At a-walk the thin# is idiotic, at the canter it is foolish enough; but at the gallop JAvhich is the pace prescribed by the .present Company) it can be made (as it is by them) something like a. remarkably good entertainment. If . that is not a sufficient explanation, one might find it in the less than ordinarily conventional characterisation, the novelty of some of the situations, .the splendid staging, and the excellent acting of the principals in the cast. The plot Avon’t do justice to the play. As it is acted one has no nine to notice coincidences, and the whole performance convinces one’s emotions because the mind has not tim.e to do its work. Writing in cold blood iioav. one can see some of the old absurdities in the triumph of chance over possibility. But on 'Saturday night the most phlegmatic person in the audience must have.been moved and even thrilled "by "the intensely dramatic episodes in “The Power of Gold.” The plot is ingenious and it has the rare virtue of including a complete surprise. The infamous Indian, Dr Hadji Zambia, Avho, having learned the secret of Mary Clarke’s impersonation of Lady Brandon (avlio is really identical Avith Meg Judson, the Avife of the hero, a mechanical engineer), seeks to crown a small fortune of hush-money by his marriage with this adventuress. For the purposes of the fraud’ he has taken from •the foundling hospital a child, who happens to be the son of Meg and Paul Jud--eon. M-cgr enters the house as a nurse, and discovers that the doctor is slowly murdering: the’ hoy. .Memories lost in the insanity of past years flash back oh her, and she proclaims herself as Lady Brandon, and denounces the woman Avho claims her name. Her prior insanity, -hoAvever, lends colour to - the allegation that she is merely raving, and she is sent to the private asylum of the infamous Dr Saunders. Here she is subjected to the •most horrible cruelties, and is rescued. only by a series of lucky coincidences. •Meantime the burglar husband of the spurious Lady Brandon, who is maddened by her murder of their child in South Africa, has run his wife to earth. The knoAvledge of her fortune prevents' his killing her/ and he makes terms. She succeeds, however, in murdering him in-

stead: while his attention is distracted by the jewels AAihich she lias brought to surrender to him. The last scene, in Avhich the two ghouls—the woman and Zambra—-are brought to- justice is very rapid and extremely dramatic. As Hadji Zambia, Mr Sanford played with real power. In the scene in the asylum, in which he is outwitted by the ©scape of Meg. ho acted Avitb especial strength. Miss Lydia "Wall had the excremely_ difficult part -of the suppositious 1 Lady Brandon, and plaj-ed Avith a rare intensity 1 and realism. Her soliloquy as she looks into tire dead eyes of her murdered husband Avas a splendid pieoe of tragic acting. Paul Jud’son Avas an ideal hero of melodrama. Mr Henderson Avas excellent up to the very' last, Avlien the fine elocution of hi® earlier scenes was lost in a slight liuskinss3. Mr Kunkel’s Mark Harley, the burglar husband, rvas at least very near.being the best actor in the cast. M g Judson Avas ijenhapsi the weakest of the principals .in the hands of Miss Barber; but she aaus by no means poor. The comio worn, much of Avhich is original, was veiy avia 11 clown by Mr V\ ray, who made a very clever study of Samuel Smudge, and Miss Bootiiby (Norah Donnelly). Til© .staging was ihc best the Opera House has had to offer this year, and on its own merits remarkably good. In fact, the management are to be congratulated generally on an entertainment that for .once does not greatly suffer by bsin ~ m eioch am a. The Sydney season of Mr J. C. Williamson’s New English Comedy Company rvill commence at the Criterion Theatre on Saturday evening the 21st inst. Miss Evelyn Scott’s principal solo, in “My Lady Molly” is called “I Mean to be a Good Girl Noav,” and is said to be one of the finest in the opera. In reply to a query from “J,” Wellington, I may state that Mr George Lauri. of the Royal Comics, is a cousin to Mr Edward Lauri, Avho toured New Zealand Avith Mr George Musgrove’s “Chinese. Honeymoon” and ‘"‘Fortune Teller” Companies. Mr Edward Lauri is due in Australia from London some time this week Avith a musical comedy company Avhich he was commissioned to engage for a tcur of Australia by Mr George Stephenson, ’ Mr George Callender, who has acted as touring representative for Mr. Clement Wragge during the southern portion of hi’s NeAv Zealand tour severs his comrection with the Avell-knoAvn meteorologist at the conclusion of the Wellington season and leaves for Sydney on the 14th inst. to rejoin his old employer, Mr Heller, of Hellers’ Mahatma game Avho are due in Australia shortly Avith a complete set of neAV novelties from England, America, and the Continent of Eiirope. Mr Callender hopes to be able* to commence a Noav Zealand tour about the beginning of next year. The New Zealand tour of Mel. B. Spurr, the celebrated English monologue entertainer, will commence at Auckland’on the 16tli May and will extend until the 26th, after which the following dates will be "played: Thames, May 27th and2Bth; Paeroa,- May 36th; Wailii, May 31st and June Ist; Karanghake, June 2nd; Ngav Plymouth, June 6th; Stratford, June 7th; Eltham, dune Bth; HaAvera, June 9th; Wanganui, June 19th and 11th; Feildjiig, June 13th; Palmerston North, June 14th and 15th; Masterton. June 16th and 17th; Wellington (say), June 18th to 30th; Christchurch, July 2nd to 9th; Ashburton, July 11th; Timaru, July 12th and 13th; Oamaru, July 14tli and 15th; Dunedin, July 18th to 23rd. The last nine nights of the Wellington season of Mr J. C. Williamson’s Royal Comic Opera Company Avill be devoted to quick changes. The folloAving is the programme as at present arranged:—‘‘My Lady Molly,” Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, 9th, 10th, and lltli; “Ma Mie Rosette,” Thursday and Friday, 12th and 13th; “Dorothy,” Saturday and Monday, 14th and 16th; “The Mikado,” Tuesday and Wednesday, 17tli and 18th. The cast of characters "of “My Lady Molly” has already been published in these notes. The folloAving are the full cast of characters of the three last operas to be produced: —• “MA MIE ROSETTE.” King Henry IV. of Navarre Mr Haigh Jackson Vincent ~ Mr Reginald Roberts Colonel Cognac Mr Arthur Hunter Monstajon - Mr Fred England S’egur .....Miss Sara Hyman Petan Miss Nellie Wilson Bouillon (his original character) Mr George Lauri Corisandre Miss Celia Ghiloni Martha ....Miss Evelyn Scott Clochette Miss O. GodAvin Nichette Miss L. Carmichael Rosette ....Miss Florence Young Peasants, Huntsmen, Heralds. Courtiers, Pages, etc., etc., “DOROTHY.” Geoffrey Wilder ...Mr Reginald Roberts Harry SherAVOod .........Mr Haigh Jackson Squire Bantam Mr Clsiiide Bantock John Tuppid Mr‘. Fred England Tom Strutt .Mr WV B. Beattie Lurcher ....Mr George Lauri Dorothy Bantam ...Miss Florence Young Lydia Hawthorn Miss Celia Ghiloni Phyllis .....Miss Vinia de LoitteLady Betty Miss Sara Hyman Mrs Privette Miss K. Potter Peasants, Farmers, Huntsmen, Cour- . tiers, etc. Synopsis of Scenery:—Act ' 1., Hop Fields. Act 11. Interior of Chanticleer Hall. Act llL—The Round Coppice. “THE MIKADO.” The Mikado of Japan ...Mr Haigh Jackson Nanki Poo (his son), Mr Reginald Roberts Poo Bah Mr Claude Bantock Pish Tush Mr Fred England Ko Ko (Lord High Eixecutioner) Mr George Lauri Yum Yum Miss Florence Young Pit£i Sing Miss Maud ChetAvynd Peep .'Bo Miss Evelyn Scott Katislia (an elderly spinster) . . Miss Celia Ghiloni Japanese Nobles, Schoolgirls, Guards, Etc., Etc. Synopsis of scenery: —Act I.—Ko Ko’s Palace. Act in the Palace.

On Saturday afternoon a grand illuminated matinee performance of “A Country Girl” Avill be. given at the Opera House. It has been decided to admit children at half-price, and as the performance will be the same as those given at night a packed house ought to be the result. Parents ought specially; to note that the performance Avill commence at tivo o’clock sHaiq). There are quite a number of advance agents looking for work in Auckland at present. Mr Harold Thorley. late of the Royal Comics, was at latest advices “resting”, in London. 'The Harvey Boys, boxing comedians, Avere appearing at the London Paragon at latent advices. Dame Rumour says that when “T'apu ’ is staged by the Royal Comics Miss Nellie Wilson, of the Pollard Opera Company, will be in the cast, and that she Avill play her original part, the Maori phophetess, Avhich Ava.s in “Lorgnette’s” opinion the most successful pan played in Mr Hill’s opeia. Mr Mel. B. Spurr is timed to commence a third season at the Queen’s Hall, Sydney, on the 27th August. It Avill extend over three Aveeks. The one great sensation of last year’s season in America Avas the production of Wagner’s “Parsifal” at the Metropolitan Opera House, New York. The representation A\ r as preceded by a long argument between Herr Conried and Madame Wagner, Avho persisted in declining to sanction the production of the work for sentimental reasons outside of Beyreuth, but Conried at length prevailed, and produced “Parsifal” with a great cast at the Metropolitan Opera House. The public excitement and enthusiasm Avas absolutely unprecedented. The performance commenced each day in the afternoon, Avith an interval for dinner, the same audience assembling again in the evening. Tho already high prices at the Opera House Avere greatly increased for this jiroduction, and the receipts for each representation of “Parsifal” averaged over £6OOO, thus establishing a record which has never been approached in any other theatre in the world for a number of consecutive performances. The story of the Holy Grail has v now b.een "put into dramatic form as aN“‘stage consecrating magic play” with Wagner’s music, and is 'lioav being presented Avith enormous success at the Alcazar Theatre in San Francisco. In all probabilitv Australian and NeAV Zealand playgoers will have an opportunity of Avitnessing this great Avork at an early date as Mr J. C. Williamson is iioav in negotiation for the dramatic version of the play. - In the dramatisation of Richard Wagner’s great Avork “Parsifal” all the characters as in the operatic version are symbolic and the theme sacred and impressive. The following is a brief resume of the story of the play: In the castle of Montsalvat in the Pyrenees is preserved the Holy Grail, the sacred vessel in Avhich Avas caught the blood of the Saviour upon the cross. This cup is guarded by the Knights' of the Grail, Avhose chief is Amfortas. In the valley ckwells Klingsor, the magician, Avho, beeaxise of his sinful life, has been denied admission to the band of knights. He seeks to destroy them. In his magic garden, he has assembled a bevy of Availton beauties. Amfortas once yielded to their blandishments and the sacred spear, Avith Avhich the Saviour Avas Avouuded on the cross, Avas taken from him. Amfortas Avas Avounded by it and only a touch from it can cure his hurt. Noav the lance is in the possession of Klingsor. It can only be recovered by “a guileless fool, enlightened by piety.” Such a one appears in the person of Parsifal avJio, through ignorance kills a sacred swan. He is taken to the castle to Avitness the unveiling of the Grail and the celebration of the sacred supper. He vieAvs it stupidly and is cast forth. In the second act Parsifal approaches Klingsor’s castle. The magician summons Kundry, a curious Avoman of great beauty who isi faithful to the Knights when she is herself, but strives for their destruction Avhen under Klingsor’s spell. She is ordered to tempt Parsifal.’ The latter does not comprehend the advances of the beautiful Avomen ‘ avlio ply seductive arts, but Kundry moves him. He is about to yield, but is enlightened as to his sacred duty. He casts off the temptress. Klingsor, enraged at the failure of the plot, hurls at him the sacred spear. The Aveapon pauses miraculously in mid-air. Parsifal siezes it and makes the sign of the cross. Instantly the scene of beauty and revelry is transformed to one of destruction and desolation. Many years elapse before the third act. It is Good Friday. Kundry in the garb of a penitent comes to serve at the hut of old Curnemanz, the hermit. Parsifal arrives, clad in black armour, Avith visor closed and bearing the spear. His one desire is to return to Montsalvat and heal Amfortas who, hoping for release from suffering, through death, no longer -unveils the Grail and Avithout its comforting power is Avaisting aAvay. Kundry bathes the feet of Pareifal, and both are baptized by Curnemanz. They return to the temple, .where the knights are making vain appeals to Amfortas to once more uncover the Grail, and he implores them to kill him. Parsifal touches Amfortas with the spear and heals his wound. JParsifal is acknowledged as the neAV king of the Grail. All kneel in homage before him. Kundry finds freedom from stin in death. “Parsifal” is a pictorial sermon. It calls up out of the past a conception of sin. its punishment and its absolution. The whole atmosphere of the drama is mediaeval and from mediaeval literatrue Wagner obtained the material for it. The legends of the quest of the Holy Grail have been incorporated into the folk-lore of many lands.