BOXES BY “ LORGNETTE.”

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1687, 29 June 1904, Page 28

BOXES BY “ LORGNETTE.”

Mr Mel; B. Spurris Wellington season is turning out a great artistic and financial success. Mr Spurr is without doubt one of the finest monlogue entertainers that has as yet visited New Zealand, and one wonders how it is that he was not

“discovered” years ago* before Mr Hemming- engaged him, Mr Flemming is to - be congratulated in “finding” a veritable gold mine. Mr E. Brannigan, touring representative of .Mr George Abbott’s Musical Comedy Company, arrived in Wellington on kfinday morning to complete arrangements for the Company's appearance at the Opera House on the 2nd July, in “The French Maid.” Miss Ida Roslyn and Mr Jack Kearns are at present members of Mr Harry • Rickards’ Adelaide Company. The Sanford Dramatic Company will commence a season at the Sydney Lyceum on Saturday evening with “The Power of Gold”

A capital programme was submitted on Saturday evening at His Majesty’s Theatre by Fuller’s Entertainers, when there was a crowded house. In the first part Mr Harry Brown made his first appearance, and achieved great success. He has a well-trained baritone voice which he evidently knows how to use. Miss May Marrow, Miss Rose Belmont and Lennon,

Hyman and Lennon made their final appearance and received an enthusiastic send-off. Mr Will (Stevens was in good form and sang five songs. Miss Dolly Lamont was in capital voice, and was completely successful in “The Old Lock.” In the second part Mr Rodda Perry made his first appearance and displayed a wonderful alto voice. His vocalism was a treat to listen to. Eva Wilson and Ted Holland are now established favourites, and their smart sketches caused roars of laughter. Miss Tilly Dunbar also creates great. amusement. The rest of the company met with their full share of approbation. The performance concluded with a smart comedietta in which the principal members of the company appeared. A section of Fitzgerald's Circus, which is at present touring Queensland will shortly visit the East under the management of Mr Tom Fitzgerald. The other portion will tour the Commonwealth under the guidance of Mr Dan Fitzgerald. Lennon, Hyman, and Lennon, met with an enthusiastic reception at the Christchurch Opera House last Monday evening. Paderewski- awards the palm to Germany as possessing the most musical women. That is because a love for music is ; traditional in Germany, and has become now a habit. As far as instinct for music in concerned, the German women are no better off than the American, French, or English. He also finds Italian women very musical, but American women perhaps the most appreciative. Mme. Paderewski laughs at the idea of her being jealous because all the her husband. She thinks it is beautiful; nay, more than beautiful—wonderful. It is homage given to his art. The first production of the Abbott Musical Comedy Company >at the Opera House will be the popular musical play “The French Maid.” Mr Fred Graham will play Charles Brown- the waiter.

Mr Ben Fuller goes to Auckland to open the Fuller season at the Opera House. Several theatrical managers on the "other side'’ were profuse in their sympathy to Mr Flemming on what they thought his extreme rashness in visiting the Commonwealth with Mr Mel. B. Spurr. They were more thau surprised, however, when they visited the Melbourne Athejnaeum Hall on several occasions to find the card "House Full” displayed whilst they had any quantity of seats vacant in their own houses. A wedding took place on the stage of a. Canadian theatre a few days ago. The bride and bridesmaids wore tights. Mr J. C. 'Williamson, it is said, pays out ifiSCKM) a week expenses. "The Rose of the Riviera” is still in full bloom at the Sydney Lyceum, says "The Sunday Sun,” and judging by the full house last night it will be a long time before it begins to fade. Edward Lauri and May Beatty could carry almost any show through, but when the show itself is a good! one, and two such capable stars are backed up by such . fine artists as the Bovis Brothers, M'Naugliton, Miss Garstang, and Miss Nixon the result must be more than ' satisfactory. Edward Lauries dancing was highly appreciated last night, and Miss Beatty was in splendid voice. One of their 'best hits is the burlesque on popular plays. Charles Bovis as the journalist coins news where there is none in true journalistic style; and his brother as the vivacious landlord seems charged wiuu. quicksilver. Charles M'Naugliton has an extra wish or two to he fulfilled before he is entirely satisfied; and Miss Garstang sang and danced magnificently. At a recent meeting of the O.P. Club, Mr Cecil Raleigh made an extraordinary announcement. He said that the Lord Chamberlain had issued a circular announcing that in future "gags” and encore verses must be submitted to the Censor of Plays before they could be used on the stage. The circular had aroused much indignation among London managers, who were determined to close their theatres rather than submit to the proposal. The principal theatres in Germany have produced, or are preparing to produce, the whole of the late Oscar Wilders-works. "Lady Windermere’s Fan,” "A Woman of No Importance,” and "The Importance of Being Eiarnest” are immensely popular all over the Vaterland. Mr Mel. B. Spurr is making a feature in his entertainments of the late Mr Thomas Bracken’s "Not Understood.” He is going to have the poem published in London, where it ought to have a great vogue. The Woods-Williamson Dramatic Company produced the drama "In Old Madrid” at the Opera House last Saturday evening. Miss Maud Williamson and Mr Alfred Woods were seen to good advantage in their respective parts. The "Wellington season of Mr Mel. 81.B 1 . Spurr has been such a success that Mr Herbert Flemming has decided to extend it until Saturday evening. Wirth’s Circus and Menagerie is touring Western Australia at present and is doing well. Mr John Fuller, jun., has had a severe attack of influenza in Melbourne.

Miss Winnie Austin, late of the Hawtrey Comedy Company, will play Miss Olga Beatty Kingston’s part in "The Light That Failed” when it goes up at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne. The evergreen Harry Lyons has been engaged to manage the remainder of the Australasian tour of the Scots vocalists Miss Flora Macdonald and Mr Javin Spence. “Harry” was last through New Zealand with the Frank Thornton Comedy Company. Mr Michael Joseph who acted as manager of Mr William Anderson’s Dramatic Company which recently toured! New Zealand is at present attached to Mr Anderson’s Melbourne Company. It is stated that several members of the Royal Comic Opera Company were astonished at the merit of Miss Nellie Wilson’s first rehearsal with th© organisation in Mr Alfred Hill’s opera "Tapu,” Sir Henry Irving was recently asked to what he attributed the want of appreciation of Dante in America. "Mainly to the fact,” he replied, "that American playgoers know little or nothing of Dante, the poet and man. Moreover, they prefer their old favourites, 'The Merchant of Venice,’ 'Waterloo,’ ‘The Bells/ and 'Louis Xl.' We played Sardou’s drama some forty times, but the old pieces were wanted, and they drew enormous audiences.” There is some talk of marking by public ' testimonial the jubilee of Sir Henry Irving’s first appearance on the stage, and it has been suggested that either a new theatre should be built in London or the lease of an existing one secured, by subscription, and that Sir Henry should be installed there to continue the work associated with the old Lyceum. Beth Mr Edmund Gwenn and Miss Minnie Terry have decided to extend their contracts with Mr J. C. Williamson, for several weeks longer. They will play their old parts in "The Light That Failed” and "The Admirable Crichton” during the Melbourne season of the "Sherlock Holmes” Company. It is probable that Mr J. C. Williamson will shortly send the Royal Comic Opera Company on another tour of New Zealand, that gentleman being more than satisfied with the financial result of the recent tour.

Paderewski has brought opt two Erard concert grand pianos specially for his Australian and New Zealand tour.

Very few men work harder than M. Paderewski, especially when he is in the mood for composition. After completing a composition, he will go over it, try it on the piano, will lay it away, and after a while take it up and go over it again. He polishes and retouches three or four times everything he composes, and never lets anything go until it suits him. His best work is done at his summer-house, the Chalet Riondbosson, on Lake Geneva. There he generally goes for four or five months in the year. He will rise at 9 or 10 o’clock, -work at composing or at the piano until about 1, then take his first meal. He will again work until 6. and then take a walk in the garden or a swim for he is a fine swimmer. There will be dinner at 8 o’clock, and afterwards ’light amusement,

Mr James Morgan, who is well-known to New . Zealand theatregoers, is business manager for Mel. B. Spurr, the clever English monologue entertainer. In referring to the Sidney production of "The Marriage of Kitty,” "The Don” writes to the Melbourne "Punch” as follows: —Miss Rose Musgrove, who made “The Marriage of Kitty” in. Sydney, does not- appear to have lost any of her power of attraction. O’n Saturday night a crowded house celebrated the commencement of the third week of the charming little comedy at the Criterion. In a company of experienced and well-season-ed actors the young Australian lady is easily the star. All the "mirth and melody’' is supplied by Miss Musgrove. On the principle that you cannot have light in a picture without shade, Miss Florence Hamer’s Madame de Semiano is to be admired. The English actress gives value and prominence to Miss Musgrove’s "sweetness and light/' The J. F. .Sheridan Comedy Company sailed from Albany by the Persic on the 22nd June for Durban.

The following is a brief sketch of the plot of "The Prince of Pilsen” which Mr George Musgrove produced at the Shaftesbury Theatre, London, on the 14th May: Hans Wagner, a genial brewer and an alderman of Cincinnati, who is travelling in Europe with his daughter Nellie, comes to Nice to see his son Tom, a lieutenant in the navy, whose ship, the Annapolis, is stationed at that port. Upon the brewer’s arrival he is mistaken for the Prince, who is expected on the same day, and, despite his protestations, he is showered with the favours that have been prepared for the Royal visitor. Presently Carl- Otto, the real Prince, arrives, and, comprehending the situation, decides to remain incognito, and enjoy the sport. _ He finds further amusement in -a flirtation: which he immediately begins, with the brewer’s daughter Nellie. Wagner himself becomes interested in a clashing American widow, Mrs Madison Crocker, who is loved also by ArtbStr St. John Wilberforce, Lord Somerset. The second act proceeds merrily with but few suggestions of plot, except that the brewer comes into possession of a map of certain fortifications, and this map oeing found on his person he is promptly arrested as a spy. At the conclusion all the difficulties, both political and sentimental, are straightened out by Otto, who himself, as the real Prince, and becomes the accepted suitor for the hand of Nellie.”

Mr J. O. Williamson’s English Comedy Company last Saturday evening produced the double bill "Madame Butterfly” and "Cousin Kate” at the Sydney Criterion Miss Rose Musgrove plays Cho-Cho-iSan in David Belasco’s quaint and pathetic tragedy, but does not appear in Mr Hubert Henry Davies’ successful comedy "Cousin Kate.” The following is the cast of characters in "Cousin Kate”: —Heath Desmond, an artist, Mr Draycott; Rev. James Bartlett, Mr Athol Forde; Bobby Spencer, Master Sydney Halliday, Mrs Spencer, Mrs Henderson; Amy Spencer, Miss Florence Le Clercq; Jane, Miss Eva McDonald; and Kate, a novelist, Miss Florence Hamer.

Mrs Bland Holt dearly loves the stage, and says that each play opens up a new phase of life to study. "Thus your part,” says she. "becomes educational through the manifold inquiries you make regarding it.”—"The Newsletter.” The tariff for Paderewski’s Melbourne recital has been fixed at <£l Is, 10s 6d, and ss. It is likely that the same prices will be charged in New Zealand. Mr Ben Hassan, who is a member ot the American Travesty Stars, who- commence a tour of Australia at the Sydney Palace in July, was, if "Lorgnette” remembers right, some years ago a valued servant of Mr J, C. Williamson. He was recognised as one of the finest makers of stage "props” that lias ever visited Australia. Another conjecture is that Mr Hassan visited New Zealand for a season with the Pollard Company. Paderewski, who is accompanied by his wife and Mr W. Adlington, his London manager, were due to arrive at Melbourne by the Ortona. on the 25th inst.‘ Mr George Stephenson’s New Musical Comedy Company is successfully producing a second edition of "The Rose of Riviera” at the Sydney Lyceum. Amongst the new novelties introduced are "In Zanzibar,” "Mr Cosy Corner Girl,” "Three Men They Went A T hunting,” "Come, Come, Caroline/’ "Something Like it/’ and "Eyes of Blue.” Miss Maud Beatty is in the present bill at the Sydney Tivoli. "The Marriage of Kitty,” after a run of five weeks at the Sydney Criterion, was withdrawn last ‘Saturday in favour of the double bill "Madame Butterfly” and "Cousin Kate.” It is said that the Eitzmaurice Gill Dramatic Company contemplate touring New Zealand again about the end of the year.

A signature of Shakespeare was sold !.y. auction in London last month for dBB. The Royal Comic Opera Company vill play a season at His Majesty’s Theatre, Brisbane, during show week.

A "radium ballet” is a feature at the New York Casino at present. The costumes of the dancers are covered with a phosphorescent substance which makes them glow in the dark. Mr J. C. Williamson’s Dramatic Company produced J. M. Barrie’s fantasy "The Admirable Crichton” at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne, last Saturday evening. "Crichton” will be followed by "The Light That Failed.” Nellie Stewart may be seen in a Shakespearian role during her next colonial campaign that opens in October. She is said to favour either Cleopatra or Rosalind. —'"The Newsletter.”

Paderewski will only give six recitals in Melbourne. The first is announced for the 7tli July at the Town Hall. Mr George Stephenson’s American Comedy Company is doing excellent business in Western Australia. .

S'ays the latest “E'ra”: Miss Belle Ray, a famous contralto singer from the Antipodes has just arrived in this country per the\ Orontes. The depth of Miss Ray’s voice is a very remarkable approach to baritone. Managers and agents looking for a novelty should hear Miss Ray. Tho Holloway Dramatic Company "did fairly good business at Adelaide.

Mr George Duller, w&o is well-known to old New Zealand theatre-goers, and who has until recently been, managing Mr Harry Rickard’s Perth theatre, is now devoting his attention to the poultryfarming industry. Mr W. S. Cherry, who visited New Zealand with Mr George Musgrove’s "Fortune Teller’’ Company, is now filling the position of business manager at Mr Harry Rickard’s Adelaide theatre. Madame Eleanor Duse is said to be seeking medical advice in Paris for an affection of the lungs. The Driscoll Boys are at present fulfilling an engagement with Bain’s Entertainers in Tasmania.

An appeal made in the "Eira” by Mr Cecil Brooking to the proprietors of theatrical lodgings to remove a}l "unlucky” objects from their apartments, is interesting as an example of the tenacity with, which the acting profession clings to its superstitions. Whistling in a dressingroom is supposed to precede the end of someone’s engagement with the company. The tag—th,e last lines of a play—is rarely spoken in rehearsal, and to- quote from "Macbeth” in a theatre means the collapse of the play. The "Macbeth” superstition arose because that tragedy was so often resorted to by managers when business was very bad. The PollarcFOpera Company commenced a season at the Launceston Academy of Music on the 24th June. From a private letter I gather that Pollard’s Opera Company will probably be disbanded on the return to Adelaide from Broken Hill, as trouble has arisen between the management and Mr J. C. Williamson (says "Touchstone” in the Perth "Daily News”). One of the matters m dispute is stated tc be the payment of the chorus. Mr Williamson, who has been backing the Pollards, refused to take over some of the chorus girls at the rates of pay which they had been receiving prior to reaching Adelaide, and Mr Pollard then decided to disband the company and return to New Zealand.

George Dean is still showing with Bain’s Entertainers in Tasmania.

Mr Tom Nawn’s Company staged a three-act Irish farce entitled "The Mishaps of Mr Dooley” at the Sydney Palace on the 18th June. The following is the principal characters in the piece: Timothy Dooley, a contractor, Mr Tom Nawn; Timothy Dooley, jun., Mr Albert Johnston; Pat McQuirk, a hod-carrier, Mr Fred- Austin; Count Chase, Mr Ralph Austin; Mickey Thompson, Mr Pete Baker; and other characters by Mines. Dorothy Drew, Katherine Nawn, Katherine Dahl, and Lucy Fraser. Mr Harry Rickards is giving plenty of novelty in the programmes he is submitting to liis Australasian patrons at present. One of the latest attractions he has introduced at the Sydney Tivoli is the Japanese playlet entitled "O Mats San” by Metcalf Woods, the sole rights of which Mr Richards purchased during his recent visit to London. The following is the cast of characters: —Basil Tollerten, Eeq., Mr Harry Diver; Tom Paclii, Geisha Girl, Miss Olive Stewart; O iSaki, Geisha’s attendant, Miss Emmie Smith; O Koti, O Mats San’s servant. Miss Daisy Sylvester ; O Mats San, Tollerton’s wife, Miss Helen Burdett. One of the changing fashions of London theatrical management is exemplified, says the "Freeman’s Journal,” in the fact that neither pit nor gallery seems to be much in favour nowadays. Tim gallery already done away with at one West E!nd house is to be abolished at the Avenue also when later on Miss Marie Tempest occupies the theatre, while there is to be no pit in ,any of the three chief new theatres about to be built. Although, of course, there will be still an abundant supply of good cheap seats, the tendency of the future will evidently be in the direction of a higher minimum charge for admission, even if the average price be kept stationary by lowering the charge in some of the "circles.” Mr Fred H. Graham asked, and has been granted, a release from Ins engagement with the Messrs Fuller. This clever comedian, will therefore not appear at His Majesty’s Theatre this evening as announced in last week’s notes. Mr P. R. Dix will re-open the Theatre Royal on Friday next, July _ Ist, with one of the strongest combinations wluea has appeared under hia banner. The company, numbering sixteen, will leave Sydney to-day (25tli inst.). Included among them are the Powers Brothers, sensational aerial artists; the English Cathedral Choristers, four lads who dressed in Eton costume will render solos, duets, trios, and quartettes, into which, it is said, they introduce some beautiful harmonic effects; Miss Hilda Lane, the Australian nightingale, whomcritics pronounce to have a better voice than Miss Amy Castles; Mr Carden Wilson, the inimitable mimic of footlight favourites; Mr Ted Box, comedian; Miss Alice Layton, Mr Roy Murphy, Mr Wallace Ascot, Professor Kellmann, and several others. It will thus be seen that a very strong and varied combination has been got together for the re-opening of the popular Theatre Royal. THE MARRIAGE OF KITTY. Kitty (loqj: When you’ve quarrelled with your husband, and you wish that you were dead; And you’re certain that he’ll love you nevermore, Don't waste you time in ranting, or throw fire-irons at his head, But just dress up in your mousseline de soie. He will come and beg your pardon, as a husband ought to do ; And he’ll swear your lightest word will now be law. , . For there’s not a husband living, who can help but be forgiving, When his wife is wearing mousseline de soie.