NOTES BY “LORGNETTE.”

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1818, 9 January 1907, Page 27

NOTES BY “LORGNETTE.”

Mr J. C. Williamson's Dramatic Company, -which- is headed by Mr Charles Waldron 4 and Miss Cia Humphrey, will commence a season at the Opera House on the 18th irust. with “The Squaw Man." The company which supports Mr Waldron and Mias Humphrey is an exceedingly strong one, and includes Mr Hardie, Kirkland, Mr Cyril Mackay, Mr Harry Plimmer, Mr George Carey, Mr Bap ley Barnes, Miss Florence Gleeson, and Mrs G. B. W. Lewis. In noticing the first performance of the play at Christchurch the “Press" says-.—“ The sublime virtue of self-sacrifice, the devotion of a man who deliberately ostracises himself from civilisation and all he holds dear to preserve the honour of his family and above all that of the woman he loves is the keynote of ‘The Squaw Man/ which Mr J. C. Williamson introduced to Christchurch plo* % >ers on Monday 'week at the Theatre itoyal. As a dramatic work the piece is excellently constructed, the situations are natural —and as a consequence strong and effective—and the piece goes on rhythmically to its pathetic conclusion. There is not throughout the whole play the suspicion of straining after effect, and yet each, act ends with a thoroughly dramatic situation., As with the character of the play, so as regards the impersonation of the various characters who figure in it the most noticeable feature was the artistic repose and extreme naturalness with which they were all depicted. Miss Ola Jane Humphrey, though perhaps so far as she was individually concerned, the character of Diana did not afford all the scope for the display of that artistio power and ability which she undoubtedly possesses, gave a very fine interpretation of the part. Her scenes with Jim—notably the one whete she recognises him in the ranch and learns that he is married—were played with much quiet repressed power and with an artistic appreciation, which denoted the possession of histrionic ability of a very high order. The training and long experience of Mrs G. B. W. Lewis enabled her to make the) small part of Lady Elizabeth Wynnegate Stand out most strongly and distinctively in the dramatic picture, and she is entitled to great praise for the cleverly artistic manner in which the character was played. In the part of Nat-U-Rich, though speaking but little, Miss Florrie Gleeson by her intensity of bye-play and gestures, made it one of the most notable characters of the piece. Her farewell of the child, the scene with her husband, where she finds she has to part from the boy who has become the integral portion of her being, and that most touching exit prior to her death, were all portrayed) with great force. Mr Charles Waldron) achieved an undoubted triumph in his) splendid impersonation o? the character* .of Jim. All his effects were., obtained) with a quiet intensity and power, which’ robbed his portrayal even of the eem-t blance of acting. The part of Henry* Wynnegate is a thankless one, inasmuch as it is that of a thoroughly unprincipled and selfish man. Mr Harry Plimmer. though hardly bringing out fully the) main feature of the character, the utter 1 disregard for all but self, gave a very* good impersonation of it as a whole. Of the other characters, that of Bill, the) rough diamond of the West, with a heart of gold, was one, which by the exceedingly artistic acting* of Mr Rapley Holmes, stood out very markedly indeed. As an' excellent piece of quietly powerful character acting it is entitled, to the highest praise. Another quite as successful was) that of Tabywana, the Tndian chief, impersonated by Mr Hardie Kirkland, which for artistic completeness, wad fully equal to anything we have seen l here. Mr Dwight Danforth made a good/ deal of the part of the barkeeper, ad also Mr George Bryant of that of the bully Gash Hawkins, and Mr Cyril Mackay. in the part of Sir John Applegate showed what can be done even with, a small part in the hands of a clever artist. The character of Little Hal was played! by Baby French in a charmingly natural' manner. All the other parts were well! filled, it being a notable characteristic! Of the play that from first to last every! character; even to the smallest, was given/ its due- prominence. The piece was excellently mounted. the set in the first! act and that of the Western saloon being notably good. The orchestra, under Mij H. Diedrichsen, plaved excellently during the evening. ■ ‘The Squaw Man’ lias! attracted a Large audience each night iff had been'staged. , /

Tlie Ihoxigh-FI ©mining Comedy Company; opened at Hies Majesty’s Theatre, Auck-i

land, on Boxing Night, to one of the! largest audiences ever seen in that city. The whole of the dress-circle and stalls were booked before the door’s were opened, and before 7.30 every available bit of space was taken up. Nearly as many* people being turned away as what gained) admittance. The opening piece was "Dr* Wakens" Patient,” anew comedy drama in four acts, by W. Gayer Mackay and/ Robert Ord, and which has proved such) a great success throughout Australasia;/ by all appearances it is likely to repeat) the success throughout this country.

In the staging of one of his earlier plays. Joseph Jefferson, accompanied by a friend, attended a rehearsal, at which a lively disagreement arose between two of the actresses a® to the possession of the centre of the stage during a certain scene. While the manager poured oil upon the troubled waters Jefferson sat carelessly swinging his feet from the rail of an adjacent box. The friend could stand it no longer. "Great Scott. Jefferson,” he exclaimed, "this will ruin your play. Why don’t you settle matters ? You could if you only would!” Jefferson shook his head gravely, but with a twinkle in his eye. "No, George.” ho replied; "the Lord only made one-man who couid ever manage the isun moon, and you remember even lie let tire stars alone.”

At the end of the run of "The Vicar of Wakefield” at the Prince of Wales Theatre. London, Mr David Lisp ham has arranged to take the play to America for a. tour. * =3 *

On the termination of the Wellington season of Mr J. C. Williamison s Royal Comic Opera Company, the following tour will be undertaken:.— Maeterton, January 18tli. Palmerston N., January 19th and 31®t. Wanganui, January 22nd and 23rd. ■ New Plymouth, January 24th. Auckland, J anuary 25th to February Christchurch February 19th to March sth. Timaru, March 6th. Dunedin, March 7th to March 22nd. Invercargill, March 23rd.

One of the principal members of the "Squaw Man” Company is that clever American actor, Mir Rapley Holmes. Wellington theatregoers will next weelc have the pleasure of seeing Mr Holmes in one/ of his two bed parts as Big Bill. It is difficult to imagine the part of the ©tout, strong, amiable giant better played, and it is therefore of interest to know that this actor made another decided hit in America as the old ranch owner, father of the two girls, in "Arizona. ’ When Mr Holmes first accepted his present Australian engagement, the New York "Morning Telegraph,” of May 19. remarked that lie was apparently doomed to play cowboy's, a reference, to his appearance a little earlier in a good part? of that nature in "Wolfville,” with Nat Goodwin in the chief character. Tliis is another of the Western pieces to which Mr Charlee Waldron made allusion last week. It is by Alfred Henry Lewis, a successful author of stories and pieces somewhat in Bret Ilarte’s style. Mr Rapley Holmes is a Canadian, born within/ thirty miles of London, Ontario, whilst/ his mother, a Miss Rapley, came froirt Sussex, and his father, a Methodist minister, from Belfast. Mr Holmes was himself intended for that ministry, in which he has six relatives; but all his talents/ were stagewards, and he has had a careen of eighteen years without regretting it. Laterly Mr Holmes has played a good) deal with Mr Nat Goodwin,' whom lie) first supported in "An American Citizen” in 1898. This piece was produced by the star comedian and Miss Maxime Elliotb for the first time upon any stage at the) Sydney Lyceum on October 17, 1896, Avheni Miss Gertrude Elliott, now Mm Forbes/ Robertson, appeared in the -small parti of Georgia Chapin. Mr Holmes was in the Goodwin-Elliott company when this! play by Madeline Lucette Ryley was first! produced in London (1899), and he was also at the Duke of York’s Theatre in "The Lady and the Cowboy.” At that! time Londoners did not understand the/ local colouring of a Colorado drama, and) the piece failed, but it helped to pave the way for the success of “Arizona” later on, when Theodore Roberts, ai famous American actor, made his Bngi LLsh debut. Mr Holmes was also in the original New York production of "When) We Were Twenty-one,” and remembers) how Mr Goodwin told him "he had a new': comedy by H. V. Esmond, not yet pro-* duced in London, which might catch) on.” After the production at the) Knickerbocker Theatre, the -company toured with it for three years.

Mr George L. Petersen, the hustling and genial advance agent of Wirth’s huge Circus and Menagerie had a great opportunity to show off his capabilities last week. In the first place he spent a couple of days trying to get a location and after many endeavours secured the piece of land adjoining the Te Are railway station, and that was simply covered with Logs, piles, etc., belonging to the Harbour Board. Other obstacles were large heaps of road metal. This conglomeration of stuff he could not touch until Wednesday morning, but thanks to energy and tne tact displayed in handling the men employed on the job, he was able to wire to the Messrs With on Friday night that the ground was ready to pitch the tents on. George fe' one of the best hustlers in the ■ business, and is on the best of terms with the press boys and everyone he meets in business and out of it.

The following is the dates booked for the North Island tour of "The little Stranger” Company: —Mastorton, January 8; DannevLrke, January 9; Napier, January 10; Hastings. January 11; Palmerston North, January 12; Marton, January 14; Wanganui, January 15; New Plymouth, January 16; Auckland, January 17 to 24; Hamilton, January 25 and' 26; Pairoa, January 28; Thames, January 29; Waihi, January 30 and 31st; Rotorua, February 1, with Hobart and Launceston to follow-

The Wellington season of Wirth’s Circus and ’ Menagerie will extend over six days, during which six evening and two matinee performances will be given. A tour of the West Coast will then be undertaken, when the following towns will be visited: Blenheim, January 15th and 16th. Nelson, January ißfcli and 19th. Westport/January 21st and 22nd. Greymouth, January 23rd and 24th. Reeivon, January 25th. Hokitika, January 26ch. * # Mr Beerbohm Tree revived "King Richard II.” at His Majesty’s Theatre, London, on the 9th Novemuer, w.ui . :.u, following cast:—King Richard 11., Mr Tree; Joim of Gaunt. Mr Fisher White;; Edmund of Langley, Mr Charles Quartermaine; Henry of Hereford, surnamedi Boluigbroke, Mr L.yn Harding; Duke of Aumene, Mr Julian L’Estrange; Thomas Mowbray, Mr Basil Gill; Earl of Northum 4-Hand, Mr Clive Currie; Henry Percy, surnamed Hotspur, Mr* Reginald Owen; Bishop of Carlisle, Mr* Robert Atkins; Sir John Bushy, Mi* Sworder; Sir William Bagot, Mr David) Powell; Sir Thomas Green, Mr E. Egerton Hine; Duke of Surrey, Mr Elvey; Earl of Salisuuo, Hewitt; Lord Scroope, Mr Edward Ouston; Lord Berkley, Mr Palmer; Lord Boss. Mr Stuart Grahame; Lord Fitzwater, Mr Reginald uarven; The Lord Marshal, Mr S. Yateb Southgate; The Queen, Miss Viola Tree; Fimt Lady; Miss Hilda Moore; Second Lady, Miss Florence Wells; Third Lady, miss Evelyn Beaumont; Fourth Lady. Miss Elizabeth Gilson. The play was to run three weeks. * # =» It is said that Mr aud Mrs Bland Holt; leave for England during the present year on a holiday trip. The following are the North Island dates -of Mr J. C. Williamson’s "Squaw Man” Company after the Wellington season: Masterton, February 4th. Palmerston N., February sth and 6th. Wanganui, February 7tb and Bth. Danuevirke, February 9th. Napier, i ( ebruary 11th and 13th. Gisborne, February 13th, 14th and 15th. Auckland, February 18th onward. ic is idai-u tiiat xvirs Jjangtry comes to Australia at a big salary for a short) vaudeville engagement. * *■ * "The Bondman” was played for thu last time at Drury Lane on the sth December.

Mr J. C. Williamson’s gorgeous Christman pantomime, produced at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne, on Saturday, 22nd December, more cnaa fully realised' ail tho expectations which had becTl formed of it. Whether in the excellence of the book, the droll humour and farcical incidents which kept a packed house bubbling with merriment on the opening/ night._or in the lavish dressing and scenery which had been arranged for the huge chorus and the dainty ballets, or ini the many introduced items the favourable imprecision was the same, while the strength of the cast was beyond anticipation. Mr Harry Piiydore, as Mother/ Goose showed himself a finished comedian, quiet in his actions, but essentially a humorist in all lie did. Miss Florence Young made a dashing principal boy, and 1 Miss Olive Morrell a dainty principal girl, both of them having some taking melodies—such as the Moon Dear song of the former. Indeed, the singing was a particularly attractive feature, of the production, for in addition to the foregoing Mi/s Celia Ghiloni and Mr Ernest/ Fitts both had a chance of using their* fine voices. At the same time the funmaking was never neglected, and a merry time was spent while Mies Preesy Preston. Mr Harry Shine, Mr Victor Lsydall (a new and clever Scotch comedian), and others were on the stage. But the palm) was carried off by. Queen and Le Brun, where imitations of a horse and donkey were irresistibly ludicrous. Besides them, acrobats such as Lennon, Hyman, and Lennon, the Lazar© Trio, and the Lenton Brothers were prominent in the introduced items. One of the most appreciated of the novelties was the Swing Song, where a row of girls were swung out on electrically lighted swings over the orchestra, and Troth the Floral Ballet and the great Goose procession are well worthy of mention. The pantomime was received with every demonstration ofpleasure, and will have a long run i<* Melbourne.

Tho juvenile mudoniime, "Alice in Wonderland,” had an excellent reception from a crowded house when it was put on at Her Majesty’s Theatre. 'Sydney, on Monday afternoon, 24th December. a. *

They manage their theatrical productions in Australia better than they dol in Ehgland apparently, for although the performance of "Mother Goose” at Her* Majesty’s, Melbourne, on the 22nd December was a long one, everybody caught their last oars and trains. When it wad first staged at Drury Lane, on the other hand, it was a quarter past two in the morning before Queen and Le Brun went on for their speciality—with the harlequinade still to come —and even in those small hours the house was as large as it was when the curtain first went up.

On his way to Australia across the United States,' Mr Julius Knight intends to "stop over” a fortnight or so in New York, in order that he may see for himself the American method of producing plays, and especially the interpretation given to Brigadier Gerard by Mr Kyrle BeLlew, who at the present time is starring in that part. In view of the fact! that the piece is one of the four new ones m Mr Knight’s repertoire, the opportunity of seeing another man play it willl be a valuable one. out of which Md Knight may be expected to make the most. Of his other pieces, Mr Knight has also been fortunate enough to sed Mr Gerald du Maurier in "Raffles,” andi Mr Lewis Waller in “Robin Hood,” and the idea he has thereby chained of their* manner of playing the roles should materially assist him in his own conception! of the way in which the whole three! heroes should be presented.

The Theatre Royal was filled by an ap-* - preciative audience on Saturday evening, when Messrs Fuller submitted theirj weekly change of programme. Mi’ Fred) Graham and Miss Nellie Dent appeared in the successful comedy "Packing Up.” The genuine fun and humour of the-sev-eral situations in the comedy were ably sustained by the two artists, who were/ rewarded with unstinted applause. Mi* Slade Murray’s vocal contributions, "Hisi Only Child,” and "When a Woman’s) Out,” we re first fate items, and well! merited the hearty applause they received. The Four Rosebuds were heard tQ advantage in their song and dance "Four* Pretty Maidens,” and their efforts received well merited recognition. Thd series of pictures entitled, "The Drunken Mattress,” projected by the bioscope, were highly entertaining. The many* vicissitudes of the mattress from sewing up to bursting open were watched with) keen interest and amusement. Mr Jiml Harvey and Miss Madge Morris created! hearty laughter with their highly diverting sketch entitled "Jumble Jollities.” Tom Hedley easily demonstrated; his ability as a musician by the ease anti rapidity with • extracted muiio from a miscellaneous collection of implements, and was heartily applauded. Little Eileen McLeod, Mr Carl Collier,’ Mr Lee Warton, .ana nr A. L. Cropp also contributed acceptable items to a well) diversified. programme.

I have to acknowledge with thanks a 00-py of "The Theatrical Cipher Code,” a jhi nay volume of some two hundred pages, especially adapted to the use of) every one connected in any way with the theatrical business. I would strongly impress upon the secretary of every theatre and hall in New Zealand that as a eon roe of economy and convenience to their Australian and foreign clients they should' at once secure a copy and have their* names included in the new American list which is to bo published almost immediately, and which circulates amongst all the world’s amusement managers. It ia a simple, ingenious, complete, and up-to-date publication, and contains upwards of twelve thousand phrases. Amongst the managers in Australia who now use! the code may be mentioned Mr J. C. Williamson, Mr Geo. Tallis, The Fuller Proprietary, Mr George Musgrove, Mr Edwin Geacli, Mr A. Cowan, Mr Herbert Flemming, Messrs J. and N. Tait, Measnsl YVirth, Mr George Willoughby, Mr Allan Hamilton, Mr Harry Rickards, Messrs Meynell, Gunn and Varna, Mr William) Anderson, Mr Hugh Ward, Mr Claude H. Whaite, Mr George H. Barnes, and/ Mr F. 11. Pollock. The book is obtain-! able from the J. J. Miller Printing Co.* Post-office place, Melbourne, and the price (post paid) the rea»sonable one of ten shillings and sixpence. * # * The Schenk Brothers were doing their head and hand balancing act at the Empire Theatre, Stratford (England), on the* 26tli November. * * * Mr Tyronne Power talks of returning) to Australia this year. * * « Mr Beerbohm Tree says the theatre ia not for middle-aged eincures. It is better to fill the house with an paying public drawn from all classes. » * 3 The following are the dates of the* North Island tour of the Charles Holloway Dramatic Company: Gisborne—January 23 to 25. Napier—Jamiary 28 to 30. Hastings—ary 31 February 1. Dannevirke—February 2. Marion—February 4. Feilding (show dates)—February 5 antf6. Stratford—Februai’y 8 and 9. New Plymouth—February 11 and 12. Hawera (race dates)—February 13 anc 14. Wanganui—February 15 and 16. Palmerston North—February 18 and 19. Masterton (show dates) —Februai’y 2® to 22. Wellington—February 24 onwards. * * * Playgoers throughout Australasia wifil rejoice to hear that Mr J. C. WilliamS£’i has completed arrangements with M© Andrew Mack, the Irish singing comedian, who was so uitSiormly popular! throughout his previous tour of Austra«lia aud New Zealand, to pay another! visit here next year. Mr Mack will brine} with him a repertoire of entirely new Irish dramas and a new company to play them.

f A new three act comic opera entitled "The Love Chase,” book and lyrics by) Montague Turner, and composed by Edward Boggett, will shortly be produced* in London.

"Stupendous” was the adjective most) in favour with the enthusiastic audience which packed Her Majesty’s Theatre, Sydney, to the doors Saturday evening (22nd December) to see the first production in Australia of the Rev. T. Hillhouse Taylor’s adaptation of "Parsifal/* Certainly nothing in this country has ever approached it in magnificence of) scenery .and perfection of spectacular effects. each succeeding scene rousing the spectators to greater enthusiasm, and every one of them reflecting the greatest possible credit upon Mr John Gordon and Mr W. R. Coleman for their artistic eminence. Nor was the acting one whit behind the staging. Miss TitteUJ Bnxne in particular fully realised the beauty and dramatic possibilities of the part of Kundry, scoring one of her greatest triumphs in her rendition of the part, while the support she received from Mi* Thomas Kingston as Parsifal, the godlike youth without reproach, Mr Gaston Mer-/ vale as Klingeor, the magician king, and) the rest of the cast was entirely adequate, the whole interpretation indeed being on a high plane of histrionic worth.

"Alice in Wonderland” went splendidly when it was produced by Mr J. C. Wil-. liamson’s Juvenile Pantomime Company; at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Sydney, on} Monday, December 24, and the performances have been remarkably well! attended.

A U —' - " The "The Cingalee" been designated comic opera instead of a musical play us Maims to the higher title would not fefcave been seriously disputed. The first 1?h representation of the work in Wellington at the Opera House before a - crowded audience last night by the J. C. gf Williamson Royal Comic Opera Com-. §1 pany. On all hands the after-impres-lipgiion was that a no more gratifying musi/ri.Bal ensemble has been submitted in WelIlfcHngton in similar form. “The music * lb lovely from beginning to end,” 11$ ;declared more than one enthusiast last f- flight. The score has a warm Oriental Colouring, enhanced by fine orchestra§§b- lion, in which the wood-winds and | strings are very effectively used. The - opening ohorus, for soprani and conaplralti. was a good example of the stan- . dard of the work as a whole. It was V warmly applauded, and thereafter the audience listened to a succession of melodies that gave equal pleasure. A plot pg Sufficiently; robust to last out the first act and hot to obtrude itself in the _ second constitutes the "book.” It Is related in dialogue that, on the whole, A- made for natural comedy. For once in a the chief comedian does not have I;.; to build up his part entirely out of his f Own resources. The remaining characpi/lters fit smoothly into their places and !/'■ help matters along pleasantly. The Series of stage spectacles crowded into -“The Cingalee” would be difficult to |jj:; outdo. The first act was charming, the Sp second : brilliant. Sri/' Mr George Lauri as Chambuddy Earn, |^r : ;«► Baboo lawyer, was whimsical in the extreme. Apart from bis personality §§§s there is much in the part that adds to Vj> its laughable quality, notably in the mixed metaphors and muddled quotapfe tions running through the dialogue of it. p Jlr Lauri gave a comical burlesque conill! juring interlude that caused great amueetnent. A song "London Conversation” gave Ms clever vein of ‘ mimicry good |:j. scope. His chief successes, however, /T r were in two sketchy duets performed in V'l eonjunction with Miss Connie Milne (Peggy Sabine). Of these “Gollywogs" §§ ; j was undoubtedly the “hit” of the even- // ing. Of a quite original character this I?- item was as clever a bit of nonsenset!,;' acting as we have seen. The other duet, "Pretty Poll/' was likewise clever fun, c - r well presented. Miss Milne had a capital song also in “She’s all Right,” a g racy number expressed with effect. Miss gri Alma Barber, who made her firt appear- -- - *nce here, acted prettily in the title vole. Her singing was sympathetic. Mhw Barber’s Solos, “My Cinnamon V Tree” and “Sloe Eyes,” are amongst the S', most melodious in the score, the latter -f- suiting her remarkably well. Miss v v Evelyn Scott imparted her customary v Vivacity to the part of Naitooma, a j 1 Ceylon tea-girl. Her vocal and terpsiehorean opportunities were many. She scored heavily in an entrancing and x catchy solo (with chorus), “Tea, tea, ; tea,” and in a- lively song and dance ' (with chorus), “The dance she’ll Lead J, Him.” Miss Olive Godwin, increasingly popular, and advancing rapidly ar- both as actress and vocalist, was a de1, lightfnl Lady Patricia (an , English |3 character). Her song “My Heart’s at i: your Feet,” was a gem. In the duet, ** Ton and I,” with Mr Arthur Crane (in- / triueically the best number in the score), Godwin sang beautifully, and her rich and powerful soprano voice was very HI serviceable in concerted numbers and choruses. Mr Crane’s singing was arV-'' tistio, if his acting was lacking in expressiveness. His solos, “Four Little v Girls of Ceylon,” and “The Ladies/’ / were rendered most acceptably. Mr John Balaton, as Yereker, rattled through the . part in spirited fashion. He had two exquisite solos in “Pearl of Sweet Ceylon” &! and “My Dear Little Cingalee.” The former was the more successfully execut- //. cd. Mr C. E. Bantoek was an ideal |s>. Boobhamba, a noble of Kandy. He ex- ' traded rich comedy from the role. His pri one solo “I am glad to See” (quite a Gilberfeian number) was sung with rare z '-ability. Mr W. S. Percy was funny (he V. seldom fails to be) in the part of a pep- | - pery old Anglo-Indian high commissioner. Mr Fred Leslie introduced a weird ‘ and distinctly clever “ Devil Dance,” in which he was ably assisted by Misses Ida |il,' Moore and Graeie Rees. There were / several concerted numbers and ballets of A ft pleasing description. The stage piclb. tures and the general animation completed a. fine production. The instrumental • score was well performed by the orchesr tra under Mr Andrew MacCunn. bri * * *

TEe Royal Comic Opera Company will v 'revive the delightful musical comedy "A Country Girf at the Opera Houre on Saturday evening with the following cast of characters: Geoffrey Challoner Mr Arthur Crane Mr Raikee • Mr Claude Bantock Sir Joseph Verity Mr Arthur Hunter ; • Douglas Verity Mr W. S. Percy Granfer Mummery Mr Fred Leslie Lord Anchester Mr Sydney Ralfe /Lord Windermere Mr J. Testro Lord Grassmere Mr R. Needham m Major Vicat Mr Fred Young P?-'Peter Gurney Mr R. Holden //- Rube Fairway Mr W. IJaasmore 1/ Barry Mr George Lauri - Madame Sophie Miss- Connie Milne Nan Miss Evelyn Scott Princess Mehelaneh Mias Nellie Wilson ;;/• Mrs St. Quinton Miss Georgie Muegrove Nurse -- Miss Kattie Potter Lady Anchester Miss L. Caffyn s - Lady Arnott Mias Ida Barnard //Lady Cynthia Abbey Miss Bert Gross // Lady Marjorie Crichton Mias Irene Connolly THltta Carruthere Miss Tillie Woocllock Miss Court lands Miss Lila Carmichael Miss Ecroyd ‘ Miss Gladys Young Miss Egerton Miss Etema Bennett Indian Attendants Mies May Olive . Miss May Bunn Marjory Joy v Miss Olive Godwin t ' Solo Dancer, Miss Tillie Woodloek. .* * « . “The best since Djin Djin,” is the description adopted by the management for . - for the gorgeous Christmas pantomime vt at Her Majesty's Theatre, Melbourne, X/ and if anything the claim is too modest, ,/ For “Mother Goose” fills every particu. :X; lar demanded of its type. The children for whom such productions are ostensibly revel in the quaint toy

ballets, the Gooseland phantasies and the antics of Queen and Le Bran, while for the grownups there is a continual succession of delightful musical numbers, at tractive specialities, and a feast of light and colour in.the costly dresses and artistic mountings of the many Scenes. Everybody consented in the performance, from Mr Harry Plhydora, whose humour in the name part is growing increasingly popular, and Miss Florence Young, most dashing and effective of principal boys, down to the little tots who dance the wattle blossom measures in the Floral ballet, have already established themselves firmly in the public favour, and the unremitting business shown by the crowded houses which have been the rule since the opening night augurs a long and exceptionally successful season for it in Melbourne.

Mr J. <O. Williamson’s other big spectacular effort of ‘Parsifal”—a piece that is of course on a wholly different plane, has been extraordinarily successful at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Sydney, and the appreciation lavished on it by press and public have more than justified Mr J. C. Williamson’s enterprise in staging it. While full acknowledgment is accorded the poetic and imaginative conception of Miss Tittell Brune as Kundry, the sincerity and discretion of Mr Thomas Kingston, as Parsifal, and the work of the whole cast, public notice is attracted even more definitely by the exceptionally high level attained by the scenic effects. The awful grandeur of the earthquake scene, the thrilling horror of the Lake of Tribulation, the sensuous magnificence of the Garden of Temptation, and the bright pastoral effects of the opening scene all oomo in for the warmest praise, and indeed no setting in the entire play lacks anything of being an artistic triumph, the whole drama deserving in every way the overwhelmingly enthusiastic reception it achieved on the opening night, when Mr Williamson paid so cordia la tribute to the work of all those engaged in its production.

Miss Tittell Brune may be expected in Melbourne at Easter time. “Parsifal,” of course, being the opening attraction of her season.

« * * After its Melbourne season, which will terminate when Mr Julius Knight and his company open at Her Majesty’s Theatre with “Robin Hood” on February 9th, “Mother Goose” will be transferred to Sydney for a season, which in all probability will last until Easter.

Miss Rose Musgrove, who left the Royal' Comic Opera Company six months back/ to “see the world” and enjoy a holiday in London, has apparently lost no time in securing a good engagement. Thi® clever Australian actress has been fox' some time appearing in “The Dairy Maids,” in regard to which musical comedy at the King’s Theatre, Hammersmith, last month, the “Era” describes* the company as a strong one, adding, “Elisa, the maid-of-all-work, finds a brilliant representative in Miss Rose Musgrove, whose merits are decidedly valuable.” Mi* J. Edward Fraser, the barri tone here of the G. P. Huntley combination, was in the same cast. Mr G. V. Surrey, lately playing here as the dude in “The Orchid,” was principal comedian with one of Mr Dance’s musical companies in “My Lady Madcap” at the! Stratford Theatre (suburban) when the mail left.

I have to acknowledge receipt from the J. J. Miller Printing Company, Postoffice place, Melbourne, of~a copy of their* “Diary and Date Book for 1907-1908.” Iff is a handsomely got up little volume, and is full of information that is of the utmost importance to every one connected with the profession. * * *

It is not often that one manager makes a notable success with two pantomimes at the same time, but that is the gratifying experience of Mr. J. C. Williamson with “Mother Goose” in Melbourne and “Alice in Wonderland 1 ” in Sydney. The latter’s attractiveness is every where commented on, and the astonishing abundance and combined excellence of the well developed child talent engaged in it has evoked a chorus of praise, individual performers being singled out as possessing histrionic merit quite on an equality .with seniors long practised in the art of catching and holding the public eye and ear. The specialities of the second act prove particularly to the taste not only of the crowds of children who attend the matinees, but also to that, of their elders, and the whole production goes with a most refreshing swing, the youngsters concerned in it throwing themselves into the work with complete enjoyment.

Carl Hertz was appearing at the Empire Theatre, Liverpool, at the end of November.

New Zealand theatre-goers always like to hear of old favourites. In America) Mr Wallace Brownlow ha 3 made a hit in 1 “Madame Butterfly,” Miss Hilda Spong) is “starring” in “John Hudson's Wife/" and Mr Tyrone Power, with hie wife) (Miss Edith Crane), has created a good impression in “The Plainsman/" the rights of which have been acquired by Mr Williamson. Miss Nellie Mortyne is) playing with one of Mr Nat Goodwin'a companies in America. In England, Miss) Clare Manifield (daughter of Meta Pelham, now Mrs Poole) is with her husband's (Mr Chas. Windermere) company in '‘Facing the Music.” Mr W. F. Grantl and Miss Bessie Rignold are “leading”! in “Leah Kleschna,” Miss Sophie Harrises 'has taken'® out her own company with! "‘The Prince of Pilsen/' and Miss Eva Titheradge is on a suburban circuit of “The fascinating Mr Vanderfeldt.”’

Mr George Bernard Shaw has brought) out his new play, “The Doctor’s Dilemma,” at the Court Theatre, where so many others of his previous brilliant and somewhat confusing efforts Have been staged. His latest comedy, though not perhaps so good as “Man and Super-j man.” is sufficiently attractive in the peculiar Shaw manner—unconventional.

epigrammatic, almost too clever, with* sufficient of paradoxical sayings andl views of life to keep the audience on the aui vive lest they should miss a good' tyiing in the midst of matter less inert torious. The doctor, who has discovered; an infallible consumption cure, finds hi si dilemma in the problem whether he shalli give the one bed vacant in his private) hospital to a worthy fellow-medico or to a certain young genius-charlatan of an artist, with whose charming wife the consumption specialist is in love. It is the; artist who is doomed to die, hut the doc-7 tor gets full poetic justice in the refusal! of the widow to marry him at any price. Mr Shaw puts into the mouth of the dying artist this parody on the creed: —“I Relieve in Michael Angelo, Velasquez, and Rembrandt; in the might of design and the mystery of colour, and the redemption of all things by the power of eveilasting beauty.”

Mr J. C. Williamson’s Royal Comic Opera Company will present Audran’s comic opera “La Masootte” on the three last nights of the season —next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. When the Company presented a series of revivals in Melbourne some months ago “La Mascotte” was accorded by both press and public the unanimous verdict of being the best in the series. In noticing the performance, the “Argus” says: —“M. Audran’s vivacious and tuneful opera brings back grateful memories of bygone times and vocalists. Taking it all round the presentation on Saturday evening at Her Majesty’s Theatre fully equalled any of its predecessors, as far as singing and acting was concerned, while the mounting and costuming put into the shade any previous efforts. Every one of the beautiful and tasteful dresses were new, and the fine scenery had been specially painted for the revival. An additional attraction wjas the Strengthening of the front row of the chorus by some tall and well proportioned members, who can not only use their voices effectively, hut thoroughly understand the science of posing, the art of marching gracefully, and, above all, the qualification of being able to remain quiescent when the business of the stage demands it. - Audran’s music is as pure and. as light as whipped cream, and the plot of his shapely opera is eoberant. Being written before nxusical comedy fetters had closed on the hands of composers, it goes its own melodious way, like a meadow bee on a sunny day. The songs are in no sense “catchy,” but their quality is undoubted. They take the ear at once, and. are not easily put aside afterwards. The orchestral effects are made with a light and deft hand, while at times the serio-comic earnestness is irresistibly droll. The concerted pieces are buoyantly and cheerfully written, and the chorus is kept briskly engaged on its highest register, each climax being most inepii'iting. . . Mr John Ralston, whose reappearance was very heartily welcomed, returned with his fine voice considerably increased in volume and purity. His singing was highly appreciated at every turn, and his acting made him quite an ideal Pippo. All the demands of the easy-going Laurent XVII. was amply fulfilled by Mr George Lauri, who delineated the powers of unlimited. monarchy in many remarkable ways, and fired off “the merry jests of Hugh Ambrose,” mixed with some prize business of his own, that made them sound as if minted only yesterday. Mr Bantock’s Rocco caused genuine amusement throughout. but Mass Evelyn Scott’s Fiametta needed more vivacioueness an !1 less solemnity. Had she but displayed the comparative brightness she showed in the last act in the preceding ones, all would have been well, or, at least, much better. The minor parts were brightly undertaken by the Misses George Musgrove, Mabel Morgan, Nellie Wilson, and Bert Gross. The many effective dances and intricate marches, for which Miss Everett was responsible, were wonderfully aided, by ingenious lighting effects played on the resplendent costumes, brilliant armour, and weapon®. Mr Andrew McOunn conducted entirely from memory, and held Jhie orchestra always* firmly in hand. “La Mascotte” was received by the great house with every mark of favoxxr, and will be repeated for eleven more nights, with a matinee on Wednesday.”

The Macmahon Dramatic Company is doing splendid business on the West (Joast of the South Island.

V * # The Holloway Dramatic Company are) playing to fine business at the Princes'e) Theatre, Dunedin. In noticing the conn pany'e first performance of “Why man Sins,” the “Otago Witness” says.“The Charles Holloway Dramatic Co. opened a short season at the Princess) Theatre on Boxing (Night under favourable conditions—every seat in the dress) circle was occupied, and a number had to be satisfied with standing room; in-) deed, the patronage to this portion o-f the house was so liberal that fifteen minutes) before the performance began a large number of patrons had to be refused ad-) mission, and they exchanged circle for) stall tickets. Other parts of the house) were also liberally patronised, and the/ ppening drama ‘Why Woman Sins' was) received throughout with frequent demonstrations of -approval. The Holloway Company is a particularly strong allround combination, the principals are) capable actors and actresses, and the remainder of the company play consistently and with studious care the parts allotted to them. A short time ago a drama) with incidents strongly resembling those* in ‘Why Woman Sins' was staged in Dunedin by a dramatic combination, but therepresentation was neither as complete) nor was the production anything like a«J well staged as by the Holloways last) evening. The drama is founded, like/ narly al 1 modern productions, on the illstarred affections of two lovers, whose) pathway is crossed at every pomtl throughout four acts by the machinations of a designing forger (one Captain Carlton), and ends, as most dramas do, ow the reuniting of the lovei'S and retribu-* tion overtaking the principal and other* wrongdoers. The storv has been so often

told that repetition would be superfluous, and it will suffice to say that the drama, as presented by the Holloways, is fully) up to the standard of the bast of its) kind. The title is not happily chosen, and those who went to the Princess last evening expecting to witness a production' of the 'East Lynne’ type were agreeably disillusioned; the sinful woman (Ida Vari lette) is the accomplice of on a who ie) . only a few degrees worse than herself* and her only redeeming characteristic) is a parental affection for a lost child! who lias been stolen from her. Dp tef the last she is callous and criminal, and) a fit associate for the company she keeps. The. character of Captain Carlton was ably sustained by Mr W. J. Tait, who) did a vast amount of hard work, in) which he was capably assisted by Jim) Rainbird (Mr J. Williams) and Ida Val-) lette (Mis® Rose Conroy). Mies Holloway gave a clever and consistent interpretation of Nell Desmond. She has a fine stage presence and excellent enunciation. Mis® Conroy sustained the role of* the woman with a past with considerable ability, and Mr R. Inman was a,.manly) hero, white Mr G. Case made all that) was to be made of the part of Cecil) Spencei*, a nephew of Oliver Desmond* (Mr G. lies ford), and the minor parts* in a lengthy cast were carefully interpreted. The comedy element, which is) prominent in every act, created much merriment, and ixi this respect Mis® A. Deorwyn and Miss J?. Russell, Messrs) W. Welch, G. A. Melville, and J. P. O’Neill deserve commehr[ation.”

Mr Julius Knight, who is expected to arrive in Melbourne in a few days, write® most glowingly to Mr J. C. Williamson concerning “Robin Hood,” the production and first week’s run he witnesed before he left London. In his opinion the play ha® all the element® which will make for a pig popular success, and he is looking forward eagerly to his debut in it next month. One outstanding advantage of its Australian production is the fact that Mr Knight himself and all the members of his company have not only seen and assimilated the London representation, but have been measured and fitted there with costumes, the exact replica of' those worn by Mr Lewis Waller and his company, while Mr Knight having made himself thoroughly conversant with the stage management of the piece brings with him all the models and sketches of the scenery. He himself will fill the double duties of leading actor and producer not only of “Robin Hood,” but also of the throe other plays that stand at the head of his repertoire—“irrigadier Gerard,” “Raffles,” and “The Scarlet Pimpernel.” ,

& * # The Brough-Flc-mniing Comedy Company will commence a season in Wellington at the Opera House on the 4th February. The initial production will be) a comedy drama in four acts by W. Gayei-Mackay and Robert Ord, entitled “Dr Wake’s Patient,” which has already, secured a great success at the hands of the present combination. Love stories* and inequalities of work are not new in any class of dramatic work, but the author® have invested their story with “an atmosphere as fresh as the country scenes in which many of the incident® take place, ae fragrant a® the hay of the fields.” They have told a simple tala with charm and brightness, and the Brough-Flemming Co. are reported to have entered into it® unsophisticated l spirit with singular success. The scope of the piece is considerable, and, though) the motif is romantic, there is room fo-XT a wide play of sentimental, of filial devotion, as well as of lovei'S passion. Mi* Herbert Flemming will be seen in the! strong part of the piece—that of the old' farmer, Andrew Wake. This is declared by the Pi-ess to be one of Mr Herbert) Flemming's beet impersonations. Mra Enough will also make her re-appearance, taking her original character of the* Countess of St. Olb.yn, Miss Beatrice Day play® the part of Lady Gerania, and Mrt baiter Piekford, that of Dr Wake. There are a number of other good, though comparatively Buboxdinate parts in th® piece.

Mr Edward Lauri and Mbs May Beatty wei'e appearing at the Empire, New-castle-on-Tyne, on- the 30th November.

The Haytoi-s were at the Empire Palace, Sheffield, on the 26th November.

Miss Ola Humphrey, the new American., actress, who will make her first appearance in Wellington at the Opera House in the part of Lady Diana in “The Squaw Man” on the 17th inst., declares that Mr Edwin Milton) Boyle, the author of the play, lias attained a bad eminence for his feminine) characters. He always subordinates them, and even when he wrote a drama) with his own wife as heroine, that unfortunate lady discovered in it only the) poor revenge of a terrible expenditure) upon costumes! Miss Humphrey is ap vivacious conversationalist, who mingles the careless witchery of conscious charm)' with the more premeditated guile of the/ experienced lady.'journalist. For Missl Mies Humphrey did not begin with small short stories in the American magazines, and of articles on diverse subjects which she often signs with her mother s name, “Pascal.” This ©aid mother was otj French descent, and born in | ranee It| formed a coincidence, therefore, tha«? Miss Humphrey's first girlish essay was; under a French manager named Alfred Bouvier, at the Baldwin Theatre San, Francisco, whilst her first part, Mile. Flora in “The Mountebank, was also) French. This debut was in a stock com-, pany headed by Frederick Ward, a tinguisbed American artist who played all the Shakespearian and other legiti-. mato characters. It will be observed that? Miss Humphrey did not begin with email parts, as did her fellow townswoman, Nance O'Neil, and another'Western, actress, recently in Sydney, Mary Van, Buren, who wept when E. S. Willard arranged a three-line role in ‘‘The Physic clan” especially for her debut. On thd contrary, during her first season she) played Desdemona, Cordelia, Portia, Vir« ginia, and Julie de Mortemar, and in teas

than no time was making hor mark as) Fioria La Tosca, Camilla, Paulin©, Nora,, Hedda Gabbler, and other emotional, characters. In one word. Muss Humphxey's good looks were backed by excep- t tional -talent, so that in her brief earner) of some ten years she has already stud.i-’ ed and acted 189 different parts, that) she can write down on paper after a lew, hours’ thought. It is a tremendous record of hard work in association with the fatigue of travelling, and is accounted, for by the fact that year after year a fortnightly change of part, and some- 1 times a weekly one., was the rule, I litve experiences amply support the account of the American stage written a few weeks back by the Sydney actress, Hilda Spong. Miss Humphrey’s principal .achievements have been as Kate Kennion with Charles Fnohmann’s ‘'The Girl I Left Behind Me.” “Prinoceß FI avia'' to the Rudolf Raissendyl of Howard) Gould, and the leading part in The) Walls of Jericho” last year to the Jack Frobisher, of J. K. Hackett, one of the first star actors of the day. When f The) prodigal Sen 55 (Hall Caine) was first pro-* duced in New York this year at tlie Am.stexdam Theatre with a fine cast, Miss< Humphrey created with entire success thet •part of Helga.