THEATRICAL GOSSIP

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXVI, Issue 5199, 13 February 1904, Page 11

THEATRICAL GOSSIP

(BY ‘‘LORGNETTE.'’) (From tho “Naur Zealand Mail/*) BOOKINGS. OPERA HOUSE. A'illoiitfhby and Geach —Jan. 23 to Feb. 3. ,L C. Williamson—Fob. 4 to 20. \ 1 fred Dumpier Co.—Fob. 22 to March 5. Uollowav Dramatic Co.—Mai*cli 0 to March 30. L C. Williamson—April 2 to April 22. h C. Uarulfoni's American Players—May 19 to Juno 11. Mbott—July 9 to July 23. f». Sitci/hoason—Get. 20 to Nor. 2. Rk-knrdß—Nov. 5 to Nov. 15. f, C. Williamson—Dee. 26, threo weeks. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. Clor>od during alterations. NOTES BY “LORGNETTE.” On. Tuesday evenin'? Mr J. C. Wilhimson's Dramatic Company staged ‘'George Fleming's” adaptation of Indyard Kipling's novel “Tho Light that L.itoJ,” in throe acts and a prologue, fho manner in which the play is interliflcd by Mr Williamson's talented company is worthy of all prais?. Mr Hast'.ugs’s pourlrayal of the character of Dick Beider w> a veritable triumph. It is wrt airily tho finest performance ho has ».o vet given in Wellington. Mr Hastings .■endors tho varying phases of the diameter with. a. skilful unerring touch. All through it was an excellent study, tlie widuesy and the gaiety, the- recklessness iml tiie generosity of tho man being klevcrlv depicted. M.Us May Chevalier acquitted herself with marked distinction as Maisie. Mi?::j Chevalier’s jinperjonatton of the character wnn iverfect, and jot work in the reconciliation scone at die end of the play being as natural as it va« impressive. Miss Florence Gleenil’s Bes-ie Broke was a clever delineation of character. Her work throughout \s free from exaggeration. Mr Hamilton «jtewart was finite at homo in tho character of Dick Torponlimv. his performance being marked by much dramatic übil ty. Tho part of Fordham (the “Nilghai”) was capitally plavcd by Mr Lumsden ID,re. Tho other war correspondents were ad.ruirabl.v ponrhlrayed by M.r Jaig. B. Atholvoad as Leona Catsaveotti, Mr Paul Icardon as Merton Mackenzie, Mr Fred Patey as James Vickery, Mr Dale Riven•ball aa G. B. Doeves. Mr T. W. Lloyd os F. Cecil Vincent, and Mr Stanley Walpole as Phil Raynor. A capital character .ttudy was given by Mr Edmund Givonu as Bccton. Mias Olga-Beatty played wed as iho Red-haired Girl. Mias Julia Merton vas good as the charwoman, Mrs Haynes. The performance from start to finish was 4.n excellent one and tlid credit to Mr Williamson's efficient combination. Tho dago management of Mr J. W. Hazletfc was first class, and tiro play is mounted hi tho most complete manner. The oriheßtra, which is under tho con due to rah ip )f Mr Diederiohson, is deserving of a word 'A' praise for tho excellent manner in vhich tho incidental music is rendered'. 'Tho Light That Failed” will bo staged •infcil further notice. The lasi week of Mr Williamson's drarmtio season, commencing on Monday aoxt, February 15th, •will bo filled in as fallows:—Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. "Sherlock Holmes”; Thursday and Friday, “Tho Christian”; Saturday, ‘‘Tho Lady of Lyons.” Patrons should not lose sight of tho foot that these’performances positively constitute Mr Cuylcr Hastings's farewell appearances in Wellington, as liter completing his present engagement vith Mr Williamson ho returns to America. Mr Will Jamoson informs me that ho •lias accepted aa engagement with Mr Walter Sanford, as business manager for Ms American Players. Mr Jameson says the company is without doubt tho finest fchat lias produced drama in Now Zealand 'far some wears. It opens in Christchurch it tho Theatre Royal on March 4th for a 'our weeks’ season, then goes on to Dunelin. Wellington to follow. The Willoaighby-Goach Company bumped against hard luck in Christchurch, to having to close down through the Council refusing a license for the Theatre. They only hold one mere night to finish Zheir season. Tho directors of the Theatre are now ■ making the necessary Improvement* to the building, and they inform Mr Will Jameson, that the license rill bo all right aseoon as the alterations ur© made. The announcement that tho Dramatic /Students of Wellington are to appear in tlie Sydney Street Hall on Monday and Tuesday, the 15th- and IGth insts., has ircatod considerable interest. The students have always performed for charity, xnid never once, we believe, have they wiled to hand over a docent cheque as tho result of their generous endeavours. The pieces chosen for production are five in number, and all short one-act sketches, and those bavo bean carefully selected. On tho Monday “Fennel” and "My Lord will bo staged. "Fennel” rat's for selif-sacrifico) Is a pretty little ■play with a strong vein of drama in it that in London ensured it a long run. The story is worked out in old Cremona,’ past at the time when the annual competition for the best-made violin is about to take place. Old Taddeo Ferrari has two >f his workmen—Sandro and Fillipo—■tompetiug, and he has promised the hand af his beautiful daughter Gianina to the •vinn-or. Sandro, a tall, handsome youth, JR the beloved of tho daughter of the louse, and FilJipo, a crippled hunchback, ilso loves the girl in an humble way. i>ho tails him that she loves Sandro, and though Fillipo is sure that- he can win the prize, and with it his love is so genuine that ho changes the two violins, io that Sandro may win tho prize and Sfanina. Sandro is asked to take tho two nstruments to the fudge's hall, and Knowing Filhpo’s to be the best, temptation noises him and he changes the violins, dius getting back his own. Of course fillipo wins the prize, but in his great lelLsaorifice begs Ferrari to consent to his daughter's marriage to Sandro. The Piece is well written and will doubtless receive artistic treatment at the hands of Miss Annie Sime, Miss H. E. Nicholls, A. P. Bast in and 11, Plimmer. I‘My f-ord in is» in ndmirablecontrast, jcing cleverly farcical to a degree. On Tuesday the Students will bo seen in 'The Man in the Street,” “Marble Arch.' 1 uul “The Duchess of Bayswater and Co.” The first-mentioned piece is one of great ’cent. Those taking part arc Misses GerUdine Henitv, Nina Burns, Annie Sime, Kennedy Newton, Richardson, Mrs. Fell. Major Moore, and Messrs. AY. P. Bastln, H. E. Nicholls, AVebb-Bowen, and 11. plimmer.

"The Country Girl''' bids fair to rival tei popularity almost any' of the musical .•oincdies with which the Boyal Comic 'Jpc-ra Company has boon identified. It las now eutored on its fifth week at iier Theatre (says tho Melbourne Leader” of Jan. 30). and there ro of the signs which tho managerial judgment interpret as significant of aublic satiety. “The Country Girl” is jr-ght, tunelul ana gay, and though we would ho inclined to award to it •Vwy supox\f>rity of merit, tho public vnieh determines its own taste in these Matters docs not hesitate to express an uppibving judgment. Tho members of tho ooonfpany do their part with, unquenchable spirit, and for all the evidmco to the contrary, tho piece may bo .miming for weeks to come. Mr. J. M. Barrie, who seldom attends public dinners, will be the chief guest at •-mo Playgoers' Club banquet, to be held >n March 6at the Hotel Cecil. An intoriSsting statement may bo expected from Uni regarding his views as to the extent do which a playwright may legitimately Impose upon an audience, this relating, of course, to his recent comedy, "kittle Mary.”

Mr. Edwin Geach left Dunedin by the Monowai for Melbourne to make arrangements for tho apixsarar.ee of the Willough->y-Geach Company at the Princess Theatre next month. , The 900th performance of “A Chino?? Honeymoon” was given at the Strand Theatre, Londoo, on the 22nd December.

Plavßosrs in Maslcrton, Napier. Wanganui, ’Unwera, Stratford, and Nciv Plymouth have a great treat in store in tlie approaching performances of -Mr J. C. Wiliium-on's splendid drainalio company. - With LUo exception of Hav/cira and Stratford both "Tho Light That Filed'* and -Tlie Admirahln Crichton" wil. lie staged, and '‘Lorgnette” can heartily recommend I hem both as being two of the finest and most interesting plays ever presented in New Zealand. It would bo a difficult matter to select one for choice, as they firo ko entirely different in construction. But tho hint may bo given that if a strong powerful ami intensely dramatic fiifl paiiu-tio work b n preferred then Uudvard Kipling’s story is tbo one to witness, but if a light unconventional, bronzy and original romance,, with a fine satiro vein and subtle humour running through it. bo tho choice tnen “The Admirable Crichton” is the one to see. Better still is tho advice to try ami see both, for it will bo neither tune nor monev wasted. Tho superb way the plays are staged is in itself almost worth the price of admission.

The following is tho country’ tour of Mr J C Williamson’s Dramatic Company: Napier, Monday and Tuesday, February 22nd and 23rd. Ma-vterton, Wednesday and Thursday, February 34th and 25th. Wanganui, Friday, Saturday and Monday February 25th, 27th. and 29th. Hawc.ra, Tiiosday, March Ist. Stratford, AVcdiiesday, March 2nd. New Plymouth, Thursday and Irulay, Alarch 3rd and 4th. Montgomery's Entertainers have clone splendid burino«2 at tho Exchange Hall during tho week. Tho programme is of a varictl character and is well received.

Mr Alfred Dampior's Dramatic Company will commence a reason at tbo Ay ci.lington Opera House on Monday evening, the 22nd inst. Air Dampier intends staging "Tlie Bush King,” “Robbery TJndxir Arms ” "Tho Vendetta,” and two ot S hakospoaro's plays. The first production will bo "Tio Bush King,” which has been successfully played throughout tho Commonwealth ami in various parts of New Zealand. A AYanganui exchange says: "TJiiO Bush King” is a striking dramatic picture—a strange canvas, as it were, breathing the spirit of the bush. It typifies with remarkable fidelity tho ronianoe, the tragedy, and the comedy of the bush; it presents the life story of pioneering with the colouring lavishly, yet not too lavishly, laid on; and in its manifold incidents it constitutes just such a feast ns the lover of the melodrama most enjoys. Tho piece was excellently staged, and artistically presented, thanks not only to the popular pioneer himself, but also to his clever associates, among whom, it is worthy of note, the name of Dampicr is pleasantly conspicuous, tho younger members cf the family bearing their full share of the work in a maimer worthy of tho reputation which it is theirs to help to sustain. Tito principal characters woro sustained by Messrs Alfred Rolfe, Loon Roche:, Augustus Neville, Alfred Dampicr, junr.. Georg© E*bbsmith, Edmond Holloway, John Bruce, and Miss Li'ly Darnpier, Miss Rose Dampicr, Miss Emily Lambton, and Miss Marie Bruce. Space will not permit of a detailed reference to the individual performers, nor, indeed, is it necessary. One word, perhaps, may not invidiously bo given to Miss Lily Dampicr, who, as the heroine, was scon to marked advantage. She is. indeed, a natural artiste. In the pretty role of Elsa Harling, it is heir’s to simulate tender pathos, passionate distrust, and dramatic heroism, and, indeed, to live the many moods of a loving but sorerytried heroine. She did it as became a Dampicr, neither tearing passion, to tatters nor reducing pathos to bathos, but with a soulful conception of the demands of a soulful character. A feature of the play woi? tho manner of its staging, the scenic effects being really admirable. The sensational element, it may be mentioned, was enhanced by the presence of horses on the stage, adding as they did greatly to the realism of the stag© ©torly. As a proof of the appreciation with which the piece was received, it need only b© said that at the termination of the performance, and just a* the curtain was run down tho large audience rose and heartily cheered tho performers. Tho box plan for the approaching season of tho Dampicr Dramatic Company ■will be opened at Holliday's on Wednesday morning. A company at present “doing” the “smalls” of the North Island, has been playing on© drama, in various towns under three different titles, although it had promised the gentleman holding the copyright that the play would not be performed.

There is certain to be a record attendance at the Opera House on Saturday evening, February 20th. for two reasons, viz., that Bulwer Lrytton's charming romance "The Lady of Lyons” is to be staged for this night only, and aflso because it rill be tiie faxeweiU appearance on the AVelHngton stage of Mr Cuyler Hastings,* than whom it may b© truthfullysaid there has nob been a bigger dramatic favourite in this city for years. The Bland Holt Dramatic Company returns to the Sydney Lyceum at Easter. A’drama, in three acts, entitled ’’Pastor Lorm,” by A. Schirokauer, was produced for the first time at the Royalty Theatre. London, on tho 21st December. It is a problem play, and, as such, not very elevating or stimulating. . Pastor Lorm enters upon his duties, gains the love and admiration of his flock, and maintains his position out of affeotiom for his parents and by a burning desire to bring happiness into the hearts of the people, though he is an Atheist. He is brought to book at a parish, meeting by an unscrupulous former fellow student' whom ho had refused to recommend to tho dean. Facing the storm from the windows of his and his parents' house, he is killed) by stones thrown by the enraged parishioners. Tlie problem is at times discussed plausibly, but rarely with cogent force cither of reasoning or language. The lov© story of the pastor and Bertha Zander, a high-spirited, and warm-hearted girl, and some naively funny remarks on church members at the meeting, give some relief

Mr Tom Nairn's World's Entertainers will commence their tour of Australia and New Zealand at Sydney, It was originally intended' to begin at Auckland but Mr Albert Clark, who is managing’ affairs, could not get suitable dates hence the alteration, This colony will be ’visited during the later part of the year. Tho Hill and Sylvainy Co., who some time since wont to Manila and tho East, have been meeting with scant success during their tour. The local press speaks highly of tho merits of the company, but all agree it is not nearly strong and varied enough to bo financially successful, Mr. William Anderson is sending a company on a tour of Tasmania, opening at Hobart on tho 15th iust. The partnership between Mm©. Eejane and Ccquolin the elder is now an accomplished laot. The announcement is made in Paris that these two distinguished artists will begin a season together at the Gaiety on March 1 next, with "La Mnntansuor/* a now play recalling incidents similar to “Madam© SnnsHGeno," and written by MM. Do Flora, Ibels. and Do Oaillavet.

There is at present a dramatic (?) company touring the North Island, and having a pretty hard time of it. * For seven weeks of tho tour the "ghost” did not walk, with the result that several members have come to the conclusion that it is just as well to go idle as work for nothing. It would be a good day's work if the Government would pass some legislation prohibiting any company entering Now Zealand, the management of which had not the wherewithal to pay salaries. It is a disgrace to the profession that unscrupulous persons aro allowed to run all over New Zealand without paying their just dobts. The only course open for tradespeople is to insist upon payment in advance in every case. An unsuccessful actress, whether her failure t>o chio to hard luck or lack of talent, is almost invariably deserving cf pity. * But the unsuccessful actor is. an object of contempt. Instead of playing the fiddle for some one else to dance, 1: e might bo independent and prosperous in some good business position. But the glampur of the lime-light is upon him and his fellows; they would not bo induced to change their places for any outside the pale of acting.

Air. AValtor Sandford's Company of American Players is playing a very success mi season at the Auckland upera House. The combination are due to pi ay a season at the Wellington Opera" House in a lew weeks' time. One of the host pieces in tne company's repertoire is "L’lio Power of Gold, a melodrama that drew excellent audiences when played in Aucklana. Miss Nance U’Neil and McKee Rankin, who were recently playing Ghicago under the management of Mr. W. S. Cleveland wero last mouth in a court case, in which ricrveland. who had detained tne pitperty of the two performers for advance expenses, was the delendant. Cleveland declared in court that Miss ONcii was hypnotised by Rankin. It is a second case of Trdby and Svengali, ne said. “Prom tho stage of my theat-ft I have seen MTCe© Rankin exert his muaence over Miss O'Neil. When he looked at her she. forgot her lines, and whe-n ho snapped his linger at her she would act. lie has an undue influence over her, and has kepi her segregated from other actors and managers.” Miss O'Neil, however, domed the allegation, and tho case ytood postponed when the mail left. Mr. J. G. Williamson has engaged a new comcruy company in London tor a tour or Australasia. Air Claude AVKaito will act as touring manager of Mr Alel. B. Spurris New Zealand lour. . . Miss Louie Fracar, who was tnch a success as Fi-Fi in tho London production of "A Chinese Honeymoon,” has been released by Mr Frank Curzon from her contract with him "during the run of the play.” Aliss Frcear, who was at latest advices recuperating at Brighton, has been inundated with applications iroiu managers of the chief variety theatres in Lorn don, begging for a “turn.” It is understood that if her health continues to improve she may accept an engagement at ono of tho principal halls. 1 reears next theatrical engagement wih be in a new musical comedy by Air Frank i>tur-gos-s, which is to be produced somo time during ihta spring. . .. An American girl named Mina Alex, was performing the sensational feat of “looping tho loop” in a motor car, at a circus performance in Aladrid, when vehicle and ridior fell to the ground, and the girl sustained terrible injuries. Air/ Nat Goodwin, who lias apparently fallen a victim to the prevailing motoring craze, on Friday, 11th Docembo’*, when passing over Bipoklyn Bridge, New York, mot with an accident of a somewhat serious nature. He uarrowly ©tfeap-cd being thrown ova rthe bridge into the river, but sustained such severe injuries as will preclude his appearing on tho stage for some time. He had just concluded a season devoted to an elaborate presentation of “A Midsummer Night's Dream,” but which had failed to attract as fully as anticipated.