THEATRICAL GOSSIP

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 5665, 12 August 1905, Page 12

THEATRICAL GOSSIP

(BY “LORGNETTE.”) IHS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. Fuller-) EnmrU iut.?. OPERA HOUSE. Wellington A mat cur Operatic Society— Aug. 2 to Any. 9 Garrison Rani Oomcrt—Aug. 11. IliU-Wncji npeia. “A Moorish Maid” Sept. 23 to Sept. 30. Physical Training School —Oct. 2,3, and 4. J. U. WiHiamron—Oct. a to Oct. 16. Allan Jlamilion (Brough Toiuj-Ocl IS to Nov. A. WTliamson—Nov. 0 to Nov, 29. J. O. Williamson—Doe. 19 to Jan. 13. 1006. George Stephenson—aau. 20 to Feb. 8. Allan Hamilton <J. F. Sheridan’s Tour) —Feb. 10 to March 10. J. 0. \\ iEiaru-on—April 11 to May 5. William Ander.sou—May 26 to June 14. ‘■Pole*’ Hughes—June 15 to July 6 (pencilled). Harry Rickards—Oct. 20 to Oct. 31. J. O. Williamson—Dec. 26 ti> Jan. 17, 1007, TOWN HALL. Hugo Hcermann—Aug. 17th and 19th. Uharity Ball—Aug. 30:h. Choral Society—Sep. Ist. New Zealand Alliance —Sep. 3rd to 10th. Savag;* Club—Sept. 14th, Salvation Army Biorama —Sep. 17th to IDth. Wellington Musical Uxjion—Sep. 21st to 23 rd. Sunday School Anniversary—Oct. Ist. Jessie MacLachlan Company—Oct. 4th and sth. Wellington Musical Union —Oct. 14th. Wellington Branch Navy League—Oct. 20th. E. A. Reynolds—Oct. 23rd to 2-Sih. 'Wed’s Pictures—Nov. 2nd to 11th. New Zealand Alliance —Nov. 19th. Wellington Rose and Carnation Show — Ni »v. 28f h and 291 h. West’s Pictures —Dec. Ist and 2nd. Wellington Musical Union (Messiah) — Dec. 21st.

CONCERT HALL. Max Hoppe Concert —Aug. 24th. 4 V.M.C.A. Anniversary—Sep. 14th. - New Zealand Alliance—Sep. 20lb to 2Tlh. j

NOTES BY “LORGNETTE.”

A feature arranged for the semi-final Ilvermann concert in Sydney was a couC'.rto for three violins by the Italian com-pos-*r Vivaldi. Mr Henri Stacll was iuvdcd to join the lieermann’s in the unique item. In his early Continental <la}s Slaell was a fellow student with Professor lleermauu. It is strange that after to many years they should have met at the Antipodes. Fulleis’ Entertainers have been appearing to capacity business throughout tho past week, and no wonder. The combination is without doubt one of the strongest that has as vet been seen at HisMajcsly s Theatre, Mr Fred Kivenhail and Mr Los. Wart on oould sing all night and the audience would not tire of them. Trevor and Cora do a really smart gymnastic and contortion act which is enthusiastically applauded. _ Signor Torzillo is a harpist of undoubted ability, and his performance is oneof the special!}' bright spots on a first-class programme. Miss Stella Lipinau and Mias Elsie Brown sing sweetly and well deserve the encores they get. Mr Charles Howard gets a good hearing for his ballad singing. Others who contribute successfully aro the Valmoro Sisters, Miss Mabel Lynne, Miss Kitty Stanley, and Messrs George Pagden and Harry Wilford. Though only in his twentieth year Horr Emilo Heermann. the sdn of Professor Heormann, has attained all the technique requisite for the modern violin virtuoso. For many years he studied the violin under hie father, who is almost as celebrated for his teaching as his playing. This instruction was supplemented by a twelve months’ course under the famous Sevcik, who is now regarded as tho greatest mas- j ter of violin technique in Europe. This famous pedagogue is now quite inundated with pupils, and usually has a muster I roll of over 100. Consequently only tho most talontod receive- much of hLs personal attention, and the less gifted ones aro lucky if they receive one lesson every throe weeks. Herr Emile Heermann speaks of his course as a most severe one. Every pupil ie expected to practice at least eight hours a day, and everything is gone into in the minutest detail, the most difficult passages being practised backwards art well as in the ordinary fashion, so as to obtain a perfect mastery over them. Sevcik thought very highly of the younger Heermann’e powers, and told him on leaving that if he could study a little longer he would make him an even greater virtuoso than Kubelik. Miss Cecile Stepnno is at present appearing at tho Opera House, Christchurch. This clever contralto will shortly be heard at th© Fullers’ Wellington theatre, , The dramatic Company is headed by Miss Fitsmaurice Gill and Mr Charles Blake closed a successful season at His Majesty's Theatre, Auckland last Friday evening. Alfred Sutro's play, "The Walls of Jericho,” produced in Melbourne on July 22nd, for the first time in Australia, is a keen denunciation of the manners and customs of the ‘‘smart set” of modern Mayfair. There was a great house for the first performance. Miss Beatrice •Day, one of tho new members of the Brough-Flornming Company, appeared as Lady Alcthea, o. woman of cheap cyni- ; cisms and. selfish frivolities, the wife of Jack Frobisher, a squatter from Queensland, whose money promptly opens for Mm the door of fashionable society in London. Frobisher, tho leading male character, was played by Mr Herbert Flemming, who was cordially welcomed back to the Australian stage. Mr Brough was in the cast as Hankey Bannister, a rich mining man from Queensland, and friend of Frobisher. The play was well received, the curtain having to be raised several times after each act. Mr Gaston Mervale, who plays Svengali in "Trilby” with Miss Nance O’Neil's Company, was the original ex- ! ponent of the part in the first English tour of the play, and he gave a realistic rendering of that weird creation. In referring to his performance at Her Majesty's, Melbourne, the ‘‘Age” says that if any fault was to fie found it would be in the too demoniac quality with which he invented it. Miss Winifred Fraser, who is one of the leading members of the Brough-Flem-ming Company, has appeared under the managements of Mrs Patrick Campbell, Sir Charles Wyndham, Sir Henry Irving, and other well-known entrepeneurs. Before coming to Australia Miss Fraser was with the "Little Mary” Company in London. Miss Nina Boucicault, who was selected bv Mr Barrie for the lead, is, explains Melbourne "Punch,” not very strong, and frequently has to retire from the cast for a rest. This means that a smart actress has to be engaged on the spot and take up Mies Boucioaulfs part. That is how Miss Fraser became engaged for "Little Mary.” The regular London dramatic season is usually brought to a conclufiion somewhere towards the end of July, and reviewing its progress the London "Daily Mail” says that "it has been so bad as to be described by men of experience ns one of the worst for twenty-five years.” But from the long list of failures, conspicuous exceptions were made in the case of three pieces, for all of which Mr J. C. Williamson possesses the Australasian rights. These were "Veroniquo,” which commencing on May 18th last year, is the longest running plav at present before the public. "Merely Mary Ann,” which was "the plav that drew most tears” and "Leah Kiescbna.” which was "the play with the most thrills.” All these threeare promised for production by Mr Williamson in the near future.

.Mr M. E. Curtis’ American Novelty Company oommenced a tour of New Zealand at His Majesty’s Theatre. Auekland last Saturday evening. "The Walls of Jericho” is to be produced at the Savoy Theatre, New York, at the end of September.

Mr Alfred Hill arrived in Wellington In-t v.-.'ok. He has thrown up Ml his app-rntumnis in Auckland in order to exploit, not onlv “A Moorish Maid,” but tin wh Je of his works. H is to lie hoped that Ins managerial career may turn out as well f'w tho v reumstanccs would eeem to indicate. Mr Hill has spared no cxleii:-*- in regard to hi.? Wellington .season (widf-h cornineimos at the Opera House on Sr-ptemhei 2V). He lias ei gaged, at enormous cort. Madam Lilian Tree (lato prima donna, (,’ovent Oiardon Theatic*. L'.ndo:)), an-! Mr Fred Graham date prim c pal comedian and stage manager with Mr J. G. ! »‘i iiliampom both of whom created ti*.o chief characters in the original f-uccmt-dul prodncri'>n of Dio opera in Auckland. Next week I expect to be able to give the complete east. Talking of “A MounVii Maid,” I am reminded to remark that to Messrs Hill am) Birch (the jMnt author?) then is duo something in the nature ot a rotmet on oi a former statement. Tin- Auckland production was supported by fifty guarantors of .£lO each i > whom interest at tho rale of 10 per cent, was promised. After the week’s season was over, however, tho guarantors not only declined Intake their interest, but voted Mivx-rs Hill and Birch a further .£-50. This fart was paragraphed throughout Hie colony, but what followed is not so generally known. One of the guarantors objected to the action of his fellow guarantors, whereupon the “Maid” authors promptly returned both interest and promis'd donation. It should be statr-d that neither of them looked for the present made them, and both were only too glad of the opportunity of declining it in tho definite wav they have done. What Messrs Hill ami Birch Ldt was that the arrangement made with the guarantors was a business sehemo and they were neither of tlmm looking for charity. Only ,£l5O of (1m ,£.V)f> guaranteed was called up. and in return for this amount the 50 Aucklanders have received back .£2oo—according to Iho-originnl agreement, with which both Messrs Hill and Bitch were, and always have boon, perfectly satisfied. The matter would not have born referred to but for the fact that it ha? previously been announced that tho Auckland guarantors had acted differently to what they have done.

With Hie four night’s elaborate production of "Mario Antoinette,” staged at Her Majesty's Theatre, "Miss Nance O'Neil brought her Melbourne season to a close on Thursday evening. 3rd August. During tho seven yveeks stay, tho young American tragedienne and her company put in a really tremendous amount of hard work. Beginning with ■‘Magda,** six nights runs continued throughout, the plays presented being "The fibres of St. John,” “Queen Elizabeth,” “The- School for Scandal.” “liigomar,” “Trilby,** and “Marie Antoinette.” The presentation of these pieces, all of which had at least to be “nibbed up” by every member of the company, necessitated almost continuous rehearsals, and ; tho stage was practically occuuied from early in the morning to the close of each evon.ng’B performance. That they were I able to keep \ip the strain and in tho ! midst of all tho effort, accord -Miss Nauco O’Neil herself such honest and sincere* support in everything they undertook, speaks much for the company ns a whole. i Miss Nance O’Neil, upon whom the most : exacting strain naturally foil, deserves !of course the wannest praise for the | consistent excellence of her successive interpretations.

There are some interesting associations round tho name of Air J. B. Schoeffel, | the manager under whom Miss Nance 'O’Neil acts in the United States. It may not be generally icinemborcd that it was Air Schoeffel who, in conjunction with tho Into Henry Abbey, sent Sarah Bernhardt to Australia several years ago.

Mr Schoeffel was instrumental in introducing the same great queen of tragedy, .and .also Sir Henry Irving to American, and tho fanfous Mary Anderson, to English audiences. Mins Nance O’Neil, on the completion of her Australian tour, returns under his engagement in the States, and it is his intention to "star” her in "Marie Antoinette” during tho next dramatic sermon there.

In noticing Mu=s Nance O’Neil’s performance of "Trilby” at Her Majesty’s, Melbourne, on the 22nd July, the "Ago” says:—lt is perhaps a tribute to Miss Nance O’Neil’s personality that no actress who hag visited Melbourne during recent years has been the subject of &o much diversity of opinion as to her dramatic talent. Much of the difference of view is no doubt due to tho fact that she is not equally successful in every role. Much, again, is also duo to the subjective attitude of tho playgoer, who, for instance, may regard her presentation of the ill-starred child of fate in "The Fires of St. John” as a convincing impersonation, and yet find his ideal of the great Elizabeth travestied by setting her forth in the character of a storming termagant. But, judging by the enthusiastic demonstrations of approbation which greeted the production of "Trilby” at Her Majesty’s Theatre on Saturday evening, there was no doubt about the public verdict on tho performance. Miss O’Neil’s Trilby may not be exactly the Trilby that Du Maurier drew, and may lack some of the impulsiveness and abandon imparled by the author to the original during tho days of the Quartier Latin; but it nevertheless was a satisfying performance, especially m tho later and more emotional scones in which Trilby is depicted under the hypnotic influence of Svcngali. The spirit of camaraderie with the art students was well realised, and the sudden flasn of consciousness that indelicacy might be involved in posing for a study of the nude was aptlv depicted. The love scenes with Little Billie had tho emotion and ardour rtressary to stir responsive chords among ihe audience, and the task of giving vraisembhmeo to the portrayal of the mesmerised vocalist was easily achieved. The death scene was managed wilh. artistic effect. The spirit of Svengali, still potent, seemed to call her away from the —orld of sen.se, and her cry as, with failing breath, she uttered his name seemed like the wail of a lost s>ul. Apart from the representation of the title role, the success of tho production was largely due to the adaptability of the players to their parts, Mr Tom Wcotwell and Miss Myra ©tanfield were appearing at the Empire Palace. Edinburgh, when the last mail left I/mdon.

Thurston, the marvellous magician, made Lis first appearance in Australia at the Sydney Palace on the 22nd July. The theatre was packed to the doors with an audience who waxed enthusiastic over his illusions, which are of the most elaborate and startling kind. He singes his tricks magnificently, and gives them a retting of Eastern mystery, which greatly enhances the effect. In one set of illii'ions a lady assistant ia made to move about in mid-air without visible means of suspension. In another she i« made to appear and disappear in a tank of water, the glass sides of which “seem” to reveal everything to the spectator. Mr Thursion is a particularly deft and clever entertainer, whose good address and handsome stage presence help the pleasure of his entertainment. He has with him Mr Allen Shaw, the dexterous coin manipulator, whom we alreadv know, the musicianly ’cellist Signor Alberti! and a pleasing vocalist in Miss Edith Malt land.

When last heard of Mr George Musgrove had left London, and was en rout* for New York, anticipating an early return to Australia.

Mr John Glendining, who is one of the lending members of Miss Nance O’Neil’g Dramatic Company was the first exponent of the part of The Laird on any stage. In referring to his portrayal of the character, a Melbourne contemporary says that although he does not speak broad Boots a* to the manner born, he gave a very popular representation of the character, investing it with the requisite degree of humour.

It is estimated that vaudeville in New York employs 26,000.000 dollars, costs 509,000 a week, and draws 1,000,000 dollars a week.

.The overland tour of the North Island of the Tittell Brun© Dramatic Company is proving a triumphal march. The boohing in each town is far and away ahead of anything previously experienced by any of Mr J. C. Williamson’s attractions. Mr Charles Faning was appearing with success at the Chelsea Palace, according to latest London files.

Mr J. C. "Williamson has every reason to congratulate himself upon securing the Australasian right* of “The Dictator” and “Tho Freedom of Suzanne.” Those plays, as announced some time ago. wen? the subjects of Mr riiarW Frnhman’s recent experiment of changing companies between N ov York anti Los don, Ihc first going to the former from the latter city and the second reversing the r.rranucmont. Ir; 'he b'ginning it ivai intended to play a fuir weeks’ season of each, but so successful have they proved. that the run <«f “The Dictator” in London lias b'en ext mlod indi’tiint'dy, while in New York “Ttip Freedom of Suzanne” ran until the end of the regular dramatic seat-on there. Mr J. C, Williamson received n letter from Mr Frohman a few days ago. saying that every effort was being made ior an A ustra !a-ia n tour of Mr Willie Collier ami his company in

“The Dictator/’ and that there if? every probnbilitv of completing tho arrangements shortly. Pr>f.'.s.-*or Fred Andrews and his "magic kettle” have just closed a very successful seneon al the Garrison Hall. Dunedin. Professor Andrews ie supported hy a callable combination which include the English Pierrot Entertainers, Alma, the magician, and Messrs Elsie Dwyer, soprano.

Miss Violet Mount, who is, well known in 'Wellington, is shortly to be tendered a benefit in Sydney prior to her leaving for South America. Mr J. C. Williamson is contemplating the revival of more than the thrcc_ppern> which ho originally intended to produce during the forthcoming season of tho Gilbert and Sullivan Company in Melbourne, and it is quite likely that bo«idc “The Gondoliers,” “The Pirates of Penzance,” and “The Mikado,” others of tho seven repertoire pieces of the company will be staged. Tho Brough-Fiemming Comedy Company. which will shortly tour Now Zealand. is enjoying a highly successful son son at the Princess Theatre, Melbourne. Tho fir.«t production, “Beauty ami the Barge,” was played to packed houses. On the 22nd duly it was withdrawn in favour of Arthur Sutro’s play “Tho Walls of Jericho,” the first performance being 1 w'.tnrtscd by a most enthusiastic audience. Tin? theatre was crowded and many had to be 7’efused admission. In noticing Die first performance, “Peter Quince,” in “Punch.” says:—The piece 1 was received with unanimous approval, ! ami tho success of Messrs Brough and Flemming’s Melbourne soa«son may bo said to be assured, if ‘‘Beauty and the Barge” and “Tho Walls of Jericho” may be taken ns fair samples of tho goods for the gods provided. “The AValls of Jericho” is a sermon, but it is not a dry one: a pill, but it is sugar-coated; a drastic powder, but cunningly concealed, like Die medicaments of our childhood, in the most toothsome blackcurrantjolly. The “moral” is plain enough for all to read, hut the actiou of the piece and Die words of the dialogue arc so good that even those playgoers—and there are many of them—who are most scathingly satirised are loudest in praise of the play. Since we have no toleration for our own besetting sins in others, the members of “the smart set” in tho stalls and circle quite approve of (he scarification inflicted upon the smart set upon tho stage. The dramatist holds, as ’twero, I the mirror up to nature, and shows vice its own image. But it is a happy law of light and optics that makes the angle of incidence equal to the angle of reflection, and allows us only to see in the mirror the faults and follies of our friends on the other side of tho circle. We forget. fortunately, perhaps, that they enjoy tho satirical mirror just as much we do—for they see only our reflection. Messrs Brough and Flemming will not quarrel with the laws of light and reflection when the sum total is the pleasure and satisfaction of ail concerned. It is really remarkable how “The Silver King” preserves its youth, and despite 'increasing ago and consequent familiarity with theatre-goers, continues to attract largo and enthusiastic audiences ; whenever staged. It was one of the imost popular revivals of tho Knipht-Jcf- ; fries Company, both in Melbourne and Sydney, during the present year, and staged in Adelaide it attracted for its opening performance, on the 22nd July, absolutely tho record house in that city. The receipts for the Saturday evening exceeded (lie previous best by .£lO, and even then the. theatre was not nearly largo enough to accommodate those who I wished to see it.