THEATRICAL GOSSIP

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 5731, 28 October 1905, Page 11

THEATRICAL GOSSIP

fir/ "LORGNETTE.”)

BOOKINGS. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. "F-nllora Entertainers. OPERA HOUSE. Allan Hamilton (Brough Tour)—Oct. 18 to Nov, A Tho Brracian’s anri West’s Pictures—Nov. 9 to Nov. 29. ,'i. C. Williamson —Hoc. 10 to Jan. 13. 1900. George Stephenson—Jan. 20 to Feb. 8. Mian Hamilton (.1. F. Sheridan’s Tour) Feb, 10 to March 10. 1. Williamson—April 14 to May 5. WilFa/n Anderson—May 2C to June 14, (Larry Rickards—^Oct. 20 to Oct. 31. I. C” Williamson —Dec. 3C to Jan. 17. 1907.

NOTES BY "LORGNETTE.’’

It is like old times to soo the EronghPiomming Company in a play of the calibre of "The Wails of Jericho.’’ It is precisely the class of piece that the talented combination is scon at its best in. There ha.s not been a bettor drama staged in Wellington for years, nor one in which tho performers have, individually and collectively, shown to bettor advantage, "Tho Walls of Jericho’’ invades tile brittle, "jerry-built" walls of a "society" that is rotten to tho core. The author (Alfred Sutro) has not hesitated to uan drastic measures to show-up the inanities, tho loose morality, and the artificiality of a set of people whoso aim is pleasure, and pleasure only. Many of his characters nro examples, warnings, of tho evil and contaminating influences of the giddy atmosphere of tho "smart ret." Tiio modern cancer upon manners and morals, the component pans of which include tho inordinate thirst for bridge land not ouly for the playing of that gambling game, but for cheating at it) mi tho part of women of society, is stripped bare in all its ugliness by this clever and deep-seeing dramatist. As <i ( more exposure of the rottenness of tho "smart set" the plav is fine. But it goes further than that in that it shows in strong relief the healthy atmosphere of tho lives of real mon and woman, and in the comparison makes tho insincere life utterly taiioim and contemptible. The character drawing is truly remarkable and wonderfully contrasted. In Jack Prohishcr is convoyed tho embodiment of all that is manly, all that is tho opposite of tho fast and frivolous sot he finds himself ■amongst. In liis wife (Lady Aletlica) we havo a true woman whoso nature ia at the outset, however, encrusted in tho fashionable snobbery of her surroundings, of her relatives and friends. Her true heart is bnried beneath this artificiality and tho gradual awakening of her nobler self under the master-influence af her husband’s noble ideals is strikingly worked out. In .tho Marquis of Steventon (her father) is presented a typo that Contains within itself most of tho failings af the "smart set." Ho is n callous, shallow individual, who thinks of nothing hut unarrying his daughters to men of moans and then proceeding to "borrow" from iliem. A man who js more, horrified at his son making honourable reparation to tho girl ho has ruined than ho is at the sin of tho son. Tho gir] is to blame, according to his code of honour! ?), and must suffer. Another fine character is that of Lady Westorby. a woman made charitable by hor own sufferings. Again welldrawn is tho character of Dallas, a young 'unprincipled fop, who makes love to married women, and is let off very lightly on boingqletected. Hankey Bannister, too. is n decided acquisition to tho story. A rough minor,. rich through finding a nugget of gold, who wants to lire in tho atmosphere of the smart set, and is unperturbed by Jack Frobisher’s bitter warnings. Those form n colerio of characters upon whom devolves tho main issue. In iho side phases tho author is equally happy in his conception. There are remarkably strong situations in the play, notably tho scenes between Frobisher and Lady Alethoa, and particularly their quarrel in tho third act, Frobisher’s encounter with Dallas, and his noble self-re-etraint, tho final scene of all when Frobisher and hie wifo are brought together bv Hankey Bannister and Lady Wcsterby, and in their presence work through n sad scene to a happy reconciliation. It is nil very delightful, very moving, and exceedingly interesting. In Alina Beatrice Day we nro introduced ,jd to an actress of the purely natural school. Her work is simply magnificent from beginning to end, and it is very doubtful indeed if her equal in emotional passages has been seen here. Mr Herbert Flemming makes an ideal Frobisher. He dominates the piece throughout, his deep sincerity and seriousness, his wonderful depiction of tho man’s healthy and vigorous honesty, and his scorn for shams, all ring with truth, and are most forcible examples of inherent ability. Mr Brough’s Hankey Bannister is a clear-cut study of a most excellent type. Miss Emma Temple is perfect os Lady Westerbv. and, for the rest, there is no single character in a long cast that is not well sustained. "Tho Walls of Jericho" should easily run for several nights to oomo, and the opportunity of witnessing it should on no account be missed.

Alias Tittatl Bruno greatly enjoyed her holiday in Queensland, at Ynndilla station. ‘‘lt is such a beautiful world up hero," she wrote enthusiastically to a friend. “X have long rides over the country in the sun glow, and great restful hours of perfect quiet, sometimes aiyinging under a dear old tree with only the note of a woo bird to break tho silence. II people could only see mo here, embracing tho pure air and singing and laughing for tho mere joy of living, perhaps they would then really know me.” ,

There was a good deal of excitement round Her Majesty’s Theatre. Melbourne, the other day. A water pipe had burst and the curious gathered round to watch tho repairing thereof, noticed several epecka of EPld in tho debris that the Metropolitan Board man was assidnously baling out with a bnckot. The news spread Hko wildfire, and presently more than half the Royal Coraio Opera Company were gathered round the spot eagerly discussing the advisability of forming a syndicate to float Russell Street into a company with themselves na directors. Any passer-by who looked remotely like a retired miner was at onoe commandeered and asked his views, and spirits rose higher and higher as each successive opinion from the veracious individuals confirmed tho fact that tho glittering (specks were gold. Mr George Lauri and Mr Claude Bantock had already constituted themselves into a meeting of shareholders on tho footpath, and were proceeding to business when tho property man arrived and asked the man in tho holo whether ho had unite finished with tho bucket ho mixed his bronze in. Then the bottom fell out of the boom. The Nance O’Neil Dramatic Company arrived in 'Wellington yesterday morning. «n rente for Auckland, where they commence a season this evening at His Majesty’s Theatre with Sudermann’s '‘Magda.” The Christchurch season did not some up to anticipations. In ‘'Merely Mary Ann,” Zangwill tells ■x delightfully sentimental little story. A young composer liveo in a London lodging house, where ho is faithfully served by Mary Ann, as tho typical slavey of those unlovely establishments. She conceives an attachment for Lai)coin!: and absolutely worships both him and his music. By and by tho fates smile on the woman and she goes away the possessor of a fortune, leaving Lancelot lo hts scores and a_ senso of something missing from his life. Later a translated Mary Ann, educated, cultured, and refined, meets him again and all ends hanpily. There are many pathetic passages in the play as well as much quiet p*ovrirnt v nt. and the should ho completoly suited to Alias Tittel Bruno herse'f and her company. Air Claude 11. Whaito left for Christchurch last Monday to arrange for the Brough-Flemming Comedy Company’s appearance in that city.

The "star” attraction at llis Majesty« Theatre thi« week U undoubtedly tho clover ccmmcdian Mr Leonard Nelson. ’lfic-i are all new and hi« palter r risp and clean. The combination that the Mgs-sth Fuller havo appearing its specially «trong in comedians Mr Ted' Stanley and Mr Bob Lloyd both appearing to groat advantage in their Mr John Fuller and Mifw Beatrice English both .score heavily in their sole*-*. Miss Goldie Collins tings and dances nicely. Tho re«st of the co:npany do good work in their respective items. Tho last week of tho farewell Melbourne socuson of the Knigbt-JefTries Company at tho Princess Theatre was devoted to revivals the “The Silver King,” “A Koval Divorce,” and "The Lady of Lyons.”. Tho Company visit Bendigo and Hobart before touring New Zealand. Tho North Island tour of Montgomery’s Entertainers has so for proved a great success. The new sets of moving pictures arc* said to bo the best that Mr Montgomery has yet shown. An extensive tour of the Waikato and Thames goldfields was commenced -last Monday. Mr William Anderson has engaged Czerny, an illusionist, for a lour of New Zealand and Australia, commencing at Wellington on Boxing night. Now that the Fullers have got the Theatre Royal, C/.crny will have to show in the Town Hall or JHfj Majesty's Theatre. Tho Avenue Theatre, ■which is being rebuilt by Mr Cyril Maude, will bo reopened in January with the name altered io ‘‘The Playhouse.” Although in length of run "The Cingalese.” which was brought to a close at Her Majesty's. Melbourne, on the 20th October was beaten by ‘‘The Orchid,” "The Country Girl,” “Paul Jones,” and others, it has still a record of its own in having attracted absolutely the largest one week's (Show week) business ever dono in Australia.

The production of "Utopia, Limited” bv tho Gilbert and Sullivan Company will, it is feared be somewhat delayed, owing to the necessity of waiting f>r ' •tfho’ and costumes, which Mr J. C. Williamson has instructed his London agent to forward. Tho Australasian rights of the sporting farce entitle “The Money Makers” has been secured by Mr John F. Sheridun.

Tod Sloan, tho cerebrated American jockey, recently refused an offer, of .£3OO a week to appear in vaudeville in America. Sloan staled ho could get .£SOO a week in England to produce a sketch that ho owns, written round his own career. .

“Tho theatre kills the‘drama. Actors and actresses ought to bo swept off by the plague. Art is poisoned. Let us got back to tho Greeks, in the open air.” —Eleonora Duse.

Miss Marie Campbell has been engaged bv Mr William’ Anderson, to play “principal hoy” in his pantomime "Sinbad the Sailor” which is to bo produced at tho Sydney Royal on Boxing Night. Mr Charles Bates who was in last year's Melbourne production will also be in the cast.

During tho season of Mr J. 0. WilMnrnson’s ' Bio-Tableau, some real Australian subjects, *mch as sheep-drafting, 'He droving, buck jumping and so on, will bo shown. It cost an English syndicate two years’ work and an expenditure running into four figures to collect them, and Mr Williamson has secured tho •' U Australian rights.

Eroni Brothers’ Circus and Menagerie commenced a season in Fitzgerald Brothers’ Circus Building, Melbourne , last Saturday evening. A whole host of novelties were promised for the opening performance. This combination is run on purely circus lines. Tho hordes and pouice in tho show number over 140. No music hall or vaudeville acts are included.

Australia was very nearly IcMm* Mi«-s Florence Young altogether a few weeks ago. She was out picnicking on tho Hudson (Now York) with a party of friends when tho boat capsized, and it was only with great difficulty that the occupants wore rescued. Apart from the discomfort occasioned by having to snqud the night in a friendly farm-house, which hospitably sheltered tho boat less and dishevelled pleasure seekers. Mis? Young was nflne the worse for her unpleasant experience.

Miss Sophie Lashmoro, tho clever little actress, who toured New Zealand with Mr Charles Holloway's Dramatic Company last year, is now on© of the Great Thurston's assistants. Amongst the characters played by her during her engagement with Mr Charles Holloway was one of the boys in “Two Littlo Vagabonds.” A bicycle rider, named Volo, with Barnum's Circus, while at Helena (U.S.A.), fell when doing “The Hide for Life,” and his injuries were all but fatal. Volo's correct name is Tom Butler, and hie wife loops the loop in an automobile. On the night of tho accident, Mrs Butler followed with her dangerous turn immediately after the fall of her husband, which, says a contemporary, was either very plucky of the lady, or an exhibition of callousness that calls for strong comment.

Mr Bland Holt is at present staging Pctfcitt's naval and military drama "A Sailor’s Knot,” at the Theatre Royal, Melbourne.

Having arrived at the top of the tree as an Australian ontrepenonr, Air J. C. Williamson is sighing for other worlds to conquer. His ambition lies in annexing that blue ribbon double tho V.R.C, Derby -ml the Alclbonrne Cun. To that end he recently purchased tho Wallace colt, Arcturus, wliich will carry his colours in those races next year. Mr Williamson at present has hit growing string of race horses in Melbourne for the Spring Racing Carnival. Some years ago, as the result of porsfetent agitation, several London theatres, abolished cloakroom and programme fees. The habit of tipping is so strong, however, that the concession was little valued by the body of tho public. Mr Tree has made His Majesty’s a “no-fee” house, hut has lately hinted that, unless the public support his policy by discontinuing tipping, he will go back to the old plan, thereby benefiting tho treasury to the extent of about 432000 a year.

Stillwell, the handkerchief manipulator who recently played seasons under the management of the Fullers in New Zealand, and Mr Harry Rickard in Australia, is now a member of the Great Thurston’s Company. The Knight-Jeffries’ Dramatic Company play a abort season at Bendigo, Ballarat and Hobart, before coming to New Zealand.

Wirtb’s Circus , and Meragerie commenced a Melbourne season in Alexandra Avenue, across Princess Bridge last Saturday evening. The big sensational act is “Looping the Death Trap,” which is backed up by quite a number of other sensations.

Mr Athol Fordo, who toured New Zealand with Mr George Musgrove’s Shakespearian Company, and Mr J. C. William-, son’s "Marriage of Kitty” Company, has since his return to London been interviewed by the “Era.” In the course of the interview he expressed the opinion that Melbourne is a little more artistic than Sydney. Tho following paragraph from tho leading Adelaide daily will be endorsed by a host of New Zealand theatregoers:—Notwithstanding the success of imported artists, Nellie Stewart continues to he the most triumphant and popular actress in Australia. Mr Charity Frohman. the American manager, positively bristles with epigrams. Hero are a few samples of his wit: "The man who tries to corner anything usnallygets cornered.” "You can’t monopolise theatres while there are bricks and mortar.” "Whenever a competitor builds another theatre, I try to build another dramatist.” "No successful theatrical producer ever d'.ed rich." “I have no idea of educating my mission is to amuse them.” "The American dramatist ends his play at tho altar; the French dramatist begins Jiis situations at the honeymoon.” d'New stars cannot bo created overnight.” “It is as necessarv for a girl who wants to be a star to have failures to have successes— perhans more so.” “The keynote to footlight success is not great powers, but personal magnetism or charm." t

Ajax, who docs a marvellous contortion act, will make his first appearance at itis Majesty's Theatre this evening. Mr Lcn Da via. who toured Now Zealand an manager of Iho defunct Hawtrey Comedy Company, ha.s engaged a lot of vaudeville talent in Mclliourne for the ('remorue Gardens Perth, W.A., which place of amusement he ran successfully last summer. Tt is his intention to go in “'big licks” this year, and amongst the people already engaged are Hie Marvellous Tylers, Octavio and Wnrne, and Victor, who aie due to open in December. The Svdnev season of tho farcical comedy “The J .IV wa.H a huge success, judging from tho box offjee receipts. In fact the rush for seats was so great that tho management had to extend the season tour nights, the Company transferring to Iho Palace Theatre owing to Her Majesty’* Theatre being required for the Tittoll Bruno season. Tho Driscoll 80.v c have "made good ' with tho patrons of the Fullers' Dunedin Theatre.

Mr William Anderson will, as usual, have three dramatic companies on the road at Christmas.

Irving Sa.vlcs is appearing at the Opera House, Melbourne.

Mr John J. Dallas, principal comedian of tho Strand Farcical Comedy Company, which shortly tours New Zealand with “The J.P,/' has become a great favourite with Australian audiences. Mr Dallas won his eh : cf successes during a long London career in comic opera and musical comedy, and he hopes to bo able to appear in singing roles in Australia. Besides his success on the boards, he is the author of 33 songs, written for English variety theatres and halls, of a couple of farces and some pantomimes.

In China there is an Association of 30.000 actors, every ono of whom knows fifty plays, and is prepared to act any ono of them at an hour's notice. Each actor ia obliged to study the stage for three years os a supernumerary; then for a year he ie taught responsible parts; and ihen ho graduates, and dedicates his life to his profession. The salary ot a Chinese loading actor is JMSO a year, which is really worth ten times iho money when the habits and prices of the Chinese are takt .* into account. Mr William Anderson's attraction for Christmas at the Theatre Royal, Sydney, will bo tho pantomime “Sinbad the Sailor,” which will be brought up to date with a lot of new stuff.

Grossi, writing from South Africa, speaks of a return trip to Australia. In several departments of magic ho was, says a Melbourne papci, undoubtedly “ the cleverest hero but bo wag badly run. and bo proved a frost nearly everywhere he showed. He states that ho played in Port Arthur previous to the siege, and got out only two days before tho carnage began, leaving all hi’s money behind. If he does come back, Edwin Geach is the man who could make a pot of money out of him.

Tho house of Juliet at Verona, R is reported, has been bought by the town, and it is to be preserved as a museum. The streets of Verona are filled with palaces, dign’ficd and handsome, and the houHe of Juliet is like many another of them. It possesses a very pretty courtyard, surrounded bv high walls, those to which Juliet referred, “The orchard walls are high, ami hard to climb,” when Romeo answered “With lore's light wings did I o'erperch these walls.” Perhaps the courtyard was once an orchard, and perhaps Romeo and Juliet did once Eve and love, but there is no historical foundation for their story. Dante did not mention it. When exiled from Florence ho lived at Verona, and speaks nr til? M-onlaguo-Capulet fued. Shakespeare is supposed to have discovered the taie in a dull English poem ; ("Romeus and Juliet") by Arthur Brooke. A modem writer hep; well said, "Her house we all know well, with its low, rose covered balcony and dark trees at the side, from out whoso shadows Romeo always comes forth at tho right moment, saying, 'He jests at seam that never felt a wound.' Juliet’s true home is on the stage." It is stated that Mr Jean de Lacey will at the termination of his engagement with Mr J. C. AVilliamson, join Mr John F. Sheridan’s Musical Comedy Company. Misfortune has followed persistently in the wake of the Japanese theatrical company from Tokio, who began touring England a few months ago with "The Geisha's Revenge." The death of the manager in London caused a stoppage of funds, and the company arrived in York from South Woles in penurious circumstances. It was subsequently disbanded, and tho actors and actresses were dispersed in various parts of the country when the latest mail left. • Tho Westminster Glee and Concert Party will give a special matinee at the Theatre Royal on Saturday evening. Mr and Mrs Fred H.. Graham terminated a thirty weeks engagement with the Fuller proprietary on Friday evening. and leave on Saturday for Sydney to appear under the management of Mr Harry Rickards. Mr Graham says that the engagement was one of the best he has experienced. In New York an actress married a man on the condition that ho would fuinish enough money for her to go starring. Now. she is suing him for breach of contract.