NOTES BY "LORGNETTE."

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 5981, 18 August 1906, Page 11

NOTES BY "LORGNETTE."

Mr William Anderson’s Dramatic Company has, during the past week, played \-no AiMcruliun arama * inunuerpou,' to good business. 'JL'iio Company in solid, anti everyone engaged does good work.

This evening William Anderson's Dramatic Company will produce at tho Upora House the sensational drama of English city life, "The Worst Womau m Loudon/' In criticising tho first performance of this remarkable drama at Uto opening of a record season at tho Palace Theatre, Sydney, the ‘'Sydney Morning Herald" said; The largo audience which filled the Palace Theatre in almost every part on Saturday evening, tho 10th November, no doubt expected to see a melodrama, and in this respect they could not have been disappointed. Nothing so melodramatic as Air Walter Melville’s play, “The worst Woman in London," has been staged in Sydney for a long time. Tho author seems to have boon at pains to invent a strikingly at* tractive title for his work, and to have put forth an earnest effort to make the action of tho play justify the title. The dialogue in neither forcible nor thrilling, but on his skeleton of a theme ho has managed to build up a very substantial moss of interesting and even exciting incidents. In enabling his heroine to do her worst he displays an ingenuity which one must admire. He has been successful in weaving together a piece which has claims to literary distinction, and will prove a strong attraction to lovers of realism, lb waa thoroughly well received* and every situation, unaffected as many of them were, was loudly applauded, and the principals recalled at the close of each act. Mr Anderson ha© surrounded himself with a strong and remarkably adaptable company. It was therefore not surprising that tho piece was gone through without any first-night -defects.

The long and nziiforaly prosperous career of "The Squaw Man" ended at Her Majesty's Theatre, Melbourne, on Thursday, the 9th, and on the 10th, the playgoers who have already constituted themselves tho firm admirers of Mr Charles Waldron, and Mies Ola Humphrey, had an opportunity of seeing their favourites as John Storm ana Glory Quaylo respectively, in a one night revival of "The Christian." The company appear at Adelaide for a fifteen nights’ season on September Ist, and on September 22nd, they will initiate a visit of eleven weeks at Her Majesty's Theatre, Sydney, during which time "The Squaw Man," "The Virginian,"; “Tho Christian." and very probably a fourth piece will all be produced. A trip to New Zealand follows towards the end of the year. • * •

Press of bnames© prevent© Mr Harold Ashton leaving Sydney to-day to complete arrangements for tho New Zealand tour of Mia© Tittell Brune and Mr J. C. Williamson's Dramatic Company. Mr' Ashton; hopes to arrive in time to take up tho advance work after the Wellington season. Mr Bert Royle, who will be aasited by Mr Walter Monk will until Mr Ashton’s arrival do the piloting of tho company. Mr Monk leaves Sydney this afternoon. It has been decided that the initial production of tho tour will be "Dorothy Vernon of Haddon Hall"

After an absence extending over eight months the Royal Comic Opera Company are once more in Melbourne, and on the UtU August, they appeared at Her Majesty's Theatre, in Andre Messa£er's charming opera "The Little Mich us."

A cablegram received in Melbourne a few days ago announced that Miss Nellie Stewart had undergone an operation in Chicago. The season of the "Sweet Nell” Company wae necessarily for the time closed. #

■While the Tittell Bruno Company aits in Sydney this month they will take up the work of rehearsing “Parsifal’ in real earnort, under tlio eye of Mi; J. C. ■Williamson, who intends to have it produced there when the company return from their New Zealand trip.

The new Company arranged by the Messrs Masmahon for the forthcoming dramatic tour in New Zealand is already hard at work rehearsing at the .Palace Theatre in Sydney. A number of strong dramatic novelties have been purchased outright for New Zealand. Among those may bo mentioned tho up-to-date -London dramatic successes, “Our Guardian Angel,“Tho Price of Sin,** "Th© Executioner's Daughter.” All the productions of tho largo repertoire will be on a bountiful scale, tho scenic artiste and mechanical staff having for some time past been busily engaged in Sydney in getting up tho productions. # #

Mr James Mncmahon arrived form Sydney by the Monowai on Wednesday in connection with the forthcoming Macmahon Dramatic tour of Now Zealand. Mr Charles Mncmahon and the company, who are all hard at work in Sydney will proceed thonco direct to Auckland, where tho tour commences on the Bth September.

After a week of fine business at Baliaral. Miss Tittell Brune opened her special Sydney season of “Dorothy, Vernon of Hatldon Hall" on Saturday, the 4th August, in the presence of a crowded audience, which divided its undoubted enthusiasm impartially between tho pereonal popularity of their favourite actress, tho buoyancy and excitement of tho new play, and the reappearance after a laps© of several years of Mr Thomas Kingston, who was most cordially welcomed back.

In ©peaking of the first performance of "Dorothy Vernon of Haddon Hall’ at Her Majesty'© 'Theatre, Sydney, the "Town and Country Journal ©ays: - An immense and brilliant assemblage filled every part of Her Majesty's Theaf tre on August 4, and prolonged applause proofed the first appearance of Mis© Tittell Bnine in tho title role of tho charming romance, "Dorothy Vernon. The clever American actrcee has seldom been bettor suited to a part, and she displayed throughout the, evening e vivacious charm and brilliant versatility which evoked tho ‘ wannest demonstrations on the part of the audience. An enthusiastic welcome was also accorded to the popular English actor, Mr Thomas Kingston whoso return to Australia ha© materially strengthened Mr Williamson’s popular dramatic company. The new piece, Paul Kesber’s dramatised version of Charles Major’s successful historical novel "Dorothy Vernon ,of Haddon Hall," is laid in the picturesque period of "good Queen Bees, who, together with her luckless cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots, plays a part in the stirring romance of love and rivalry. The opportunity given of wearing the handsome costume© of the time i© used to advantage by the players of both sexes, and the staging and setting of the piece is superb throughout. The heroine, who has been betrothed to her cousin. Sir Malcolm Vernon (Mr Gaston M-ervaie), whom ©he has never seen, falls in love with Sir John Manners, son and heir of the Earl of Rutland. Both her lovers are implicated in an intrigue with the Stuart Queen, and Dorothy, to save her lover’s life, reveals Mary's hiding-place to Elizabeth. To atone for this she rides post haste to warn Queen Mary, and finally her intercession with Queen Elizabeth obtained the pardon of Manners, who, however, is banished for a year to Wales, where Dorothy subsequently joins him, Mrs© Susie Vaughan made a stately and dignified Queen; Mia© Helen Ferpueson played sympathetically the part of Mary Stuart; while the cast also included Messrs Atholwood, Sweeney, Harcourt, and Lloyd, the Misses C. Stephens, N. CaTvin, and I. Marshall.

The Salvation Army Biorama Company. comprising a Brass Band of some twenty-eight players and an Orchestra of twenty-four performers will give combined pictorial and musical entertainments in tho Wellington Town Hall on August 18th, 20th, and 21st. The pistures shown by this Company are pronounced to be some of tho beet and most up-to-date of their kind; the music is of nigh order, and altogether we think we are safe in saying that the entertainments will be interesting and enjoyable. • • •

Most actors now-a-daya are followers of tlie fresh air and exercise cult for keeping themselves fit, and Mr Charles Waldron is no exception to the rule. Hie favourite outdoor amusement is horseback riding, and he has already provided himself with a hack, upon which ha takes long journeys through the Melbourne suburbs, whenever he can spare the time from the work of rehearsal at the theatre.’ On the artistic side Mr Waldron is a devout lover of music, of hearing which he loses no opportunity.

During the remainder of the Wellington season of Mr William Anderson s Dramatic Company "The Woret Woman in London," "The Pace at. the Window, ’ and a "Woman of Pleasure" will be staged. # • : •

It is more than probable that the) Royal Comio Opera Company will be seen in a revival of that perennial fay- i onrite “The Belle of New York." during | their forthcoming • season at Her * Majesty’s Theatre. Melbourne. If they ■ do the musical comedy will have a Binging oast, headed as it will be by Miss I Florence Young, Miss Alma Barber, ana i Mr Reginald Roberts, such as it never ( had before, while the humorous element I urill he in particularly safe hands. )

Another stage favourite who is an enthusiast in exercise is Miss Tittel* Brune. Her aquatic feats are already well-known to all Australians, hut latterly she has come out in a new light as a bicycle rider. She aquired her machine a couple of months ago while in the West, and with characteristic thoroughness took keenly to the new amusement, so that already her cyclometer , registers several hundred miles.

Referring to the success of 'The Squaw Man” the other day, Mr Charles •Waldron drew attention to the fact that it had come to Australia without any London reputation to back it, and had scored a triumph strictly on its own merits. And according to his own personal knowledge there are several other plays of equal merit to bo procured which are just as sure of a favourable reception. “Eviaently ,, he said, '‘Australian playgoers are breaking away from the haoit of trusting to a London season, and are preferring to form their judgments for themselves. * « *

Th© scenery for the production of "Leah Kleschna," which was painted by Mr W. K. Coleman, is said to be some of that clever artist s best work.

Miss Dorothy Drew who toured the Fuller Circuit some time buck was appearing at the Alhambra, London, on the 2nd July.

It is stated that Mr B. Keith, the American entrepreneur unsuccessfully offered Miss Veeta Tilley .£SOO a Week.

A now dramatic version of Sir Gilbert Parker’s story, "The Light of Way/’ is to bo produced in London shortly, with Mr Arthur Bourchior as the central figure, Charley Steele, Mr Kyrl© Bellow is likely to play the chief part in America.

The Musical Johnsons are at present filling an engagement at the London Alhambra. ,

Czerny's Newcastle season was not a great financial success.

Mr Charles FroUman has arranged with Mr Charles McLellan, the author of tho "Loll© of New York" and ‘‘Leah Kieschna,” to write for him tho book and lyrics, and Ivan (Jaryll to writ© the music of a new musical play, called “Nelly Neil, to be ready next winter. Mr Froham is to have both the English and American rights.

Tho Marvellous Ucseems are still touring the Moss-Stoll Circuit, and were appearing at the Enlace Theatre, Leicester, on tho 14th June.

Mr George Fuller Golden, who toured New Zealand some time ago under tho management of Mr Harry Rickards, and whoso health has been poor for some timo past, was given a rousing benefit at the Now York Theatre on Sunday evening, tho 17th June. The house was (says the “New York Dramatic Mirror") crowded and standing room was at a premium long before eight o’clock, when the long programme began. William Morris was in charge of the stag© and Lee Harrison used some original quips as the official announcer. Maurice Levi and the orchestra from Jo© Weber's Music Hall furnished the music. Those who appeared were Henry B. Dixey, Lafayette, Gonaro and Bailey. George M. Cohan, Truly Shattuck, Eddie Leonard. James J. Morton, Tom Lewis, and Sam J. Ryan, Andrew Mack, the Six Proveanies, Blanche Ring Charles J. Roes and Mabel Fenton. Clarice Vance, De Wolf Hopper, Peter F. Dailey and company, and the Empire City Quartette. Mr Golden was summoned before the end of the programme, and John P. Hill presented him, on behalf of the White Rats, of which the beneficiary was formerly the president, with a large floral piece and a check for 500 dollars. Mr Golden was overcome for a few minutes, but finally recovered himself and thanked his friends in a neat speech in which he said he would devote his time to regaining hig health with a view to returning to the stage. The receipts, including premiums paid for boxes and seats, amounted to 4.000 dollars.

At tho State concert given at Madrid in connection with the recent wedding tish composers were played: —Mackenzie’s "Britannia overture," the prelude to Elgar’s "Lux Christi." and some of his "Enigma variations," and Stanford's "Irish rhapsodic." At a recent concert of the London Philharmonic Society two new works by young British composers were successfully produced. These were a set of variations for orchestra by Mr S. ColedridgeTaylor uj)on a negro air, "I’m troubled In mind, 'which are said to have proved exceedingly interesting, and a setting of Poe’e "Annabel Lee,’ tor baritone solo with orchestral accompaniment, by Mr Joseph Holbrooke.

Speaking of Madame Melba in a recent performance of Verdi’s ‘‘Eigoletto" at the Covent Garden Theatre, London, one of tho best critics writes;—"lt is very difficult to find anything now to say of Madame Melba. When all is written it v i© not easy to convey any idea of tho charm of her voice. Last night she was not at her best, and in ‘Caro Nome' there was a sense of careful preparation for the well-known parts, which robbed the singing of its effect of spontaneity. But one wa© fully entranced one© again' by the beauty of the voice and by the easy act of its production/ 5 Tho Delevines were appearing at tho Olympia Liverpool on the X6th June. On June 19 tho Board of Aldermen of New York City unanimously passed a radical ordinance against an indiscriminate display of posters and advertisements, tho order being introduced by Borough President Color. Ten to one hundred dollars' fines, or imprisonment for ten days, or both, are the penalties provided for a violation of the rule. The Color resolution rescinded the ordinance of October 17, 1905, passed through the efforts of Aiderman Sullivan. The new law reads;—"No person shall put, paste, print, nail, maintain or display upon any billboard, fence, building, frame or structure and in any manner expose to public view as an advertisement of any show, play or performance any Indecent print or any picture or cut tending to represent the doing of any criminal act . . . tending to deprave the morals of individual© or shocking to the sense of decency t or tending to incite the mind to acts or immorality or crime, or to familiarise and accustom the mind© of young persons with the same."

Mr Prod Bluett is scoring big at tho Melbourne Opera House with a song entitled "Bachelors/'

The Charles Holloway Dramatic Company last Saturday evening Commenced a four weeks season at the Sydney Criterion, under the management of Mr fckiwin Geach, when Miss Jennie Lee's version of "Bleak House/' was produced, with new scenery and costumes of tho period, and with Miss Betric© Holloway in the all-important character of "Jo/' Mr Holloway will direct tho stage, and the cast include. Inspector Buckett, Mr Jno. .tiesford; Mr Tuikinghorn, Mr .Robert Inman; Sir Leicester Dedlock, Bart.. Mr Godfrey Cass; Suagsby, Mr Jefferson Tat©; Chatband, Mr J. P. O'Neil; Lady Dedlock, Miss Rosa Conroy; and Hortens©, Miss Ethel Appleton. Sid Doody and Addio Wright were appearing at the Paragon Music Hall, London, on the Bth June.

Miss Tittell Bruno is said to give a remarkably line portrayal of tho character of Leah in the drama "Leah Kleschna."

Mr Wiliam Collier and the artists he brought with him from America enjoyed a great send-off at Her. Majesty's Theatre, Sydney, on Friday evening the 3rd inst., when they made their farewell axipearance prior to their departure for Vancouver and San Francisco by the Miowera on Monday 6th. A special programme was arranged for the. occasion, and the crowded house thus saw the hilarious second act of "On the Quiet," as well as tho whole of "The Dictator." Mr Collier's finished method and the telling quality of hie humour always employee! with unstrained art, again delighted Sydney playgoers, and reminded them of the loss involved by tho departure of an actor so distinguished. At the end of the evening there was a scene of enthusiasm. The curtain was raised several times upon the entire company, and half a dozen times upon the star alone, who was presented with flowers and various more or less absurd toys. Finally, as the applause continued, Mr Collier remarked; "I really don't want to attempt a speech X never could make one—and you’ll know it in a moment! (Laughter.) As you are aware, we passed through earthquake, fire, and water in the great disaster in San Francisco, where we arrived just in time to lose all we had; and then, after all that, we had to pass through Melbourne to get to Sydney, which was almost as bad! (Laughter) Joking apart, I consider my engagement in this city one of the pleasantest of my life, and taking leave of you all I assure you I carry away tho happiest recollections. (Loud cheers.)

The Sivronis were touring the Barrasford Circuit when the lost mail left London. -

Benjamin Howard, an actor, committed suicide in Riverside park. New York, on the 18th June. Beside the body, was a vial containing poison. Six years ago, while touring in the west, he became infatuated with a Boston girl, who later married a resident of Milwaukee. Howard, it is said, then attempted to shoot himself in Denver, but a friend prevented him.

Amongst the plays to be produced by Miss Tittell Bran© and Mr J. C. Williamson's Dramatic Company during the forthcoming New Zealand tour will be the successful piece entitled "Merely Mary Ann." It has beep. a wonderful money-maker where ever- produced and the company is seen to great advantage in it. In speaking of the first performance at the Theatre Royal, Perth, the "Morning Herald" says":—lsrael Zang- , will is about the cleverest man at present catering for the British public in literary wares, and in his dramatisation of a novel of his own under the name of "Merely Mary Ann" he has done something equal in finished workmanship to anything written by the author of "Lady Windermere's Pan" and "An Ideal Husband/'' The curtain of the second act was strongly suggestive of that brilliant writer, and rather more consonant with nature and real life than was usually the case with him. It is the story of a humble, neglected maid of all work in a London lodging, who gradully came to feel an engrossing but almost passionless affection for one of the lodgera, an impecunious composer' who refused to pander to the miserable taste of the age. There is nothing sensational about it, from beginning to .end. Except that Mary Ann Inherits half a million from a dead brother, who had gone to America before she was born, the incidents are the ordinary work-a-day world, in which much is to be endured and little enjoyed; but out of this humble material the skill of the author has reared a structure full of artistic charm and impressive effect. Every sentence is strictly relevant to the scheme in hand, and advances the action of the piece a step or two; and behind the surface appearance and purely objective aspect of it all there is a symbolical significance of deep meaning and a genuine criticism of life. This may in cold print appear an over-refine-ment-not very suitable to dramatic effect, but we are much mistaken if anyone in the large audience which filled the Theatre Royal last night found any want of truth and passion in the course of the poor menial's pathetic story, or was unpleasantly conscious of any aggressive technique. The humour of the play is ZangwilTs at his beet, and is that best description of all humour—the humour that is scarcely separated from tears. In "Lady Windermere's Fan" there is a dazzling wit. just as there is in tfye comedies of Congreve and Sheridan, but very little of that different and higher quality called humour. Such productions are like fireworks; they have in them- a superanbundanc© of light, but no warmth, ZangwilTs comedy has enough wit and to spare, but there is humour, too, and or a sort which is

Tom Wootwoll and the Warsaw Brothers were in the bill at the Empire Par lace Edinburgh, on the 16th June.

not very common nowadays. Miss Brune herself is at her best in Mary Ann, the louginghouse "slavey." Except, perhaps, the final incident in the last act, when tho wealthy heiress resumes for a moment her drudge's garb before accepting her old admirer, tho whole thing rings true. The trusting simplicity and guilelaid purity of the girl are brought out with admirable delicacy; and her doglike affection for the not very gracious Lancelot is made to appear very tender and pathetic. There is no banality hero, but a true, honest, nature of plain homespun. In the last act Mary Ann is changed into Marion, the courted heiress, and Miss Bruno makes it appear somehow that that refined lady was just what the poor menial under such influence would in the course of the six years that had elapsed have become. Miss Susie Vaughan appeared in the original London production of the piece as Mrs Leadbattcr, the worried, querulous, but hoc ill-natured lodginghouse-keeper, and last night in the same part she eclipsed all her previous efforts in Australia—which is saying a good deal, for she is a genuine artist. Mr Kingston as Lancelot, the aspiring musical genius, is a great improvement on the actor who played the part in the eastern States, and gives a thoroughly sound performance. Mr John Beauchamp as tho amiable Peter, who manages to combine musical composition witfi steady devotion to the tea trade, confirmed the good impression he made on his fust appearance in Australia, which was in "Leah Kleschna" and Mr Atholwood presented iu that sanctimonious humbug, the Rev Mr Smedge, another of those finished studies with which he has enriched the Australian stage. Miss Marshall hit off the character of Rosie Leadbattcr to tho life, and Mr Sweeney made • no mistake as the motor maniac. Lord Tottenham. Smaller parts were well filled by Messrs Dudley and Lloyd and Mesdames Pettitt, Calvin, Fergusson, Stevenson, and others.

Mr Allen Hinckley, who enjoys the distinction of being the only English-speak-ing vocalist engaged tor the Bayreuth Festival during J uiy was bom in Boston in 1877. and is the only son of the pastor of the Spring Garden Unitarian Church of Philadelphia. He studied in New York under Mr Oscar Sanger, and in 1903 started in Germany on his career as an artist in grand opera. Mr Hinckley has appeared in various Wagnerian roles at Covent Garden this season.with groat success.

Professor Antonio and his Dog and Monkey Circus are - undoubtedly the "drawing card" in the programme presented to patrons at the Theatre Royal during the current week. The marvellous display of intelligence by the animals in the many feats they accomplish is astonishing.

Nellie Melba was born at Melbourne Australia, where her 'father, Mr David Mitchell, a Scotsman by birth, has long resided. Her mother, gifted herself with a highly artistic temperament, soon discovered" the daughter's musical abilities, and gave her her iTrst lessons. When but six years of age little Nelli© sang "Cornin' Thro' the Rye" at a charity concert, and accompanied herself on the piano; but, iu spite of that great success, her mother would not let her sing again for fear of straining her voice, She learned the organ, piano, and violin, and showed equally great taste for painting. She was barely sixteen when she lost her mother, and shortly after she married an ‘English gentleman, Mr Charles Armstrong, son of Sir Andrew Armstrong, baronet. A eon was born of this union, and soon after this the young wife returned to her father's house, and sang iu several concerts.—From "Marchesi and Music" (Harper and Brothers), by Machilde Marches!, the famous singing-teacher, under whom Melba studied for some years.

Distinctly amusing is the verdict that may be unhesitatingly pronounced on M. Victorien Sardou's new three-act comedy, presented by Mme. Rejane at the New Royalty, London, on Thursday night, the 28th June. "La Piste" is (says the "Morning Leader") essentially Gallie in theme, just as essentially Sardouian—if the adjective may be permitted—in treatment. Florence Rebiilon, now the wife of Casimir Rebiilon, was previously the wife of Philippe Jobeliu. On the Rebillons’ return from their honeymoon a communication, of a passionately amorous character, addressed to Florence, is found iu a drawer. It is undated, and really dates back to her first marriage. But how to satisfy her husband of this? I’here is only one way. Husband No.l must corroborate her version. So she calls on her ex-husband, who, lie is helping to cloak a deception of husband No. 2, willingly agrees to back up ©\erything his cx-wife has said. And oven when she names his nephew Oscar as the partner of her guilt he, quite unsuspicious that she is telling the truth, induces his nephew, who has naturaly denied it, to admit the soft impeachment. The mad, wild imbroglio that . ensues, worked out with all Sardou's ingenuity and stagecraft, as is the denouement, is deliciously funny, but need not be described m detail. Sumce it that for three acts of cleverly contrived and sustained fun, and not really such very naughty fuu after all. "La Piste" is comedy—or should- it be farce?—worth seeing. And it was acted in the touch and go fashion it imperiously demanded. Very arch was Mme. Reiane, who, it is almost superfious to add, played Florence with her little shrugs and jerky exclamations. And altogether delightful is the scene when she calls upon her husband No. 1, cleverly impersonated by M. Arvel, as was husband No. 2 by M. Rozenberg, an actor with an easy, unforced style; while all the smaller parts were in more than capable hands.

Morris and Wilson, the clever acrobats round here with Anderson’s pantomime, are now appearing at the Melbounrne Gaiey,'

Harvey and Monte have been keeping the large audiences at the Theatre Royal during the week in a simmer of merriment with their laughable sketch of mistaken identity.

Mr Thomas Kingston is said to have great opportunities to display his ability in the drama "Leah K.ieschna/' Mr Fred Rose-year's singing of that popular ballad, "I Trust You Still," is a first fato item in the programme presented to patrons-at the-Theatre'Royal.

The part which Mr Julius Knight is to play in the coming Shakespearian season at Her Majesty’s Theatre, London, is that of King of Bohemia, Polixenes, in "The Winter's Tale." Mr Knight has been engaged for this production by Mr Boerbohm Tree. The occasion will bo particularly eventful by reason of. -the presence of His? Ellen Terry in tfi© cast. "The Winter's Tale" will not be ■produced until October, and meanwhile Mr Tree will tour tho provinces next month, visiting Blackpool, Newcastle, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dublin. Manchester, Liverpool, and Birmingham, where he will finish in October.

Mr Frank Yorke continues a big favourite at the Melbourne Gaiety.

Some realistic views are being displayed at the Theatre Royal this week by the aid of the Warwick. Bioscope. "Kiss in the Tunnel," "Raid on the Canteen," ''New Zealand v. Glamorgan/' the latter picture especially is,watched with manifest interest, and several members of the "All Blacks" combination can be .jeaeily recognised as they march on to the field of play. #* ’ a * * *

The Two Starrs contribute a very pleasing serio item, and dance to the* programme at the Theatre Royal- "I've Saved my Money" is nightly redemanded by the large audiences at this popular theatre.

Miss Ada Peeve is an enormous success at the New Empire Palace Theatre, Johannesburg. On the opening night she sang the National Anthem,- and then had to give seven songs before they would let her off the stage. '■

One by one. all Mr George Bernard Shaw’s plays, a few years ago despised as “unactable,” are being produced. The latest which is to staged -is "Caesar .and Cleopatra," an exquisite satire, in which Caesar has an offensively "respectable" British secretary, who is eternally reminding him of the dignity of his position, with reference to how these things would be regarded in Londinium. This is to be the play in which Forbes Robertson and Gertrude Elliot open in their first American season.

Mr Will Hollow (who is now in his last nights on the programme) has been receiving well merited applause nightly at the Theatre Royal - for his excellent humorous-" contributions.

f Mr Ward Lear has firmly established himself as a favourite with patrons of the Theatre Royal. His fresh budget of comic songs this week earn for him. applause from all * present.

That sterling actor Mr James B. Atholwood, is said to have a first-class port iu "Leah Kleschna." \

Tho Musical Gardners are the:headlines at the Christchurch Opera House this week. . -

Mr Walter Rivers is acting as stage manager of Mr J. O. Bain's Launceston Theatre.

Messrs J. and C. Macmahon have secured some new and particularly strong plays, and have selected a powerful company for their new tour in New Zealand which opens in Auckland at His Majesty's Theatre in Sentember. *

Mr Hamilton Rill, was appearing at tho New Empire Palace, Shepherd’s Bush, on the 16th June.

Mr William Anderson’s No 1. Dramatic Company are at present playing the drama "Honour Thy Father" at' the Melbourne Koyal.

* . ** i ' * The Heller-Mahatma Company are arranging to commence,a tour of New Zealand shortly. ,

Mies Stella Vernea has snug herself into favour with patrons at the Theatre Royal. Her 'singing of "When: My Sweetheart" is an excellent item, and well merits the applause it receives. ; •, • •

Vesta Tilley earned over .£3OO a week during her recent engagement to Williams, New York. She got- .££ per minute for all the time she spent on the stage, outside of cailg and the moments spent in bowing. A man used to time her with a stop watch.

The Methodist Publishing House, Loudon, offers prizes of the value of five guineas, three guineas, and two guineas for the best sacred songs suitable for: (1) Pleasant Sunday afternoons; (2) brotherhood meetings; (3) sacred concerts, etc.; also three prizes of the same value for three anthems suitable for church choirs. There is no entrance fee. ■

W. P. Hawtrey has been appearing on the vaudeville stage in New York, in a playlet entitled "The Hansom Cab." Leroy, Talma and Bosco, the clever illusionists, seen here last year, are about to tour in a melodrama in England, introducing all their business.

Australians are evidently not the only people who have to battle with national prejudice in South Africa. The James Nelson American Opera Company, of 40 members which left New York a few months back for a South African tour found itself without audiences in Johannesburg, owing, it is alleged, to the prejudice against Americans, The Company, which was producing "The Prince of Pileen,” had to shut down afte.r seven weeks, and only 10 contrived to save sufficient money to return to New York. The loss on the venture was .£B,OOO, the greatest part of which was subscribed by the actors themselves.

Twenty thousand people attended the re-opening of the chutes at San Francisco.

Those who are in a position to judge ■viewed with, doubt the success of a oneman" entertainment in a theatre the size of the Melbourne Princess'—in a sotting the size of that in this theatre. The results, says "Punch," fairly astonished everyone, . even ■ the management, 'tis said. The house in evidence was a record one, it is understood, for an entertainment of the class of that given by Mr Knowles in this city, and the outcome a triumph. The Knowles personality held his hearers enchained. W. J. Lincoln, manager for Mr Knowlee, is to be congratulated on the way h© handled his star, and the work he accomplished in but a brief time. No email share jn the success achieved was due to him.

concert artist has been able to do in this country, at any rate. Messrs J. and A'. Tait, are directing the tour.

“THUNDERBOLT THE ROMANTIC ROBBER IN RANDOM: RHYME. A pretty bush station; a maid in elation her loro of fierce “Thunderbolt” owns. Jack, son of the squatter, MissFortuno has got her; “Forged cheque was dishonoured” he moans. He swears he will “cobber” with Morgan the robber and etick-up the mails straightaway; such scandal romantic will make papa frantic, but he, ’mid grim dangers, will “pot” sordid strangers, who loathe all bush-rangers, and hato like the devil to pay.

Mies Irene Franklin was appearing at the Majestic Theatre, Chicago, on the 19th June.

Tasmania is to be included in tho Australasian tour of "Tho Squaw Man" Comjianr.

The squatter’s sweet daughter, the villain has sought her, and vows he will make her his wife; or, if she won’t marry her brother shall tarry in servitude penal for life! But, loving another, her hate she can’t smother, and plots for her brother’s release. Great "Thunderbolt” hurry the scoundrel to worry, ms scheming mind flurry, and then away scurry before ho can fetch the polio© I

Tho instrumental items of Monaghan and Sheehan are highly appreciated by Theatre Royal patrons. During the week this great musical double have charmed patrons of this popular house of amusement with their classical selections on the. comet, piccolo, piano, banjo, post horn, etc.

Athas and Collins, Miss Kitty Wager, Miss Cora Casselli and Fred Poplar were all appearing at the Empire Theatre, Bradford, on the 13th Juno. THE KEITH COMBINE. A CAPITAL OF NEARLY TWO AND A HALF MILLIONS. The merger of the two controlling factions of vaudeville amusements in America, which was effected when Mr B. F, Keith and F. F. Proctor-combined their interests.. has been strengthened by Mr S. Z. Poll entering the combination with his ten theatres. The combined interests of this combination will be close to .£2,500,000. The B. F. Keith booking offices in New York City will now book for the entire combination of theatres, and will control the vaudeville attractions in the following cities; —Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Providence, Pawtucket, Columbus, 0., Toledo, 0., Jersey City, Pittsburg, Washington, Baltimore, Buffalo, Rochester, Detriot, Paterson; Hoboken. Toronto, Can., Portland, Me., Worcester, Fall River, Lawrence, Lowell, New Haven, Hartford, Springfield, Mass., Bridgeport, Conn., Waterbury, Scranton, Wilkesbarre, Utica, Reading, Syracuse, Altoona, Allentown, Bingnamton. Schenectady, in addition to the four Proctor Theatres in New York City, 23rd Street, sth Avenue, 58th Street, IBoth Street, and the . Proctor Theatres in Newark, Albany, and Troy. It should be understood that this new combination with the affiliation of Kohl and Castle,.Middleton and Tate, and Mr Mayerfield, Jr., wil\ control tho following theatres west of Cleveland: —ln Chicago, The Majestic. Chicago Opera House, Olympic Theatre, Haymarket Theatre,' the Columbia Theatres in St. Louie, and Cincinnati, the Hopkin's Theatre in Louisville and Memphis, the Grand Opera House in Indian©polis, and the nine Orphetim Theatres, situated in Salt Lako City, St. Paul, Denver, Kansas City, Omaha, New Orleans, Minneapolis, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Tfc will b© seen by the above that the Keith booking offices, in affiliation with the Western Vaudeville Managers' Association, will practically control all of the good theatres in the larger cities of the United States, extending from the Pacific to the Atlantic coast, and «from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. An act may now receive contracts for. two year©* work without a repeat, and the routine of the act will be such that the performer can go from town to town without doubling back on his tracks, and will be able to save a good deal of money in railroad fares, and will be guaranteed work for two years advance. He can now bo booked from the Atlantic to tho Pacific and return, covering every important city in the United States. MDLLB. ANTONIA DOLORES. Private cablegrams received in Wellington last Monday announce the fact that Mdlle. Antonia Dolores has commenced her Australasian tour at tho Sydney Town Hall in a most auspicious manner. Money has had to be turned away at each concert.

The skein now entangles in lonely hush angles, whose shadows the mailoeach must pass. Gin, smoking ’bacoa (ugh!) kisses a Jackeroo, whilst “Thunderbolt” empties his glass. There’s varied love-making in ways that are taking and thrilling melees in a pub. “Bai Jove, a beastly bore,” Jackeroo makes ’em roarp cop asks for kisses more; “cops out” right swift and sore; make way there for the Law; for the gore of the piaguey outlaw ; they want to stint Thunderbolt’s grubl

The forger would take a huge tot of Jamaica, so cannot brave “Thunderbolt” help the villain to - capture and then seize with: rapture the not© that was forged by the whelp. The heroine reaches her hand for the breeches and,: to the .-spectators’ great joy, discards all her dresses, and snick? off her tresses, a gee-gee caresses and with a gun messes, whilst nobody guesses, though plump she no loss is, the gal in disguise ain’t a bcyl The girl now works under the “holt of the thunder,” and, how. to bail coaches up learns in leas than an hour, (while thunder-storms lower), and straight for the . villain’s gore , yearns. Boss Morgan the Cruel, drops dead in a duel, for “Thunderbolt” robs “on his own,”' and hates that another should fleece a man’s brother or any bloke smother in this way- or t’other, or make ’em “part up” with a groan. Drawn by bay horses prime the stage coach comes to time and tho“hoygirl” and “Thunderbolt” cry: “Bail up I all you muffers, policemen and duffers, who won’t hold his hands up shall die I” The villain, a banker, who for love did hanker, Is robbed of the note Jack did forge; then with stomach hollow compelled is ho swallow, that morsel so droll-o, whilst menaces follow, that raise to distraction his gorge.

Since MdUe. Dolores left Australia for America and the Continent of Europe four years ago, she has appeared in all the leading centres of the world. She has captivated London audiences, who now simply rush to the concerts where this artist is announced to appear. Scotland, Ireland, Berlin and Paris all accord to Mdlle. Delores great welcome whenever she visits these places. The artietio powers that this singer' possesses are marvellous, and she has been described by some of the leading critics of l i continent as an artist to her finger tips. She has a voice that can meet the range of any music, no matter how exacting it may be, and it is a voice that has that beautiful liquid tome that makes her singing delicious. The cultured styled the charming personality that MdUe. Dolores possesses mates her undoubtedly one of the most accomplished singers at present on the concert platform. Her real domain lies in her power of singing the old English and Italian, and french and German modern songs. In these particular songs, Dolores may be' regarded as being unexcelled by any artist. She is a most versatile artist, *-and can maintain the attention and interest of an audience for a period of not leas than two hours at any one concert. It will be remembered by all those who heard her durinc her last visit to this continent that with only tho aid - of a pianist, she used to appear before the public and go through a whole programme by herself and create enthusiasm by her brilliant singing and artistic powers that no other

A sergeant in .raptures tho “boy” bandit captures, as up dash a blind of police, but soon in a haze is when, after queer mazes, a girl finds the path of release. ' Brave “Thunderbolt,"” meanwhile, proves he is not senile, but, galloping madly, in-strife he first fires at his roes, in a heroic pose, although sweaty his hose, and much cramped up his toes, as swift onward ho goes; then, as all tho world knows, and right swift the hlood flows, a hiatus there grows, where a shadow dark throws; at the leap tho horse rose, to the horror that froze, all the marrow of those; who came pelting after his life

With infamy fitted the villain, outwitted, loaves freely the maid to her, choice; the Squatter, a hard-’un, gives Jack a free pardou, which makes that young forger rejoice. Come, cheer the bush-ranger for scorning all danger, who will not hurrah is a churl I For with oorybantio gesturings romantic, that ladies make frantic, ho outs his hist antic, and gaily rides off to his “gurl.” ■ ■ —H.D.M. Wellington, August T4th.