Page 13 Advertisements Column 2

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 6089, 22 December 1906, Page 13

There is said to be a considerable fortune invested in the first two pieces to be presented by Mr J. C. Williamson’s Royal Comic Opera Company, viz., “The Orchid” and "The Cingalee." In London, for instance, Mr George Edwardcs had to expend .£15,000 before he ,could raise his curtain on* the first niglit .of "The Orchid.” In Australia, despite the fact that the production was mounted, scientifically equipped and costumed almost entirely in his own theatres and elaborate workshops—a process unknown in and America, where the contract system prevails—and the assistance of his wonderfully organised and experienced staffs, Mr J. C. Williamson has in Australia been compelledto spend almost a like amount in presenting this production alone, so that an expenditure of nearly .£40,000 has been made and hazarded in the pieces selected for the New Zealand repertoire. We read this announcement in an American musical journal with raised eyebrows:—"An Australian syndicate is endeavouring to secure Rosenthal for a tour in the Antipodes, following his American engagements this winter, and has offered him the largest sum ever guaranteed a pianist—lsoo dollars per concert for fiftyconcerts, or 75,000 dollars in all. That is SO.dollars more than Rubenstein received for his famous American concerts, and 25,000 dollars more than Liszt was offered by tho late Henry E. Abbey many years ago for fifty recitals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Rosenthal has not yet accepted the flattering offer, but will probably do so shortly. In that event he would set sail for Australia in the late spring, after his final recital in San Francisco. ’ The stay of Mr J. C. Williamson’s Royal Comic Opera Company in Wellington is absolutely limited to 20 nights. During the season tho following plays wall be presented:—"The Orchid" (first time here), "Tho Cingalee" (first time here), “La Mascotte.’’ "A Country Girl ” and "Tho Bello of New York.”