PLAYS AND PLAYERS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7110, 23 April 1910, Page 8

PLAYS AND PLAYERS.

BOOKINGS AND PENCILLINGS. OPERA HOUSE. Ai.ril 19 to April 27.—Clarke and. Meynell. April 28 to Mai- 13.—Marlow Dramatic Company. May 19 to .Tunc 3.—.1. C. Williamson. •June 4 to Juno 13.—Allan Hamilton. Juno 20 to July 2.—Vacant. July 4 to July 23. Clarke ami Meynell. July 23 to July 30. Vacant. August 1 to Aiicust 1.3.- Hugh Ward. August 15 to August il—Vacant, sept. 1 to Kept. 14.-J. C. V. iilmmson. Kept. 13 to Oct. 6.—Vacant. Oct. 7to Oct. 26.—J. C. Williamson. Oct 27 to November s.—Allan Hamilton. Nov. 7 to Nov. 11.—Vacant. , „ „ . Nov. 12 to November 24.—Fred H. Graham. Nov. 23 to Dec. 23.—Vacant. December 24. six weeks’ season—J. O. 'Williamson. THEATRE EOYAU Vaudeville (permanent). HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. Pictures (permanent). KINO'S THEATRE. Pictures (permanent). NOTES. [IJr ” Loecnette.”! U'eednn Grossmith’a farcical comedy, "The \i"ht of Hie Parly,’ which Mr George Willoughby's New English Company is producing at the Opera Hp-use. takes us back to the drolleries ot Betsy,” “High Life Below Stairs,” and "Vourtccn Days,” except that in 'The Night of the Party” there is more compression. more dramatic tabloids, and more “full speed ahead" movements. MiGrossmith has recognised that in these times of lightning lunches, flying men, ami racing liners, the farcical btago must reflect the gospel ot hurry arid cram an ox into, a teacup, a lifetime into a year, and pack halt a dozen farces into concentrated lozenge form, to be bolted in a couple of hours without sloping to take breath. The happenings in “The Night of the Party” do not count for much, it is the way they are put that counts. All who enjoy a good laugh ought to make a point of visiting the Opera House during the season of 'The Night of the Party.”

This week’s programme at the King’s Theatre is in every way first-class. All of the pictures shown are received with most enthusiastic applause. The music and effects are also up-to-date.

The Sydney pre*3 have been, enthusiastic in their praise of the realistic '‘fight with knives'* that nightly takes place in "Women and Wine" between two of the leading ladies of the Hamiltou-Maxwell Company. According to tho "Referee" “the fight -with knives in ‘Women arjd Wine’ between Miss Jennie Pollock and Miss Vera Romeo is nightly a realistic encounter at the Palace, and with such earnestness do both ladies go into their work that each has received mementos Vf the duel. Miss Pollock received a nasty scar in the face a few nights ago. Mi*s Remee is also suffering from a damaged arm."

“The Third Degree," which . received its premiere at Adelaide by the KnightGrey Company is the second of a cycle of sociological dramas which Charles Klein has planned in comment on conditions of present day civilisation in the United States. In/ "The Lion and the Mouse" he dwelt upon' the dangers of the hunger for money and the power it brings which the millionaires of Wall street are obsessed with at present. "The Third Degree" deals with the methods of police administration in New York, whereby an unfortunate suspect is harried with cross-questioning for liours without cessation, the police officers relieving one another at the task until tho worn-out prisoner confesses, sometimes ‘ in genuine physical weakness, to a crime. It lias happened that under the stress of this modem inquisition people have acknowledged crimes which they have never committed. "The Next of Kin" is the third and latest of these dramas in which Mr Klein exposes the practice of committing persons to a lunatic asylum on the mere word of a medical officer who may be bribed.

"That Woman Prom France," which is to be presented shortly at the Opera House by the George Marlow Dramatic Company, is said to depict tho life of a woman of that gay country entangling members of her own burglarising gang and also a young English squire whom she wishes to marry for his money. There is magnificent - scenery in this piece, the set depicting tho preparation for a carnival at Bcllagio being, it is said, very beautiful. "The Wedding Ring/' in which there is a sensational and realistic railway smash, is another of tho dramatic attractions for tho season.

The management of Fullers' Pictures, at His Majesty’s Theatre, can never be accused of being behind the times. Each weekly programme is brimful of the very latest that cam. bo secured in tho English, American, and Continental markets. The pictures shown this week comprise a set that satisfies the most fastidious.

Mr Duncan Noven, manager of the George Marlow Company, - is another pressman who has gone over to the theatrical ranks. All the Australian managers have secured pressmen, -and Mr Marlow, after some negotiation, secured Mr Neven. Tho latest recruit .is still a very young man.' probably the' 1 youngest manager Australia has seen, and he has apparently been very successful through life. Ho left the Auckland "Herald" a few years ago to act as dramatic critic for the “Times" and "Referee" in Sydney, and Mr Marlow persuaded him to leave this position and go with him. Mr ■ Neven was a few years ago a well-known figure in Dominion swimming circles, and was hundred yards champion ' of Wellington. In this year’s “Stage An-? nual" (London) Mr Neven has a highly interesting article oh the Australian stage, and he has not forgotten the claims of New Zealanders in authorship.

Macmahou’s and Carroll’s picture drama, "For the Term of His Natural Life," is being presented throughout the Dominion under the direction of Mr William Anderson. The recent "Wellington season was in every way a success. The Christchurch season open on the 21st for nine nights, whilst His Majesty’s Theatre, Auckland, has been secured for a nine nights' season, commencing on May 7th.

Mr George Marlow's Dramatic Company will inaugurate a season at the Opera House on Thursday evening with the melodrama, "Married to the Wrong Man.” The piece is said to be decidedly "good stuff" of its kind, the plot being cleverly conceived. “.Married to the Wrong Man” covers the Story of a much persecuted orphan girl named Ruth, whoso putative father, Jasper Skinner, marries her against her will to Herbert Dcering, a spendthrift army officer, who, funking active service, deserts hie regiment on the eve of its departure for the seat of war. and who, on discovering that Ruth's fortune is a purely imaginary one, sells her to Jack Gladwin, a private soldier in another regiment, with whom Rose O’Connor. Ruth's friend, is in love. Dcering leaves the country in disgrace and is reported to bo dead. and. later. Jack Gladwin, who has attained- his captaincy and come into possession of a fortune, marries "Ruth, and is having supper at his chambers with her ami his friends on his second bridal night, when Deering. the first husband, appears and claims bis wife again, but offers to be bought off. The shock

'Viuses Ruth to lose her powers of speech, ami Dcering brutally declares tl'.at she has known of his evidence all along and has corresponded with ami Veen a wife to him. Ruth is conveyed to the hospital and is under treatment Here, when she is abducted by Dcering w.d Skinner, who hold her a prisoner in the lope of securing ransom. Tied to a Vt-dste/id in Mother”Snagg’s garret, die .-.verhears a plot to kill Captain Gladwin, and i*. enabled to give timely waring to Sergeant Manners, uim hasten* to .33, South street, to which Gladwin has loan lured. There he recognises Dcering as the betrayer of his wife, and is murdered by Dcering and Skinner in company. Ruth, having effected her escape, arrives on the scene and witiies-es the murder. In her despair she falls prostrate over Manners's body, and when tlie (''lire arrive on Hie scene is arrested in su muicn of committing the murder, fhe las to stand her trial, and Gladwin wl-o prior to joining the army, had been a barrister, undertakes her defence. In dnmh show, after the evidence has been gi\en against her, she describes how and by whom Hie murder was committed, roiiitmg to Jasper Skinner and tfrrtiert fleering, who arc in court, as the criminals, anti imitating their manner and actions, even to the limp that is tho distinguishing characteristic of Skinner’s motions. Conscience stricken. Skinner err.fosses his share in Hie crime and incriminates Hearing; the pair are arrested, and in the supreme relief that comes to her at this unexpected proof of her innocence. Ruth regains he-r powers of speech, and the curtain falls on ’a scene of intense dramatic interest.'

Herr Rnimnnd Pccliolseli. the musical director of tho English Farcical Company, "The' Night of the Party,” now visiting Wellington, is a distinguished musician and composer, and. has tilled many important positions in London. He was Professor of Violin at the London Academy of Music, Guildhall School of Music. London College of Music, and Pr.e'essor to the Marchioness of Bute’s family: also musical director at the Lyceum Theatre, London, for two years, which comprised thirty-six performers, mostly members of Woods’s famous Queen’s Hall Orchestra. Ho came to Australia last year under contract, to Sir Rupert Clarke and Clyde Meynell. His compositions for violin and piano are well known in Australia and Europe. He is a solo violinist, and has appeared with tho best artists in London, his last appearance being at tho Queen’s Hall with such artists as Madame Ella Russelll, Madame De Lussan, Ben Davis, Alice Gomez, and Sir Charles Santley. On that occasion he played the Paganini Violin Concerto with full orchestra. While musical director at the Lyceum Theatre, London, he composed the incidental music of the following plays:— "The Christian.” by Hall "Caine (the overture is dedicated to the author), "Her Love Against the World,’’ "Midnight Wedding.” "Prince and Beggar Maid." “Pete.” and L. N. Parker’s new version of "The Manxman." which will be produced in Sydney on May 21st. Mr Matheson Lang and his wife, and, Hugh Britton, who were in the Lyceum production, are now on their way to Australia under engagement to Messrs Clarke and Meynell to appear in “Pete.” Herr Pechotsch’.s latest composition, the "Kia Ora” intermezzo, which is dedicated to the Governor-General, the Earl of Dudley, is j ust to hand, Herr Pechotsch was presented with a baton from the famous composer and conductor, Edward German, in appreciation of his conducting his (German’s) music to "Borneo and Juliet" (Shakespeare). The members of the Lyceum orchestra presented him also with one before leaving for Australia. Herr Pcchotsch had the honour of appearing before Royally in London. Our visitor will be remembered by lovers of good music who heard him play some years ago when touring' New Zealand with the Kowalski Concert Company, which included also Madame Van der Veer Greene. Bertha Rossow, and W. 11. Poole, the English basso. STAGE- GOSSIP. "Married to the AVnong Man" ran for ten performances in Auckland. The Nellie Stewart Company has "When Knighthood was in Flower" in active rehearsal.

Mr George Marlow was once a super with Georgq Rignold. Now he is a prosperous theatrical manager. "Sins of Society,” the great Drury Lano drama, has been secured by Mr William Anderson from Mr Bland Holt. Mjss Booth, of the George Marlow Dramatic Company, is making her first tour of the Dominion. She is said to be pro possessing and talented.

’Tis said the J. C. Williamson Grand Opera Company during its tour of the Dominion will travel 128 people, including an orchestra of 38.

The latest recruit to the chorus of "The Dollar Princess,” at Her Maj esty’s Melbourne, is Miss Violet Scott, sister of tho popular Ivy Scott. Just a hint to a, few: performers on tho vaudeville and legitimate stage: "It is better to become a good cferfc or typist than a poor actor.” Henry Arthur Jones, in a recent address at the O.P. Club, summed up the British stage to-day .as “lege and tomfoolery." A bit caustic, eh! The latest to join the vaudeville stage is Mme. Ella Russell, the famous operatic prima donna, who has been appearing at' the London Coliseum. ' They say in London that so many actresses are becoming peeresses that the aristocracy of good Old England will soon bo known as the actressocracy. Mr Charles M. Berkeley, who will pilot the J. C. Williamson Grand Opera Company through the Dominion will arrive in Wellington on Wednesday, 1 May 4th. For its return season in Melbourne Mr George Willoughby’s Comedy Company will stage “Mr Preedy' and the Countess,” and possibly “What Happened to Jones.”

Mr Harcourt Beatty first appeared as an amateur in Glasgow in the role of Sam Willoughby in "The Ticket .of Leave Man," with a crock amateur club connected, with the volunteers. ‘ Mr Thomas E. Tilton, stage manager of the George Marlow Dramatic Company. is an Aucklander who has made great strides in. the profession:., He is especially good in character work. Messrs Macmahon and Carroll will shortly return to Wellington with an entirely new and faithful series of pictures depicting every phase of the iicidents in tho career of the , notorious Kelly gang. It is stated that Clarke and Meynell have secured a. long lease of the Melbourne Princess, taking possession at the end of the Hugh J. Ward season. C. and M. will then control two Melbourne theatres—the Royal and Princess. Mr Harold Ashton, one of ,the most energetic and popular managers of the J. C. Wi’liamson firm, sails from Sydney for London this afternoon, by the Gneisenau, on business in connection with the firm. He will he away some nine months.

Mr Matheson Lang and his wife (Miss Hutin Britton) have sailed from London for Australia under engagement to Clarke and Meynell. Mr Lang is a great athletic enthusiast, his preference being golf and hockey. _ He stands over six feet in height and is 'proportionately broad.

All the theatres in Constantinople have been, closed by the police under an order condemning wooden buildings. Gambling houses are the only places of amusement left open in the Turkish capital—and many a drama is played out in these iniquitous dens. A realistic production of a London garret scene is given im “Married.to the Wrong Han/’ the doings of some of the ne'er-do-wells of London being faithfully, reproduced, the author, it is said, having witnessed some of the actual deeds upon which he wrote. It is also stated tlat the play is founded on fact. Maxine Elliott says the Salvation: Army lassie who always holds out a timid tambourine for collection in front

of Maxine. Elliott's Theatre in New York after the play, got more contributions in two weeks of "The Passing of the Third Floor Back" than in any season since the playhouse was opened. “Revenge.” a play new to New Zea land, will be presented during the coming tour of the Hamilton-Maxwell Era matio Company. It is described by Mr Bland Holt as one of .the most effective and strikingly original pieces that he ever staged. It is a costume play, and lends itself to elaborate mounting gener ally.

"Alias Jimmy Valentine,” the successful play which has lately been acquired by Mr J. C. Williamson, is another “thief” story. It opens with the hero in prison and closes with him receiving the freedom of the city. There are seventeen speaking parts in the cast, including tho all-important detective, who follows the hero up through four sensational acts.

Mr George Marlow’s Dramatic Company, which opens a season at the Opera House on the 28th, is comprised of a number of Australian and English ar tists. One of the latter appeared in the English productions, of tho pieces Mr Marlow is going to stage during the season, that astute manager having engaged him specially for the present tour of Australia and New Zealand. The Allan Hamilton-Max Maxwell Dramatic Company have scored quite a sensational suocess at the Palace Theatre, Sydney, the building being packed at every performance. It is generally admitted that the lavish manner in which everything connected with the production of "Woman and Wine” has been done entitles the management to rank as worthy successors to Bland Holt, whose plays tho new management have been fortunate enough to secure. -