MADAME MELBA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19978, 21 December 1926, Page 9

MADAME MELBA

REHEARSES FOR TWO HOURS. LONDON December 7. Dame Nellie Melba, without showing a trace of weariness rehearsed for two hours at the “Old Vic.” preparatory to her concert to-morrow night. She concentrated with her Australian colleagues in “Mimi’s” death scene. The diva looked almost youthful, wearing e red cloth out-door coat, with a silver grey fur collar and a fashionable little hat. The chilliness compelled the actors to retain their overcoats. Dame Nellie, reclining on a comfortless bed, cried, “Tempo! Tempo!” to the orchestra. She suddenly stopped in the. middle of a _ poignant passage and exclaimed : “This mattress is full ' bumps arid holes. Get another!” She then got up and dashed to her limousine to keep an appointment, thereby disappointing the spectators, v-'io were expecting to enjoy the emotional climax of “Mimi’s” death. Instead, they had to be satisfied with seeing the despairing lover, Rudolpho embracing only pillows. Dame Nellie is i>aying the expenses of all the principals and the fermented orchestra.