THEATRICAL & MUSICAL NOTES By Pasquin.

Otago Witness, Issue 1598, 8 July 1882, Page 24

THEATRICAL & MUSICAL NOTES By Pasquin.

[Contributions from the Prof essim chronicling their movements and doings are respectfully invited.} Interprovincial. f ■ Ben Allah, the great illusionist, has arrived in New Zealand and intends to make another Colonial tour Ondit that Mr Beatty's charge for the Theatre Royal, Christchu.ch, sounds too high for the * drawing ciDacities of the Burdctt-Howe troupe, and that they wiUffo to the Gaiety. Considering the recent improvements that have been made in the previously handsome theatre the proprietor is entitled to a subHowe season at the Queen's closed on Saturday last with a nautical dania, "True to the Core," the scene of which is laid somewhere in Devonshire, about the of the attempted invasion by the Spanish Armada. Martin Truegold a pilot of Plymouth, is-through the agency of Dangerfield, a Jesuit priest, attached to the Spanish cause-taken 2nboarQ P a Spanish vessel with the object of piloting the fleet safely into harbour. Yielding to threats of vengeance upon his wife he at length consents to do lohfs intention, however, apparently being to ehiver the vesSSbers against the , Eddystone Rock. The aeencv of the historical storm defeats this object, but the vessel is driven instead upon another reo of woe, lad Martin, Dangerfield, and a few others alone are saved. On the information of Dangerfield, Martin is an-ested for. tne traitorous act which he was asked, but which he refused, to accomplish. His mouth is closed on accourit of his oath, and as his wife's statement will not be received in evidence, he is condemned to die. ■ Before hisi execution, however, the true state of affairs comes to light Dangerfield is found out in h Bvillany, and is compelled to change paces with the heroic pilot, who is knighted. The piece it will be seen, offers scope for the forcible style of acting affe cttdby Mr Howe, and, as he was fairly well supported, the' concluding performance passed off very tisfactoxily. The World. Messrs Morritt. Pettitt, and Harris' great spectacular drama has now been running at the Princess' Theatre for five nights without any signs of flagging interest on the part of, the, public. There is so much really well worked out sensational " business " in the piece, and the scenic effects display such completeness of preparation that the applause of the audience is secured even 'without the aid of such trivialities as good acting and good dialogue. It is only fair, to state, however, that these latter are not wanting. Mr Bland Holt's Combination Company includes a number of artists, both male and female, whose reputation in the Colonies has long been assured, and whatever the capabilities of the various characters allotted to them, the audience had the satisfaction of knowing that they were ingood hands. After a long succession of badly produced " nigger dramas," and imperfectly mounted varieties in every shape and form, " The World" comes before the public like a gleam of sunshine from the better (theatrical) land at the antipodes. It is all complete' and thoroughly rehearsed even as to the minutire of stage business, and hence p. Meat portion of its.success. The constantly changing Bet scenes and tableaux are each a masterpiece of the Stage carpenter's art, and backed by a really efficient cast raise the enthusiasm' of the audience to a very hiirh pitch indeed. We are a* the opening of the piece introduced to a wharf in all the bustle and excitement attending the departure of a big steamer. The necessary members of the dramatis persona} are here introduced in a manner by no means wearisome but serving rather to whet the, appetite of the spectators and arouse interest in coming events. Tableau number two, at sea, exceUs this in its tragic conclusion : the Yflssel being b*owu to atoms by an infernal machine, and the 1 curtain falling upon an intensely realistic jwd well conceived situation. Then comes the triumph of stage .'mechanism, — the raft scenewith four thirst devoured wretches tossing helplessly upon a sea of windy gauze. This, it .must be admitted, is one of the most " fetching" situations in a by no means monotonous drama. The struggle that occurs over the last drop of water, the self sacrifice of Sir Clement Huntingford, and the final rescue, are all portrayed with irresistible realism ; and the curtain7alla amidst a storm of- the most unaffected approbation. The venue ia thereafter changed to the Westminster aquarium and its questionable delights, icluxurious hotel apartments, to Lincoln s Inn, to a twvsatelunatie asylum, to Palace Chambers, and to a , ancy dress ballroom.' Throughout all these varied scenes the interest of the audience is never allowed to flag 1 , and the changes are rung upon dialogue, which, if it has done duty before, is now served up with most palatable and appropriate dressing. To refer indiTidually to all the performers would be a wearisome and not very profitable task. It -is sufficient to say that all without exception acquitted themselves creditably. To single out the leaders for special comment, Mr Bland Holt, as Moss Jewell, was as unlike the stereotyped stage Jew as it was possible for ; him to be, and by the same token was as like the real article as possible. The make-up was inimitable, and neither by voice, gesture, b'r facial resemblance, were the audience once reminded that Mr Bland Holt in flesh stood before them. It is not difficult, given a certain character, and given Mr H. N. Douglas, to form a tolerably accurate estimate of the result beforehand. Mr Douglas is always firm, is always well studied, and always takes ; but is never divested Of a certain distinctive mannerism ;— who is ? Sir Clement Huntingford, in his hands, received the fullest justice, as the applause of the audience amply testified. In the raft scene, and subsequently at the lunatic asylum, he was especially effective, and fairly brought down the house. Messrs Mortyne, as Harry Huntingford, and Chas. Holloway as Martin Bashf ord (both irreclaimable villains), acted with plenty of vigour ; and Messrs St Lawrence, Coleman, and Kennedy were also thoroughly effective. The ladies were equally well represented. Mißß Jenny Watt Tanner as Mabel Huntingford, the neglected wife, played with a dramatic force that was never overtrained, and dressing as she did very handsomely and well, her impersonation left little to be desired. Miss Lina Edwin as Mary Blythe, gave few loop-holes for adverse criticism, and was exceedingly good in the last act. On the whole theie is no reason 'to aoubt that "The World," with its really marvellous scenic effects and strong cast of characters, will hold the boards for a good half of the • contemplated season. , Australian.

Mr ' Alfred Dampier has made his reappearance at the Theatre Royal, Melbourne, in " The Black Flag," which was then produced for the first time in Australia. The play has nothing whatever to do with pirates or piracy, as might reasonably be supposed from the title, but is a domestic emotional drama in four acts by Messrs Petitt and Conquest. "The Grasshopper" was by last advices at the height of a very 'successful run at the Princesb', Melbourne. Miss Jtnnie Lee is supported in this tby Miss Maggie Knight. Speaking of this latter young lady she baa found herself compelled to write to a Sydney paper denying a rumour that was sent the rounds as to her approaching marriage. Miss Pomeroy took her farewell of the Melbourne public as Lady Teazle, making a neat little speech from the stage in response to a recall Rainor, with his venerable panorama of the American War, has opened at the Academy of Music, Adelaide. "Youth" still retains its popularity at the Royal. Fred Marshall ia to enter upon an engagement to Mr G. B. W. Lewis on the Ist August. Miss Augusta Dargon, supported by Mr Dewhurst, the eminent English actor, is to make her reappearance on the stage of Melbourne in a series of dramas. She has been living in retirement for some months past in New South Wales. G W Ward, a son of Mr George Ward the Dunedin scenic artist, haß recently executed a very clever pen-and-ink sketch in Melbourne. Tne editors table has been chosen as the subject, and the many and varied articles " lying around loose " have been graphically depicted. Jumbled up are various newspapbrs, letters, cards, notes, books, &C &c. The sketch, which shows much ability, has been photographed, and comes out very clearly. As some people entertain grave notions of what an editor's sanctum is like, it may, perhaps, be as well to add that in depicting the scene the artist has allowed some scope for his fancy, and has thrown in a few miscellaneous items lor the sake ol effect. It may be mentioned that Mr Ward, jun., served his apprenticeship on the Otago Witness. American. A new play entitled " Fogg's Ferry," by Mr Calla^ hau, has been produced at tne Park Theatre, new York, and b}da fair to be a financial success. It ia flesenbed as a direst imitation of Bret Raitfe

"Mliss," and is, despite its good reception, neither original in construction nor natural in hujnour and dialogue. The heroine is an untutored child of naturo bred in the wilda of Dakota as the daughter of a ferryman. She is loved by a local party and pursued by a villain ; she saves her lover from being hurled over a cliff by the latter, who by the way is a much weaker roan ; she becomes governess m a judge s ''family, although she scarcely knows more, than her alphabet ; she prevents a robbery and is driven from the house for protecting her supposed father ; she runs'to an old mill and contemplates suicide, but snoots a torpedo and saves a steamboat instead ; she disappears for three years in a convent, and emerges a cultivated young lady, to discover that she is the judge's daughter, having been exchanged in infancy for the child of the ferryman ; she of course marries the local party and the play ends. " Fogg's Ferry," however, has been the medium of introducing Miss Minnie Maddern to the notice of New York theatre goers, and she won the unqualified approval of her audience from the moment she appeared on the stage. One critic says " Miss Maddorn is strikingly gifted in a certain direction and to that and that alone should be confined. Her figure is petite, her face girlish, her voice is sweet and nicely modulated. There is not the slightest suspicion of brass about her ; she has plenty of the assurance born of conscious ability to do the work she has set forth to do ; she is bold without sacrificing modesty. There is a brilliant vista in prospect for Miss Maddern. She is but eighteen years of age ; she is the immediate descendant of a family of actors ; she has made an instantaneous personal auccoss in New York at an unpropitious season for dramatic exploits ; she is under the guidance of two men who will place her before the public in a proper manner.

"Checkered Life," described as a play without a redeeming quality, has been produced at the Fifth Avenue Theatre, New York. It is the handiwork of Me A. Z. Chiptnan. "Before witnessing this," remarks a friendly critic, "George Darrell's 'Solange' was always looked upon as the worst play that had ever been produced in New York. ' Solange ' drovo poor Darrell back to Australia. ' Checkered Life ' ought to drive Mr A. Z. Chipman to the North Pole, and it will probably drive Mr Hayman into a lunatic asylum if it is continued much longer at the Fifth Avenue Theatre." This is outspoken criticism indeed, but it appears to have been endorsed by the public, as " Checkered Life" disappeared from the boards after one week of melancholy business. Sheridan cleared over 1000 dollars at his benefit in San Francisco, and has sailed for Australia. Mr James Morissey is well known in New York but notas a good actor. The announcement recently that he would take a benefit at the Academy of Music and appear as Sir Clement Huntingford in "The World," drew down upon him a perfect storm of jeers from the dramatic critics. « He was recommended from several quarters to play the raft scene only, and to take the part of the mast. Mr Morissey nevertheless persevered in his intention and was supported, by the Colville " World " Company. Miss St. Quinten, who was the London Phoebe in " Billee Taylor " has recently arrived in New York. She brings with her the strongest recommendations from the London press as a comic opera singer, and also plays in comedy remarkably well. It seems that DOyly Carte wants to take her, but sho doesn't want to take DOyly Carte's salary. , John H. Havlin and Ernest Stanley, who a short time ago entered into partnership for the object of conducting the business relating to Miss Minnie Maddern and the American-Anglican shows, have now dissolved. Mr Havlin has become sole manager of the Maddern Company, and Mr Stanley has taken the responsibility of the United shows. Tne following are the latest items from the New York papers :— Haverly's Fourteenth street theatre has been reopened by Gua Williams with a new play, the scenery for which cost 1000 dollars.— W. H. Strickland, the first of the many assistants engaged by Mr Haverly, is now business" manager for J. W. Collier, with his "Lights o' London" company.— W. H. Bailey, an old and well known actor, died recently in Philadelphia. Hia last days were spent in poverty. —Fred Lyster has been suffering severely from gout. —Clara Spence, a pupil of Mr Herman Vezin, and a young lady of much promise, has been engaged by* the Madison-gquare theatre management for three years.— "JPatience " is again being playel in New York, with Miss Wentworthin the title role.- Lilian Olcott, who recently made her debut at Haverly's Brookljn Theatre, is the daughter of a well to do physician of that city, and has had ev«ry advantage possible to obtain in the country. She has been a hard student for three years past, and great hopes aro entertained for her future on the stage. She will star next season in a repertoire of legitimate dramas, supported by a well-selected company.— Miss Eanny Reeves, a niece of the famous English tenor, will appear shortly at the Madison Square Theatre, New York.— Joe Jefferson has closed his spring season, and will re-open in September at the Union Square Theatre, when he will present a long list of old comedies including, " The Rivals," "The Poor Gentlemau," " The Heir at Law," &c. Messrs John Drew and Frederic Robinson will remain as his principal supporters. — Robson and Crane have played " Our Bachelors" nearly 600 times; "Sharps and Flats," 469 times ; and " The Comedy of Errors," 366 times. — " Old Shipmates," a play by Mr R. G. Morris, Is running to good business at the Fourteenth street Theatre.— A new piece " The Square Man " has been produced at Hyde and Behman's Theatre, and is pronounced a great success.

Home and Foreign.

H.R.H the Duke-of Edinburgh, at a grand vocal and instrumental performance, which was given recently at the Floral Hall, Covent Garden, in aid of the funds of the Royal College of Music, played the violin obbligato accompaniment to two airs sung by Mdme Christine ! Nilsson, and to Gounod's " Aye Maria," sung by Mdme Albani. The Prince of Wales has invited Count Geza Zichy, the one T anned Hungarian pianist, to visit London this season, and he will make his debut at Marl borough House. The Count, who lost his arm through an accident at school, plays with his left hand in a truly marvellous manner. He possesses a considerable fortune, and mutic is his amusement, so he plajs solely for charity. During the last two years he has distributed some £10,000, which he has earned by hie performances. A correspondent of the Era, writing from Marseilles, gives some interesting particulars concerning M. Damalas— as his name, it appears, should be spelt —Sara Bernhardt's husband. M. Aristides Ambrose Damalas is the third Bon of M. Damalas, who was formerly Mayor of Syra, a post which he renounced after the Greek Revolution in 1862, and who afterwards with his wife, a daughter of M. Lucas Ralli, Mayor of the Pineus, and a^ealthy merchant, settled' at Marseille.", where he died. M. Damalas had fouv children, three boys and a girl. One of his sons is now established as a broker at Alexandria ; another resides sometimes in Paris and occasionally in London ; and the third is Sara Bernhardt's husband. The daughter is married to a Smyrna medical man of liish extraction, and, although separated from her husband, lives in the East. M. Damalaa, sen., had left some 300,000 francs to each child. M. Aristides Damalas did not practise any profession, but had a strong inclination for the stage, and much frequented the company of actors and actresses. Four years ago, when war between Greece and Turkey seemed imminent, he took service in the Greek cavalry, but soon left it, and obtained a post as Chancellor at the Greek Consulate at Moscow. This, too, he soon gave up, and returned to Paris, where he spent the last 1000 francs of his fortune. He took a few lessons from Delaunay, and entered Sarah Bernhardt's company. The rest is known. As regards the great fortuue he is reported to expect, it is said his mother is wealthy, but she is only 64 years of age, and is not likely to part with an thing in her lifetime. During the performance of the " Parvenu " at the Court Theatre, recently, at which the Prince and Princess of Wales were present, a loud explosion took place behind the curtain, which seemed to shake the roof aud brought down a heap of dust upon those in the stalls and also upon the occupants of the Koyal box. The audience were considerably startled, and rose to their feet as if ready for a stampede, which, no doubt, was pi evented by the presence of mind of ihe Prince of Wales, who stood up in his box, and in action requested the public not to be alarmed. The alarm was caused by the explosion of a gas-bag connected with the limelight.

An amusing incident is recorded as occurring lately at the Princess' Theatre, London. In the second act of "Lights o' London" Seth Preeno and Clifford Armytage were holding their little dispute in the inn kept by the former ; and behind the flats Jarvis, the showman, was getting ready to bring on his caravan. Suddenly Jarvis' horse fell down, and did not feel disposed to get up again. "Slower," whispered tbo manager, from the wings, to Seth and Clifford— " slower— the horse is down." The two actors did their best to exhibit rage in slow time, and in turn paused in their speech to look towards the prompter in a way that asked, "Got him up?" The scene, of course, had to be kept going, and the end was fast approaching. Immovable lay the gee-gee, and Mr Wilson Barrett, perspiring profusely, presently cried, as he spied his business manager, " For God's sake, Herman, do something, or we shall ruin the show !" In an instant, with a bop, skip, and ft jump, the mana,

ger reached Oxford street. A four-wheeler was passing at a rapid rate. He seized the reins and stopped it. " What the doose aro you up to '?" roared the cabman. " I buy your horse I I buy your cab ! I buy you ! I buy everything !" answered Herman, excitedly. With a big clasp knife he cut the traces, and in five seconds afterwards that cab horse was in the shafts of Jarvis' van just in the uick of timo to go on " The astonished cabman was of course easily mollified with golden ointment, but it was not so easy to soothe the lady and gentleman who had been seated in the cab, and who were hurrying to catch a train at Paddington. . „ , . . - Mr Irving is arranging with Signor Salvim for a series of performances at the Lyceum. The first play produced will be " Othello" with Signor Sal vim as the Moor and Mr Irving as lago.