AUSTRALIAN STAGE GOSSIP.

Otago Witness, Issue 2210, 9 July 1896, Page 39

AUSTRALIAN STAGE GOSSIP.

(Specially Written for the Otago Witness.)

Dear PASQUiN.—Rickaids closed at Adelaide, July 2, and then moved on to Broken Hill.

The clever actress Miss Meta Pelham deserves the praise sho is receiving for her Mrs Bagot ia« "Trilby."

George A. Jones and Ettie Williams, both through Maoriland with Wills's Surprise Party in '93, are in Perth. Brough Comedy Company open a three weeks' season at Brisbane Opera House in "Niobe," July 3. " Fedora," " Thoroughbred," " The Notorious Mrs Ebhsmith," "The Passport," "Dandy Dick," " Second Mrs Tanqueray," anil " A Village Priest "to follow.

Amy and William Qourlay are touring with Will Spied through Queensland,- • Tommy HudsoD, Harry Shine (through Maoriland with F. M. (Mark's Alhambra Company in 1890 i M'KisEon and Kearns, Harcy Gilbert, Mons. Provo, May Habgood, Onslow Mackay, Ida Rosslvu, Emmie Morrison, and Lillie Linton are the principal members of the Hudson's Surprise Party at Adelaide Bijou. Wallace Brownlow, late of the Royal Comic Opera Company, is in Westralia. Larry Dooley, one of Rickards's Amurkan importations, has gone to Londing. James Oasstus Williamson and Bert Royle, authors of "Djin-Djin," are writing an Australian opera, entitled " Captain Cook," for which Leon Caron is to provide the music. The clever Perman trio— Bella, Will, and Percy— have struck oil in London. Bob Courtneidge (through Maoriland with the Leamar-Lonnen-Conyers Gaiety Company in 1893) has hooked them for his Christmas pantomime, "The Babes in the Wood," at Manchester Princess. Of the subordinate studies in "Trilby," first and foremost comes that of that fine old actor Mr H. R. Harwood (Rev. Thos. Bagot). Kate Howarde and company have just returned from a 12 months' tour.

Harry Lingard 1b managing Ferry's Jubilee Circus, now in Queensland. Maggie Moore opens a burlesque season at Melbourne Royal, 27th. Pete Hughes is ahead of "Trilby," now in Brisbane.

Louise Beaudet, now singing in a London music nail, is the subject of a recent illustrated interview in the Sketch. But Louise has nerer a word to say about Daniel Bandmann, in whose company she played so long; Indeed, Australia is only incidentally mentioned. " I played in ' Pinafore' in Australia," says Louise/ and thus dismisses us. What about Desdemona and other Shakespearian characters? And above all, why is the great German tragedian dismissed without a single syllable ?— Ex. Bob Brough, owing to Indisposition, was unable to take bis part of Amos in The Notorious Mrs Ebbsmlth'-' at Sydney Oriterion last week, and his place was taken by Mr Robert Innian. . In giving his decision in the divorce case Riohardson v, Richardion (professionally known as Amy Howe), of which I wrote lait week and {a which a decree- was refused, the Victorian Chfef Justice laid he was satisfied and he found that respondent was guilty •£ adultejj wit* ~r*

co-respondent. Prior to this, however, she had already had illicit connection in Sydney with one Gardner. His Honor thought that petitioner was in a legal sense a contributor to his vafe's downfall by his negligent accoid.vnce ofNlangerous liberty to her. Petitioner had allowed his wife to travel about and constantly associate, by night as well as by day, with a class of men often attractive and not infrequently lax in their views of sexual morality. There were many actors and

actresses of the highest principles and circumspection, but notoriously in almost every theatrical association among it 9 "hangers-on" there were [ many who were otherwise. Flautist Lemmona is reported to have married Miss Bella Stewait, for many years a leading member of Pollard's Liliputian Opera Company, and some eight or nine years ago with the Royal Comics. Will H. Speed is a good comedian, but occasionally suffers from big head.— "Quiz. Miss Watt- Phillips it playing leads with Charleß Holloway's company up north. There will be two aching hearts in the Royal Comic Opera Company now that Wallace Brownlow has left, for Wallace is said to bo nearly as fascinating as Charlie Rylie. A capital likeness of v Dion 0. Boutf cault, Mr Robert Brough's partner, appears in last-Satur-day's Telegraph. Mi* Boucicault ended his long prrtnerbhip engagement with Mr Brough on the 19cb. He was tendered- a complimentary benefit ! at Sydney Lyceum on the 20th. The father of D. j. G. B. was tbe Dion Boucicault who revolutionised j the English theatre with his lavishly-realistic t stage settings and his admirable embodiment in theatrical form of the Irish stories and types of character which Lever and Lover have perpetuated within book covers. The Mr Boucicault whom we know so well, says the Herald, has inherited his father's genius as a stage mauager and actor, though not, if we may judge by his play j " DevotioD, as a playwright. Under Mr Bouci- ! cault's direction the company now playing at Sydney Criterion has become a model of harmonious, attistic acting, and their productions fine examples of the extent to which art can prevail on the stage "in setting as well as in acting. As an actor, too, Mr Boucicault baa exhibited remarkable capacity in a repertoire which has necessitated a wide rango of characters— from ! Andre Grival in "The Amazons" (the part he i pl*yed at his farewell benefit) to the bix*rre ' Duke in "The Notorious Mrs Ebbumith"; from the angular, comical waiter in "The Pick; pocket" to Cayley Drummle in " The Second Mrs 1 Tanqueiay." As the Comte de Grival he gives a lifelike picture of the vain, gasconading, goodhearted little French nobleman suggested by tho nuthor, and the accent is especially good. Mr Boucicault has another dialect part in the Pineto series, which he plays cleverly— that of the toothless, mumbling old Gunnion in "The Squire"; and again we recall him as the Jew, Joseph Lebanon ("The Cabinet Minister"), who masquerades in kilt and bonnet and cmgiatulates the Earl of Drumdurris upon his "recherchy 'ighland 'ome " 1 Mr Boucicault is also remambered here, says a Sydney writer, for the malignant intensity of his Michael Feeny, for his DAnny Man, and Harvey Duff during his first visit to Australia in the fine company headed by his father; but, apart from those early experiences, the delineation of Irish character has not often fallen to his lot. The only exception to the rule brings us back to Pinero again, for his Timothy M'Shane in "The Times" was a clever pieco of work. Mr Boucicault's reputation rests largely upon hi* impersonations or old age and extremo youth. We have only to mention the "parts of Dolly itt :" Betsy," of Cis Faringdon in "The Magistrate, of "W. G." in " Walker, London," of Blenkinsop Carliaeliam in "Thoroughbred," and of Dick Bultitude in. '.'"Vice-Versa," to remind playgoers how truthfully the actor who is now loaving us plays these characters. His "boys" are, in fact ; loud-voiced without being vulgar, and he contrives to show the shallow boy nature beueath the fast man-about-town veneer with which he delights the audience. To Mr Boucicault may equally be attributed a whole gallery full of delicatelytouched portraits of old men. High life or low life, the hupper suckles" or the "servants' 'all" —the actor is never at a loss in either place. What an amusing picture of senile cunning and hypocrisyhe has given us as Blore, the aged butler, in " Dandy Dick." Could anything be more laughable than his picture of Andrew, the writer, in "The Pickppcktt"? We all chuckle over this meekly aggrieved person, with his irrepressible confidences in a Cockney dialect, involving subtle distinctions between "the 'air of the 'cad" and the "hair of the hatmosphere." Turning to Mr Boucicault's listof aiistocrats, wemaycite the Earl ofCaversham in "An Ideal Husband," irritable and perplexed at the ill-considered smartness of his son ; and that foolish, fond old man, the Earl of Sarum ("The Bauble Shop ")— in each case the patrician type aptly hit off, the venerablelinedface handsomely lit by the brilliant eye*. Finally, there is Mr Boucicault's snarling, sneering, cynical Duke of St. Olpherts, a splendid piece of portraiture in one of the many intensely difficult productions which, as stage director, he has shaped to success. Reference should also b.e made to the actors Cajley Drummle, perhaps the only example of kindly man of the world just past the prime of life which he has oreated for our stage, and to his Colonel Cazeaove in "The New Woman," rich in humour and " character." The assemblage at Redfern railway station to witness the departure of Hiss Beryl Faber and Mr Dion G. Boucicault was limited to the respective circles of their personal friends. Amongst thqse on the platform were Mr and Mrs Brough, Mr and Mrs Carey, Miss Emma Temple, the Misses Austin, Mr Alec. Mayne, Miss watt. Tanner, Miss Coveney, Messrs Speng, Streeton, Roberts; M'lntyre, and Couroy. As' the train left the station hearty cheers wire given for the travellers, followed by the strains of " Auld lanr syne." Miss Faber and Mr Boucicault travelled straight through with the mails to -Adelaide, where ta»y joined the Orotava sailing at once for England. , The first complete company of actors, singers. Md dancers that has visited Australia arrived

from the United States by the Monowai, and. td"« night, Saturday, 27th. this American Gaiety Company make their debut at Sydaay Lyceum' Theatre. The new company is fiora Hoyt'a Theatre (late the Mttddison Square Theatre); New Yoik, and has been carefully formed by Messrs Hoyt »nd M'Kee to reproduce exactly as ia New York Hoyt's '' Concatenation of fun, frivolity, music, and dancing." Mr Hoyt, it may be mentioned, is the author of "The Bunch of

Keys, a farcical comedy as popular Id the States as " The Prirate Secretary. He in also known for "A Rag Baby," "A Tib Soldier," "A Br«BS Monkey," r 'A Texas Steer" (staged in London), and many other pieces. For along time Mr Hoyt worked with aMr Thomas. On the tatter's death he weut into partnership with Mr Frank M'Kee*. witL whom ho produced " A Milk-white Hag, "A Black Sheep," "A Contented Woman," and " A Trip to Chinatown." The Hon. Charles Hoyt; is also a politician, and represents New Hamp. shire iv the United States Legislature) The star of the company now visiting Australia in the interests of Messrs Eoyt and, M'Kee will bet Mr Harry Conor, who created in New York the character he will play next week— that of Willand Strong, "a man with one foot in the grave." Mr George A. Beane is i character actor cast for the role of a wealthy 'Frisco banker, and Mr Arthur Pueio and Mr Aid rich Libbeyarethe tenor and baritone respectively of the new combination. Miss Amelia Stone fills the soprano rale as Isabelle name.and Miss Nellie Butter will appear as Touy Gay. Mr George Muigrovt, who made the engagement for his firm, also secured Patrice, a comedienne of high reputation in the States, as well as- Sadie Magdonald, a lively soubrette, who appears as Flirt-; Geraldine H'Oann, long and dance artist ; and Bessie Clayton, a celebrated dancer. Mr Julian Mitchell, foe years stage manager for Mr Hoyt at the Maddisou Square Theatre and elsewhere, will direot the Australian tout Should such a course be jutth fled, Messrs Williamson and Musgrove intend t« present all their American attractions first ia Sydney (the arrival port), and the " Trip to China* town will initiate the proposed new tyitem 27th. Maggie Moore i« playing at Melbourne Royal the burlesque

"Trilby."

Trilby „, ,„ ... «. Moggie Moore Sveugali ... Harry Roberts Little Billee ... ... ... Laura Roberta Mr Maxwell

Taffy...'" ..,"" „." ... " «."' 0. B. Russell The Laird .„ .„ Robt. Kennedy Bajjot ... X P. West MrßßttKOt M «K

Madame Vinard ...

Queen and Stowe, both of whom came out with Emerson and Wood's Minstrels in '62, and with Ryder made up the World's TriojL have again joined hands and are at Sydney Tivoli doing ft ntw specialty called " Nick-Nacks." The Distressed Actors' Fund benefited to the extent of £600 by the late Melbourne theatrical 1 carnival. Harold Can-, of Wellington, Maoriland, plays a jockey in " The Derby Winner." Hoy tH Comedians, from Hoyt'sMaddlsoa Square Theatre, New York, under the management of Hoyt and M'Kee, made their first appearance in Australia at Sydney Lyceum, 27tb, in Ohaa. M. Hoyt's three-act concatenation of fun, frivolity, music, and dancing, entitled

r . " A Trip to Chinatown." Welland Strong ' ■ .Mr Harry Oonor Bin Gag Mr Geo. A. Beane,']un. Rachleißh Gay... .„ Mr J. Aldrloh Libbey Norman, Gay '■ ... .«, ... Mr Arthur r^aele Willie Grow _ .., ... w ... Patrico NoahHeep... .., ... ... Mr Frank Lavrtott Hoffman Price... t.. .». , ... MrF. W»Her Slavin Payne .;. «. ... Mr Frank Lawtoo Turner Swift '.Mr Eddy Sh«rb Stillman - — ...Mr William Mora* Tony Gay ... ... ... Miss Nellie Butler, I Isabella Damo Miss Amelia St«ne Premiere Danseuse Mlbs Bessie Clayton Flirt Miss Sadie Macdoaald Mrs Greyer 7.. ... Miss Geraldine M'Gann. To meet the "Trip to Chinatown" Company, which commenced their season at Sydney LyceumTheatre 27th, Messrs Williamson and Musgiove invited a number oMadies and gentlemea, mostly connected with the theatrical profession, to a midnight supper at the Hotel Australia 24. The hosts were represented by-Mr J. C. Williamson, who presided. The guests numbered about SO, ana included not only tho members of the "Trip to Chinatown" Company, but also the members ofe the " Trilby " Company. Among the guests were Mr and Mrs Goodman, Mr and Mrs Bland Holt, Mr Harry Rickards, Mr George Welty, Mr Reuben Fax, Mis 3M* Donald, Miss Clayton, Miss Crane, Mr Conor, Miss M'Cann, Mr Caafleld^ Miss Stone, Mr Carr, Patrice (who, by the way. objects to eithor prefix or affix), Mibs Cleveland, Mr Webster. Mr and Mrs Clayton, Mr Lawtw,Mr Julian Mitchell, Miss ReUTarth. Mr and Mrs. Beane. Mr and Mr» Pacie, Mr and Mrs Libbey, Mr George Darrell, Mr Bert Royle, Miis Osborne, M. Majoroni, Mr H. R. Harwood. Miss Brennan, Mr Sceats, Mr Beresford, Mr HIU. Miss Vincent, Miss Pelham, Mr Morrison, Mr Trader, and Miss Saqui. Mr Williamson, who was received with applause, said that he did not intend to inflict; much of a speech on them, but he thought the occasion was so exceptional that it was necestary that a few remarks should be niad*. That occasion was unique in the theatrical histoty of Australia, and probably it had not a parallel m the theatrical history of Englaud. The oiroumstance that made it unique was that it was tha occasion of two American companies meeting together In the same city.— (Applause.) H« i ha* desired to mark the occasion by giving a little supper of welcome to the " Trip to Chinatown * Company, and also to afford the new comp»y an opportunity of meeting thereat the members ot the "Trilby" Company. He was very glad and very preud to be able to meet at that gathering su many peasant and clever people from the land ot, his birth', and extend to them the hand of fellow-. Bhip.-KApplausi.) They had not only two Amen* £an companies in this city, but to-day a ttM*

• eonsijtiog of some SO members, headed by one of the brightest and greatest and best artists in America— thav fine fellow, Nat Goodwin— was ntartiuK from America for Australia, and he would like to bespeak for them a hearty welcome. — (Applause.) He referred to the advantages arising from English and Australian actors studying the Blylcß of the be:t American actors, and pointed out that at the present moment there were in London three pieces which were great attractions, and which made their fame in America— " Trilby," "The Prisoner of Z?nda," and " The Sign of the Cross." Cheers were given For Metsra Williamson and Musgrove, and several of the guests acknowledged the hospitality extended to them. At the U G. Boucicault testimonial benefit at the Sydney Criterion on the 20th, at the conclusion of "The Amazons" the curtain was raised, and disclosed Sir George Dibbs, Mr George Riguold, Mr Henri Kowalsiti, Aleo. Ma>ce, and many others with the members of the Brough-Bouci Icault Company. Sir George Dibbs then presented Mr Boucicaulfc with an album, the zilt of the artists of Sydney (filled with sketches illustrative of either art, the drama, or Australian scenery), as 9. souvenir of his stay, in Australia, and a puree of sovereigns subscribed by personal (friends and playgoer?. The album has a frontispiece beautifully designed, with spaefc for the signatures of subscribers, and then follow pageß (12hi by Sin) drawn an" painted by Miss Ethel Stephens, Messrs Streeton. Mahoney, Roberts, Ashton, Soutor, Long, Watkins, Lambert, and others— tho whole forming a volume handsomely bound in blue morocco. Ada Delroy, James Bell, and Co., at the conclusion of the South Australian tour, vi ltMsoriland. Jennie Lee first appeared in England as Jo at - >tbe Prince of Wales Theatre, Liverpool, November B, lß7.x— Yours truly, , ?overty Point, June 21. ' . Bis.