THEATRICAL AND MUSICAL NOTES.

Otago Witness, Volume 02, Issue 2420, 2 August 1900, Page 54

THEATRICAL AND MUSICAL NOTES.

Bx Pasqthn.

TUESDAY, July 31.

The Pollard Opera Company left by the south express yesterday morning for Invercargill, -where a six-nights' season was inaugurated the same night, The Belle of New York " being produced to a crowded house.

■" Many happy re-

Miss Gertie Campion — ' turns."

Miss May Beatty will not take part in any of the performances by the Pollard Opera Company -on then return visit io Dunedin next week. Miss Beatty will rejuvenate for a few days at her sister's home in Oamaru. Regina Nagel hopes to make her first appearance in London next November, at a concert where she will gel a fair start ps the rival of Clara Butt and Ada Ciossloy. Tfc appear.! that Maivhesi's i'aith in the one-time limid -„-arbi-er of "Ben Bolt ' has grown stronger than ever. After hearing Butt sing in Paris the" other week, Marcheoi declared that her pupil could give points to the big contralto, but Nagel took the flattery with several grains of sail. "They talk like that about all of vs — before we come out," she said. — B.

Little Eilr O'Sullivan, clad in khaki, sang "The absent-minded beggar" during the performance or "Pinafore ' on Saturday night. Eily ma/le the abFent-rmnded one sufficiently absent-minded by walking off the stage before the shower cf coins (which did not shower) fell.

Mrs Milburne (Miss Maud Beatty) was out al r an " evening "in Adelaide recently. Hostess: "Will you sing, Mrs Milburne?" Mrs Milburne: "With pleasure." At conclusion of number guests in chorus : " What a lovely' voice you have, Mrs Milburne ! "You should really have it trained and make your debut on the stage!" Unfortunate innocence.

Little Trixie Leamar is with Mr Dixs Company at the City Hall, Auckland. Albert Lucas and Arthur Halm, the baritone singer, are also members of the combination.

The new husband of Mrs Bernard Beere is the son of a Church of England canon-^-a big gun

Mr Brougli is not going to let the Chinese trouble stop his visit to Hongkong and Shanghai, and promises to be back in Sydney next June with new pieces, which are expected to include two new plays upon which H. A. Jones ia working, one being written by Pinero, and R. C. Carton's new comedy, " Lady Hunts worth's Experiment," now being staged by Mr Boucicault at the London Criterion. The company opened at Melbourne Princess in "The Manoeuvres of Jane" on Saturday night for an eight weeks' season, during which " A Man of Forty'," by Frith, now being played by Charles Wyndham in London, will be first produced, in Australia. "An Ideal Husband " may be revived. A season of six weeks at Perth and a fortnight on the goldjields is to bo commenced on September 6, and then the company goes to Singapore, etc.

"Gridiron" writes: — There is a man in Dunedin who, from a long course of attendance at variety shows, has got it into his head that he is a heaven-born conundrum inventor. Here are one or two samples which can be vouched for. The man is in earnest. He is too old, and his nationality forbids him from intentionally joking on the matter: " What is the difference between the trams in Dunedin and the trains in Christchurch?" — " One goes by horses and the other by steam!" Another, "What is the difference between John Fuller, sen., and Master Ben Fuller, jun.?" — "One is father, the other is son!" "What is the difference ' between Charles Faning and the Queen of England?"

— " One sits on the throne, and the other sits in the Alhambra!" When asked where he gets them, he, tapping his head, says, " Scalp! Scalp ! I made 'em all up myself, and — the town's full of them!" — [Out' of my -depth. Throw me a life-line. — Pasqtfin.] "

Like the plague, the Fuller Company are catchin' — yes, catching on to all the stray tanners, and a good many that are not supposed to go astray. Auckland advices to hand concerning the No. 4 Company state that the Agricultural Hall is crowded nightly. This must be very gratifying to the Fuller firm, the first variety caterers who have had four shows running simultaneously to good biz. in Australasia.

Charlie Faning, the funny Faning of Fuller's Bijou Company at the Alhambra Theatre, Dowling street, is to take a benefit on August 10. Good old Benefit — everyone takes you, but precious few are any the richer. However, I hope in Charlie Faning's case it will be a. benefit — to Charlie. Local s talent will assist on August 10. Here's a "bumper" to a " bumper " !

Charlie Faning opens with the Fuller firm at the Oddfellows' Hall, Christchurch, on August 14. At the Alhambra Theatre, Dunedin, on August 13, Mr Ben Fuller will introduce a new budget of animated photographs with his " Picturegraph." Many new filma of the Transvaal War will be exhibited. A cable has been sent to the London agents to send out some Chinese subjects as soon as developed. The Oddfellows' Hall, Christchurch, has been crowded to overflowing .this week. Messrs Lennon, Hyman, and Lennon, the clever contortionists, are the chief attraction, and are nightly cheered 'to the echo for their remarkably fine performance.

Miss Kate Hiclding, tired of " in the ranks " with the Pollard Opera. Company, made ncr farewell appearance with the company on Saturday last. Who'll be the next to "follow on " — or off?

Mr Walter Bentley has on several occasions been requested by Timaru lovers of Shakespeare to produce "Hamlet" there, but he had not been able to accede to that wish until his. present visit. On. We^daesdaj^ nij^tjli©

popular tragedian and the Ancelon Company produced "The Christian" to a good house, and played it so well as to merit the hearty applause of a large and appreciative audience. As John Storm Mr Bentley did full justice to that rather over-drawn character, ,and made the excellent dramatic features of Hall Caine's story come out most vividly and lifelike. On the following evening " Hamlet " was staged, and again a good house greeted the popular porirayer of that most tragic and heart-stir-ring play. The whole company succeeded in giving a really good interpretation of the sad story of the Prince of Denmark and his illfated lady-love. Mr C. Hall, as Polonius, was warmly applauded for his rendering of that part, and Miss Woodhill's Ophelia was most moving and pathetic. The occasional snatches of comedy were a welcome relief to the heavier scenes, and were greatly relished by the occupiers of the pit. The whole play literally bristles with well-known and wellworn quotations, and it was a real treat to many present who had not seen this tragedy before to hear these quotations coming, as it were, from Shakespeare's own creations.

Little Dorothy Vane, the charming little actress who " makes-up " and does not " make-up," is engaged to Mr Norman Menzies, of Menzie3's Hotel, Melbourne. Dorry Vane was at one lime going to "get herself to a nunnery." Perished that thought.

Mr Walter Baker, of the Bland Holt Company, recently celebrated his tenth year of co-operation with Mr Holt, and presented the popular manager and his wife with handsome souvenirs of the occasion.

Albert Whelan, late N of the Pollard Opera Company, is now at the Lyceum, Sydney, with the " Anglo-American Bio-Tableau," under ilr .Toe St. Clair's management.

Mr "Bland Holt is serving up " The Absentminded Beggar " at the Theatre Royal, Sydney. An additional Fcene to those shown by Mr Holt when the Jingo play -was produced in Dunedin is that of Lord Roberts and his staff entering Pretoria, surrounded by on Australian bodyguard. In the scene 200 auxiI'arips take parl.

The following is the oast of the new opera " The Rose of Persia," which received its Australian premiere on Saturday, 21st ult. : — Sultan of Persia, Mr Wallace Brownlow ; Hassan (a philanthropist), Mr George Lauri; Yussuf (a professional story-teller), Mr Kenningham; Abdallah (a priest) . Mr Bathurst ; Grand Vizier. Mr Hugh Ward; Physiciau-in-Chief , Mr H. Shine ; Royal Executioner, Mr Whelan ; Soldier of the Guard, Mr Leslie : Rose- in Bloom, Miss Ada Weir; Scent of Lilies, Miss Millie Young ; Heart's Desire, Miss Carrie Moore ; Honey of Life, Miss Joey Cassollis; Dancing Sunbeam. Miss Dorothy Vane; Blush of Morning, Mips Cecil Engleneart.

Raphael's Operatic and Burlesque Company, of which Miss Maud Hewson, of this city, and a one-time warbler in Pollard's Opera Company, is a principal member, contemplate a swoop on New Zealand. Let them swoop.-

Charlie Hugo is a member of Dix'S TJo. 2 Company at the Exchange Hall, Wellington. Not the Charlie Hugo of the eighties, when his "How are you this evening, PriFeilla?" used to convulse the audience, but still Charlie Hugo.

The following 1 list of salaries paid by Harry Rickards to artists engaged by him for Australia will be an e:,re-opener to the general public : — Paul Martinetti and company, £150 per week, including four first-class return an 3 four second-class return fares from London to Australia. Billie Barlow, who is on her way oiit, £60 per week, and two first-class fares. Ta-ra-ra-boom-de-ay Lottie Collins, £125 per week, and. two first-class single passages to Australia. Marie Lloyd, £130 per week. Cincnievalli (if he comes), £100 per week. The Cragg Family, £120 per week, and rekirn fares from London to Australia. The Glinettis, £75 per week. Harvey Bros., £50 per week and fares. 6. W. Hunter, £4-7 10s per week. Bois9tte Troupe, £100 per week from date of embarkation, and return fares.

After the show started in a certain musichall the other evening, a gentleman in khaki rose from the pit, and proceeded to step over the barrier which kept him out of the reserved stalls. An attendant in livery started after him. '"Edge a bit, 'edge a bit!" cri^ the much-liveried one. "Where d'ye expose you're goin'?" "Where my toggery entitles me — to the front!" roared Tommy, and as the whole house rose and cheered him the management thought it wisest not to interfere.

Mr Barrie Marschel, assisted by Miss Irene Carlyon and a company of local amateurs, recently produced the comedy, " David Garrick," in the Theatr# Royal. Timaru. The play .was prettily staged, and the dresses were quite a la mode for the period represented. Mr Marschel, as David Garrick, was very good, and did full justice to the opportunities afforded by the play for natural and expressive acting. As the heroine,- Miss Carlyon ably seconded Mr Marschel, and gave a very pleasing representation of the part of the dutiful daughter of Alderman Gresham. This latter part was taken by Mr C. A. Jefferson, one of Timaru's best amateur actors and his rendering of the cunning old alderman was really first-rate. The other characters were taken by several well-known Timaru amateurs, and all of them seemed to enter fully into the spirit of the play, and performed their several parts in such a manner as to satisfy the most critical. Mr Orchard, who has recently come from Dnnedin, was particularly good as the wild young Tom Tally-ho, only that exception may have been taken to the rather extreme degree of drunkenness in his legs. There were good houses on both nights of the production in Timaru, and- Mr Marschel was well satisfied with the financial results. It speaks well for his ability as a coach, and also the good quality of the material he had, that the whole play was got up at very short notice, and yet everything went smoothly and without a hitch of any kind. Mr Marschel took his company to Temuka shortly after the Timaru dates, and the same play drew a good house in that little town, i

Dear Pasquin, — Melbourne theatregoers are experiencing a delightful time whilst the gifted young American (Nance O'Neil) is amongst us. On Saturday, 7th insl., we had the opportunity of seeing her in the name part in "Camille," and to say that she excelled herself above all expectations is not being too strong. We have had her in "Magda," "Queen Elizabeth," and "The School for Scandal;" but in neither of 'them has she approached the pitch of excellence she does as Camille. She is of course playing Sarah Bernhardt's version of the part, and it would be impossible to improve on it in any way. On Friday afternoon, 20th inst., Nance O'Neil is giving a matinee performance of "Hedda Gabler" (Ibsen's world-famous play), the first and. only- -performance of it by her in Melbourne, which is foi the funds of the Melbourne Hospital. Already Miss O'Neil has forwarded an advance cheque of £320 to the hospital authorities, and it is estimated there^wJU be s~#SQS. i<Jufi.e." TEe following

night she puts on "Peg^Woffmgton," again playing the name part.

The Brough Company are at the Princess, giving the "Manoeuvres^ of Jane," which has had a good run for ten days, and is billed for the next fortnight. Mr Brough as Lord Bapchild, the noodle nobleman, and Mrs Brough as Constantia Gage, are the life and soul of what is really a very funny piece. The Melbourne dailies say Mr Brough's acting is some qf. the best he has ever given us in Melbourne.

Nothing could be more excruciatingly funny than the situation when Lord Bapchild puts in an appearance after having been carried out to sea in a boat with Constantia Gage, who has designs on his affections. The Broughs open in Perth (W.A.) for a short season prior to their visit to India.

We are indeed lucky so far- as amusement goes in Marvellous Melbourne at the present time, what Nance O'Neil at Her Majesty's, the Broughs at the Princess, Wm. Anderson's Dramatic Company at the Royal, and Harry Rickards's up-to-date show at the Bijou.

George Musgrove is bringing out with him from London a number of orchestral men, instrumentalists of the first order, for his season in Melbourne.

Melbourne concert lovers were sorry to learn that Mr Gerald Branson, of Dunedin (N.Z.), who possesses a very fine baritone voice, was returning to his native land. Mr Branson was studying and making good pro-gic-ss under Herr Himmer in Melbourne; bufc business called him home, and he left for Dunedin early in June. It. is to be ,hop.©d ho will be able to resume his studies shortly, as his future on the concert platform is in every sense ajpromising one. Mr Harry Musgrove arrived in Melbourne a fortnight ago, to make arrangements for the great '"George" and his company here. Young iVJu&grove is looking very well. — Onlooker, Melbourne. June 16.

Walter Montgomery committed suicide at his hotel in London. He had invested large savings in Melbourne; and he did well in America on hip way to England. .He married a handsome woman before leaving the States, and on reaching London took a theatre to play Shakespeare at the fag, end ot the season. The venture was a failure. Without closing the house, he fired a pistol into his mouth one afternoon. Just before the fatal act, he sang out to his wife in' the next room, "Good-bye, Lily!" and that, she said, was all she knew about it. The -true cause of Montgomery's melancholy end will now never be known. He was a beautiful elocutionist, with a picturesque stage figure. Many of his Australian admirers thought that if he had been a level-headed man (which he was not) he would have got ahead of Henry Irving, who was never intended by Nature to be an actor, though ha achieved a triumph of industry. — ■ Bulletin.

Actresses have a new advertising dodge. Just now all Paris is talking about a kiss which cost Odette Valery £320 in" banknotes and a precty Russian leather pocket-book. Mademoiselle Valery is the crack dancer at the Casino de Pairs. She leaned from* her carriage, so the story goes, to kiss a child, when a man leaned in at the other window and cleared off with the pocket-book and its contents.

Mr George Edwardes intends sending to Australia the complete company from the Gaiety Theatre, London, with a splendid repertoire of the most successful musical plays recently prodxiced at that theatre and at Daly's Theatre. It is proposed that the tour shall take place during the time the Gaiety Theatre is being rebuilt, wheih will enable Mr Edwardes to send all his leading artistes. Negotiations for this projected visit are now progressing satisfactorily between Mr Edwavdes and Mr Williamson.

By the death of Mr M'Adoo, which occurred yesterday, says Sydney Referee, Australia has lost one of the finest and most popular entrepreneurs it has ever had. Deceased (who was proprietor of the celebrated Jubilee Singers and the Georgia Minstrels and Alabama Cakewalkers) had by his manliness and ability as a caterer of public amusement endeared himself in a remarkable fashion to all theatregoers. His name everywhere was accepted as a guarantee of excellence. Mr M'Adoo had for some time been in very poor health, and, so fax as his friends are concerned, his death will not come as a surprise. While in Melbourne he xuvderwent a very serious operation, after which he temporarily improved, but during the season of his minstrel company at the Palace a few months ago he was compelled to take to his bed for a few days. Gradually growing worse, however, he left his hotel and went into a private hospital, where, unfortunately, his life came to a/jlose. For the past five weeks he was so low that no one was allowed to see him — not even his wife or bright little son, to both of whom he was passionately attached. '. ' An interesting letter from Miss Maggie

Moore to Sydney Referee contains the following :^-" Since writing; you, last I have visited the theatres often. Nat Goodwin and Maxine Elliott last week concluded a very successful season of two weeks at the Columbia. Theatre. The play, 'When We Were Twenty-one,' was splendidly acted. Maxine Elliott is a very beautiful woman yet, but as an actress she is no better than when I last saw her in Australia, although the press seem to think her wonderfully improved. I may be hard to please, so don't take my word for it.

" The Neil Stock Company finished a season of ten weeks at the California, and although the plays were all well acted and "beaxitifully mounted, they did not make money. The company leave for Honolulu by the outgoing mail. The lady who plays the old woman and character parts was at one time in Australia.' Her name is Tilly Andrews, and she played a season with us when first I visited Australia. She is a clever actress, and a favourite. I mention her because some of the old-time friends may care to hear about her. " I went on Thursday last to see Florence Roberts as ' Sappho,' but was disappointed in both— Sappho (Miss.Roberts) and the play. I can well understand Miss Nethersole being a success in the part. She is a lovely woman, and a splendid actress as well. Miss Roberts | looks pretty, but has no magnetism. I didn't Bee a naughty .' Sappho.' . It is doing a fine business. - " liast night I went to the Orpheum. Syd- | ney^Dean is singing' there this week. He has made quite a success. He looks well, and bis voice was in fine trim. I often heard him sing when he was with the opera company in Australia, but I have never met the gentleman. 1 \vas : glad to join with the crowd, however, and applaud until I hurt my hands, because he was from Australia. I j:elt as though I'd like to have given a ' Coo-eeV " Charles Cogill is here, but can't get an opening. I did hear his friends were going to ask him to play at the Orpheum matinee to-morrow, and that may lead to his being engaged. "Mr Harry Roberts is in Los Angeles. He was specially engaged to take Manager Frawley's place during his absence east. He opened as Napoleon in 'Madame Sans Gene,' and made a success. His next part was Lord Jura in ' Moths/ when he again succeeded in making a hit; then 'Garrick' was put on, and you can see for yourself what a success he made. I am enclosing notices, forwarded to me' from Los Angeles. He next plas's the principal part in ' Quo Vadis,' which is to be presented next Sunday evening. The season is for three weeks longer in Los Angeles (City of Angels). On the 14th of next month there is to be a grand production of ' As You Like It,', given for the Four Hundred, by the j Soxithern Pacific Railway Company, at the Hotel Delmonti, Monteray. Mr Hayman will get Mr Roberts for Jaques if he can secure Manager Frawley's permission,. and they are anxious for me to play Audrey, a part I last played when the beautiful Adelaide Neileon was Rosalind, at the old California Theatre. It is to be- an open air performance. It is a most beautiful place, and is to be a grand affair. It will be an all-stai cast, and -if I accept the offer I will be- able to telL you all about it. " The weather'here is lovely. Every morning I am up and out at 6 o'clock, and walk to Golden Gate Park -and ■ the Cliff House. I have been all over San Francisco on foot, and, pray don't laugh, I am getting thin, so when (God willing and the road's dry) I come back to you all the straw-hat King street toffs will say, ' ' Hello, there ! Who's the girl who looks like Maggie Moore?'

"Just think, it is 18 months since we left Australia! What changes since! War and plague have taken many away; but now the war is ,nearly over. Thank goodness for that, and the last letter from my. brother Jim tells me the' most of the plague is also over. By the way, we had a scare here in San Francisco about three or four - weeks since. Some Chinese turned up their toes, and went to <lo a cake-walk" with little Chinese angels, so they put a clothes line around- Chinatown, and, lo ! the poor Chinkie was quarantined. There is trouble brewing, I fear. Some of the rich Chinese will make it warm for the inconvenience they have been put to. I think, myself, that they ought to put a match to the whole of Chinatown, and celebrate the 4th of July in style. " Remember me to all friends."