MELBOURNE NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 1851, 30 March 1904, Page 61

MELBOURNE NOTES.

March 17. Dear Pasqum, — Theatrical business has locked up considerably these last few weeks, and our handsome theatres are being crowded sightly. WiUoughby-Geach especially ire do:ng enormous business at the Princess, and their entsrvii=e in taking over such an expensive theatre has been amply repaid. Iho "Stranger in a Strange Land" is going as strong as ever, tho - Jncipals of the co. revellirg in their parts. Certainly Melbourne has not enjoyed suck a- : cod or prolonged laugh for many a long day. "^e season can only lun till Easter, when ■ f-orge Stephensoii and his co if Americans he o r er the Princess for their laughing '•A Country Garl" hap just about eonohide& ■l- three-months' occupation at the J. C. AVil,amson theatre, Her Majesty's and :am only -.lease the Melbomnv public till Monday night ; .cxt wlien "Ma Mie 'Rosottd" will be fcubstiduted, as the "Country Girl" scenery has to I -- shipped to Duncam by the Monowai, the company following b> the next boat. Hie you see of the "Country Girl" the more fcou want to gee, and it's uobiivag to hear of people having beeT. a dozen times to see it:

that means just once a week. Mr Haigh Jackson lias made himself a general favourite with his fine stage presence and voice, his numbers with Miss Florence i'oung being particulraly fine. George Lauri, Rose Musgrove, and Claude Bantock keep the fun going in fine style; while Miss Scott and Miss Celia Ghiloni also shi/ie in their parts. The Choruses aro good, the orchestra ditto, pud in fact the "Coiirttry Girl' bids fair to rival any previous comic opera ever put on in Melbourne. You have a great treat ahead of ycu. When you see Mr Ashton, rernombor me to him. I piornised to write to him while he was in New Zeala,nd, but have been so busy I really haven't found time yet. Bland Holt'a latest attraction at the Royal has been drawing such large houses that the "House full" sign las had to be hung out. It's aipity that Mr Holt has left this piece so late, as it would 1 have had a very long run ; but as it is it can only run up till the 26 til, when he proceeds to Sydney. The whole of the extensive company are in the cast, and appear in parts which siut ttfiern, ail to pieces. Mr Holt opens in the Lyceum, Sydney, for Easter, and Wm. Anderson's co. occupies the Theatre Royal 'here on an extended lease.

Mr Harry Rickards is still catering for theatregoers here in his up-to-date styra, his iglatest attraction— Miss- Jennie Gray — being a great draw. Miss Gray has a beautiful voice, uses it to perfection, and <fcmc«s moat gracefully, her high kicking especially 'being remarkable. Professor Dewar and hi® trained I animals continue in great favour, as also dtoes Mr Fred Russell. Vuloana and Atlas are appearing for a short farewell season, while Mrs Sims Reeves pleases everyoje with her rendering of the soegs most beloved by her late ! husband.

The Gaiety Entertainers are still much in evidence, and continue to unearth, new artists. Their programme includes the names of the "Three Connor Brothers," Jackson and Pagden, May Dagmar, Frank Clark, Addie Barton, Little Jackson, Minnie Edwards, Neva Wallace, and Watts and Lucas. Their popular prices of Is, Gd, and 3d still reign. Everything is being put in readiness at Hop Majesty's for incoming of the Knight-Jefireys Co.. who open at Easter with "The Darling of the Gods." The company is at present playing : 'The Sign of the Cross"' a+ Her Majesty's, Sydney, to very good houses., and Mr Knight seems to be the Marcus as of old, and Miiss Jeffreys is tEe Mercia. The rest of the company act <ibly, special piais* being bestowed on Mr Eardley Turner, who plays Glabrio. Mr Havtrey has baen doing -well at the Criterion in "The Lady of Ost-end," but withdraws it on Saturday night next and puts oil "The Two Mr Wetherbys," which will be its first production in Australia, a.n-d has just arrived from the "Old. World." Mr Hawtrey and Mr M'Mafcon tako iflie parts of Hie brothers "Wetherby, and Miss Lane and Miss Austin their wives. The same artists axe appearing at the Juvo-h, Sydney, and continue to draw splendidly. They are : Clarke and Hamilton, Maud Failing, Frances Leslie, Florrie Ranger, the Desmonds, Johnny Johnson, Fanny Powers, Nita. Leete. Ernest Fi'tts, James Harvey, and Lai Lcgie. Mr Anderson and his co. r.re putting op. something veiy .sensational at the Lyceum in "The Face at the Window," and so attractive has it proved that the management has had to turn away business. " „ „ , v. The Williamson Musical Comedy Co. brougnfc its season to a closa last Saturday night, when a mixed piograrnnie was presented, acts from "San Toy" and "Florodora" beirg given. Fied Graham made his farewell speech prior to leaving for New Zealand. . Mr Pete Hughes benefited to the extent of over £300 by the performance given for him ill Her Majesty's, Sydney, last Thursday afternoon. Another benefit will also be given him Mel. E. Spurr is at present m Ber.digo, with a season in Ballarat to follow. The charity carnival by the Comic Opera Co. had to be postponed on Wednesday afternoon last, owing to inclement weather and will be held on Saturday. , PROMPT. > \