WELLINGTON WING WHISPERS

Otago Witness, Issue 2642, 2 November 1904, Page 65

WELLINGTON WING WHISPERS

Bt F. Sohrix. October 28. Dear Pasquin, — The Stephenson Musical Comedy Co. has come, and seen, and conquered with its production of "The Rose of the Riviera." "ioe Rose" cannot be classified as a comic opera or a musical comedy, but it contains the elemonts of both, and the ma-t-agement bills it as something -to laugh at. It is lively from start to finish, and keeps patrons in a simmer of smiles when- not lingering in laughter. As becomes a rose, the production presents a rich picture all the time, and the numerous members of the company keep things going from start to finish. No time is given for criticism, nor is time needed for anything but enjoyment. "The i-tose*' was written to entertain, and itr achieves its purpose effectively. The result has been that the Oisera House has been packed every night, and we are having the rare experience of the withdrawal of a piece that has shown no signs of waning in public favour. But as the season is fl. very short one, Mr Stev>henson is giving us '"The Skirt Dcncer," to-night. The Dancer is said to be even superior to the Rose as an entertainer.

The name part in "The Rose of the Riviera" is played by Miss 1 May Beatty, who is as bright an actress and as sweat a singer as ever. Mr Ed-ward Lauri has all the "phat" of the piece, and as a retired cockney trader permeates the whole from the beginning Io the very end, working Like a Trojan for the public good, and proving as popular a player as aforetime.

Mr M'Naughton, who is new to us, is a fine comedian and l an eccentric dancer of rare quality and agiiity. Mr Chas. Bovis brings back a laugh that is infectious, and which is used effectively in song and dance. Misses G-arstaug and Alice Nixon, who are new to us, sang sweetly and danced gracefully. There are lots of pretty" girls in the picture, and the dressing and scenic, effects were fully up to expectations.

Mr Ben Fuller wrote as follows to the Postthe other day: — "Enclosed my mite (£1 Is) towards Miss Campion's fund. Seeing the num- .. ber of companies that will be in town this week — the Fitzgeraids, Stephenson's, Dixs, and Fuller's — I would suggest a monster combined matinee in aid of the fund, and to that end our company would lend His Majesty's • Theatre staff free of charge, and I have no doubt other proprietors would do the same with their theatres and companies. Whichever theatre it was held in, I would do my best to further the cause, s>nd 1 am sure all the other companies would fall into line. Tickets could be issued, and the public by this method would contribute largely. Wednesday week would be a. good date. 1 ' I have not heard of the suggestion being acted 1 upon. Fitzgerald's Circus descended upon us this week from Australia, with Brother Dan in charge, and of course brought circus weather along. The season opened last night, aaid the heavens wept, probably in sympathy with the kiddies who were not allowed to go to the circus. Despite the rain, the big tent was crowded. The feature of all features of the show is the wrestling of six Japanese specially imported from Cnrysanthemumland. Their mode differs entirely from our modes of wrestling, but there is hard graft, niany^ tricks, much buffeting, and lots of excitement provided. As usual, there is much horse on the programme — Dan is very much devoted to the equestrian sids of his business, — and Dr Goidon is again in evidence with fresh feats of strength. Frank Jones is ahead of the show, which goes south after a short season here.

- The Howard Bros., of the mystic art, who axe at present in Adelaide, have been secured by Mr Dix for the Theatre Royal. The Dixian Co. is still doing well here. I was pleased 1 to meet George Barnes again. He has gone out ahead of the Stephenson Comedy Co. Fuller's Entertainers have had their share of patronage at His Majesty's Theatre during the week.

The Black Family was in C&iterton this week for the A. and P. show.

The Taylor-Carrington Dramatic Co. is touring the Wairarapa.