THEATRICAL AND MUSICAL NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2649, 21 December 1904, Page 68

THEATRICAL AND MUSICAL NOTES.

By Pasqcin. TUESDAY, December 20. Arrived in Dunedin per last week's Melbourne boat, Mr Henningham, advance representative for Win. Anderson's Dramatic Co., and Mr Fred. Dawson, pilot-in-chief for the sweet-voiced Jubilee Singers.

The importance of Dunedin as a show town was made manifest last week, when there were no fewer than seven theatrical representatives in the city. Three of these have since departed, leaving four to fight out the battle of the hoardings, which hoardings, by the way, ar© resplendent in all the colours which must have gone to make up Joseph's famous coat. "If you knew what this cable contains it would surprise you," said a well-known manager to the writer the other evening. Continuing, the manager said: "If this conies off we will have one of thei biggest stars in England out here very shortly, but at present I cannot divulge her name." There now !

Christmas attractions in the centres: Auckland, George Stephenson's Musical Comedy Co., Fuller's Entertainers; Wellington, Knight- Jeffries Co., Dixs Gaiety Co., Fuller's Entertainers; Christchurch, Dixs Gaiety Co., Fuller's Entertainers; Dunedin, Anderson's Dramatic Co., WoodsWilhamson Dramatic Co., Abomah, the Giantess, and the Fisk Jubilee Singers.

Prior to her departure for America, Mias May Duprez informed the writer that she was so charmed with New Zealand that she hoped to return within the next couple of years — "if not to play, at least to renew acquaintance with all the many kind friends met on the present tour."

Mr W. Jameson, business manager of Montgomery's Entertainers, passed through Dunedin one day last week, en route for the West Coast, where the company is due for, Christmas and New Year holiday seasons.

Miss Elsie Moore, round these parts with Williamson's Co., who recently sailed Londonwards, is reported to be returning to Australia.

Miss Maud Beatty, prior to sailing for 'Frisco, where she is to appear on May 24, purposes touring New Zealand with a small concert company giving "pops" and scenes from several of the operas with which she was connected with Pollard's Opera Co. Miss Maud Lita and Mise Mary Bancroft, artists not unknown in New Zealand, have joined Sanford's American Co. for a Tasmanian season, which is to begin at Hobart on December 26.

Frank O' Sullivan, of Pollard's Opera Co., postcards me from Melbourne: "We were in Charters Towers (North Queensland) when arrangement were definitely made to open the new theatre at Perth. To jump from the Towers to Perth without playing at any places en route is a large and expensive order. We open the new theatre at Perth on December 24 with "The Forty Thieves.' Will write you full particulars from the West. When in Melbourne saw our old friend, W. S. Percy, in 'The Orchid.' He is excellent, and becoming a big. favourite with the Melbourne public. Messrs Crane, Stephens, Quealy, and Olive Lenton, and the other favourites are still with us."

A new dramatic tour of New Zealand will be_ inaugurated on the West • Coast by the advent of a powerful dramatic company, which has been specially organised for the occasion by the Messrs MacSlahon. The company, chief among which is th© well-known actor and author, Mr George Darrell, is described by Mr Charles MacMahon, who has been some time organising in Sydney and Melbourne, as an exceptionally powerful and attractive one. ,The scenery has been painted and the various novel mechanical effects constructed in •Sydney. The commencement of the tour, which is designed to occupy six ■months throughout New Zealand, will be at Reefton on Boxing Night, December 26, when Mr Darrell's famous Aiistralian drama, "The Sunny South," will be produced. Greymouth will follow for the racing carnival. Other attractive, items in the repertoire are "Transported for Life," "The Sorrows of Satan," etc. The manager of the Haymarket Theatre, Chicago, prevented a panic, which might have led to great loss of life. Although a firo was raging on the fifth floor, he ordered the last act of an opera which was being performed to be continued to its close,

Mr Charles D. Gardiner, who for the last four yeans has been working as a home missionary in Southland for the Presbyterians, has (says the Southland News) received and accepted an invitation to work for the Baptists at Maori Hill and Mornington branch of the Hanover Street Baptist Church, Dunedin. He takes up his j*«-~'*iiifla on. January 1 next.

and instructed the orchestra to play loudly to drown the noise made by the firemen o\erhead. The curtain was rung down in the usual manner, and it was not until the audience had filed out into the street that they realised the danger they had been in. This was dramatically brought horns to them by an explosion, followed by flames and clouds of smoke issuing from the shattered window? above. As a result of this disaster two firemen were killed.

A melodrama of the most stirring kind was being given at a theatre in a small provincial town in England. In one of the critical scenes the hero suddenly became aware of the fact that he had come to the stage minus his poniard. Without a moment's hesitation he made a dash afc the traitor exclaiming : "Die, villian ! I meant to strike thee with my dagger, but I left the weapon in my dressing room, and will, therefore, strangle thee in the presence of this indulgent audience." Ifc is scarcely necessary to add that this variation from the oi'iginal brought down the house.

Wallace Shaw, of Frawley's Co., interviewed on his return to America, states that South Africa and Australia are at the present time poor places for American dramatic companies. As for himself, he is quite content now to remain in America, leaving the delight of foreign travel to the other fellow.

Sprightly Tillie Woodlock, well remembered in this city as the Mamie Clancy in the "Belle of New York " made famous by the impersonation of Albert Whelau, has been engaged amongst others for Wm. Anderson's panto, at Melbourne Royal. Passengers by the Wimmera from Melbourne for Dunedin are the Fisk Jubilee Singers and the members of Anderson's Dramatic Co., the two combinations commencing a New Zealand tour in this city on Boxing Night. The Wimmera arrived at the Bluff on Monday evening, and is due here this (Wednesday) morning. Mr Fred. Dawson, who is at present in Dunedin piloting the Fisk Jubilee Singers on their New Zealand tour, is a Maoriland native, hailing from the Napier district, where his family is well known. The Anderson Dramatic Company commence their fifth annual tour of New Zealand at the Princess Theatre on Boxing Night with an entirely new sensational nautical drama entitled "A Sailor's Sweetheart." Mr Anderson recently played this drama at the Theatre Royal, Melbourne, and filled the theatre for five weeks. There are numerous sensations and startling situations, one being a dive from the deck of a steamer by a woman. There is also a sensational scene in Africa. The company comprises 50 members — a number of old favourites, also some who will make theii first appearance in Dunedin. The scenery and effects arrived with the company, and are said to be most elaborate — from the brush of Mr Jttege Robins. Fred. Henningham, who came in advance of the company, has completed all arrangements for the opening next Monday. The Taylor-Carrington Company con-cluded-a successful season of melodrama at Dunedin Alhambra on Monday evening, and this morning departed for the south, having secured Invereargill for the holiday season. The Woods-Williamson Company commence their return season in Dunedin with Maud Williamson's original dramatisation of Marie Corelli's great work, "Barabbas." During the season, the company will present two new plays, "The Garden of Lies" and "The Bond Man."

The Woods-Williamson Company are sending invitations to the clergy to witness the production of "Barabbas." The company will play a season at the Theatre Royal, Christclrareh, at the termination of the Dunedin season. The season's greetings of Stephenson's Opera Company, Pollard Opera Company, "Lorgnette," J. A. Miller, Alf. Linley, Dan. Fitgzerald, Michael Joseph, and Edwin Geach ar© heartily reciprocated. Five monkeys belonging to Fitzgerald's Circus escaped at jLyttelton, and one of them bit a little girl named Maiden rather severely mi the leg. After a long chase four of the animals were recaptured. On Saturday evening (Christmas Eve) Mr William Anderson is to open the new 1 Theatre Royal, Melbourne, with his pantomime, "Sinbad the Silor," which is to be produced on a most lavish and elaborate scale. Miss Elaine Ravensberg, the principal boy, reached Melbourne by the R.M.S. Victoria two weeks ago. She comes to Australia with a big London reputation, and for the past two years has been principal boy at Drury Lane. Mr Anderson is also playing a season of drama at the Bijou Theatre, where Mr Michael Joseph is manager. Mr Anderson has likewise a big interest in the "Shooting the Chute." This is to be an immense undertaking, and is costing over £600, so that for the coming Christmas William Anderson has his hands full. Forbes Robertson, the English actor who reeenty made his American debut in "The Light That Failed," tells of one occasion when he was playing "Hamlet" in Birmingham. "My support was good," said the actor, "but one of the company, a man who took the part of Guildenstern, had been drinking too heavily for a week, and on the night that I am speaking of his nervousness, his queerness, amounted almost to an aberration of the intellect. I hated to go on with him, but the beginning' of the tragedy I confess that he did well enough. Then caro© the pipe scene. I extended the pipe to Guildenstern, and said : 'Will you play upon this pipe?' He answered, very properly, 'My lord, I cannot.' I said : 'I pray you.' And then, to my horror, Giiildenstern took the pipe from my hand. .'Well, my boy, since you insist,' hei said. I will, but I warn you I'm a poor hand.' And he rattled off a verse of 'God save the-Quee-n' before we got him. off the stage." The special performance of "Patience" at Her Maje-sty's Theatre, Melbourne, for the purpose of introducing Miss Dolly Castles as an actress and singer was a distinct success, and the enthusiasm of the Argus seems to admit of no doubt that the debutante will be both a popular and artistic success. It seems pretty evident, the paper says, that "no more valuable prize has been secured by any Australian opera impresario for a very long time, and we confidently look forward to Miss Dolly Castles, now that the ice is broken and the first plunge taken, speedily winning 1 for herself an assured position in the vocation she has decided to adopt. Mr Joseph Jefferson, at the ago of 75, has retired from the stage. In an interview the veteran actor said -that he had decided not to appear again professionally, although he might give his c ewices occasionally in the great cause of charity. Mr Jefferson's theatrical career began when ho was only 10 years old. But ho denied that his survival of more than 60 years of stage

work was due to & vigorous constitution. As a boy he was delicate, and 50 years ago ke was denied an insurance policy. But careful living was the secret of a long life. ( "We actors," Mr Jefferson said, like 'the second round of applause' — to be patted on the back round the supper table in a good company of fellow Bohcmiane after the play. There was poor, dear Artemus Ward— such a delightful fellow, such superb company! When he came to London I said to him, 'Browne'— you know his name was Browne, — 'beware of thc< stage-door and the men waiting to carry you off to supper at Evans's. It's not so much that they'll put you under the table as under ground, and they did. I always had a cab at the door when I was playing at the Adelphi, and got in and put up the window and went home, no matter who uas out after ms." Mr Jefferson recalled how Don Boueicault remade the old play of "Rip Van Winkle," remarking that he himself conceived the weird second act as it is now played, and related an amusing incident of his London engagement : "Just before ' Rip ' was brought out at the iTdelphi I went with Boucicault to that theatre one night to see Ben Webster, who was a very good actor. He was playing the part of a miser, and in he third act he opened a safe in the wall of his house, took out some papers, examined them, and put them back. There was a very strained moment of hushed attention through the house, but presently a small voice rang clear from the gallery: 'Wot's in 'em, guvnor? The house .la ughed, you may depend upon it, and Webster was very angry, but Boucicault said it was bad art on the part of the author to leave that small boy in the gallery in doubt as to the contents of the papers." An actress in London had a narrow escape recently when playing in a sketch entitled "Snakes." In a scene when one of the ophidians is allowed to cool round the actress's neck, the reptile exerted its etrength too much, and almost strangled the lady. She screamed in agony, and the audience, taking it to be part of the play, applauded. The stage hands, however, seeing the true state of affairs, made a rush to drag off the python. The curtain was lowered amid some excitement, and the snake, by a great effort, was dragged away just in time to save the lady from, serious consequences. Mr Fred W. Millis, the popular ventriloquist, who is visiting Australia after an absence of 15 years, was the recipient prior to his departure from England of a handsome illuminated address from the officers and committee of the Music Hall Artistes' Railway Association, of which he is one of the orginal members, and also a vice-presi-dent.

Mr Alec Verne, who piloted Johnny Sheridan's company through South Africa, states that the tour, taken all round, ha-s been successful. Mr Sheridan has changed his mind about going to England, and is returning to Australia, where he hopes to open in one of the principal cities on Boxing night. [Mr Sheridan has arrived in Australia. — Pasquin.l The champion lady shaver of the world was packing an English hippodrome when the mail left. People were falling over themselves in their anxiety to witness her feat of shaving 30 men, under 45 minutes. By shaving 30 individuals with one hand, two hands, and blindfolded in 31min 25sec the lady is stated to haye 1 eclipsed all records. Having no previous lady shaving records to guide him, the writer is prepared to accept the statement. The lightning shaving lady his issued a challenge to the world for £1000.

Gus Hill, a well-known American manager, is going to invade Australia next year with a full company (says Melbourne Dramatic News). The present arrangements are that his "Happy Hooligan" Company will at once go on tour, ending" at 'Frisco in June, 1905, and then unite with the"M'Fadden's Flats" Company. The combination, consisting of 72 people, will then sail for this country, opening early in July at Sydney, presenting "Happy Hooligan," " The Bargain Counter," ~ "M'Fadden's Flats," "The Office Boy," and "Sinbad." The tour will extend over 32 weekE — 28 in Australia and four in Honolulu. Mr Al. Doison will be company manager, Walt M. Leslie business manager, with seven assistants, and the company is due to leave 'Frisco on June 14.

For the benefit of those Australian artists who are thinking of trying London, says the recently-returned Australian actor Arth. Greenaway, I might say that on arrival I found that all my Australian work went for nothing, while managers would not even look afc notice books. Even after you are a provincial success, it is difficult to even, see a West End manager, let alone get an engagement. Forbes Robertson was very pleasant to me. He advised me to wait about London for six month', join two or three good clubs, n~.ix in good' society, and then probably something good might turn up. This, I need hardly say, requires s\ comfortable bank balance. Of course, once you get in with, say. Tree or Alexander, you are all right ; good salaries. Parts are specially written for you, and if you once make a hit in London, you need never look back again. Yes. I'm inclined to think Australians wouldi do bc-ttor in America than in England. Salaries are bigger, but the. woik in the season is very hard. It's no good going there with that tired feeling — one must hustle and bustle hard at that. I covered a score or so of odd thousand miles, doing one-night stands, which with matinee performances practically means living on the cars. Among the Australians I met who were doing well were H. R. Jewett, now a Christian Scientist, but who has an assured position ; Harry Roberts, leading 1 man with Mrs Lester Carter in 'Dv BarYv,' Sydney Deane, J. W. Montgomery, and Miss Minna Phillips. The sketch business is a great thing now at the vaudeville houses, end fabulous salaries are paid to. theatrical arfists to appear in them. Frank Gerald, who left Australia some years ago, is doing very well in London in the same class of thing.

Of Miss Violet Elliott, the Australian contralto, well known in New Zealand, London Era says : Miss Elliott is .a deep contralto with a phenomenal lower~"~range, and can get down to lower D in Loder's song, "The diver." She is also capable of reaching the high G of the mezzosoprano. The young 1 vocalist attributes her vocal excellence to the healthy outdoor life she. led in her n.t.ive country.

Mr J. E. Petherick representative for the Amazon - Giantess Abomah and Company arrived ficni the south on Tuesday in order to make arrangements for the season of 12 night* at the Alhambra Theatre, commencing on Saturday next, Christmas Eve. The company have had a most successful tour siuce the tall lady's arrival in the colonies, the season

in Melbourne extending over 12" weeks. Th* company are uader engagement to Mr J. A. Miller, of Melbourne, who arrives with, the company. Through Miss Ida Holbein and Air Jas. Mooney," artists well known m New Zealand who write to Sydney RefereeT one is able to glean the whereabouts of theatrical friend? not forgotten : Allan Shaw, the coin king, was on the Keith circuit, where also was Josephine Gassman and her pics, also of the World's Entertainers. The four Rianos, of Monkey and the Farmer fame, were at Kceney's Theatre, Brooklyn; Wyd. Deane and Fred Zobedie, the balancer, at the Brooklyn Orpheum; Stella Trace, in Chicago; Rosie Aguinaldo, the coutoitionist, with Ringling Circus, in New York; Gilbert and Frank Harmston, also with Ringling's Circus; Henry Lee, Rial's old partner, on the Keith circuit; Priscilla Verne is working eastward from New York; Ernest Hogan, "the tmbleaehed comedian," at the Roof Garden?. Woolworth; Hilda Spong appearing in "'Joseph Estangled," in New York; also Henry Jewe-tt. Nance O'Neill at the Leemonfc Theatre, Boston; Arthur Hahn at Denver, Col. ; and Clive, the conjurer, on the Kohl and Castle circuit. Mrs Patrick Campbell has encountered the great American interviewer, of course, since making her great success in NewYork in "The Sorceress." In the report of what took place, Mrs Campbell is credited with not be-ing "one of the numerous theatrical stars who at the first opportunity and on every conceivable occasion rush forth with an open and noisy avowal of their great admiration for, and undying love of, America." No, Mrs Campbell is not pleased with some thinsss in Uncle Sam's country, and she did *not hesitate to say so. Some of the playhouses, with their over-ornat-e decorations, reminded her of a dish of salad. They did not suggest art. The servants in New York were too independent, and the dressmakers outrageously expensive. But Mrs Campbell reserved her severest strictures for the American "press agent." She could not see what advantage there was to the- people of the stage from his ima ginary and trashy effusions. That story about her being the original of BurneJones's painting of "The Vampire" had made her wild — there was absolutely not one word of truth in it.

Mrs Edmund Phelps is not encouraging to young people who want to go upon the stage. "If anyone came to me and asked me whether it was wise to become an, actor," she says, "I should say "don't," because the market is overstocked.' The present race of young men look upon acting more for amusement than as a matter of necessity, and the profession, as a result, is composed of quite a different class of individuals to what existed in my early days. In the past, the actor had not the social advantages possessed* by the present-day actor. We had an early" training, which was most valuable, and I think we worked more for the love of our work, endeavouring to make and hold whatever position we might achieve. To-day, a, young man or girl jumps into that position, thanks mainly to influence, and to the fact that society is more interested in the stage than was the case in the past. This has improved the status of the actor as a professional man, but I certainly regret the lack of seriousness that is shown nowadays in the theatre, and I also deplore the easy way in which, by that influence, the young actor obtains parts to which he is not entitled •either by talent or by preliminary training."

A comedy by A. Dumas, written in 1854-, was lately played in Paris, and a discussion arose about the costuming of the play, which was carried out in present-day fashions. This argument, whether oldfashioned plays shovild be dressed to their own date or not, is constantly cropping up. The present revival is interesting in having brought up a letter written by A. Dumas fils himself 20 years ago to M. Joseph Reinach, concerning Sarah Bernhardt's revival of "Camille," which that critic took exception to on the ground of the absurdity of post-dating its mode of drefs by half a century or so. Dumas held that Sarah Bernhardt was right, and that to dress tha piece to the proper date was to take- off the attention from the emotions and action of the piece, which are common to all ages, and fix it on the dressing. Also, he adds, women, on beholding the old fashions, exclaim, "How frightfully uffly they look," and they go no further. The play for them is condemned. Mr George Galvin, better known as Dan Leno, the most popular comedian of this generation, died last Saturday Isays a London correspondent, writing under date November 4). He was a product of the music halls ; and it was chiefly in pantomime and in pieces of rollicking fun that he made his mark. When a mere child Dan Leno appeared on the stage as a contortionist. Dancing and a good alto voice helpod him along to success, but it was a. long ladder (hat he had to climb. He began very low down, even singing in publichouses. His first great achievement was in clog-dancing. He became the champion of the world. It was as a clog-dancer that ho first appeared in London music halls. Shortly afterwards he obtained an engagement in pantomime on the Surrey side. Sir Augustus Harris saw his performance, and secured him for Drury Lane. From that time onwards, for over 20 years, he was the best pautornimist at that theatre. In childhood and youth he lived in the most straitened circumstances. Recently his income was £7000 or £8000 a, year. Only 10 days ago he was performing at the Pavilion. Latterly he was a wreck of his fo rmerself. A year or two ago he completely broke down in health. He resumed work 12 months ago ; but there were always two attendants within reach of him, and a special prompter, for he often forgot the text of his parts. Dan Leno was a kindhearted creature, but not a member of the blue ribbon army. The newspapers contain_ many stories of his humour and his improvidence. Addressing a waiter in his club, he said, "Maurice, how long have you been working for this club?" "Ever since it was started." "And what was the biggest tip you ever received?" "Two sovereigns." "Well, my boy," said Leno. "I'll make that fellow look foolish. Hero's a fiver! By the way, what was the name of the fellow who cave you two pounds?" "Well, Mr Leno," said Maurice, after he had pocketed the note, "it wes yourself, sir." Dan Lpno -.us a born comedian, but it was not as Dan Leno that he entered this world — "a mere ohikl without a rag to my back or a penny in my pocket," as his autobiography tells vs — nor as a comedian that he first won his way to fame. Born to a couple of strolling players in tha voar 1861. Dan had a hard life of it during his minoiity. He was often hungry, oftes

footsore, for fortune resolutely refused to smile on his parent, with whom he toured the length and breadth of England. In his teens he became an accomplished clogdancer, aiid in 1880 won the championship belt at Leeds. Then, abandoning his baptismal name of George Galvin, he became "Dan Leno, champion clog-dancer." He won the belt three times in succession, lost it for a year, and then regained it. Coming to London, he appeared at the "halls" primarily as a clog-dancer, but in those days managers wanted a lot for their money, and Dan had to throw in a, song or two. Speedily his audience discovered that they enjoyed his songs and "patter" better than his danoing, and before! long Leno became <iuite a star comedian. He and his wife, indeed, actually commanded a salary of £25 » week when they joined the Drury Lane pantomime cast in 1880. From that time the little man never looked back, and for the past five years his salary during pantomime season at the Lane was £250 a week.