THEATRICAL AND MUSICAL NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2675, 21 June 1905, Page 68

THEATRICAL AND MUSICAL NOTES.

I By Pa-sqtjut.

TUESDAY, June 20, 1905. Miss Gertrude Fraser (in private life Mrs Johnny Fuller), who has been appearing on the boards of the AJhanabra during the past week or twe, sang her last song to a crowded house on Saturday evening. Adeline Antonio, a trapeze performer who visited New Zealand a few years ago with Fitzgerald's circus, was the first lady to dive from a high trapeze into a net in thie country, and it wae in doing this sensational act at Coney Island that she was recently killed. Johnny Fuller, jun., manager of the Alhambra, departed on his. usual visit to Melbourne on Sunday in search of talent for the Fuller circuit. The young theatrical manager anticipates some difficulty in this trip in securing exactly wha.t is required in New Zealand. During the absence of Johnny F. in Australia th© Alhambra will be managed- by Mr, Gil P. Hoskins, the "Firm's" secretary, in Wellington. We are shortly to have a. visit from Montgomery's Entertainers, which happy combination is at present showing in the Southland districts] Mr Will Jamieson, "man in front," has arrived in town to make the path smooth for th© opening night at the Princess on the 24th inst. "Thespian" writes: "Was waiting at a country station for a train one morning recently, when an extra well-dressed Johnnie introduced himself as a 'Semi pro magician.'' We travelled in train together (talking shop, of course). He asked me if I had seen Grossi. Told him yes. (At this time Grossi was playing at the Bluffi) Naturally I asked my friend what 'turns' h& was putting on. Told me his best act was 'Walking ths Chalk Lin©.' I looked at him, and he must have read my thoughts.' He told me he had seen Grossi for a few nighte, and could do the act. He had put it on at a country town at the same time as Grossi, the originator, was putting it on at Bluff, not 50 miles away. I played this town myself a few nights later, and was told by far the best 'turn' in the last show was 'Walking the Chalk Line.' " Some convalescent theatricals : Robert Brough, Julius Knight, Pete- Hughes, Alfred Dampier, Chas. Holloway, Walter Baker, Kara (the magician), Dan Fitzgerald, Fred Leslie, .Rose Musgrove, Madge Eickards, Hilda Fraser. Miss Freda Brandon, the cornet soloist, who had become quite a favourite at the Alhambra, unexpectedly received marching orders from headquarters to join Fuller's Entertainers in Auckland, departed for the north by the express on Saturday last. Miss Brandon ' may possibly return to Dunedin before the expiration of her contract with the Fuller firm. The 6.5. Wimmera steamed out of Wellington on Saturday last a full ship, berthed in every available cabin with theatricals. In addition to 60 members of the Gilbert and Sullivan Company returning to Sydney, the members of Anderson's Dramatic Company were passengers for "Harbourville." There are few good variety artists out of engagement at the present time — Rickards and F. M. Clarke's Companies in Australia, Fullers and P. R. Dixs in New Zealand, and Bains in Tasmania having booked up all available talent. "Woomera" tells this theatrical story: "During her Melbourne season a popular tragedienne was a most devout visitor to St. 'Patrick's Cathedral, and, contrary to custom, turned up one Sunday morning to confession. 'An' whoy* didn't ye com© lasht noight?' asked the priest. 'I was working, father,' she replied. 'Aw ! ye were working,' he commented ; 'an' how lat© were ye working!' Until half-past 11, father,' she said. 'Aw! half-pasht illivin,' echoed the priest in tones of astonishment. 'An' what moight ye be working at?' Tm on the stage, father,' she explained. 'Hum,' mused the priest, driven toL-&_ corner, 'cudn't ye foind anything better ter do? 5 " Consistent with the Fuller's policy of quick changes, several new artists are due to arrive in Dunedin from Australia by the Waikare on Wednesdty next. Amongst others Miss Celia Mavis, who was round these parts with tho "Widdy O'Brien" (Johnny Sheridan), the Stewart Trio Instrumentalists and other spare accomplishments, and Winnie Bond, serio. Thes newcomers will be distributed over the various centres where Fullers reign supreme. The ticket takers at Dunedin Princess, where Tarlor-Carrington Company is dis-

p<MiMiier sensational melodrama. ha\e had ji Imsy lime during the- pa-jt week collecting t ho pu^tc-boards from •* the ciowd of i-nmili-y cousins in for the winter show. -Mined tlio opening night business has kept tip lo ii lugh standard. The company have produced "Unjustly Sentenced," "Barnes of N<<w York," and "Ten Nights jn a Bar ,Kooin.'

It is understood that, owing to the management being unable to secuio the theatres required, the a i^ifc of the famous Irish-American actor Andrew Mack to this colony has been cancelled.

The lamented death of M. Leon Caron in Sydney la>st week has left a. void in the theatrical world of Australia that will be exceptionally hard to fill. For his place in the Gilbert and Sullivan Company Mr J. C. Williamson has engaged Mr August Juncke-r, well known as the compo.«or of "I was dreaming,'' who for the past three or four years has been conducting several musical organisations in the United State*, some of them under Mr Charles Frohmann's management. Of his ability Sydney will have an oportunity of judging 6hoitly, for the company opens a short season of three weeks there on June 24. During it they will play "The Mikado," ! 'The Yeomen of the Guard," and "The Gondoliers" — the two latter for the first time. Brisbane on June 17 and Melbourne on August 5 will be the two next visited.

The Royal Comic Opera Company will indulge in one of their characteristic "rushes" on the conclusion of their Sydney season on. the 15th inst. Immediately after the performance that- evening they will all hasten on board a special train, which will taken them right through to Adelaide, where they will catch th© boat ior West Australia. The only one left behind will be Miss Rose Musgrove, whose attack of fever, from which she is now recovering, will, of course, prevent her from accompanying them. Mr Fred Leslie, another member of th© company recently on the sick list, has again resumed his place. Mr Julius Knight, thanks to a strong constitution, is now showing marked improvement. The fever has left him, and it now needs only careful nursing to- enable him to build up his health once more. He intends spending- his weeks of convalesence in Adelaide, arid hopes to take up his work again when the Knight-Jeffries Company open there on July 15. Mr Andrew Mack proved just as charming a personality in "Jack Shannon" as he had done in any of the previous successes of his Melbourne season, and earned just as an enthusiastic reception from the crowded audience which welcomed the first production of th© piece a*- Her Majesty's, Melbourn, on Saturday evening last, the 3rd inst. "Jack Shannon" will be played only for a week, and the last few nights^ of the season will be devoted to short revivals of "Tom Moore" and "The Way to Kenmare." The season closes on Thursday, 15th inst., and Mr Mack and his clever company open in Sydney -on the 17th inst. A Wellington writer referring to the American humourist, George Fuller Golden, says, though a very clever entertainer, he is "by no means a Mel. B. Spurr." Of such is the kingdom of criticism. Certainly Golden is by no means a Mel. B. Spurr, but I do not write in the same sense as the Wellington writer has done. The style of the late Mel. B. Spurr and that of George Fuller Golden cannot be compared, because they are co widely different.

In the illustrate! pages of this week's issue is reproduced a photograph of the late M. Leon Caron. The garland surrounding the picture was handed over to M. Caron by Miss Dolly Castles on the evening of the final performance given by the Gilbert and Sullivan Op©ra Company in Wellington.

An interesting dramatisation of Kipling's "Jungle Book" has been made. A peculiarity of this projected production is that It will partake as much of an animal training act as of a theatrical performance, as the various animals mentioned in the particular incidents dramatised will appear on the stage.

Apropos of the magician who was to have been introduced to New Zealand by M. B. Ciirtis next month, an American paper thusly: "Howard Thurston, the cleverest of all magicians, with one of the biggest acts of the kind on the stage, will be the drawing card at Fischer's Theatre next week. Thurston has been a head-liner wherever he has apeared in the East and in Europe. He has appeared before all the crowned heads of Europe, and his productions cost over 20,G00dols. He employs eight people in his act. A special car is required to carry liis stage appliances. His illustrations are tihe most wonderful that have ever been witnessed, the most notable of which is "Dana," the creation of a woman from nothing, and is pronounced to be the most remarkable act ever seen. Never has anything been seen like it before. Thurston is at present rated at the head of his profession, and has achieved much prominence as the man who mystified" Herrmann. His card and balloon tricks ar© especially watched. His personality i& magnetic and dignified, which adds much to his act. He has also several other illusions which are very fine, and his one-two-three ilhision is puzzling in the extreme. Thurston carries elaborate stage settings and paraphernalia to make his act attractive and fascinating, and his costumes ar© in accordance with the settings. Thurston's engagement should not be missed by any patron who has a value for art in anything.

In addition to a reproduction of the late Leon Caron, the well-known conductor, there are reprodij^ed in this week's issue of the Witness photographs of Miss Nellie Deat, the accomplished wife of Mr Fred Graham (the- comedian), and Miss Marie Rignold, who was through here recently with the "Broken Melody" Company. Dear Pasquin, — We are in Blenheim at present, and showing to good business and appreciative musical audiences. This town is devoid of a theatre or suitable hall for companies, the old one having been condemned. Th townspeople have taken the matter up, and ar now agitating for a new theatre to cost gome £5000 or £6000. The matter comes up before the Town Council next week. We are using the Good Templars' Hall, which is seated for 350, packed will hold over 400. In Nelson and districts we spent 10 days, having lovely weather and good houses. We were very sorry to leave. N-exfc week we open in the Norfoi Island at Feilding on Friday. 23rd. All well.— Kind regards ' from Jno. Blaci. June 16.

Mise Amy Murpliy. the w-ell-known Dnnedin vocalist, ha<J an unusual and somewhaifc startling experience when rehearsing in Wellington Iho other evening with tho Choral Society. Miss Murphy had just

oonrlndod a «oner in a high p ; ercin? note, when tile gla«s globe cohering a sraslightnear where the singer was standing fell with a crash. Ths .breaking of the glass •was due to the singer's } igh note being m sympathy with the tone of a portion of the "bell of the gicbe, causing a iespon«i\e a ibration fatal to the glass.

In a chat with "Deadhead" a few days ago, Mr M'Kee Rankin said that the past Iwo years held an unrivalled position in American theatrical history for badne?s. He attributes it largely to the surfeit of musical ccm-edy. which the managers mistakingly persist in belie\ing the public ■wants. Por contra he called up the present successful revivals in cla^ical comedies with big castes. Things are. he says, improving iapid!y. and it looks as if "musical comedy" so-called is doomed as to popularity in the States.

Change is decidedly the order of the day with Mr J. C. Williamson just now, and after a period' of quiescence, attended by unusual bursts of enthusiasm, his companies will again begin to "move round." Miss Tittell Brune is thei fir?t to go, leaving Melbourne for New Zealand Mr Andrew Mack follows her as far as Sydney to make room for Miss Xance O'Neil, who opens at H-pi- Majesty's, Melbourne, on the 17th June. Two days before that the Royal Comic Opera Company will have left for a visit to We«t Australia, to be succeeded by seasons in Adelaide and Melbourne. The Knight-Jeffries season of repertoire pieces will come to a conclusion in Sydney on the 23rd of June, and the organisation will re-open in Adelaide en the 15th July. The day after they close in Sydney, the Gilbert and Sullivan Company begins a three weeks'- season there. So that before the end of the present month the whole of the companies under Mr Williamson's direction will have changed their location, and in most instances* will bo a considerable distance away from their present one.

Miss Nance O'Noil and her company arrived in Sydney by the San Francisco mail steamer at tho beginning of the present week. They will proceed direct to Melbourne, when they will at once go into active preparation for their opening night. In_ all her long list of histrionic successes Miss O'Neil has never had so sustained an appreciation shown her as that which was accorded her in Boston. She began her stay in a little unfashionable theatre usually given over to second-rate musical coinediee. At first the houses were poor, but gradually, Boston, critical as it was, began to realise that they had an actress of unusual merit in their midst, and it was not long bp.foi-e her sheer talent had lifted her into the enviable position of being the most popular and the most widelyknown actress in tho city She went from triumph to triumph, and for months she reaped a reward — no more than a justly deserved one — for .all th© sterling work she has always put into her art.

The Boston correspondent of a London paper telegraphed as follows recently: Paderewski has cancelled all his American engagements, owing to his illness, which, his physicians explain, consists of nervous prostration and myalgia of the muscles of the nock and the shoulder. The direct cause of his illness was a shock received on tha nighfc of April 19th, on the New Tbrfr Central railroad?, when a locomotive was £.ccJdien tally derailed, and Paderewski was violemtly thrown down. He has suffered pains in his head and spinal column ever sinos. He is full of gloomy forebodings, fearing lest he may not "recover his mastery of the keys of the piano, owing to the loss - of muscular power in his shoulders and arms, although his physicians believe he will recover after a long rest. It is rumoured that the eha/noes are few that the great pianist will be restored to his full powers. Paderewski sailed on May lOfch, and wiil take a prolonged rest at his villa in Switzerland. He is too ill to travel at present.

Apropos of Paderewski's illness. Like all other great musical performers, M. Paderewski has always been heavily insured against all kinds of asks that might temporarily prevent him from appearing on the concert platform. Apart form his ordinary life insurance, it has been his habit to expend £800 yearly in premiums in this respect. His two hands ars permanently underwritten for no Jess than £10,000, so that if either of <hem sustained such an injury through accident or disease as would prevent him from playing for the future, or so impair his powers as to render his performances of less value, he would qualify for the large sum named. When he has a specially important engagement in view, a special insurance is often effected to cover any cause whatever that might orovent Mm from fulfilling ;t,; t, and M. Paderewski has more than opce drawn the insurance money s,™* circumstances. It is usually about ioOO for seven days' absence from the platform. The promoters of his concerts, when they stand to lose by his non-appearance, also take the precaution of insurance beforehaiKi, usually for about £1000 or £1500. yf the other most famous concert performers Kub&lik is g-enorally understood to be one of the most heavily insuied. He has stated that he pays £300 premium for insurance in respect of his bow hand alone, mj that if prevented from fulfilling 5,.™g ! « engagement he would receive ±.2000 compensation. For a total di^able£lo,ooo. In the case of Joseph Hoffman, not only each haud, but each individual finger ;s separately insured. Madame Patti was always heavily insured against accident Generally her threat and vocal chords were insured for £1000 a p&rformanoe, and the premium was £25 a night It is «tated t rm TO ?» has always been insured for £0000 against permanent accidental

Miss Gertrude Kingston in an ai-KM Q • the Nineteenth CfentSy. says : me" when waiting in the wings to go on it is instructive to w;atok through the peep-hole in the 'prompter's seat the faces of a British audrcnee during a scene iv which there is fKI 7 ™. m eu are looking shamefacedly down their noses, or shrinking into a_ corner of their sea* with a deprecatory air; the men have their heads thrown up, trying to look as detached as possible, with the proverbial 'you can't catch me- air of the gentlemanlike^ Englishman. A wellknown French actress said to me last year, I do not understand your English public. I go to the theatre and see only plays fit for children, not grown-up people. But what ar© your men and women made of? Hayj> they no emotions, no passions? Do they feel nothing of hate or love, or fea-r, or tendei'nees. of jealousy or rage?' ' Madam/ I said, ' we are a prudish nation.

Wp do not rTave to look on at naked passions in the presence of strangers j wt do not countenance a nioral undressing in pub'ir.' 'But,' she said, 'you come and see our French plays?' "Ti at.' I answered, 'is a* -very different matter. We alw ays hepe ihe man in the next «eat does not understand the language.' The Jacfc of the matter is. that in England the public do not or will not fcako the stage ser.'ously. They will not regard it earnestly as a means of education, as a temple for the worship of art, a* a platform for the airing of social evils. What surprises and depresses the critic who is not bom and b;ed in this country is the naive simplicity of the British attitude towards matters artistic." In June last year a writer in one of the 'Boston magazines referred to ML=\s Nance O'Neill's visit to Boston as being the supreme clramatio event of the season, and referred to its unexpectedness, richness of development, and climax as being as gcod. as a play. Certainly, tbere was an element of romanoe about it such as one usually expects from the plots of novels. Miss O'Neill arrived in Boston almost unknown and unappreciated. SJie began courageously in a small and unfrequented theatre, and soon the exceptional talent she showed brought its reward. The box office pr-fits rose 'from £6 to £300 per night, and her first engagement in Boston brought £8000 profit to the manager. Three others of his fraternity entered into successive* contracts with her afterwards, and when she had finished with them all her record was surely a unique one. She had oaptuied a crftical city, had oommanded its admiration and appreciation in whatever she appeared, and had left them with a memory which, as one enthusiast put it, will be years before it is effaced.