THEATRICAL AND MUSICAL NOTES.

Otago Witness, Volume 23, Issue 2684, 23 August 1905, Page 60

THEATRICAL AND MUSICAL NOTES.

By Pasquis. Tuesday, August 22, 1905. The Dunedin Amateur Operatio Society anticipates a loss of about £20 on the recent production of "Rip yan Winkle." - The secretary of the local fund raised on behalf of Miss Gertie Campion has had a draft for £20 returned to him, being a sum forwarded to Melbourne recently to defray the cost of the passage of Mrs Campion to South Africa. Miss Campion will probably be- pleased to hear that such a sum ig still io her credit in Dunedin.

By arrangement with J. C. Williamson it has been made possible for Miss Leech's Dramatic Society to stage at Dunedin Princess on Wednesday, September 6, Pinevo's screaming three-act comedy "The Magistrate." The proceeds of the performance are to be devoted to the Hospital Extension Fund.

Mr Ben Fuller, the general manager of the vaudeville firap of Messrs Fuller and Sons, is expected in Dunedin on Thurada_y next on a business trip. Consequent on the general elections taking place , ijj November the Dunedin Amateur Operatic Society has abandoned its intention of staging another opera this year. Daies have, .however, besn secured at the Princess In February nxet, when the S'soond production —probably "The Gondoliers" — wili be jtaged. Miss Gertie Campion, at one time a Eiember of Pollard's Opera Company in New Zealand, who contracted consumption in South Africa, and for a couple of years had been incapacitated in Johannesburg, was a passenger from Capetown to Hobart by the Afchenic, transhipping at the latter port for Melbourne. Miss Campion was very bad indeed. Slhe spent on an average about 16 hours 'a day on deck in all kinds of weather, and had her meals eerved on deck every day. She appeared slightly better towards the end of the voyage, and wasable to walk about a little. Miss Campion was accompanied by her mother and sister (Miss K. Campion). The cabled announcement of the death in Sydney of Mr Pete Hughes, the wellknown theatrical representative, was reoeived here with genuine expressions of regret. When last in Dunedin— with "The Broken Melody" Company, only a few short weeks ago— Mr Hughes placed himself in the hands of one of our leading medical men, who wrought such wonderful changes in the popular theatrical manager that hopes were fondly entertained of hh ultimate recovery to health and strength. Mr William Hughes was born in America, and came to Australia many years ago, where he joined the firm of Williamson, and Musgrove, touring New Zealand with their principal theatrical attractions. On the absolution of partnership between Messrs Williamson and Musgroire Mr Hughes remained in the service of the latter manager, and while on a visit to England recently engaged Mr Van Biene «,nd "The- Broken Melody" Company, with which he last toured New Zealand. Mr Hughes wa6 of a bright and cheery disposition, beloved by all with whom he came into contact. He leaves a widow, who will have the sincere sympathy of a large circle of friends in her sad loss.

Some interesting information hag been furnished me concerning Stepbenson's Musical Comedy Co., at present touring the Golden West, and which pays a return visit to New Zealand shortly, commencing at Dunedin on Boxing Night. Charlie- Albert, the comedian, late of Tom Pollard's Opera Co., has joined the musical comedy combination, taking the place of Roy Sydney, who goes Home shortly. On the return of the company from the West and entering the Melbourne season, which commences in November, another member of the Pollard Opera Co., in the' person of Miss Alice Pollard, joins the Stephenson Co. Mr George Barnes, recently advance representative, has joined Meynell and Gunn's Comedy Co., and Mr Fred Duval has now taken up the advance work, thus leaving MiGeorge Stephenson and Mr W. Low to look after the front of the house. Mr Stephenson has purchased a new musical comedy entitled "The Nautch Girl," which is a better class of work than the company has previously staged. It will be- one of the attractions on the New Zealand tour.

Mr A. Moss, of thh city, who recently accompanied Mr Fred Duval on a trip through America in search of theatrical attractions for New Zealand and Australia, and who is alleged to he concerned in several theatrical ventures at present running in Australasia, has initirted a private club room in Dunedin known as the Albert, Club, which has been furnished in lavish style, -where & pleasant hqur may be spent at cards, chess" draughts, billiards, etc. Members of the theatrical profession shouH find these rooms a pleasant rendezvous when in town.

Charles Carter, late icnor of Pollard's Opera Company, secured an engagement with the Moody-Manners Opera Comnany after singing at a trial "Let inc. like a

Boklier fall." After singing the first verse Mr Charles Manners engaged the youngNew Zealander as principal tenor.

Miss Laura Roberts, talented sister of a clever actor Harry Roberts (who is ths husband of Maggie Moore), is appearing with Fuller's Entertainers in Wellington.

Madame Sara Bernhardt played the hero in M. Rostand's historical play "L'Aiglon"' in London last month at the Coronet Theatre. She contrived to convey, says one critic, "an impression of youthfulness ac the Duo de Reichstadt, and looked handsome in her military uniforms. She declaimed the patriotic spe-eches with a fervour which aroused enthusiasm, but she was more successful in the tenderer passages. The popular actress has recently developed an energy of speech and action which sometimes mar the effect of a scene because her utterance is too rapid to be followed easily." The new rival of the Theatrical Trust ha 3 now been formed. It is announced that David Belasco, Lee Shubert, and Harrison Grey Fiske have completed their plans for an alliance to fight the. monopoly headed by Klaw and Erlanger. The new syndicate will operate together during the coming theatrical season, dividing bookings and time, and while each will retain the direct management of the theatres and stars which he controls they will have an effective working allia.nce to fight the trust. Mr Belaseo controls six stars, headed by Mrs Leslie Carter. Another is David Warfieid. Lee Shubert controls the Lyric Theatre and the Casino, a chain of upState theatres, the Garrick in Chicago, the Garrick in St. Louis, the Lyric in Philadelphia, and the Waldorf in, London. He has something like 18 stars and stock companies. Mr Fiske has one playhorrse, the Manhattan Theatre, and one star, Minnie Maddern Fiske, his wife.

Among the members of the Curtis Novelty Company, to appear in Dunedin shortly, is Clive, the clever 'magician, who introduces some remarkable illusions. One notable illusion is as follows: — Clive ahows a large clear glass aquarium holding 400 quarts of water, standing upon a table in the centre of the fully-lig.hted stage, which he fiils with water in the presence of the audience, who can see all round and through it. He now throws a handsome silk cover, which does not touch the floor, over the aquarium, and on removing it a young lady is seen reclining gracefully beneath the surface of the water. The lady is assisted out ox the aquarium, and while she stands there dripping wet, Clive repeats tHe astonishing experiment by producing in a similar manner a second girl, to tho amazement of the audience.

The "J.P.," the farcical comedy which will be played by the Strand Theatre Comedy Company, which is to arrive in Australia to open at the Princess Theatre, Melbourne, on Saturday, -September 9, is described as a veritable screamer. The London and provincial press unanimously praised is as a worthy successor to "The Private Secretary" and "Charley's Aunt." The "J.P." will to played by arrangement with Mr J. C. Williamson, under the direction of Mr Clyde Meynell. A warm welcome should await that excellent and re-fir-ed comedienne, Miss Florence Lloyd, who will impersonate one of those boy parts in which she is- so excellent. Miss Lloyd comfs straight out of the cast of the "Catch of the Season" afc the Vaudeville to play her old part in the "J.P." When last in Australia with the Gaiety Company Miss Lloyd made a great hit as Lord Clanside in "In Town." Mr J. J. Dallas, who plays the J.P., is one of the most eminent comedians in England, and has

held a very high position in the dramatic world for many years. He was one of the leading Gaiety comedians with Edward Terry, Royce, Connie Gilchrist, and Kate Vaughan, under the management of the late John Hol'lingshead. Mr Dallas and Misa Florence Lloyd will be supported by Air Aubrey Mallalieu, Miss Maud Chetwynd (her first appearance since her marriage), Miss Florence Redfern, Miss Madge Herriok, Miss Magda Rosstnore, Mr Tom Carman, and Mr Gregan M'Mahon.

On the beautiful lawn at Bray Lodge, Maidenhead, the residence of Mr& BrownPotter, there was a crush of fashionable folk and dealers, who sought to obtain the beautiful furniture and, carriages of Mrs Brown-Potter. At the first day's sale about £1000 was taken. After the opening lots. which were from servants' bedrooms, had been disposed of, prices ruled high, at times reaching quite fancy figures, especially when furniture of Louis XIV, XV, and XVI design was placed under the hammer. A set of seven old Spanish chairs fetched £22, and Angola rugs realised £8 to £10 each. A seven-octave trichord boudoir grand piano was knocked down for £45, and an antique mahogany settee fetched £17 10s. For the latter bidding was spirited, as the settee had a brass plate affixed, on which was inscribed, "Rout Seat, from th« Batri Assembly Rooms, 1771-1&99." A full-'ength portrait of Mrs Brown-Potter, in the role of Miladi in "The Three Musketeeis," painted by the Hon. John Collier in 1599, and exhibited at Graf ton Gallery, ISOO, was the cynosure of all eyes, and it was bought hy Mr Arthur Aldridge for Mrs BrownPotter's mother for £75. A nortrait in oils of the actress, by Harrington Mann, fetched £10. and two others, by the same artist, smaller sums. A number of lots of very valuable furniture and antique house fancies were amongst thf> articles withdrawn. The Shetland ponies were not offered, but the actress's bay mare fptclWl 55 guineas, her single brougham £55, Victoria 35 guineas, and her American spider cart £20. Her coster cart went for £10, and her dogcart fov £17. A handsome seven horsepower Panhard motor car was sold for £265, after spirited bidding. The sale realised in all about £3000.

The regrettable death of Mr Frank N Jones, who for close on 12 years had been connect-ad with Fitzgerald's Circus as press and advance representative, removes from the show world one of its best known and most nopulir figures (says the Sydney R-efereeh Tlio deceased had little idea that the end was so noar, for only about a wc^k previously hs wrote a cheery letter to the theatrical representative of the Re^-er-ee. giving an amusing' account cf h ; s exr3ikmce= in the hospital, and winding up with a p<oii ; v* to °co f,he pressman in a f«»w clays. A^ Vn° iiire of his d^ai-h he had just passed his forty-fifth birthday. A new ve'oicm of ''David Garrick" lia^ been adJsd to the roportoirc of the TfnißMJeffries Company, and it will b" clone by them dLirine: ili3 forthcoming Mc'bour'ie seasTn, which onon? at th° Prinocv. Th-ii-p on S->p(emb°r 23, after "Fis Majesty's .S-n-vant" ha* be?n produced Th" ronramic part of the actor-hero should =':>' "M"r Ju^us Knight as well a? anything in L ". ritensnc

list of his popular characterisations. After tho Melbourne season the company go to New Zealand, - where they will in all probability remain until the time comeß for their disbanduvent at the end of the year.

A large addition has just been made to tho menagerie connocteel with Wirth's Circus by the arrival of another shipment of animals from Asia. Early last year (says the Referee) the Wirth Bros, sent Mr Brickhill, one of their staff, to Asia, with a free hand to buy some elephants, and anything else that would maintain the reputation of the concern as a novelty-provide/. After sending several preliminary lots down, and establishing agencies in all tha piincipal animal districts, Mr G. Brickhill has returned to Australia, bringing with him a large- and varied shipment. Amongst them were a couple of elephants from the extreme north of India, a lapir from Sumatra, and another from Nogri Sembilan. a python 30ft long, which was caught in the jungle in Pahang, and a lai'go number of other novelties, numbering in all about 25. Mr Brickhill managed to fecure a. fine tiger from an island near Siam, and had it landed in Australia within six weeks of the day on which it was caught. H-e brought a splendid pair of leopard cubs from Central India, some black apes from tho Ma!ay Peninsula, a couple of hyena cubs, a lorey, a mousang, a batch of pretty and playful Indian rook squirrels, and a number of bears. The? bears include two fine cubs of the Himalayan species, which the "Wirths were very anxious to secure for training purposes. Himalayan bears are the most intelligent Species existing, and they are said to make excellent performers. As the name denotes, they come from the heights of the Himalayan Mountains, and, by reason of their intelligence and th-eir .scarcity, they are very eagerly sought after by animal dealers. Mr Brickhill states that ho was searching for six months before he managed to secure the two he bought, only one other having been disposed! of during that time.

Mrs Robert Brough, who appeared recently as Niobe for the first time during the present Brough-Flemming season in Melbourne, was greeted with a reception which equalled in warmth and heartiness that given her when she. appeared 'in one of the boxes on the company's first night, a month ago. Mrs Brough practically had two receptions (says the Argus) — one when she was first discovered as the statue, which sh-s could not, of course, acknowledge, and another when she stepped down from her pedestal a living woman, the latter one so enthusiastic that ths action of the comedy was delayed several minutes. Again at each curtain an abundance of floral tributes, many of wattle b'ossom, in all shapes and forms, were handed her, on« specially handsome arrangement of red blewvsorns having an electrically lit star surmounting it. Tbe success of,, Mr Thomas Trowell, who has won the prize for 'eelloplaying at the pubJic examination at the Bru-i-.ols Conservatorium, will not surprise- his New Zealand friends (says the Sydney Daily Telegraph), who expected great things of him when be left with his twin-brother about two years ago to prosecute the study of music in Europe. The boys, who displayed no sign of their gifts until they were nine years old, were trained by their father, a Wellington violinist. Thomas devoted himself to the 'cello and Garnet to the violin. The progress made by Thomas was so remarkable that when M. Jean Gerardy visited Wellington he was surprised by his technical skill and intelligence, and advised that he should be ssnt to Europe. The young 'cellist and his brother, who were born in Wellington, are only 17 yeai^s of age. From New Zealand they went to the Hoch School at Frankfurt-on-the-Main, and afterwards to the Brussels Conservatorium, where they are now studying. Dear Pasquin, — We opened in Suva on Friday, 21st ult., under the patronage of •the Governor and suite, having a full houee. Next night we had a bigger one. On Monday we proceeded up the Rewa River to Nausori, and had the hall filled. Tuesday we left at 8 a.m. per special steam launch for Levuka, on the island of Ovalau, some 60 miles from Nausori, arriving at A- p.m.j after a rafrhei- rough passage. Lrevuka is a beautiful little, town, lying at f-he fcot of a very high hill. We found the residents quits as nice and hospitable as their town is beautiful. JJere- we again did big business for three nights. On Friday, 28th ult., we left in. the s.s. Adi Keva for Ba, but unfortunately, .at 7 p.m. got stuck in the riv&r four miles from Ba, so there was no show that night. .Next night we did show, , havine" the. usual packed house. On Sunday we left for Lautoka, where we performed for two nights- to good- biat The sugar mill there is a wonderful sight, being the second largest in the world. They have a railway some 40 nv'les long for bringing in the sugarcane. The flies there are something awful ; I never experienced anything like it m my life. On Wednesday we caught the "Onion S.S. Comp'any's Navua, arriving in Suva, 120 miles off, on Thursday; opened again in Suva; then play a retui"n visit at Nausc-ri, finishing up with two nights at Navua. We have experienced the greatest kindness and attention irom the residents in Fiji, everyone doing their best to make our stay a pleasant one. The weather has been simnly glorious — warm, days, and very rool nights.— Yours truly, John Black, Suva, August 3, lsos.

Of the first concert 3'iven by the wellknown Black Family of Musicians in Fiji the Fiji Times says: — Owin^ to our oistam>e from the densely-populated portions of the earth and to the necessarily heavy expenses incurred in paving 1 these islands a vHt of even the shortest duration, very few good companies c* either musical, dramatical, or vaudeville fame come to Suva. So the advent of the popular 'New Zealand company, comprised 1 of the various members of the gifted Black Family, was hailed v;ith. delia'ht by those ah'eadv familiar with the excellence of the programmes presented by them. On tlia opening nig.ht (Friday) at the Town Hall the ourtain "rose before a I full house. And the Family more than justified their reputation as clever, bright, and thoroughly original entertainers. Each item of a langLhy and varied programme showed the company to be composed of-arll-ii? only, and was. received with enthusiasm applause. Many imperative encores wore sn-aeeftilly and graciously responded

I>, is al'ogr^d that New "York society is rsiii- over i ho* report that James Bn,ivn- , Potter has gone abroad in order that ho may relieve the financial distress of his foriiicr wife, Cora Urquhart Potte'-. This i pc/t >■! j'D_'?istonr, notwithstanding that Porter i-; accompanied by his witc. formerly M"is May Handy, and his daughter. Mrs James A. Stillman. jun. "Wh^n xVJrs Pottor was forcd to rorire from the vnana<j *ir> Mil of tli i Savoy Theatre in London, after &

series of disastrous theatrical ventures, she tried ineffectually to raise funds in London. Sho had staked all she possessed in her production of "Dv Barry," £ui-ch "was magnificently staged, but it was a complete failure. Ii left her penniless, and she found herself unable to raise funds. She appealed to William Waldorf Astor, an old-time friend. Mrs Potter and Mrs Astor had been close friends during the life of the latter, and Mrs Potter was hopeful that the expatriated American millionaire would prove her friend. But she met with curt refusal. As a last resort she appealed to her daughter. There was a reconciliation between Mrs Potter and the beautiful "Fifi" StiJlman after the latter' s marriage, and Mrs Stillman was eager to go to her mother's aid. But she is entirely depen.dent on her husband, and he apparently was not disposed to provide the funds neces sary to pay Mrs Potter's debts and reestablish her in London It was said that young Stillraan's refusal was dictated by hi 3 fat he i g . The latter is reported to have offered Mi" Potter financial aid upon conditions which would seriously limit her professional career. The conditions were, that she never again appear on the American stage, and that she would never again appear in mu^ic halli If these conditions wore complied with Stillman is reported to have offered to pay the cost of four big productions. Mra Potter refused the proposition. Finally Mrs Stillman induced her father to go to 'her mother's assistance. Mrs Potter is now practically penniless, and but for her appearance as an elocutionist in London music halls would be without t funds entirely. j THE ALHAMBRA. There is no evidence of deterioration in tna quality of entertainment provi<Jecl by the Messrs Fuller for their Dunedin patrons— rather the reverse. On Saturday night one change made in the accustomed order was especially desirable, Miss Lavinia Tyson making her first appearance as accompanist. When no orchestra is provided, and a whole variety show — songs, choruses, and danceshas to be lifted through by a single pianist, that pianist needs special experience and a special gift. We know nothing of Miss Tyson's experience, but she certainly has the gift. She helped, the performers — whese voices will not invariably sta>ucl satisfactorily by themselves — greatly, and so added excellent zest and* fillip to the show. The two winsome young persons known throughout Australasia as the Diamond Duo made their reappearance on Saturday, and were received with hearlines3 proportioned to th-eir unquestionable merit. These girls rank easily among the most popular and desirable Australian variety performers of home origin. They are sufficiently comely, their frocks are seemly and chic, their voices are melodious and well mated, and they da-nee so well where they arc that it is plain, that they would dance exceedingly well if they had a stage an acre square. Jesting all apart, these youngish ladies certainly deserve their welcome. They are possessed of the sense of humour — so rare a feminin-e endowment that it bids fair to become phenomenal, — and their neat work is unpolluted by tlie slighest taint, of vulgarity. In the little world of the music hall, where voices are so often raucous and quips: so often savour of the stews, their pleasant singing and their refined style are worthy of the special praise here accorded. Miss Beatrice English is still to the fore with her resonant soprano. She has personality and style, looks well, asd &as that familiarity with the stage that brings an ea-sy and graceful carriage. Other performers are generally acceptable, and help along the show. Worthy of mention are Mr Bob Lloyd, whose topical items would be improved if they embodied a* little more wit and vim and a little lesa "What O!"; Mr Ted Anderson, who has originality and humour, and would do well to avoid noisome or questionable songs and adopt a. style of his own; the Raleigh Brothers, who are especially clever in their line; and Scott and Beresford, who are smart and popular. Numerous others help the programme, and fill out 9. generally enjoyable show till 10.15. On Saturday night Mr Will Stevens had a, .troublesome cold, and was unable to sing. In. common humanity one regrets that Mr Stevens's cold should be troublesome, but otherwise his voice will not bo injured by a rest, and he can still hold the stage with the sad stories and mournful jests that Zophar amd Naam&thite was wont to depress Elipliaz and Temanite withal. The ancient humour of the modern musical hall is really one of the most pathetic revivals of modern life. Meantime the Messrs Fuller have a good deal of other acceptable- and novel talent coming along, and the bright little show will continue to supply the demand that undoubtedly exists for entertainment of that kind.