THEATRICAL AND MUSICAL NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2809, 15 January 1908, Page 68

THEATRICAL AND MUSICAL NOTES.

By Pasqcin. ■ TUESDAY, January 14, 1908. The proposed alterations and improvements to the Princess Theatre, which are to include amongst other things the ereolion of two dress circle boxes, will be proceeded with in March next. Thv> highest expectations of the Fuller firm have been exceeded in the change of \ enue of the vaudeville show from the old Alhambra to the Princess. At tht. conclusion of the season of fcba "Home, Sweet Home," Dramatic Company now showing at His Majesty's Theatre, the company and all that pertains thereto will take ship via the Bluff to Tasmania, where a brief season will be played prior to visiting- Australia. Mr Fred Duncan, who was round tho^e 1 parts as treasurer for Mr Allan Hamilton with the John F. Sheridan Co. two years ago, is at present in Dunedin acting -n a similar canaoity for the same manager •with thfe "Home, Sweet Home." Dramatic Co. Mr Duncan is now a well-known personage in ilaoriland. Further particulars of Ihe visit to these shores of Carter the Magician will Tbe available shortly. It was rumoured last week that the season would commence at Inveccargill on January 20, Dunedin on January 25. These dates have since been confirmed by Mr Aleo Verne, the business manager. Mr M. Marcus, the well-known jbourintr representative, at present in Duneciin with the " Home, Sweet Home." Co., advise? that he will leave Maoriland shortly to take wi a position with the A-iuavira Delia Fonti Band, in which he is interested. This band; will visit New Zealand about July next. A programme to hand from Miss Molly Bentlev, who was -well-known in these parts at the time of the Boer war. when she created the patriotic song, " John Bull, Junior." Miss Bentley. who has been a stranger to the sta.sje for some time, as facing the footlights in Australia. At the termination of her six months* engagement with the Fuller firm, Miss Brisrhtie Smith, well known as a member of Bland Holt's Co. for many years, ioias Brenan's Vaudeville Co. v in Melbourne. Miss Smith has been in the vaudeville business only a matter of two years, but she has been associated with the profession since eai'ly childhood. One of the best ' programmes presented by th» Fuller management was that submitted last week— by a talented combination, which included amonerst others the Raccoon j. who do a clever tumbling act. and Ethel the contortionist, whose wonderful powers show no signs of failing-. Though develoninp somewhat, is all that is graceful. Vaude and Varna are two clever natter comedians, who Introduce much that is new and refreshing:. Mies Brightie Smith is a brieht and pleasing circumstance in the programme. The young artist sings de--^iffhtfullv.' and her descriptive scena, " Mbvin' Days." i 6 one of the best things in i£s line neard for some time. The most sensational act is iliafc of the Banvard Bros-. who do a clever turn, in which tumbling end knock-about business are ih° features. One of the brothers is a veritable knockabout comedian, for whose safety one pauses every niarht as he goes thrcusrh his art, not the least exciting of which is his plunge into the orchestra. This rather reminds m a of the story concerning the individual who was nrakinpr a. row in th<* gallery in a theatre in which the orchestra were not too artistic. There were cries of " Chuck him out ! Chuck him out !" One individual, more thoughtful than the rest, shouted. " Don't waste him : kill a. fiddler wid him." Well, every nisrht the kno"k-about comedian Banvard almost kills a fiddle — or is it a cornet player? Those clever comedians Price and R-evost, who were renor+ed to be coming out to Vow Zpaland under engagement to the T\l»«;r3 Fuller and Sons, remain in Aus tra.Ha +h° negotiations for a New Z«alan<3 lour h' vinpr fallen through. On J h* 13th and 14th inst. the peonle ; of Rotoiua were presented with a treat; for on those dates Pollard's Opera Company . rerformed there. Rotorua is also to be : honoured by a visif from Clara Butt and : her husband, Mr Kennprley Rumford. Our old friends Mr Edward Lauri an-'i J Miss May Beatty are still winning most favourable notices from the London critics. The Referee, referring to their production ' of an improved edition of "In Her Bou- ' doir." says: — "Miss Beatty is a dainty and ■ delightful actreps. and Mr Lauri's imper- : sonation, especially where he disguises as a i ■woman, is as clever as it is comic." The ■ Sporting Times, mentioning the same production, describes, the little New Zealand Jady as a very talented " principal boy." ; Apropos of Mf Michael Joseph's state i ments to a West Australian paper re theatre w l-ents in New Zealand, an extract of which i appears in last week's issue, an esteemed correspondent' supplies the following- *n* ] formation r-espeotin? rents in various wwis ] in New Zealand: — Inypreargill. £52 weekly; j New Year's Night, £20. Oamaru, £6 6s ( per niprht ordinary, including lighting ; hoJi- ] days, £8 Bs. Timaru, £6 per night, light -j extra. Palmerston North, £7 10s first night ; s second. £6 10s; third, £5 10s: weekly, ] £40, lighting extra ; show week, £80. Wan- j ganui, £5 5s per night; holidays. £7 7s. £ Dear Pasquin,— This week's Witness to r _ hand. There is in j-our valued columns, t I 6ee, a " story " told by Mr Michael t Joseph, of Perth — truly a fable as far as J Tnvercargill is concerned. Mr Joseph states -j the population of Invercar?ill at 7300— \ correct : but unfortunately he forgets that a .the suturßa >«-in^ Greater. Iny£xc.axiril.t's ' t

total to 12,506, as per censns returns up to April, 1906, and as the population r«s been increasing at the rate of about 400 . per year, we may now claim a population of approximately 13,000 from wnich to draw our theatre-going public. On last census returns Invercargill's claim to be the fifth oity in New Zealand was also fully vindicated. As far as his statement in regard to lent is concerned I am afraid I must also agree to differ. ~* For dramatic companies (whose scale is the highest) an average week would be at the highest rate (inoluding lighting and other extras), £52, tfhich amount differs materially from the amount quoted in Mr Joseph's statement. I trust you will publish this in the interests of justice, as I am afraid Invercargill's municipal theatre is sometimes maligned on account of the w.tnt , of knowledge of its detractors. If Mr i Joseph or any other gentleman connected with the theatrical world wishes fuller particulars in regard to our theatre I shall be pleased to oblige them at any time.— Yours obediently, F. W. Walker. Town Clerk. Invercargill, January 10, 1908. Mr A. Moss, of this city, one of the syndicate of Pollard's Juvenile Opera Company, loaves Dunedin to-day (Wednesday) for Wellinijton to witness the produotion • < of the new musical comedy "The Isle of 5 Bhong Bhong," the premier of which tafees ■ place in the Empire City on Friday. Mr J. F. MaoMahon, representing the ! well-known theatrical firm of MacMahon ■ I Bros., arrived in Dunedin on Monday to F complete rhe necessary preliminaries for 1 the advent to this city of their muchheralded and splendidly successful living s picture-drama, " Robbery Under Arms," ■ j which has been touring the Dominion for , some months past with a great measure > of success. Record seasons -were established . in Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch, and • the chief provincial centres. It is claimed that the one-time aggravating " nicker " » I has been banished for ever, the management i carrying an elaborate and up-to-date elecs tiioal plant. In addition to the "star"' i subject, a large and varied assortment of • the latest Parisian coloured pictures will ; be shown for the first time here. The • Dunedin season, which is restricted to six I night 6 only, commences at the Alhambra • Theatre on Monday evening. Dear Pasquin, — Just a line wishing you ; a happy and prosperous New Year, and to let you know the Steele-Paynes leave for_ a lengthy' tour of South Africa, for which the company has been considerably p strengthened, on Wednesday next by the Miltiades. Kind regards. Yours sincerely, — R. T. Tkegaski. Melbourne January 6, 1908. j Few people realise what an amount of careful planning a dame part — at any rate, as played by "Mr Harry Phydora — entails. It seems an easy enough matter to don a ' variety of fearful arid wonderful costumes, i from a glorious confection in black and yellow — a delightful satire on current fashions — to a " comic old woman " ; but as a matter of fact every part of it has to be thought out. That excruciatinglyludicrous " get-up " of Martha as a tramp, for example, has been at the back of Mr Phydora's brain for years, being quietly brought to perfection -with ideas gathered from personal observation. To the unattached male -it is a liberal education in the mysteries- of the feminine" toilet to watch Mr Phydora making a change. He rushes up from a scene, and throws off the frock which a few minutes before has been rousing the merriment of everybody in the audience. His dresser is waiting, and corsets, laced to the 'span of 23in if you please — which in- these days of the Sandow girl is not too bad a, measurement. — fly on. The skirt is put on over his head, the hooks even catching the hair, i the bodice is hooked dnd eyed, the hat is carefully pinned on, a dab of paint, a , touoh to the eyebrows, and he is again j garbed. "You have to watch every point," he explains, as he catches up gloves and parasol in obedience to a cry of "Mr Phydora, please," from the call boy, "or else tne women spot it immediately, and then you are in the coup." ' The Messrs MacMahon decided, as the ] 6ubiect for their present living pioture [ enterprise, upon something entirely new in | the " living picture world.'' To this end Mr Chas. MacMahon. proceeded to Australia, j and got to work upon the complete re- I production in actual action of all the stirring incidents of Rolf Boldrewood's famous | ( Australian romance "Robbery Under Arms.'* ' The result is a film upwards of 5000 ft in" J length, the various incidents being photo- ' ! graphed and enacted by a full dramatic J combination of 28 people in each historic , ' spot made famous in the book. Other equally fascinating subiects will be aleo ■" shown for the first time on Monday even- * ing next at the Alhambra Theatre. I * That popular New Zealand contralto, Miss •■ Lorraine Tansley, is under special engage- a ment to -the Messrs MacMahon, and will E make a welcome reappearance in Dunedin I with the picture-drama " Robbery Under J Arms " at the Alhambra on Mouday even- * ing next. i v News from Australia says th,at Mr Chas. v MacMahon, who is touring that country I with two separate "Robbery Under « Arms " cinematographic organisations, is j-^ playinp to huge audiences everywhere. j v QukQc changes is the policy of the Allan c Hamilton Dramatic Co., now showing at ! His Majesty's Theatre. "Home, Sweet P Home " was produced for the last time t on Tuesday evening, and on Wednesday, t Thursday, and Friday that popular play, \ a "A Message from Mars," will be pro- j a duced. The season will close on Saturday ,■i evening, when " Little Lord Fauntleroy " i v will be staged, with the clever child actress , v Miss Baby Watson in the name part. On j a Monday the company ! departs fgr Mcl- j-^ bourne, via the Bluff and Hobart, by the . I Maheno. " j y Mi« 6 Claire Manifield, who plays Lady i t, Millicent Et? gington in " When Knights ] c Were Bold," is not a stranger to Aue- j li tralia, for she proudly claims Australia as f< the land of her birth. Hailing from Mcl- | P bourne-, she joined the stage in that city j w one of her first characters being Eva , n Delaha-ye in that charming play " Sweet F Lavender," in which she later on played j t< the title role when Mr Edward Terry pro- 1 duced the piece in England. Cisev in Mr c' Herbert Sleath's highly successful produc- h tion of "What Happened to Jones" is -a: also included in her rarige of characters. Her clever husband. Mr Charles Winder- t* mere, who is a dramatist as well as an c< aotor, ie stage manager of Mr Frank « Thornton's company now at Sydney Cri- h< terion, and plays with marked individuality P; the role of old" Barker, the butler. When ci Mr Windennere first came to Australia 18 if years ago, It was as one of a ship's company, for he was originally destined for 2( a naval career ; but la^er on he entered b; the^ theatrical profession in England, where oi

' he has had a long list of successes in the provinces in his own and other pieces. He toured in the principal part in "Charley's Aunt" for two years, and as Rev. Robert Spalding in "The Private Secretary" for two years and a-half, whilst amongst his other characters are John Smith in "Facing the M-uaic" and Reggie in the original production of that delightful play "The Little Ray of Sunshine." Mr Windennere toured his own three-act play, "The Mew Housemaid," with distinct success for nearly a year ; and ha 6 appeared als£ in his serious piece, "The Bookworm," playing the rom of an old boofaseller. Another of, ihia pieces, By Mutual Consent," was produced at 1 the .London Avenue about two years ago. I Mr Edward JLauri has been engaged to appear in "Sinbad the Sailor" at Air Mullholland's Hammersmith Theatre. Died at Jersey (Eng.), on 18th November, Mr Henry Kemble, at the age of 59. The late Mr Kemble was a great grandson of the actor, Roger Kemble, born in 1721. He was a grand nephew of Mrs Siddons, and" was one of a family of great actors and actresses. He made his reputation as a comedian in unctuous characters of the type of Gabriel in "The Man From Bianfcley's," and was a leading member of the English stage for 40 years. His cousin, Gertrude Kemble, married Mr Charles Santley, the well-known vocalist. * ! A "command" to play before the King ' is always appreciated by actors, but the honour of taking a company to Windsor or Sandringham is an expansive one. Firstclass railway tickets are provided by bis Majesty's secretary, but everything else has U> be found by the manager. Theße out-of-pocket expenses include special scenery to suit the improvised stagey the carriage of "properties" and dresses; and the cab fare 3 for the members of the company, who always arrive in London at an unearthlyhour, when "growlers" are few and tar between. Sir John Hare's recent appearance before the King cost him about £800, and Mr Cyril Maude would have been considerably out of pocket had he not been ale to arrange a special matinee of "The Earl of Pawtucket" at the Playhouse, wii.ch fortunately recouped him for his little trip. Paderewski made his first appearance thic season in New York on Saturday, November 2, and Carnegie Hall could have been sold twice over. Nearly the whole of the house was sold out through mail orders before the box plan opened. The audience, at the close ol the recital, remained applauding for three-quarters of an hour, during which time Paderewski added six more pieoes. "There is" (cays the New York Evening Post) "something in the shout of joy which goes up every time that Paderewski walks towards the piano to grant another extra that one hears nowhere else. It is an ebullition of enthusiasm that impresses even the popular pianist, used; though he is to demonstrations; and under its influence he does Hie very best." . Beoause Mr George Rodey, as he is known, on the English music-hall stage, otherwise Mr George Edward Wade, discovered that he could get £200 a week, and earn £10,400 next year, he is alleged to have attempted to break the signed contract with the Robert Arthur Theatres* Company (Limited). In 1903 he signed with' Mr Arthur for three years, at salaries of£l3u, £140, and £150 a week for the three respective years till Christmas, 1907. Robey, who has been a "comic"'' for 18 years, was quite astonished when -he was told recently that Mr Arthur had an option for a fourth year at £150 a week. The case came on for hearing on November 14, before Mr Justice Parker, "who believed Mr Arthur and the written agreement. Robey lost his case, and is compelled to slave for another year on the salary of £7800. The famous dancer, La Loie Fuller, is doing in Paris a terpeichorean drama oa the story of St. John and Herod, named "Salome," presumably inspired by Straus'a much-discussed and criticised drama. Ifc must be went!, judging by accounts: "The curtain rises on a terrace of Herod's palace, overlooking the Dead Sea. The sun ia setting as the captive John the Baptist comes out on to the terrace. He watches the flight of an eagle across the leaden b'ue waters. Herod, comes, and the two men look out across the sea. and talk. Then comes Herodias with Salome. Herodias hates John. She tells her daughter of her; hatred, and promises her jewels and dresses sf golden tissue if she will compass his undoing. Follows the first of Miss Loie Fuller's six dances, the Dance of the Paeris, t, curiously fascinating, dance, which, with te suppleness, delighted not only Herod, jut the audience." After 42 years on the stage, Sir John Bare is retiring, and the famous actornanager will shortly start on a farewell out of the provinces, prior to his final London season. Sir John is 63 years of tge. His first appearance on the stage took >lace at the Prince of Wales's Theatre, Liverjool, and in 1875 he became manager of the 3ourt Theatre, remaining in that position or four years. For the next nine years he pas engaged in a- managerial partnership ritb. Mr Kendal at Si. James's Theatre, n 1889 Sir John undertook the management if the Garrick Theatre. He also toured in bnerica, and has there met with the same mqualified success which has always irowned his efforts. The great- struggle which has been in >rogress in New York for some months letween the two rival theatrical trusts for he control of the music-hall business is ,t an end. One result of the peace will oe - heavy drop in the salaries paid in iLmerica to music-hall performers, whicb rill return from the sensational point at vhich they have stood for some months to . normal level. When the United States Amusement Company was formed by Messrs Claw and Erlanger they entered into the audevHle business, turning 6Corea of regular; heatres into music halls. Their principal ompetitor was the Keith, Proctor, Williams, and Hammerstein combination, and or months a war of salaries has been mi rogrees between the two trusts. Europe 1 ras searched for artists by their agents, and? iany well-known performers in London, 'aris, and Berlin have crossed the Atlantia a earn the phenomena! salaries offered"., lie war was too costly to last long, how-* , ver, and after negotiations which have isted ove-r 10 days it was announced that' rrangements had been made by whioH lessrs Klaw and Erlanger had undertaken! ) retire from the vaudevile business. After Dmpleting their contracts with star per>rmers'thejr houses will again become the omes of the legitimate drama. As comensation they will receive frpjn the oppotion trust the sum of £600,000, to be paid l 10 years in equal instalments. A new theatre, capable of seating about )00 people, is to be erected m Melbourne y Mr William Pitt, architect at a cost E £30,000. Mr Pitt has secured the land

from the Graham estate^ and the theatre will be situated on the west side of Russell 6treet, between Bourke street and Little Colons street, upon the site now occupied ty Bowes's Tattersall's Club and the properties adjoining it on the left. A frontage of 100 ft by a depth of 200 ft 6in will ensure a large auditorium. The building will be so constructed as to be suitable for melodrama, comedy, or comic opera. Over the auditorium will be a sliding roof, for tie purpose of cooling the theatre in warm weather, and the proscenium opening will have a fireproof drop-curtain, covered with double asbestos, for emergency in case of fire. The theatre w>ll be lighted by 3000 electric lights, and fitted with most modern -electrical appliances. Mr William Anderson, the well-known theatrical manager, has already acquired a long lease of the building, which is to be completed by July 1, 1908. The death of Signor Alberto Zelman, which took place last Saturday morning, says the Australasian, removes a well-known and picturesque figure from the musical profession in Melbourne. He retired to rest on Friday evening, apparently in Ins •usual health, but was found dead in his bed on Saturday morning by one of the members of his family, who had gone to arouse him from his sleep. He was born at Trieste in 1832, and studied composition in that city under Luigi Ricci, the director of the opera, and Kapell, meister of the.Cathedral. "In 1871 he took out an Italian opera company to India, and remained there for cix years. In 1877 he came to Melbourne as conductor of Lyster and Oagli's opera company, and at once took a leading place in the profession. One of his most remarkable feats was the arangement of the orchestral parts of Wagner's "Lohengrin," fr'-'^i an oi-dinarv pianoforte score. He had a, large share in the organisation of the c .» a.nn orchestra, of the Melbourne Exhibition, and acted as conductor in Mr Frederic Cowen's absence. He was also corductor of the Turn Verein Liedertafel, -and, on the death of Mr Siede, \tos elected conductor of the - Melbourne Liedertafel. As conductor of the Australian .Military Band he was for a quarter of a century a familiar figure at the V.R.C. meetings at Remington. His skill as a composer was displayed in a variety of forms. He collaborated with Randegger and others in an opera, "II Lazzarone, in his student days, and before he left Italy had written several successful suites of ballet musio; and his "Salve Regina," "There is a Green" Hill," and "Coronation March " are favourably Ocnown. He was greatly esteemed by all the members of the profession, and his kindly disposition won him hosts of friends. He leaves four sons, one of whom bears his name, and has inherited his father's exceptional musical gifts. The funeral was conducted by the Rev. Charles Strong, at the Boroondara Cemetery, Kew, and was attended by a larcje gathering of tho members of the musical profession. The stage manager stood at the prompt corner and placed bis finger on an electric bell-push to ring in the orchestra, at the same time' peeping through the curtain to ' see if the band appeared. The first emnr mons had no success. He rang again; still no success. On ringing a third time a man came towards hiip on the stage with the remark, "What can. I get you, sir?" "Get me? Nothing that I know of at present," replied the stage manager, as he again pushed the bell. "But I've come for an order, sir," urgjetl the man. "Ham* you and your orders too!" said the now irate manager, looking down into the orchestra viciously, and noting its deserted appearance he savagely placed his finger on the bell and kept it there. "I'm waiting, sir," again essayed the man. "'Get out of it," blurted the stage manager; "cannot you see I am •busy? I don't want you, I^tell you." "But what are you ringing for?" asked the man. "Ringing for !" answered the manager. "I'm ringing for the orchestra, if you want to know." "Oh!" ejaculated the man; "don't you know you are ringing the bar bell?" MADAM CLARA BUTT. Music-lovers generally will be interested in the announcement that Madam Clara Butt will give two concerts at His Majesty's Theatre on Wednesday and Friday, February 5 and 7. Madam Butt will at each concert be heard in a large variety of songs suitable to the tastes of all sections of her audiences, and the management .promise to lovers of song a delightful treat. Madam Butt's voice is described as "the voice of the century." Mr Kennerly Rumford, the husband of madam, is England's foremost baritone, and the other artists of the party are Carl Barre (violinist). Frank Merrick (pianist), and Arthur Godfrey (accompanist). Full particulars of the box plan arrangements for -the two concerts will be found in oujc advertising columns.