THEATRICAL AND MUSICAL NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3016, 3 January 1912, Page 68

THEATRICAL AND MUSICAL NOTES.

Bv Pasquin

Tuesday, January 2. The press and the stage are so closely allied that it is not, surprising that one profession should, have a fascination for the other. Some ordinary actors I know would make good pressmen , and some ordinary pressmen good actors. Most often the stage claims the smart newspaper chap(and journalist to advance the cause of the literature of the drama and to act as herakl-in-chktf of the show. Such a one, Mr Hubert Mitchell, of Christchurch. _ a well known journalist, and dramatic critic of the Lyttelton Times, has been engaged to act as touring manager and press representative for Miss Mario Baines’s English Comedy Company, which has arrived from London, and commenced a New Zealand tour at Christchurch on Now Year’s Night. Mr Mitchell lias arrived in Dunedin to make arrangements for the Marie Baines season at His Majesty’s Theatre, commencing on Saturday, January 6. A revised version of “Miss Lancashire (Ltd.),” so successful when produced here by Miss Florence Baines* three years ago, will bo staged. Miss Mario Baines is recognised as one of London’s most famous comediennes.

“The Chocolate Soldier” Opera Company. at i)resent in Wellington, will commence a season at His Majesty’s in this city on Thursday, January 24, extending

to January 51. Miss Amy Murphy is the leading lady of the company. It is interesting bo know that Miss Ethel Forsyth and Miss Margaret Linden, two of the picturesque show girls of the delectable “Arcadians” Company round here a few months back, are included in the cast of “ Everywoman ” (Miss Hilda Spong), to bo produced in Now’Zealand shortly. The Marie Baines English Comedy Company had an auspicious opening in Christchurch on New Year’s Night, meeting with a flattering reception in “Miss Lancashire, Ltd.” —a roviseel version of the farceoomedy remembered affectionately for its introduction of Miss Florence Baines to Dunedin some three years ago. Miss Marie Baines, who is the sister of Miss Florence Baines, scored successes right through the piece, and is certain to achieve similar triumphs in Dunedin when the company open at the end of the present week. The other principals who achieved, honours are Miss Peel, a gifted soprano who has had a deal of experience in England and the East; Miss Louise Golding, a refined English artiste, who weai-s the latest “creations” of Worth and Paquin exquisitely, and Mr Llewellyn, a tenor from the Carl Rosa Opera Company. Mr H. L. Corbett, business manager for the London Society Entertainer (Mr Joseph Blascheck), arrived in Dunedin by the Melbourne boat this (Tuesday) morning. The company commence a New Zealand tour at Christchurch on January 6. Dunedin dates are 20th January to 26th, in the Garrison Hall. A brief synopsis of “The Speckled Band, ’ which is to open at His Majesty’s on January 11, is as follows:—In the first act an inquiry is being heCd into the death of one of Dr Rylott’s stepdaughters. The other, Enid Stonor, is called as a witness, but fails to throw any light on the mystery of the death of her sister beyond proving that the stepfather, Dr Rylott, is to benefit under the will. In the second act we pass to the doctor’s study, where we find that Rylott is a terrible fellow, who practices all sorb? of rascality, aided and abetted by his housekeeper and Ali his Indian valet. With Ali he has brought from India a fancy for snake-charming, which he uses to deadly purpose. The doctor, by cajolery, cruelty, and threats endeavours vainly to induce Enid to assign her property to him, and she finds herself a prisoner in her own home, and in fear of her life. She is enabled, however, to escape, and, at the instance of Dr Watson, seeks the advice of the eminent detective Sherlock Holmes. In the scene at Sherlock Holmes’® rooms, in Upper Baker street, we see the great detective in his habit as he lived. He agrees to take up Enid’s case and, later, when he is confronted with Dr Rylott, there_ ifl a fine scene between the deliberate, imperturbable detective and the furious, indignant doctor. Sherlock Holmes secretly visits the doctor’s house and finds his way to Enid’s bedroom. The music of the snake-charmer arrests his attention. Ho examines the window, the floor, the bell rope at the head of Enid’s bed, and discovers that the latter is not connected with any boll at all, but is in effect a rope round which a poisonous snake shall coil itself after being introduced through a hidden apperture in the wall. A thrilling scene follows, which culminates in the rescue of Enid and the death of the doctor and “ The Speckled Band.” Mr George Portus, the well-known theatrical manager, who, in conjunction with the Rickards management, has just concluded a tour of the Dominion, went to Auckland to meet Countess do Cisneros, the famous mezzo-soprano of the Melba Company, who i-s on her way to New York to fulfil grand opera engagements. Mr Portus has arranged for a tour of Australasia, commencing in May next at Sydney, by Countess Cisneros, supported by a complete operatic party. Grand opera and oratorio, including “ Samson and Delilah ” will he features of the repertoire. Mell>a has said that Cisneros is the greatest living Delilah. Lewis Waller has made an immense success in New Vork. where he is appearing in “ The Garden of Allah.” After the first performance thousands cf people, piincipallv women, waited in the street to see the famous romantic actor, and an indescribable scone of enthusiasm was witnessed In London Mr Waller’s admirers formed themeselvcs into the * K.O.W . (the Keen Order of WaMerites ”), and there is every probability (says a New York paper) that the “order” will be extended across ilia Atlantic. Mr Waller appears in Australia next year under the J. C. Williamson management. His leading, lady will be Madge Tithoradgo, daughter of the popular actor’ who made a memorable success in “The Butterfly on the Wheel.” Miss Celia Ghiloni has reappeared in Melbourne under the J. G. W i.llianison management Miss Ghiloni was welcomed buck in “ Sinbad the Sailor” as Princess Fatima—a coinedv role embodying a pantomime version of KatLsha in “The Mikado.” Misa Ghiloni will bo looking forward to two events of great interest —the opening of the oantomirne and the return of her husband," Mr Ronald Macpherson who is with Captain Barclay’s exploring expedition in tiie Northern Territory.

Jansen, the famous American magician, with a complete company, comprising 22 aitists, is to commence a colonial tour in New Zealand in March next under the direction of George Portus and Frank Talbot. Several other important attractions under the Portus banner are to follow, including the Empire’s most famous band, “ The Grenadier Guards.”

Miss Dorothy Dix, loading lady with J. C. Williamson’s “ Speckled Band” Company, is accounted easily the most beautiful actrcas who has visited Australia in recent years. Her cultured bearing, charming personality, and ingratiating smile arc said to break through the barriers of iev cynics, and she is simply adored by young theatregoers of her own sox. That the firm of J. C. Williamson (Ltd.), with which is now incorporated Clarke and Meynoll Proprietary (Ltd.), are nob going to stint New Zealand playgoers in the way of high-class attractions is evidenced by, the fact that they have three big companies in New Zealand at the present time—viz.. “ The Chocolate Soldier,” H. B. Irving, and “The Speckled Band.” The latter play, which is to be presented with an allstar cast, including Mr William Desmond, Miss Dorothy Dix, Mr J. B. Atholwood, Mr George Bryant, and Mr Gaston Mer vale, is from the pen of that brilliant writer and dramatist. Sir Conan Doyle.

The first production of the new pantomime, “ Sinbad the Sailor,” took place at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne, on Saturday, December 25, and was a great success. The following are in the cast: - Florence Imeson as Hinbad (principal boy), Nell Finnis as Ruby (principal girl), Frank Lincoln as Sinbad, Pip Powell as Mrs Sinhad, Fred Winn as the Emperor of Sahara, O. E. Lennon as the Old Man of the Sea, William Walker and Thomas Trotter, sailors; Drew and Alders; the Fairy Spirit of Adventure, Mias Nellie Nicholson; Dirk, the dog detective, William Hassan; Princess Fatima, Celia Ghiloni; Abdul, Kate Vcezey. In a pantomime full of good things one of the most novel attractions of ‘ Sinbad the Sailor ” at Her Majesty’s, Melbourne, is a thrilling flying ballet, in which the girls fly out over the audience from the stage and back. A good deal of intricate mechanism is brought into operation to attain the desired effect, which is quaint and charming in every way. Mr Kirby has been brought out from London to control this feature of the pantomime. He bolds the patent rights, and has worked the big flying ballets at the Alhambra and other music halls in London and at Drury Lane Theatre. Two popular members of the Ethel Irving Company were married in Melbourne recently. They were Mr J. Plumpton Wilson and Miss Eily Malyon. The bride and bridegroom belong to England, and were formerly members of Mr E. R. Jenson’s Shakespearean Company. Mr Wilson appears as the elderly scientist in “ Tne Witness for the Defence,” and has more recently made a big success as the Prince do Chabrand in “Dam© Nature,” staged at Melbourne Theatre Royal. Miss Malyon was seen as the Admiral’s daughter in “ Lady Frederick.” She is understudy to Miss Ethel Irving Apropos of “ Sinbad the Sailor, by J- G. Williamson (Ltd.) at Her Majesty’s, Melbourne, it is interesting to recall that the sam<e subject taken for ttie Christmas annual in 1889, when the firm \\as then Williamson, Garner, and Musgrovc. An old book of clippings found at Her Majesty’s last week contains the announcement of the cast, amongst which were the following well -rem ©inhered names Edith Bland, E. W. Royoc, Harry Leston. Mari© Brooke, Herbert Royle, John Gourlay, Sophie Harris, Fred Dark, Cora Milne, Babv Nicholas, and Fanny Liddiard. It" Ls surely at this festive season that one realises one’s friends in the theatrical profession, and realising reciprocate sincerely the greetings so cordially extended. In last issue I had the pleasure of acknowledging a goodly host of “best wishes, to bo added to this week by the reciprocation of greetings from Henry Kolkor (America), Loo .Stark (“The Spring Maid,” Now York), Mr and Mrs S. Grimaldi (Durban, South’Africa), Mr and Mrs George Matheson (Sydney), Duncan Niven (Melbourne), Claude Whaite (King’s Theatre Wellington), Mrs and Mrs Macdonald (Kings Theatre’ Auckland), Victor Book (Wellington), Mr and Mrs Miller (Brisbane), Miss Gertie Campion (Auckland), Mr Stanley Grant (Sydney). Mr and Mrs Michael Joseph (Melbourne). Mr and Mrs Donovan (King’s Theatre Wellington). Air aid Mrs G. D. Portus (Sydney), Mr J. MacMahon (Queen’s Theatre. Auckland), Mr Leo D. Chateau (“Speckled Band” Co , Christchurch), Black Family of Musicians (Melbourne), Miss Stella Smith (“Chocolate Soldier” Co., Auckland). Mr W. Dow, of this city, who was associated with Hugh J. Ward’s Comedy Co., and later with the New Comedy Co.’, under Mr Reginald Wykeham’s management, has returned to Dunedin as business manager for Brennan’s Vaudeville Company. The first venture of the Brennan Syndicate sent to exploit New Zealand has made a signal entry to Maoriland, the vaudeville show completely justifying its

high expectations. The Dunedin season, which commenced at His Majesty’s on Boxing Night,' has been a continuous triumph. The days and nights of the company arc, however, numbered, the final fall of the curtain being announced for Friday. The English Comedy Company, with Miss Marie Baines as the star, has arrived in Christchurch direct from England. Owing to an exceedingly vexatious delay, the Drayton Grange, with the company on board., did not reach Auckland until Monday of last week, too late for the members to tranship and reach Christchurch in time for the original opening on Boxing Night. Consequently a regrettable postponement had to. be announced until New Year’s Night, when the season openled with “Miss Lancashire, Limited. The new English artists sooted an instantaneous success. A Dunedin season commences at His Majesty’s' on Saturday next, January 6. Mr Harold Ashton, the popular theatrical manager, who was last in Dunedin with the Williamson Dramatic Company headed by Mias Katherine Grey and Mr William Desmond, returns next week as business manager for “The Speckled Band’’ Comnanv. commencing a season at His Majesty’s on Thursday, January 11. The trump of the elephants is no longer loud in the land, for Wirth Bros, have folded up their tents and taken their departure for the north. The Dunedin season was, dlespite the weather, very successful, and good fortune should follow the big show the remainder of the New Zealand tour. For the Christchurch season the tents will be dispensed with, and the circus shown in the King Edward Bar r£ The Now Zealand tour of “The Woman in the Case” and “A Fool There Was Company concluded at Invercargill on. Saturday, and on Monday the members of the company proceeded to Melbourne, via HobIX by the- Manuka. . A roturn visit will be paid to Sydney in March, aftei which the company may be reorganised to pay a repertoire of new pieces, nothing is as yet definite’y decided.