THEATRICAL AND MUSICAL NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3277, 3 January 1917, Page 46

THEATRICAL AND MUSICAL NOTES.

By PAyQUiN.

Tuesday, January 2. The Royal Dramatic and Comedy Company (Limited) will , open a nine nights' soason in Duncdin on Wednesday, January 10, with the well-known farce-comedy "Arc You a Mason?" A northern contemporary has this to say of the farce-comedy: '-There was a crowded house to witness the inaugural production of 'Are You a Mason?' in Christchurch by the Royal Dramatic Company. The performance of the comedy revived many pleasant memories of the George Giddens' presentation of tho work, and the laughter was just as spontaneous and hearty last night as it was when tho admirable little skit on the mystic signs and symbols and secrets of Masonry was first staged in Christchurch over a decade ago. This was very flattering to tho performers, and was an endorsement of the many good things which presaged tho coming to the city of the clever company."

During the nine nights' season of the Royal Dramatic and Comedy Company, which opens hero on January 10, no less than four attractions will bo presented in the order named—" Are You a Mason?" "Sunday," "The Fortune Hunter," and "Madame X." Messrs Jock and Frank o'Sullivan are the business and touring managers respectively of the "Are You a Mason?" Company. In view of the forthcoming visit of Mr Lawrenco Campbell, elocutionist, who will give recitals of "The Sentimental Bloke," it will bo of interest to know that the book was written in the Australian bush, on a hillside looking over miles of beautiful Australian country. No one who has made the acquaintance of the irresistible "Bioko" will suspect his creator of living in a villa residence, with a pocket handkerchief lawn, and a red plush drawing room suite. Nor does he. His home is as unique as his book, and consists of an aged Melbourne omnibus, fitted up as a comfortable den, and situated on the farm land of a friend. The dances, marches, and groupings of "The House that Jack Built" have been invented and arranged by Minnie Everett, the ballet and incidental music have been composed and arranged by the musical director (Victor Champion). W. R. Coleman designed and painted the scenery, and the pantomime will be produced by Charles A. Wenman.

Mr Harry Lauder has bought an estate on the east side of Loch Fyno, at Glenbranter, a place formerly linked with the name of the lato Mr David Macßrayne, a steamship-owner, Glasgow. Mr Lauder denies that he paid £IOO.OOO. saying: ''Not at all; nonsense. It is a trifling affair of ILO3O acres."

Charles M. S. M'Lcllan, whose death has been announcd in England, was the author, under the pen-name of " Hugh Morton." of " The Belle of New York," but was not particularly proud of the fact, although lie is understood to have made more money from this than from any other production of his pen. His most serious efforts at dramatic authorship were "Leah Klcschna," in which Miss Titfell Bruno was seen, and " The Jury of Fate." which was played in London by Mr H. B. Irving. Mr Gaston Morvalc, an old Australian favourite, is returning to Australia from America as "producer" of a new comedy, "Turn to the Right." which is to presented by Messrs J. and N. Tait. Mr Mervale will also have a part in the comedy. Mr Henrv Kolker. who was Miss Margaret A.nglin's leading man during that actress's Australian .and brief Now Zealand tour, is now plavinw the hero in a drama. " The Silent Witness." which is meeting with success in Boston (U.S.A.). Mark Hambourg, the famous Russian pianist, is the latest star of the concert work to accept a music-hall engagement. Mi- Oswald Stoll has secured Hambourg for the Coliseum.

Porno hundreds of trades, ranging from flag-making to glue manufacture, have been drawn on in connection with "The House that Jack Built" pantomime (the pantomime for this year of tho J. C. Williamson Company). Designers, blacksmiths, painters. carpenters, modellers, furniture-makers, glass-workers, upholsterers, silver-platers, and wood turners all had a hand in the manufacture of tho properties which are to iio used. Saddlers wi.ro also engaged to make the equipment for a number of girls who aro to appear in khaki. Some 92 tons measurement of wardrobe and propertics arrived from Sydney for tho produc-

lion. All the scenery lias been painted in Melbourne. It is estimated that over

£12,000 will have been spent on the pantoniimo before the rise of the curtain on the first night.

Miss Hilda Spong and Miss Kathcrine Grey arc two actresses well known to Australia who are now doing moving picture. work in the United States. So also is tho late G. S. Tithoradge's son, Dion. It is reported that Mr Ben J. Fuller, encouraged by tho success of the Gonsalez Opera Company, is negotiating with an English organisation to vi.sit Australia and give somo of the, famous operas in English. Included in tho cast of a musical play, "'J.ho Amber Princess," now running in New York, i.s Mr Andrew Higginson, oneo tho idol of matinee girls in Australia. Prior to leaving Australia, Mr Higginson adopted tho unromantic calling of a licensed victualler, lie. had an hotel at Wangaratta. Mr Peter Dawson, the well-known singer, who was so popular when in Australia on tho Tivoli circuit, was. given a great reception on his return to London recently. He left England a few weeks before war was declared, and toured Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. In the course of the tour he has entertained over 50,000 soldiers, and assisted in raising funds to the amount of £IOO,OOO for the lied Cross.