The Stage

Otago Witness, Issue 3743, 8 December 1925, Page 76

The Stage

800KINCS.

PRINCESS THEATRE. Fullers Vaudeville, nightly. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. January 6to 20.—J. C. Williamson Co. March 11 to 22.—J. C. Williamson Co.

THEATRICAL AND MUSICAL NOTES.

By Pasquin.

Monday, December 7. Competition necessarily means an increased effort, and that applies to the performances at the Princess Theatre. Jim Gerald’s revue companies have never failed to amuse during the hour and a-half they occupy the stage, and the one at present , appearing ha» by no means fallen behind the standard previously set. To-night the company will stage “The Troubles of Hector.” The first half of the programme is supplied by Henri French (impersonator), Grace and Keats (sketch artists), Slavin and Thompson (musical turn), and Charleston’s super-six jazz symphonists. Mr Hugh J. Ward has left Sydney on a visit to America and England. He is to return to Sydney in time for the opening of the new St. James’s Theatre, about

Easter. ''Robert Chisholm, the Australian tenor, who appeared in Dunedin in “The Maid of the Mountains,” has been engaged by Sir Alfred Butt to play in the next three productions at Drury Lane.

W. S. Percy was at latest playing the “funny man’ in “Katinka” at Bradford, England. By the last English mail came the announcement of the death at a comparatively early age of Leonard Borwick, one of the world’s finest pianists. The late Mr Borwick was sufficiently well blessed with this world’s goods to make it unnecessary for him to earn his living by his art, hence he was not as frequently* heard in public as music-lovers would have liked. Mr Borwick toured New Zealand in a series of recitals some 13 or 14 years ago, when his' playing of his own arrangements of some of Bach’s chorales -proved a revelation to his audiences. The late Mr Borwick specialised in the music of Bach, and was admitted by all the critics to have no equal in this par-

ticular sphere of musical art. Long Tack Sam, the Chinese magician and entertainer, and his company were at latest appearing at the Orpheum, San Fran-

cisco. Cyril Maude was at latest advices in New York playing in Michael Arlen’s new comedy, “These Charming People.” Annette Kellerman recently concluded a starring engagement of two weeks at New York Hippodrome in a special vaudeville turn.

Speaking at a luncheon of the EnglishSpeaking Union at the Criterion Restaurant, Mies Marie Tempest paid a handsome tribute to the American stage. “The stage in America,” she said, “i 9 the English-

speaking theatre to-day. There is no question about it, from the point of view of new ideas, authors, and everything. They are enthusiasts, not hide-bound by any sort of traditions. They go ahead, and do the best they can, and their best is a jolly fine best.” 6he had known and loved America since she was a little girl, Miss Ternoest added,

and it had always been her dream to help to - establish a better understanding between America and England. The play “Rose Marie” in three months wiped out the los9 sustained on last year’s operations at Drury Lane Theatre. It also paid for the prodution and made a profit sufficient to pay a 5 per cent, dividend. Sir George Tallis and Messrs E. J. Tait and F. S. Tait, in association with Messrs Frank Thring and Beaumont Smith, have decided to form a new business for New Zealand, under the name of “J. C. Williamson Films, Ltd., New Zealand,” for

moving pictures and vaudeville, and to build a circuit, of theatres in the Dominion. The organisation intends to construct a theatre in Queen street, Auckland, estimated to cost £140,000, on a site which has been in the possession of J. C. Williamson for a considerable time, and at the same time it will

start remodellig the old Opera House in Wellington. Charlie Chaplin will soon begin to work on his new picture, “The Dandy,” in which the comedy element will be dominant throughout. Chaplin is quoted as saying that the public seems to prefer him as a laugh-provoker, and that in “The Dandy” lie will forego serious moments or motifs. Appearing in Johannesburg recently were Joseph and Jane Levane, described as “cleyer New Zoalanders who scored a distinct success in an original acrobatic dance.” These are probably Joe Lane and his sister, who, originally from Wellington, made a name in vaudeville in the East, and after a very successful tour of Queensland and Western Australia, decided to try their luck m South Africa. The theatrical season just ended in London has been chiefly remarkable for a vigorous outcry against the sordid sexual play, of which several specimens have been submitted at West End theatres. The public, which is not all West End, is the arbiter, however, and hits of the senson were registered by well-knit, homely pieces, with no suspicion of sordidness. Longest rtms were credited to two comedies—one American, the other English of the English—“lt Pays to Advertise” and “The Farmer’s Wife.” The former, which was in New Zealand some years ago, came off in July after a run of a year and five months; the other recently celebrated its 600t.h performance at the Court. Pinero is still a name to conjure with. His “Iris” has been in the bills the Ade’phi, with Gladys Cooper and Henry Ainley in the loads, for six months. Jake Friedman, one of the veterans of variety, tells of a rather far-fetched experience which was said to have occurred at Otaki with n travelling company 34 years ago. Peeping through the curtain the principals saw they were getting a good nouae, but on inquiring nt the door found that, instead of having taken about £3O the reoeipts were ahout £ls. Just then a big Maori woman came In carrying something Very substantial in her shawl. Jake Fried-

man regarded her with suspicion, surreptitiously produced a pin and pushed it well into the bundle the old Maori woman was carrying, when out, with a yell, jumped a fair-sized Maori lad about 19 years of age. A third of the house had been smuggled inside in this artful way. The enthusiasm of the crowded audience at the Grand Opera House, Sydney, on November 19 was witness to the great popularity of Miss Dorothy Brunton, one of the leading figures in the “Musio Box,” who was making her farewell appearance in Sydney prior to her departure for England op a holiday (states the .Sydney Morning Herald). The popular actress was accorded an ovation on appearing on the stage, and at the dose of the performance she was overwhelmed with beautiful floral and other tributes. Mr John Fuller, on behalf of the management, wished Miss Brunton every happiness in the future, and referred incidentally to her very practical ar-d splendid work during the war. Miss Brunton, standing amidst a mass of flowers, and under a cloud of bright streamers thrown from the audience, acknowledged the good wishes extended to her in a happy little speech. Eccentric comedy has been provided in recent London revues by Nellie Wallace, who is starred with George Robey. Miss Wallace was a bright entertainer who, some years ago, made more than one visit to Australia. Miss Wallace began as a clog dancer, and took up soubrette work before changing to her present style of humour. Everyone who remembers the Adeline Genee season of ballet remembers Alexander Volinine, the principal male dancer of the company. He will be in Australia again with Pavlova. Volinine was remarkably skilful in such ballets as “Robert le Diable.” Another in the Pavlova season will be the Russian Novikoff.

What would some of our present-day dramatic authors say, a6ks a London writer, if the Figaro, as it once did, announced that it was “authorised to publish” the following collective criticism of a new play:—“We, the undersigned declare that we understood absolutely nothing of the play presented under the title of ‘Une Baint-Hubert.’ ” The signatures to this pronouncement were those of none other than “H. de Balzac, Theophile Gautier, N. Roqueplan, Gerard,” who wielded, perhaps, the best pens of their day. Feodor Chaliapine, the Russian singer, has signed a contract with Messrs J. and N. Tait for £20,000 and a percentage for 25 concerts in Australia and New Zealand, opening in July. A representative of the Australian Press Association was present when M. Chaliapine .and Mr Tait signed the contract. Madame Chaliapine said that she really induced her husband to accept Mr Tait’s contract. She wanted to see the “Land of the Kangaroos,” of which she remembered reading when a little girl. She added that they would take their family of four daughters. The Chaliapines will embark on tne Ormonde at Toulon on May 5, and will appear in every Australian capital and several other large towns, as well as the chief towns of New Zealand. Chaliapine is known to-day as the world’s greatest bass singer. To a powerful voice he brings an extraordinary personality that expresses itself in acting of tremendous force. Hi 9 genius for the dramatic use of his voice raised him to great fame in Russia from the humblest possible 6ort of origin, and his first visit to London in 1913 was a continuous triumph. “A magnificent bas 9,” wrote a. critic, “indescribably peculiar to the man, with a big upward range and the flexibility of first-rate ’cello-playing—but always with all its magnificence at the service of the dramatic role.” The great Russian operas are his most famous mediums of expression, and the Macbeth-like Tzar in “Boris Godunov” is his most memorable role. Mr Winter Hall, at one time a master of Christ’s College; Christchurch, and now a well-known actor, who has been living in Hollywood, Los Angeles, has just returned to New Zealand. “1 suppose I have worked with every star in the business and under most of the best-known producers,” said Mr H,all in an interview. “It is interesting work up to a point, but never so much so as real stage work. One of the drawbacks to the business is the monotony attendant upon the inevitable waiting. Everyone — even the stars—has to put ub with it. One may be called to be ready in make-up and in evening dress at 9 a.m., and with a break for luncheon you might wait until 4 o’oiock in the afternoon before your particular bit is ‘shot,’ which probably takes JO or perhaps 15 seconds. On one occasion I was concerned in a Cecil de Mille picture. I was directed to be ready at 9 a.m. on a Monday, and was there on time, but I waited all that day. all day Tuesday .and Wednesday, and finally my scene was ‘shot’ on Thursday afternoon. All this time is not being wasted, mind you,” continued Mr Hall.

“Far from it. It may be that difficulties have cropped up in the taking of other scenes, or perhaps the camera-men are trying for effects. The camera-man is a valuable person. He is an artist if he be a first-class man who knows the precise angle at which a star registers best, and precisely how the light should fall to get the best registration. They may take 40 or 50 minutes to get the ‘star’ just right, while the actual time the handle is being turned may be onlv 20 seconds. Expert cameramen are paid as high as £IOO, and even £l5O a week, and a proved man is eagerly sought after. Mary Pickford would not think of being ‘shot’ by anyone but George Rosher. He knows Miss Pickford’s every mood and look, and knows how to get the very best, results. Rosher went to Germany recently to ‘shoot’ for Mae Murray there. One of the most extraordinary points of interest in this business is the wonderful things a good producer can do with an actor quite new to the business, providing always that* he or she registers well photographically- A girl may be quite ignorant of the art of acting, stage or screen, yet may be directed so intelligently and intently that one might adjudge her performance to bo ouite olever. I mean to say that things like that are possible on the which could never be so on the stage. It is simply the producer guiding look, gesture, movement, and expression.”

WELLINGTON WING WHISPERS.

(By Peter Pan.)

December 3. Dear Pasquin,—Not another person could be squeezed into the Grand Opera House last Saturday, when a benefit entertainment was given in aid of a widow. This lady’s son was employed as an usher at the Opera House, and was the sole support of his mother and a crippled sister. Knowing that she was in sad plight, the staffs of the Opera House, back and front, decided that she should have assistance, and that quickly. They enlisted the aid of the Rev. Fielden-Taylor, whose efforts on behalf of the poor and stricken are known to every Wellingtonian, Mr Bert Royle, and Mr Tommy Farrell. These gentlemen entered wholeheartedly into the project, aided by many friends of the deceased boy, and the result exceeded their fondest expectations. A wonderful programme was arranged by Mr Tommy Farrell, and the huge audience wag more satisfied with it. All the best of Wellmgton’9 amateurs gave of their best, .and the entertainment was of a first-class character from beginning to end. It is understood that after all expenses have been met, a sum of nearly £250 will be handed to the widowed mother.

The musical qvent of the month—one mighty say the year—is the Royal Choral Union’s performance of “The Messiah,” which is to take place at the Town Hall on Saturday evening. The soprano will be Madame Winnie Fraser, who will make her first appearance since her return from Europe. Miss Mina Caldow will be the contralto, and the tenor role will be taken by Mr Arthur Jordan, the famous English oratorio tenor who has been brought to New Zealand by the Dunedin Exhibition directors, and through whose courtesy the Choral Committee was enabled to secure this great artist. The bass solos will be sung by Mr Harrison Cook, who is regarded by critics to be the finest bass since Watkin Mills. Elsa Stralia, the eminent Australian singer, is to commence her New Zealand tour in the Town Hall on the 15th. This artist will be supported by a very fine combination. Chuhaldin, the violinist, is said to be one of the world’s greatest. Andre Navarre is a baritone, and, with Stralia, duets a special feature of the recitals. Sverjensky, the pianist, is a noted accompanist, as well as a very fine soloist. This combination should do well in New Zealand.

Last Saturday night His Majesty’s Theatre was booked right out, and money had to be refused. The occasion for this -v afi t the farewell night of the Veterans of Variety. And what a time they had! The audience simply overwhelmed them with applause and also with farewell presents. Tt is to be hoped that Manager Burton will be able to arrange a return visit of these very capable entertainers. The Moon and Morris Revue Company are carrying on this week with the support of some excellent, vaudeville artists. Tt seems very likely that there will he nothing of note doing at the Grand Opera House until Guy Bates Post breaks in upon us with “The Masquerader” and “The Green Goddess.” Wallv Monk is expected here any day now to make the preliminary arrangements.

Billy Low, the advance representative of the “Cappy Ricks” Company, was in town this week. He reports a most successful tour by the company in the south, records being put up in several of the towns. The company is at present on the coast, working its way up to Nelson, and will pass through here on the 12th, when the provinces of this island will be thoroughly explored.