The Stage

Otago Witness, Issue 3774, 13 July 1926, Page 72

The Stage

BOOKINGS.

PRINCESS THEATRE. Fullers’ Vaudeville nightly. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. July 14 to 17.—University Capping entertainment. July 13 to 24.—Futurists Company. July 28 to August 2.—“ Lilac Time,” musical comedy August 9 to 31.—Allan Wilkie Company. September 2 to 6.—J. C. Williamson (pencilled). September 1 to 18. —Muriel Starr Company. September 20 to October 9. —Dunedin Competitions.

THEATRICAL AND MUSICAL NOTES.

Bi Pasqoih.

Monday, July 12. The reign of Phil Smith at the Princess Theatre has drawn to a close. Last week the popular little comedian made his farewell show, which was up to the standard of his past revues, and those who saw it would readily admit that “Any Old Thing” was certainly one of his best. The vaudeville programme was also an unusually good one. The chief turn was that of Apdale’s Animal Circus, one of the cleverest acts that have been seen on this stage for some time. Then there were Blondi Robinson, the whimsical comedian; Halma, the versatile juggler, who is always on the move; the Cycling Brocks, in a sensational bicycle and comedy act, and the Carthy Brothers, a couple of English comedians.

To-night the Con Moreni Silk Stocking revue will open at the Princess. After having established a reputation in- the northern parts of the Dominion that is not likely to fade, the Don Cossack Choir opened a short season in His Majesty’s Theatre on Thursday evening to a fairly numerous auditory. The opinion may be hazarded that Russian music is not too widely known in Dunedin, the opportunities of hearing it being very limited, and therefore the style of composition, in many .'nstances quaint in the extreme, may not be appreciated to as great an extent as a closer acquaintance with it would ensure. It has peculiar characteristics that are very interesting and very charming once they are understood. The audience that attended the concert on Thursday night was not inclined to be demonstrative at the outset, probably because the music- was strange to many present, out by the time the middle of the programme had been reached there was a decided change, and before the end of the concert the choir had firmly established itself, and the music it sang, in the good opinion of everybody. The choir consists of a smart set of men, looking very well in the military uniform adopted. The uniform is made in blue and red colours, and gives the choirmen a picturesque appearance that assists to a considerable degree the musical tilde of the performance. m he choir flTmibers 34, and its members form a very strong combination, arranged in semi-circular form about the stage. Associated with the work of the choir are vocal solos and dancing of the Russian school. In a terpsichorean direction there is very much to interest, admire, and applaud. The dancing is quite a good, if only a subordinate, phase of the entertainment. As a matter of fact, those specially interested in dancing will find much more to engage their attention and give food for thought in the small dancing section than in the vocal portion of the programme. A fairly diversified programme was presented in His Majesty’s Theatre on Monday night bv the Dunedin Orchestral Society,• under the direction of Mr James Coombs. The attendance was a very large one, supporters of the society being very strongly represented. The orchestra, judging by the number of the'instrumentalists on the stage, must be gaining in number, if not in strength, and generally played very well. Miss Phyllis West was the lady vocalist, and more than pleased her audience with her renderings of “0 Love from Thy Pow’r” from SaintSaens “Samson and Delilah” and Gounod’s well-known serenade, to the latter of which a violin obbligato was provided by Mr Selwyn de Clive Lowe. Mr Walter Mitchell did not convey a too strong impression of the condition of “Hapless Silva” in the excerpt from Verdi’s opera “Ernani,” “Infelice.” IJe sang “Invictus” much better, and “’Tis the Day” (given as an encore item) still better. The very large audience that assembled in His Majesty’s Theatre on Tuesday night was treated by the Dunedin Philharmonic Society’s orchestra to a really good programme of k music of a mixed character. So diversified was it that the taste of everyone must have been met. The orchestra was, as usual, conducted by Signor Squarise with his customary skill. Mr Forsyth’s first vocal contribution was the “Vagabond Song,” by Vaughan Williams, which was sung in good style, and had to be supplemented by “ Mendon Roadways ” (Coates). Later Mr Forsyth sang Graham Peel’a “In Summertime in Bredon,” and being again recalled substituted Shaw’s “Old Clothes, Fine Clothes,” a most' amusing little ditty with a good deal of point about it. Miss Skinner's selections were Coleridge-Tay-lor’s “ Life and Death ” and “ The Banks of Allan Water,” the latter being most expressively sung. In complying with the recalls Misß Skinner received she sang “Take Heart” (Hemery) and “Gossiping” (Wilson Dodge). The bookings for the Male Choir concert, given in His Majesty’s Theatre on Wednesday evening, constituted a record, and have never been equalled during the many years the choir nas been in existence, first as the Liedertafel, and later as the Dunedin Male Choir. It is a great compliment, in a tangible form, to the choir’s admittedly good work over a long course of years that the number of admirers has steadily grown, and on Wednesday reached the highest point so far attained. Not only was the attendance ft retord one, but the majority of the

items sung met with most cordial recognition. The concert given by Mr Ernest Drake and his pupils, past and present, at the Burns Hall proved most successful. There were a large number of performers, and they presented a wide range of music, both instrumental and vocal. Miss Edith Thomson, aged 37 years, actress, professionally* known as Edith Drayson, who was in Australia for several years, died ot blood poisoning in the Women*B Hospital, Soho. The coroner remarked that the case was of a suspicious character, but directed the jury that there was no evidence how the illness was caused. “ This man fancies he is an actor, and has Gpent his money that way,” said the official assignee (Mr W. F. Fisher) during the course of a bankruptcy case at Auckland. Bankrupt denied that he had spent one penny in that manner since he went into business. Mr Justice Stringer: “The bankrupt has spent £IOOO in seven months, and that is not a bad performance for an actor.” The next musical attraction that Messrs J. and N. Tait are sending to New Zealand is that delightful operatic artist Toti Dal Monte, who has leapt into prominence within the last five years, and is considered to be now at the zenith of her power. The New Zealand tour will open at Wellington on July 24. Frank Harvey, last here with “Seventh Heaven,” is going back to England. His first appearance in Australia was in 1914 in “Joseph and His Brethren.” He has been co-star with many of Williamson's notable importations. Rita Nugent, the clever little dancer, who has visited New Zealand several times with Williamson's shows, has decided to go abroad. She has accepted an engagement which will take her to Berlin, which she hopes will be a step-ping-stone to London. Muriel Starr, supported by an entirely new company-of English and Australian artists, will commence a New Zealand season at the Grand Opera House, Wellington, on Wednesday. August 4. Mr W. A. Low, the well-known will act as advance courier during the tour. Louis Bennison, in London some years ago with “The Great Lover” and two other pieces, was playing in San Francisco at the Alcazar Theatre when the last mail left. It is not extravagant to say that the general strike cost the London theatres about £IOO,OOO, says a London exchange. They were affected for a fortnight, and during that period attendances dropped to the extent of, roughly, 75 per cent, below normal, only three or four West End houses doing any business worth speaking of. It is said that Zane Grey, who arrived back in America after his recent trip to New Zealand, is now making preparations for a big game shooting trip, the quarry being a particular kind of American bear. A few days ago it was reported that Mr Grey was in the Paramount studios making further arrangements for the adaption of other of his stories to the screen. It is understood that the famous author will return to New Zealand later this year. The death is announced from London of Mr Frederick Harrison, a former lessee and manager of the Haymarket Theatre. The members of the Stanley Mackay Company returned Vo Australia after a successful tour of New Zealand. They had a somewhat sensational finale, being passengers on the wrecked Manaia on the trip from Tauranga to Auckland, so they will have that experience to add to their adventures. This is what they said of Gladys Moncrieff in London: “ She sang well enough at times to make one forget the ‘ book ’ of ‘ Riki Tiki.’ The unconscious hit of the evening was a song called 1 We’re All Fed Up.’ At this point the applause was ironic.” No more outstanding instance of the uncertainty 'of theatrical success is to be found than the case of Oscar Asche, who, so the cables inform us, will have to face the bankruptcy court at the request of an unsatisfied creditor. With the record run in London of “ Chu Chin Chow ” Asche in Pah 1 to have retted a fortune sufficient to last him, in affluence, for all time. But ineawicui ventures always carry a certain amount of risk, and it is on record that since the closing of the colossal production Asche’s luck changed. Certain it is that he has not found anything like a successor to “Chu Chin Chow. 7 ’ The London Standard attributes Asche’s financial misfo*T’ne to an unprofitable tour and the failure of “Good Old Days.” Although long resident in England Asche is Australian born. Wallis Clark, wno plays the doctor in “White Cargo,” at present in Australia, has played many parts in the drama of life—circus clown, acrobat, theatre manager, actor —these are a few of his roles. He is English born, and the son of William Wallis Clark, the inventor of acetylene gas. In accordance with the very best traditions of the history of successful actors he ran away from home when quite young, and joined up with a circus as a clown. Later he became an acrobat. Then a chance came to play in drama, and subsequently his acting caught the interest of John, Lionel, and Ethel Barrymore, all of whom he has been associated with in many plays. In 1923 the British censor, Lord Cromer, received 596 plays for licensing and nine were refused. In 1924 618 plays were submitted and nine were refused, and in 1925 the figures were 740 and 16 respectively. In a recent speech Lord Cromer said: “Whether it is attributable to advanced views or whether people are becoming more daring I did not know, but this yar, out of 191 plays already submitted, 15 have been refused licenses.”

Extraordinary scenes occurred at Dame Nellie Melba’s farewell concert at the Albert Hall, London. At the end of her first song the stage was filled with baskets of roses, amid which Melba stood a radiant and striking figure Melba sang with her old artistry and purity. Occasionally there was an indication of a fault in her upper register# but she hid it most

skilfully. She sang the “Addio” from “La Boheme” soulfully and almost tearfully, but everybody seemed to forget that it was her last appearance. She was still the Melba who swayed vast audiences. The briliant assemblage gave her a wonderful welcome. “Coo-ees” resounded everywhere. One small admirer sat spellbound. It was Melba’s granddaughter, Pamela Armstrong, who was with her parents, Mr and Mrs George Armstrong, in a box. A message from Reuter says that the King and Queen placed the Royal box at the disposal of the Australian cricketers, and the Prince of Wales lent his box to Australian disabled soldiers. An enormous crowd packed every inch of space and uproariously applauded and encored Melba, who smiled haopily when a lusty “Coo-ee” was heard from the neighbourhood of the cricketers’ box. An appeal is being made to those who are acquainted with the work of Mr Allan Wilkie in making the works of Shakespeare more widely known, to assist him to repair the loss he suffered in Geelong (Vic.) early on June 21, when his entire wardrobe, scenery, and effects, which had been gathered together over a period of 25 years, and which were valued at between £4,000 and £5,000, were burnt in the fire which destroyed the Mechanics’ Institute Hall. Mr Wilkie, however, is determined to begin his work again, and hopes to call the company together at the earliest possible opportunity to resume the production of Shakespearian plays. Ward Lyons, whose death at Perth was announced a few weeks ago, was last here in the star part in “Canpy Ricks.” The old Australian actor —he was a native of Ballarat—had been on the boards for very many years, but it w*as riot until Philip Lytton, who had secured the Australian rights of the play, selected him for the part of the irascible “Cappy” that some degree of fame came to him. He was to have gone to London to play the part there, but Death rang down the curtain.

WELLINGTON WING WHISPERB. (By Peter Pan.) July 8. Dear “Pasquin,”—There has not been a great deal doing in the way of entertainment for race visitors this week, but next Saturday sees the first night of “Lilac Time” at the Grand Opera House. With a Viennese setting, quaint old-fashioned frocking, and a theme dealing with Schubert’s love story, it serves to bring a fragrance almost operatic in tone. Several of the composer’s most favourite songs have been transferred intact from the concert platform and are incorporated in the play’s action. Adele Crane, the English blonde, whd has visited Wellington before, has the role of Lili, her original London role. The" principals of the Royal Comic Opera Company are in the supporting cast, including Claude Fleming, John Ralston (who, bespectacled and attired as Schubert, has much singing to do), Herbert Browne (the hero to Josie Melville’s “Sally”), Sydney Sterling, Arthur Stigant, Harry Ratcliffe, Molly Tyrell, Beryl Walkley, Linda Foy, Eileen Dunne, Edmund Sherrass, Herbert Walton, Katie Towers, Frank Leighton, William Perryman (a coming juvenile lead with a voice), and spectacular ballets. The box plan attention denotes a successful season. We are to have a return visit of the wonderful . lussian Cossack Choir, who will give two farewell concerts on Thursday and Friday of next week before embarking on the Saturday by the Ruabine for London. With memories of their beautiful harmony still fresh in mind, Wellington’s real music lovers will assuredly flock to the Town Hall to hear these memorable singers. They are unquestionably the finest body of male singers that has visited these shores, and to Mr E. J. Carroll New Zealand is indebted for a rare musical treat. Trained church singers as they are, their religious work is a tiling of beauty and reverence. “Carmen” is being worked at by the Wellington Royal Choral Union for presentation on Saturday, Julv 31, and attention and interest are focussed on this important event. Nine soloists will be taking part, not the least important being Mr Arthur Jordan, the English tenor, who is making his final appearance in New Zealand before embarking for Horae. Bizet’s colourful work should therefore have excellent interpretation, for others who will sing are Miss Mina Caldow (contralto), Mr Len Barnes (baritone), Mr Edwin Dennis (tenor), Mrs Frank Tunley (sopraffo), Mr Ernest Short (baritone), Mrs J. F. Woodward (soprano), Mr E. J. Hill (tenor), and Mrs A. E. Burge (soprano), with a full chorus and orchestra under the baton of Mr H. Temple White. A memorable performance is expected. Last night the Wellington Harmonic Society presented “Paolo and Francesca” in the Concert Chamber to a delighted audience. Founded on Vidler’s drama, “The Rose of Ravenna,” the opera depicted a scene in Italy in the thirteenth century, during the historic feud between the Guelphs and Ghibellines. Ten soloists, a full choral prologue and epilogue, and four acts were engaged. Miss Myra Sawyer sang the Francesca lines and Mr Frank Bryant was a likable Paolo, while the cast accomplished good work. Little Hermie (George Ward) and his assisting company of revue artists had a rousing send-off at His Majesty’s Theatre on Tuesday night, after a long and successful season. The house was packed, and Mr Ward and the company received many flattering testimonials of popularity. Last night the big house welcomed the Taylor-Carlton band of pierrots, which brought back several well-known faces that have been seen here before in individual turns at different times. J. G. Taylor is cl ef comedian, ably aided and abetted at every turn by Teddy Carlton, another comedian with a special facility for humour. W. J. Aspden is an operatic baritone, Dolly Rosslyn a dainty soubrette, Dorothea Summers a comedienne of some talent, and Beryl Scott a pianist of rare ability. In addi-* tion, there is a strong vaudeville pro« gramme.