The Stage

Otago Witness, Issue 3803, 1 February 1927, Page 72

The Stage

BOOKINGS. EBINCESS THEATRE, d tiler s’ Vaudeville nightly. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. January 5. —J. C. Williamson Company. —- February 15, 17, 19. —E. J. Gravestock Concert Company. February 22 to March 3. —J. C. Williamson Company. March 5-10.—J. C. Williamson Company. ffHEATRICAL AND MUSICAL NOTES. By Pasquin. 'An attractive bill was presented at the Princess Theatre last week. The vaudevill side of the programme included the Bronsons and the Daleys, musical and patter artists, and Frank Rodgers, a ventriloquist of outstanding ability. An teresting topical gazette was shown. Ihe second half of the programme was provided by the inimitable Hector St. Clair and his talented company. The revue was entitled “Exit Laughing,” and it provided a feast of song, story, and merriment. Hector St. Clair was to the fore in the comedy section of the revue. He was ably assisted by Lillian Grey, Hylton Osborne, Mayhn M‘Gill, Victor Roberts, and Ray M Lean, all.of whom played their parts in a finished manner. An item which could not fail to please was the scarecrow dance by Dot Creswell and Ray M’Lean, both of whom demonstrated steps that were both novel and clever. . ■After a world tour the famous Russian actor, Maurice Moscirtitch, and a brilliant J.C. Williamson dramatic company opened a. . season at His Majesty’s Theatre on Saturday, night. Maurice Moscovitch is supported by a specially selected company of international artists. Specially imported from big English successes are Ellen Pollock, the original Tondaleyo in “White Cargo” in London and Dwis, and Akx. Sarner. Margaret Murray, and Ken Brandon. Popular people with the show are Nat. Madison, Eileen Sparks, George Blunt, J. B. Atholwood, Reginald Newson, Leslie Donaghey, John Harper, Kiore King, and Kqrrie Kelly. The opening production was they Knew What They Wanted,” v played for two nights. The piece has many strong situations, but .is artisticallv sincere. The second production, which will be played for two bights, is “Trilby, . a romance of the Quartier Latin, of Pans. Moscovitch, as Svenzali, has become famous in four continents. “Trilby” was originally played in London by Dorothea Baird (Mrs H. Irving), who was chosen for her resem-. blance in type to George Du .Manners romantic heroine of the Quartier LatinAustralia’s original “Trilby’ was Edith Crane. The “Trilby” to be seen hero is Ellen Pollock. Following “Trilby the company will stage a sensational and powerful drama, “Thd Fake,” by Frederick Lonsdale, author of “Aren’t We All?”-, 1* or. the last night of the season “The Outsider will be staged.The ‘ls - Zat So?” Company concluded its short but successful season at His Majesty’s Theatre on Friday night. The farce-comedy provided many amusing situations, of which the most was made by Richard Taber (a co-author of the piece), who played the part of Chick, a prizefighter, and was ably supported by. Mr. Hal Norcross, as the trainer. The villain in the comedy was Mr Claude Saunders. Mr Barrie Livesey (Clinton Blakburn), Miss Daphne Baird (Susan Parker), Miss Ellen Hanley (Flo), Miss-Maude Carroll (Marie), Mr Douglas Vigors (Major Fitzstanley), and little Bruce Walker, the amusing imitator of Chick and Hap, also enacted the characters allotted to them with, ability. It is the intention of J. C. Williamson, Ltd., to commence an Australian season of grand opera in Melbourne in September, when both Italian and German opera will

be produced. Mr John Tait states that Messrs Nevin and Frank Tait are negotiating with operatic artists abroad to organise an especially fine company, among whom will be Apollo" Granforte and other favorites of the 1924 season. . It is claimed by J. C. Williamson. Ltd., that “Rose Marie” is the most expensive musical play the firm has ever produced. More than £20,000 was expended before the rise of the curtain on the opening production in Sydney, including-the cost of the piece, the elaborate costumes, which are a ,replica of those used in New York and London, the tremendous scenic equipment, and the preliminary rehearsals. The company is a very big one, including a small army of chorus girls, dancers, chorus men, and principals. Athol Tier, the lengthy comedian who was in Dunedin with the Primrose Company, was at latest advice playing in pantomime at the London Lyceum. Dorothy Seacombe, a young Australian actress in London, is plaving in a revival -of “Aloma.” at the Adelphi Theatre. She was here. last with Lawrence Grossmith in “Captain Applejohns’ Adventure.” ■

Gladys Moncrieff is returning to Australia to play the lead in a new J. C. Williamson" production. Her venture to London was not altogether a success, but, without doubt, it has provided the popular Australian artist with good experience. . Mamie Watson, the charming actress who was in Dunedin with “The O’Brien Girl,” is touring the English provinces with “Yvonne,” one of the latest musical comedy successes. Arrangements have now definitely been fepmpleted for the appearance in Melbourne of Miss Nellie Stewart in a special two weeks’ season of “Sweet Nell of Old Drury,” under the J. C. Williamson. Ltd., management, at the Theatre Royal next month. * It is. understood that the. famous English comedian, Little Tich, will tour New Zealand, at the . conclusion of his .season in Australia. : . . . " ’ -- Diana Wilson is playing lead in “Big Business” on tour in England with Oscar Asche. Kitty Reidy is playing principal boy in pantomime in Glasgow. . “The Last of Mrs Cheyney,” Frederick Lonsdale's play, celebrated its first anni-

versary in London last month at the "St. James’s Theatre. Except for the death of Dawson Miller and the resignation of an actor playing a small role, the cast has remained identical during the 12 months. Ivy House, Pavlova’s ’ lovely home in Hampshire, has an aviary of CO birds collected by her on her Australian and South African tours. Pavlova confesses that many of her ideas of colour and grace of movement have been suggested by the plumage and flight of her pets. It is reported that there is likely to be a reduction of prices of admission in Sydney owing to the announcement by the management of the big Empire Theatre that the tariff there will be from 5s downwards.

Santey’s Orchestra will be the first of the Celebrity vaudeville companies to be brought to New Zealand this year by J. C. Williamson and Mr Beaumont Smith. The orchestra has just concluded a successful season in Australia. It is described as one of those “ different ” combinations that prove so refreshing after the rounds of inferior jazz bands. Associated with the orchestra are Anna and Harry Seymour, a clever pair who add greatly to the success of the show. Anna has been called the most delightful and original comedienne to leave her own shores, and she has an able partner in Harry. Supporting acts will include Yost and Clady, clay modellers, who present one of the few acts of its kind in vaudeville to-day. Estelle Fratus, “ the human mannequin ”; Jean Parrios, famous female impersonator; and the Stavenays, novelty acrobats. . ■ David Loffman, who appears as the giant in the Fuller pantomime, “Jack and the Beanstalk,” at the St. James’s Theatre, Sydney, wears Gargantuan boots weighing about 161 b, which-add more than 2ft to his already tall stature. The fearsome head he dons as the monster, whose demise is brought about by Jack’s daring, lifts him above his fellow-mortals another 18in, and his clothing is cut on such generous lines that his Oxford bags alone require enough material to make suits for two ordinary men. When Mr Loffman is ready for his entry he stands 10ft in his bluchers, and weighs something more than a couple of hundred pounds.

The Quebec Board of Moving Picture Censors has on an average rejected 30 per cent, of the American-films offered during 1926. The American releasing corporation has threatened to withdraw from the territory, and Germany has given an assurance that it -will keep the picture houses open with German productions. The offer, however, has been refused. .-/ The lowering of- the picture admission prices in parts of London has resulted ~in increased attendances; so much so thatthe gross receipts have increased 20 per cent. Many of the picture - houses are charging a flat rate bf sixpence admission. The death occurred in London recently of Rosaline Courtneidge (Mrs Peter,, Haddon),, the actress., after a month's severe illness, follownigp-the birth of her first child, a girl. Miss, Courtneidge was only 23, but she had done some very promising work on the' Stage. She last appeared in this year’s Stratlord-on-Avon Shakespeare festival. A pretty, lively,, very likeable girl, she was a daughter of Robert Courtneidge, a sister- of Cicely Courtneidge, and- sister-in-law of Jack Haddon, a promising young actor. Miss Courtneidge appeared in the London pro--duction of “The Unfair Sex.” “New Zealand at Work and Play,” an industry film made in Auckland, will shortly be released. “A six-reel pot pourri of education and entertainment” is how it- is described by the producers. The story is written round a gang of boys residing in an Auckland suburb who are kept out of mischief during the holidays by a kindly school master, who takes them “behind the scenes” in various big Auckland factories making New Zealand products. The film follows the manufacture of jam from the orchards to the breakfast table; it tells how seeds are prepared for the farmer and market gardener throughout New Zealand. It follows the story of a New Zealand tree from the bush to the finished article of furniture; the cream, butter, and eggs from the farm until they form, the component parts of a delicious dairy cream toffee. The making of a mattress also forms an. interesting section of the film, while another part tells what happens to that great primary product of the Dominion—wool—from the sheep’s back to the finished article of clothing. Written in and around these interesting subjects are the highly-diverting adventures of “the gang” from “Cyclone Alley”—half a dozen “hardcase” New Zealand kiddies. Romance, comedy, and instruction roam hand "in hand through this unique film, which brings home to us most powerfully the necessity to “ask for and buy New Zealandmade goods.” The next E. J. Carroll attraction ..or New Zealand will be “The Best People.” Mr Carroll, who is now on the high seas, returning to Australia with his “The Ghost Train” company, recently cabled from London:—“ ‘The Best People’ is now the biggest comedy success of the year, crowding the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury avenue, to capacity at every performance.” This sparkling comedy by Avery Hopwood, who incidentally made a small fortune out of the New York and San Francisco seasons alone, deals with- the cataclysmic sensations, suffered, by the most exclusively aristocratic New York family on account of the romantic adventures of the son and daughter of the house. The carefully educated daughter falls in love with her father’s own chaffeur? and the son and heir succumbs to the spell of a ’beautiful Broadway show girl siren. When father an 4 m °ther attempt a diplomatic intrigue of interference.the situation develops along hilarious lines, and the comedy’s sway .sets in with a will. .-.

WELLINGTON WING WHISPERS. „ (By Peter Pan.) January 27. Dear “Pasquin,”—“Katja, the Dancer” has definitely caught public fancy, judging by the large audiences rolling up to the Grand Opera House to see Marie Burke in the role she has made notable. Apart from the acting excellence, the plot is thin, but there is any amount of gorgeous staging and costuming, the dialogue is bright and witty, though light, and the music is haunting, though not to the same extent perhaps as that of “Wildflower,” which is to be revived on Wednesday night next. The Williamson Company opened here on Monday' night, with a splendid first-night audience, and, as recommendation travels fast, the success of the season is assured. Miss Burke sings and dances well in the role of the princess in disguise as Katja, the dancer; the plot has a mid-European setting, with most people of the mythical kingdom falling in love musically with the others. One of the most catchy numbers in the play is “Leander,” sung as a duet by R. Barrett-Lennard, a new English comedian, and Thelma Burness, a Williamson favourite. In Mr BarrettLennard is a comedian reminiscent of George Gee, with a clean comedy sense, a neat, natty personality, and a capacity for getting all the humour out of his lines —and those of others on the stage. No less successful in a funny role is Cecil Kelieway as Count Orpich, an elderly roue who is a delightful rogue for the ladies. Opposite Miss Burke, perhaps not quite robust -enough for that exacting role (for Miss Burke is l - taller than most stage favourites), is Herbert Browne, who sings delightfully as the prince more than half in love with the girl chosen for his bride. Miss Burke does a stamping Russian dance that is a feature of the play. Babette Odeal is .a diminutive English girl who is making her first appearance here, as is Mr Lennard; they are well-selected importations. The remainder of the" cast is admirable. Excerpts from “Rockets” are being presented by the Midnight Frolics this week at Fuller’s. Chief funmaker Clem Dawe again bears the brunt of the merriment, and works cheerfully, with results among the audience. The Frolics are immensely popular here," and they draw well every night, with huge crowds on gala or Saturday nights. The wedding of Dorothy White and Gregory Ivanoff on Friday last was an event of great theatrical importance, and was attended by most of the Frolics Company, of which both are versatile members, and other visiting theatricals, as well as hosts of private folk. . The Australian Silver Band, under Mr H. Baile (conductor), made a welcome reappearance in.the Town Hall on Tuesday night, and again last night, giving the final concert to-night. This band has been abroad for the last 18 months, and during this tiriie the players have, by continual playing together, attained a condition approaching perfection. The band is in the very tront rank of brass bands, and its - programmes are pleasing in their variety, as well as testing the players to the full. It includes jazz oh its programmes, and plays it wonderfully well. The cornet playing of Arthur Stender is worth going a long way to hear,"Mr Clamie Collins on the trombone is also the artist supreme, while the xylophone -playing of Harold Reid, sometimes with four shammers (muted) simultaneously, is something to bring an "audience to its feet. The perfect ensemble playing cannot be described in cold priiit. The advent of Miss Phyllis Lett, the "English contralto, on February 5 next, is being awaited with interest. Miss Lett, of whom it was said by the musical critic of the London Times that she had the voice that Homer forgot to describe as belonging to Helen of Troy, has a great reputation as a singer of English songs, coupled with fame as an interpreter of oratorio. She will, be supported by Margot Mac Gibbon, a brilliant violinist; Norman Bennett, a tenor highly esteemed in Australa; and Maurice Besly, the English composer-pianist, whose songs and compositions are well known. Some of his songs are included in the test pieces for the next Wellington competitions’ " On Saturday night and the following Monday and Tuesday the local National Repertory Theatre Society, under the direction of Leo du Chateau, will produce Ashley Duke’s comedy “The Man with a Load of Mischief.” People enjoy poetry and romance, as witness London’s acceptance of the delightful, if queerly-named play. Miss Molly Plimmer, prior to her departure for London to continue her dramatic studies, will play the part of the Prince’s mistress, and associated with her will be Roselind Atkinson, Louise Hall Robert Charlton, E. S. Baldwin, and W. S. Wauchop. The costumes and settings promise to be particularly charming. Coincident with the premiere release of Zane Greys picture “The Vanishing Race ’ in Wellington, at the Regent Theatre, a band of Red Indians will appear on the stage in a special prologue. The Indians were imported for the exploitation of the picture, and they comprise Chief Seuinptewa, four braves a squaw, and two papooses—all Hopis; and two Navaho boys, one of whom acts in the picture as brother to Richard- Dix, the male lead. Wellington will be all: to , see rea1 ’ live Indians. They will be here on Friday next.

ROSALINE COURTNEIDGE. Through the death of Miss Rosaline Courtneidge (Mrs Peter Haddon) the stage has lost a very popular artist and one whose future professionally was full of promise. -- She will be remembered by New Zealand theatre-goers as a member of “The Man from Toronto” Company. Mrs Haddon died in a London nursing home a few weeks after the birth of her first baby—a daughter—and following several operations. Rosaline Courtneidge had the stage in her blood. When she was a school girl at Queen’s College she often slipped off to a theatre instead of returning direct to her home. Although only 23 years of age she had firmly established herself as an actress in whom unfailing vivacity and charm of manner were equally apparent. . The daughter of Robert Courtneidge it would indeed have Been surprising (says the Daily Telegraph) had she failed to reveal at an qualities'" which,- with time -and experience, might surely bg relied on *to

wm for her an enviable position in the profession she had chosen to adopt. When barely more than 16 she made her debut in “The Man from. Toronto,” and shortly afterwards, she joined Ben Greet’s Shakespearian Company, in which she played a number of varied parts. 'After a short engagement at the Haymarket, she accepted an offer to tour Australia and New Zealand in her original part jn “The Man from. Toronto.” Shortly - after her return she joined Henry Bajntori’s touring company, thus gaining still further experience in a round of fairly important characters. As leading lady in “Brown Sugar” she won fresh laurels throughout the country, to become soon after a member of her father’s company at the Savoy. AU who saw her work there in “The Sport of Kings” well remember her delightful and high-spirited performance as Dulcie Primrose. The Haddon wedding in February, 1925, was a big theatrical event, for the Courtneidges are as popular as they are clever. Mr Peter Haddon, like his bride, was a member of the theatrical profession. Together the young couple set forth with every prospect of a happy and successful future. With the birth of their daughter it seemed as if the hope for happiness was still more firmly established. Everywhere the profoundest sympathy is expressed for the family in their bereavement.