WING WHISPERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3829, 2 August 1927, Page 72

WING WHISPERS.

..By

Peter Pan.

WELLINGTON, July 28. Dear “Pasquin,”-—So many attractions have been presented of late that theatre patrons have been having quite a pleasurable time selecting their place of entertainment. Allan Wilkie and his Shakespearian company have been first favourites, and the season, which closed last night, has been a phenomenally successful one. Which is as it should be. “ Hamlet ” and “Twelfth Night” were the two final offerings; and crowded audiences have been the rule for all performances. The college members of the attendances have followed the plays with rapt attention, and it is safe to say that Shakespeare will be still more popular because of the sterling performances of Mr Wilkie, his wife, and his sound company. It has been a most educative season, and the greatest amount of pleasure has been given.

Once again has Alexander Watson captured the attention of theatre-goers, particularly those with tendencies towards elocution. He has commenced his Wellington season most auspiciously, and each night the Concert Chamber is hardly large enough to accommodate all who wish to hear his single-handed performances. He has given us Barrie. Dickens, John Drinkwater, Whitcomb Riley, John Masefield, A. A. Milne, C. Fox-Smith, Kipling, Hilaire Belloc, and many others—truly a remarkable feat for any man. Mr Watson’s art is unique, surely, and his tonal gradations in description of his selections are wonderful to hear. He is appearing under the banner of E. J. Gravestock, who, by the way, arrived from Sydney yesterday. Next in possession at the Grand Opera House is the J. C. Williamson Celebrity Vaudeville, headed by a Canary Opera, and Dick Henderson, a comedian,, who has appeared twice before royalty, by command. Joseph Belmont is introducing his canaries, and others who will appear are Rich and Adair, American comedian and his dainty partner, who was a former Miss Chicago in one of the famous beauty parades; Les Zenga Freres, Parisian dancers; Valencia, Spanish daredevil. on the trapeze; Marie Lawton, harpist and songstress; Colin Crane, a very popular baritone who is no stranger here; the Lee Sisters, aerial girls; and Stella Lamonde, a soubrette. The galaxy of stars is sure to draw well, particularly since it is now some time since we have had a Williamson vaudeville show round these parts. Heifetz commences his short Wellington season on August 11, and gives another recital on August 13. He will then visit Christchurch, Dunedin, and Auckland. Isidor Achron accompanies Heifetz in his inimitable way, and will also give solos on his beloved piano. Ignaz Friedman delighted a large audience in the Town Hall on Saturday last on the occasion of his return visit. It was an unforgettable musical event, and three great numbers were included that simplj sent his hearers wild with enthusiasm. They were Bach’s “Chaconne for Violin (Busoni), Beethoven’s Sonata in C Minor” (op. 3), and Bi ahms s V ariations on a Theme of I again m Friedman is a friendly player, for he never once played over the heads of his audiences, interpreting for them with the case and confidence °t a master, so that all understood. Ihe Wellington Choral Union’s presentation of “ Cavalleria Rusticana ” in the town Hall on Saturday night will be specially notable for Wellington because it heralds the return of Teresa AlEnroe, now ot Dunedin,, in the chief soprano role, and Hubert Carter in the tenor parts (he will sing the ‘ Siciliana,” an ardent serenade, with harp acccmpaniwent). Mrs Wilfred Andrews will be i„ the contralto role, and Mrs M. Porter will essay the mezzo songs, with Mr Len Ba V. nes J n tlle baritone solos. Ihe Robert Roberts Bon Ron Revue Um mi FiiHor W l hlC ‘ h r S been in sessil >n at L =1 li house for some weeks now, is shortly to go south again, cud it<? Place wiU be taken by Clem Dawe and his Midnight I’rohcs. Mr Roberts has c ’™ s,stent ly good shows, and has introduced several novelties not usually associated with vaudeville. H e has become deservedly popular, and is personally responsible for the success of the presentations. All who appro-iate >’ood vaudeville will miss the talented little company.