The Stage

Otago Witness, Issue 3833, 30 August 1927, Page 72

The Stage

BOOKINGS. PRINCESS THEATRE. Fullers’ Vaudeville nightly. BURNS HALL. August 30.—Alexander Watson (opening night). HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE August 27 to September 2.—J. C. W. Vaudeville Co. September 19 to October B.—Competitions Society. October 20 to November 12.—Catholic Bazaar. THEATRICAL AND MUSICAL. By Pasquin. Patrons of the Princess Theatre are finding George Wallace’s efforts to amuse .much to their liking. The first half of the programme last week was solely occupied with vaudeville, outstanding performers being Marshall Crosby, the Daleys, and Marie Nyman. The Six Cuties, in novelty dances, were quite up to their usual standard. In the second half “ The Village Lads” were the principal entertainers. Their efforts were full of the brightest humour, and George Wallace as a bogus millionaire kept the audience in happy mood. At His Majesty’s Theatre on Saturday night the new J. C. Williamson Celebrity Vaudeville Company commenced a season of four nights. Ten acts from all parts of the globe were staged. “ The Canary Opera,” the title of the turn provided by Mr Joseph Belmont’s canaries, proved a charming attraction. Mr Belmont has a partner whose vocal duets , and instrumental numbers on the saxaphone, with piano accompaniment, are the means of inspiring the chorus of feathery songsters to harmonise and trill to the delight and enjoyment of all who hear them. Heading the bill is the famous comedian, Dick Henderson, “ the man who made the Queen laugh,” who proved a clever fun maker. Rich and Adair presented a good act —a novelty and a triumph of acting combined. Phil Rich is looked upon in America today as the greatest “old man” delineator in the country. His partner was a former “ Miss Chicago.” An act that charmed and delighted everyone was given by Marie Lawton, the little lady with the harp and the mellow voice. A dancing turn was presented by Les Zenga Freres, direct from Paris, presenting “something different in dancing.” The mighty Spanish trapeze artist, Valencia, caused a great thrill, and the Lee Sisters, “ up in the air,” present a notable offering, while Colin Crane (baritone) and Stella Lamonde (soubrette) lent capable assistance in the entertainment.

Selections from the Shakespearian drama —"King Richard 111" —were read by members of the Dunedin Shakespeare Club at His Majjesty’s Theatre on Thursday night. The honours of the evening went to Mr S. 11. Osborn, who put in a great deal of careful work into the part of Richard, and succeeded in introducing gestures and movements that helped to sustain and make clear each word picture. Mr Osborn erred rather on the side of presenting an over-quiet and somewhat kindly Richard, but he corrected the impression in the more vigorous and dramatic scenes. He could have spoken louder with advantage, and his delivery could have been more weighty and staccato; but in the main his performance was distinctly praiseworthy. Miss Bessie Thomson justified the highest expectations warranted by her previous work in Dunedin amateur theatricals. Her voice is beautifully controlled and modulated, and her reading had a polished thoroughness that extracted the full values of her part. Mr H. AV. Hunter, as the Duke of Clarence, read well and pleasingly, and Mr J. B. I* lynn’s Lord Hastings had much to commend it. Other parts were cffectively read, and were taken as follow:— King Edward IV (Mr AV. Abel), Duke ot Buckingham (Mr J. Fleming), Lord Stanley (Mr A. C. Maclaren), Earl of Richmond (Mr 11. Chapman), Gatesby (Mr R. H. AVilson), Tyrrel (Mr AV. Abel)’ Brackenbury (Mr R. 11. AVilson), Prince °f vVales (Miss G. Johnson), Young Duke of (Aliss S. Neilson). Lady Anne (Miss E. M’Peak), Queen Elizabeth (Miss Jefferson), Duchess of York (Miss A Campbell), Ghosts (Miss S. Neilson), Chorus (Mrs AV. J. Low). Mr Chapman acted as chairman for the reading, and two songs—"O Mistress Mine ” and " Fair House of Joy " —were pleasingly sung by lur .L. Dal lev.

Alexander AVatson, the famous English elocutionist will open his Duedin • season on mW t ?’ n ; gh F- Mr Wats °" is now on his fifth and final tour of the world. has ! had l arg€ houscs ,n thc northern towns where he has appeared. The opening programme will consist of selections from Barrie s “ Little “Minister,” to be followed by miscellaneous items.

ffho reception accorded Jascha Heifetz the famous violinist, in Dunedin and his very able accompanist. Isador Achron, was mver enthas,a s* l . c - Only two concerts were well ’filled S M N esty ’ 3 . Th e at re was ell titled on each occasion. It was demonstrated at the first recital that the ’ eports of the genius of Heifetz which had leached us had not been exaggerated On both thc technical and musical sides his equipment was complete. There was a small disappointment in connection with tho„^ C U ? nd that was f hat although Heifetz had been advertised to renTh i Av ?i Ma F ,a ’ . a P’ece well known through the violinist’s recording on thc gramophone it was not played. As a matter ot fact, the virtuoso’s playing at the second recital did not meet with the 3 ? me p appreciation as his contributions at the first concert.

Tn an appreciative article the Daily Mail says that E. J. Carroll, who began work as post office clerk, is at the head of companies owning 20 theatres. In London he

paid Pauline Frederick a salary and a percentage of the profits at thc Lyceum. One week her cheque amounted to very nearly £lOOO.

Mr Gus Dawson, formerly one of the Diggers, is touring Australia with “ The Broadcasting Revellers." Also with the company are Joe Brennan (the ex-Dunedin-ite and his wife (Ida Newton), Cyril Northcote, G. AA T . Desmond, and Ira Love. In a film popularity contest conducted by the Daily 7 Mirror (London), Betty Balfour, the English film star, gained the most points, with Harold Lloyd second, and Mary Pickford third. There are now over 1000 subscribers to the Auckland Little Theatre Society.

The Fuller management has instituted its own dramatic company to tour Australia, and later New Zealand. Charles M’Calluni, a young Aucklander, is playing lead with the first company, in Newcastle. Isohel AAHlford, Mr T. M. AVilford’s daughter, is playing in “An American Tragedy,” in London. Frank Harvey also has a small part. Douglas Fairbanks, jun., and Helene Costello are reported to be engaged. Thurza Rogers, the talented AA’ellington girl, who has been with Pavlova, has been given thc lead in “’l ip Toes.” in Sydney. Iloie Allen has refired to a lessor place in the cast.

Modern drama came in for some severe criticism by Mrs Patrick Campbell in the first of a series of talks on dramatic art delivered at the Lyric Theatre. London, recently. Here are a few pointed sentences from her remarks: “Plays of to-day are not written for fineness or for beauty of language . . . They fit the pretty walk-abouts and thc pretty sit-abouts who people our stage ... It is very hard tor a girl to be passionate when her frock barely covers her knees and her hair is probably Eton-cropped . . . Gone are the days of passionate diction and tired tea-gowns . . . Beautiful speech is a habit of mind. So many people cut g’s and swallow ends of sentences, and nobody seems to do anything about it." Anne Nichols, author of “ Abie’s Irish Rose,” is writing a sequel to that famous play, to be known as “ Abie’s Children.” Abie’s Irish Rose,” which recently turned its sixth year in New York, at the Republic Theatre, was announced to finish its run at the end of the present month. Gladys Moncrieff is going to America next month in order to be “ on the spot ” when the winter productions are being arranged in New York. Gladys has had bad luck with her London venture—the plays, not the artist, were at fault.

The death of Harry Quealy in Sydney removes another testimonial to that line school for actors, Tom Pollard’s Opera Company (says an Australian paper). Quealy was with that organisation almost as long as anybody, and, like many others, profited by an unusual method. Pollard had no use for the star system; the principal of the day was back in thc chorus to-morrow, and vice versa. The result was that, whatever the public thought about it. the company became a university of histrionic graduates. May Beatty, Marion Mitchell, Billy Percy, and Jack Ralston among them. Quealy himself, after a term with Rickards and Fullers, went to America, and was successful there until Lis health failed.

The list of plays in which Mr Henry Ainley, the well-known English actor, has appeared fills several pages of the theatrical year books. He was born at Morley, near Leeds, on August 21, 1879, and became a bank accountant. It is recorded that, meeting George Alexander i» a northern town, Ainley “ walked on ” with Alexander’s company as an amateur, and afterwards adopted the stage as a profession. His first London appearance was as Glo’ster in “ Henry A' ” at the Lyceum on February 15, 1900. and his first New York appearance at the Empire Theatre, New York, on November 10, 1903. A police officer was sent to consider the moral tone of “ The Cradle Snatchers,” a play which every newspaper in Melbourne has condemned for its alleged obscenities and suggestiveness. One newspaper published a column of criticisms, including its own, and mercilessly slashed the play as something which Melbourne did not desire As usual, the criticism has had the effect of focussing public attention upon the show, and there was not a vacant seat in the theatre each night.' There was a good deal of uproarious laughter, for which some of the spectators were doubtless ashamed afterwards. The play has certainly shocked the morals of Melbourne, but the box office has no reason, on the financial side at all events, to complain. AAhat the policeman who went to report upon the show thought about it is rot known yet. The Police Commissioner is waiting for his report. Under the Police Offences Act. any person- who sings, writes, recites, or makes use in any way of an obscene word, or by drawing, printing, or in any other way offends against decency in a public place, is liable on conviction to a heavy fine.

WING WHISPERS. By Petes Pan. AVELLINGTON, August 25. Dear “ Pasquin,”—The Grand Opera House now awaits the coming of “ The Ghost Train,” which mystery play has been intriguing Australian audiences. It is due here early next month, and local manager Alexander AA ilson is here to broadcast its message of lure. It should have a big success throughout New Zealand, as it is some time since we had a real thriller. “Cat and the Canary,” I think was the last hair-raiser. All eyes are on “ The Ghost Train.”

Fullers show this week is a fine one, with Clem Dawe ad his Midight Frolics at their best. The inimitable comedian is seen in a unique role this week, that of an old cabby soliloquising about modern conveyances, and it is a fine bit of characterisation. The season continues to be a record one.

,„ Tl ? e Commercial Travellers’ Male Voice Choir entertained a large audience in the Concert Chamber on Saturday night last: part songs, glees, and solos were all of

them "ell received, and the programme was all too short for those who attended. ' Chamber music of a delightful character was S ,ven before an appreciative audienco on luesday night by the strig quartet of the Society of Musicians. Mrs Eric Meier Mr Meier. Mr E. Douglas Tayler, and Mr nV m B°oth gave of their best work, and Mr layler s little explanatory introduction was a happy inspiration. Mr Tayler’s own composition, Romantic Quartet in D major, was a most interesting work, very delicate in parts, with an expressive scherzo-finale. The movements wero uncommonly well played. Mr Bernard Page (our city organist) and Mr Leon De Manny were associated in another of their enjoyable sonata recitals in the Concept Chamber last night. Haydn, Lazzari, and Pierne • were interpreted, with fine effect, on piano and violin. The Orpheus Musical Society’s performance of Hubert Bath's "Legend of Nerbudda ” was a sterling performance, and their choral songs from the Bavarian Highlands (Elgar) a most unusual offering. The former work had its first presentation in New Zealand, and should bo heard again and again. Mr Len Barnes had trained a fine chorus, and five soloists appeared to enhance the singing—Mrs Alice Harris, Miss Rita Arnold, Mr Frank Skinner, Mr Ray Kemp, and Mr Philip Hinge, Miss Ewen’s accompaniments were most artistic.

Miss Isohel AVilford is in the forefront of London’s theatrical activities, and is at present understudying Miss Tallulah Bankhead, one of the best loved stars of the metropolis. Miss AVilford is the only 7 daughter of Mr T. M. AVilford, M.P., and has always been fond of the stage. She has a wide experience behind her, and should go far.

CHORAL SOCIETY’S CONCERT. 'lhe Dunedin Choral Society, in deciding to sing the music of “The Rebel Maid” in an abridged form at His Majesty’s Theatre on Tuesday night did wisely, as it abounds in melodies of a particularly captivating kind, and is well within the scojxj of amateur talent, assuming sufficient rehearsal is given. It appeared from the earlier stages of the work that a. little more practice would have been beneficial, but that did not last for very long, and, once a change for the better came, it was maintained to thc end. The introductory music, as played by the orchestra, left some room for improvement owing to a certain degree of hesitation amongst the instrumentalists, and the opening chorus. “This English Land,” the duet, "In 1683,” and the song, " Home Again,” were not sung in a waycalculated to raise the enthusiasm of a. discriminating audience, though they did possess some redeeming features. The first number that was a prominent success was Madame AVinnie Fraser’s singing of “ Sunshine and Laughter,” and from that on there was scarcely a chorus, solo, duet, or quartet heard that did not prove attractive. It. may be mentioned that the music of “The Rebel Maid ” is written by Montague F. Phillips, and the lyrics by Gerald Dobson, and is a story of the stirring times of 1658, and of the love that springs up between Lady Mary Trefusis and Derek Landscombe; two conspirators who secretly support the Prince of Orange against the reigning sovereign. Madame Fraser filled the position of soprano, and the other soloists were Miss Meda Paine (mezzosoprano), Mr Alfred AA’alinsley (tenor., Mr Lauri North (baritone), and Messrs Bert Rawlinson and H. Walker (basses). ” The Fishermen of England ’’ is one of several songs that can be selected from The Rebel Maid ” to make a welcome addition to the repertoire of the amateur vocalist. Taken as a whole. “ The Rebel Maid ” music was well sung in all departments and the performance of it by the Dunedin Choral Society was very enjoyable. The choir was conducted by Mr James Coombs, the orchestra led by 7 Mr J. A. AA allace, and Miss E. Hartley presided at the piano. .

NEW PLAYS FOR THE DOMINION. (Fbom Oub Own Cobrespondent.) LONDON, July 12. Mr Dion Boucicault and Miss Irene A’anbrtigh will be leaving for Australia and New Zealand l>v the Cathay on September 9. They are at present organising their own company of leading English actors, and they will open either at Sydney or Melbourne in October Their repertoire will consist of “ On Approval." by Fred Lonsdale; “Thc Letter” by Somerset Maugham; “Caroline.” r.y the same author; and “All the King’s Horses," by Charles Openshaw.

A SCOTTISH SINGER. Mr Joseph Hislop and his pianist Mr Albert Sciaretti, will leave by the 'Moldavia this week to carry out a concert tour of Australia and New Zealand. This is the first visit of either of these artists to the dominions. Mr Hislop is <n Edinburgh man, and his programme will include Scottish and English ballads, as well as selections from operatic numbers. Ho made his debut at the Royal Opera House, Stockholm, in 1914, and ho has sung throughout Scandinavia, at the Opera Comique in Paris, the Opera at Barcelona, the Scala at Milan,, and with the Chicago Opera Company. This season he appeared at Covent Garden in "La Tosca,” taking thc part of Cavardossi. GRAND OPERA. Mr J. N. Tait and Sir George Tallis ' leave for Milan this week to complete contracts with various artists for a Grand Opera Company which will visit Australia and New Zealand next year. The company will be on an equal scale with the previous company, and its repertoire will consist of 24 operas, of whieh about 12 have not been played previously in the dominions. The selections will include “Lohengrin,’’ ” Tannhauser,” " Valkerie ” (AVagner); “ Turnadot ” (Puccini): “ Manon ” (Puccini); “ L’Amore dei Tre Re ” (Montemezzi) : “ Fedora ” (Giodana); and “ Traviata ” (A 7 erdi).

Messrs AVilliamson have purchased the Australian rights of the musical comedy, “Princess Charming,” at present, being played to full houses at the Palace Theatre. The piece is to be produced in Australia in _ October, with a number of English artists in the leading parts.