THE LORGNETTE

Observer, Volume XXVII, Issue 47, 10 August 1907, Page 6

THE LORGNETTE

By Prompter,

COMING SHOWS. 12th August to 24th August— Eickards's Vaudeville Company. 16th Septembei-to 6th October— Allan Hamil. ton's English Star Company. 7th October to 26th October — MacMahon Brothers' Dramatic Company. 4th November to 16th November— Willoughby Ward-Geach Comedy Company.

GENERAL satisfaction was expressed at the determination of Mr George Musgrove to extend his grand opera season. In spite of a few defects, it is pretty generally conceded that s tbie company, in its combination of dramatic and musical talent, has attained to a very high standard. Defects, of coarse, there are. Some of these have been unavoidable, as, for instance, the regrettable indisposition of Herr Studemunde, but others are somewhat inexplicable so far as the outside public is concerned. However, taking everything into consideration, it is certain that the season has been a marked success, and the public have reason to be grateful to Mr Musgrove for his praiseworthy enterprise in bringing a company all the way from Germany in order to present grand opera to colonial audiences.

The production of " Romeo and Juliet" was noteworthy for two reasons. Firstly, this was the first occasion on which that opera was heard in its entirety in Auckland. Secondly, it was given in English throughout. Naturally, pertect linguistic qualities could not be expected from foreign artists, and the broken English did not tend to improve the performance. Otherwise, there is little to cavil at. Mia Barckow, as Juliet, was somewhat overweighted in the more exacting numbers, such as tbe waltz song " Ah, Song of Jest." But she threw all the necessary passion into the interpretation, and looked the part to perfection. Kichard Oeser's Komeo was second only to his Don Jose in " Carmen." He is a finished actor, is the happy possessor of a fane stage presence, and his tenor voice was heard to advantage in .his various solos. Fritz Rupp as Mercutio, Hans Mohwinkel in the dual parts of the Duke of Verona and Friar Lawrence, Julias Hunger as Capulet, Karl Toller as Tybalt, and Eapert Ferguson as Paris, were all well suited ; while Sara Verner was an excellent Gertrude, and Jfclizabeth Kuhnke ably sustained the part of the page.

'•Hansel and Gretel " a work based on the brothers Grimm's fairy story of that name, is a dainty and not too ambitious work, so far as music is concerned. It calls for considerable skill in stagecraft for adequate representation, and Mr Musgrove's staff were fully equal to the occasion, with the result that the scenery and effects were superb. The honours of the production undoubtedly fell to Fritz Rupp, who, in the r6le of Peter, the father of Hansel and Gretel, gave a really humorous and clever interpretation of the part. He is certainly one of the most versatile and capable actors in the company, and he also possesses an 'excellent voice. Elizabeth Kuhnke sustained the part of Hansel in a capable manner, and Elsie Spencer was heard to advantage as Gretel. Sara Verner was a pleasing Gertrude. Ruby Blythe, as the witch, was manifestly overweighted right through, which detracted somewhat from the general excellence of the performance.

The first production of " Tannhauser," already once postponed, was an event which had been eagerly looked forward to, and a crowded

audience .gathered for the occasion. Heir Studemunde, the Royal singer, made his first appearance. Doubtless, he was actuated by a desire « to ' keep faith with the public, but even at the risk of farther disapp Din ting patrons, he would have been better advised had he never attempted to undertake the exacting rdle of Tannhauser when it was perfectly clear that his indisposition would not permit him to do justice to the patt. His action was pluoky, but certainly indiscreet. It is neither desirable nor necessary to say more in this connection. The finest feature of the performance was the singing of Sara Anderson as Elizabeth. In every way, she made the impersonation a complete triumph. Charlotte Bouch, a local resident, sang well and acted gracefully and always consistently as Venus. Hans M,ohwinkel, as the Landgrave of Thuringia, not only sang his lines well, but looked the part to perfection. Fritz Rupp's Wolfram was another fine bit of work, and the minor parts were in safe hands. The Venusberg scene was the perfection of stagecraft, and it is regrettable that some apparent defect in the mechanism of the drop scene brought about a ludicrous contretemps at the conclusion of the act.

As stated in my last notice, the principal defect in the company lies in the chorus. This does not apply only to the singing. There ia a decided tendency among the meoibers of the chorus to exhibit a regrettable amount ot indifference towards their general deportment while on the stage, and far too much talking is noticeable. No opera can be successfully presented unless the chorus throws itself heart and soul into its work, and it cannot be maintained that Mr Musgrove's chorus does so. There is room for vast improvement, and such improvement could not fail to be of great assistance to the principals. The grand opera season will definitely close on Saturday next.

Things aren't always what they seem, For instance, the Opera House seems to be a large building, but it's hardly large enough to accommodate the crowds that go to see Fuller's entertainers. A new arrival this week is Carlton Cooper, a ventriloquist of more than ordinary ability. His business and patter are refreshingly novel and neither Methuselah nor Noah had anything to do with the fashioning of his jokes. A duet by John Fuller and A. L. Cropp is always a welcome item, and their voices blend harmoniously in "Excelsior." A. L. Cropp also sings " Sailors Three " in a manner that leaves nothing to be desired. The juggling of Walker and Hughes is a thing which should not be missed. It is certainly one of the best acts of its kind that has ever been seen here. Little Eileen O'Neill's versatile musical performance on a varied assortment of instruments is also very popular.

Octavia and Warne put on a comedy sketch entitled ' ' The Professor's Boy," which is not only comical, but gives Mr Warne an opportunity to go through some extraordinary and daring jumping feats. Percy Denton is comical in the first part and sentimental in the second, and bulky right through the piece. He is satisfying, and so are the pictures by which songs are illustrated. Clarence Tisdaile's voice is heard to advantage in Blumenthal's "The Message," and he also sings " When Other Hearts Grow Cold." Keldie and Davis vary their singing and dancing with some healthy acrobatism, and Beattie Macdonald's serios are productive of. applause. The bioscdpe pictures are well up to the mark On Saturday next, Hammon and Wyatt, the Sandow girls, Bob Bell, vocal comedian, Mayhard Sisters and Flo Colcutt, serios and dancers, will make their first appearance ; while the reappearance is announced of Armstrong and Verne, sketch artists, and Joe Woodward, comedian. Two new . films of considerable interest will also be shown by the Warwick Bioscope, namely\_" All Blacks 1 versus ZN«w South Wales, and An Attack on H.M.6. Dreadnought.

.The' first appearance, of the new artists f forming pajrt'of the Rickards' Vaudeville Company takes place on Monday evening at His Majesty's Theatre, and judging from the experiences of the company elsewhere it should prove a great success. The artists include the Charlenes, King and Benson, Fred Russell and " Coster Joe/" and Miss Cassie Walmer. In addition, there will also be items by Ada Sadler, George Dean, and Rochfort and Hart. The programme for the opening night is of a most attractive character, and there is every appearance of a very successful season for the new organisation. The plan of reserved seats is now open at Wildman and Arey's. Popular prices will be charged.

The St. Patrick's Operatic Society have decided to postpone their next production until next year. This is a wise decision in view of the fact that the public have been somewhat surfeited with operatic fare lately. Although " II Trovatore " was originally decided upon as the next production, it is not certain that this decision will be adhered to. Certainly, some lighter fare might be preferable.

Mr Percy Denton has furnished me with some interesting facts with regard to the Australian Vaudeville Artists' Association-. The total membership now stands, approximately, at 700. The objects of tho Association are, of course, to conserve the interests of vaudevil'o artists and also to look after them in case of sickness. Especially is it interesting itself in the abolition ot drunkenness among artists. Tho first offence brings a warning ; tho second means expulsion, and that has a far-reaching effect, for no reputable manager will engage an artist who is under the ban of the Association. The entrance fee is 2s 6d, and the subscription is 6d a week. On the death of a member, a black stamp is issued by the Association. Each member pays Is for the stamp, and the sum thus realised is handed over to the deceased's widow or next-of-kin. The membership in England at the present time stands at 8000.