THE LORGNETTE

Observer, Volume XXVIII, Issue 26, 14 March 1908, Page 6

THE LORGNETTE

By Prompter,

COMING, SHOWS. March 23 to April 4— Chas. MacMahon April 18 to May B— J. C. Williamson. June 24 to July 9 -'• The Tea Girl."

THIS week's programme at the Opera House is well up to the

mark both in quality and quantity. The result ia ihat an enthusiastic public nighdy forms scrums round the doors, while manager Walter Fuller beams benevolently on the universe. Judging from the standpoint of applause, the most popular turn is that provided by Eva Lee and her two very diminutive piccaninnies. The youngsters seem to revel in their work, and their boxing act is gone through with an earnestness that makes the audience rock with laughter. The Franklins are also responsible for much hilarity, their act being a pleasing mixture of smart patter, clever daucing, & Q d eccentric acrobatics. Connie Soloman, a soubrette new lo the Upera House, gives a dainty song and dance turn, her coon song, witn invisible chorus, and subsequent dance proving particularly pleasing.

The Banvards are a particularly clever pair of knockabout comedians, many of their teats being quite distinct from anything seen ueie before. Williams and Bonetta patter briskly, sing fairly, and dance excellently. Some of their jokes, however, would be all the better for a little judicious pruning, being rather on the " broad " aide. Queenie .Burro wes is an txponent of the polite art of society entertaining. Her act is at present hardly versatile enough for an Opera House audience, but, with a little improvement in this respect, she should prove very popular. Jennie Jobnstone has a tine soprano voice, and is always sure of a couple ot recalls nightly. Lesso and Rexo's comedy juggling act, although in its last week, is as popular as when first presented. Tod Calloway maintains his reputation as a that-class comedian. Rupert Christie is heard to advantage in iiis vocal items, and Kud Peterson's descriptive songs are always sure ol a good reception. The biograph films are well up to the mark. The management announce the early appearance of Hugh Lloyd, the bounding rope artist.

"The Morals of Marcus" was the final niece staged by the Herbert Flemming Company — staged too for the first time in Australasia. It proved to he a play of intense interest, full of brilliant dialogue and powerful situations. The principal male part — that of Sir Marcus Ordeyne— a most colossal and monumental role, was excellently enacted by Mr A. S. Homewood, this being tar and away his best impersonation of the season. Mr W. J . Montgomery was also highly successful as the French rake, Pasquale, while, among the ladies, honours were evenly divided between Miss Beatrice Day, as Mrs Mainwaring, and Miss Guildford-Quin, as Carlotta.

St. Patrick's Day will be celebrated by holding a monster national and patriotic concert at the Royal Albert "~' Hall. A programme of special merit ia promised, to which contributions will be made by Mr Hamilton Hodges, Miss Coleta Lorrigan, Miss Maud Donovan and others. Sigtfor Borzoni's pupils will perform the Irish jig, and the children of the Catholic schools will also appear.

George Lauri has been connected with the Williamson opera companies for over seventeen yearp, with only one break. He is now iv need of a long rest, and is taking it.

Miss Florence Young has been detached from the " Humpty-Dump-ty " pantomime to join the Royal Comics, and has been replaced in t!ie leading panto part by Miss Oli/o Godwin.

The Pollard Juvenile Opera Company have arrangeu for a six months' tour of Australia, commencing in June. In the meantime their engagements will keep them in the Dominion.

Edwin Geach, now detached from his late partner George Willoughby, has gone into melodrama on his own account. His company opens at Wellington this week with a series of shockers — "A Modern Adventuress," " Lured to London," "The Power of the Cross," and "The Heart of a Hero." Its principal mummers are Miss Harric Ireland, and Max Maxwell, late of Bland Holt's company. Godfrey Cass, J. P. O'Neill, Jefforson Taite, M. Lynch, Miss Ethei Buckley and Miss Helen Forgus.