The Lorgnette.

Observer, Volume XXIX, Issue 46, 31 July 1909, Page 6

The Lorgnette.

COMKG SHOWS

By Prompter,

July 26 to August 7 — Nellie Stewart Dramatic Company. August 24 to September 7 — Allan Hamilton's Biograph Company. Cctober 6 to October 16— Harry Rickards's Vaudeville Company

NOW, it came to pass that when George 111. was King, and shortly before His Most Gracious Majesty entered the regal substitute for a padded cell, the 51s£ Regiment King's Own Infantry were quartered in the fashionable town of Bath, and bad for their guests the 6ib (Inniskilling) Regiment of Dragoons. With the latter was Mistress Kitty Bellairs, a young widow, and a daughter of the former colonel of the Inniskillings. Mistress Kitty was a bewitching type of the eternal feminine. Endowed with all the volatility that is inseparable from the true Hibernian temperament; endowed likewise with an attractive brogue, a pretty face, and more than a soupcon of diablerie, Mistress Kitty soon made a conquest of the fashionable gentry of Bath, and hitched them triumphantly to her chariot wheels, in the course of this process, however, she displaced the former acknowledged belle of Bath, one Lady Bab Flyte, thereby making an implacable enemy. In the fulness of time, also, Mistress Kitty herself fell violently in love with Lieutenant Lord Verney, of the 51st, who, although a fierce fighter, was but a shy and backward wooer.

v; There happened to be in Bath at the I time a certain Sir Jasper Standish, S who had a young and pretty, but woex fully lugubrious and hysterical, wife. |v Sir Jasper, although by no means a £ paragon of virtue himself, being, in §!; fact, mixed up in an intrigue with Lady p.: Bab Flyte, kept a stern and jealous k'i eye upon his weepful wife. It was no t fault of Lord Verney that the v latter lady fainted in his arms ; but : Sir Jasper thought it was, and a duel '■. : was arranged for the following mornf: ing. In order to avert this duel, if [.> possible, Mistress Kitty, accompanied '- by Lady Standish, visited Lord Ver- £■' ney's rooms at four o'clock in the p, morning. While they were still there, ;•/ Verney'B rooms were invaded by his j brother officers and Sir Jasper Standish, -; and, in order to save Lady Standish ;j from discovery, Mistress Kitty def- liberately sacrificed her own reputa- ;' tion, with the result that she was boy- !>* cotted by Bath society. The above, '? in the main, is the plot of " Sweet |-i Kitty Bellairs," now being produced f ■ at His Majesty's by the Nellie Stewart t company. The scene in Lord Verney's ,': rooms is the most dramatic incident \i- of the play. The remaining situations ;'■■ are subsidiary, and there is no neces- £',' sity to recapitulate them.

j;.. ■ • • '(;/■. The crying defect about "Sweet £ Kitty Bellairs" is its inordinate $' length. It commences at 7.45, and % doesn't conclude until about 11.20. |- This is unreasonable. The prologue % could very well be excised. It is an j£; indifferent piece of verse, somewhat p. poorly recited by Miss Marjorie p Chard. Some of the dialogue could fe-,also be pruned without aftecting the ; merits of the piece ; and the intervals f]-\ -between the acts could surely be |-' shortened. As it is, long before the fe. end, people, with visions of full cars their eyes, are continually | ; crowding out, thereby causing some- % thing like chaos in the concluding |k scene. A little discreet pruning i) would soon alter all this. It is a |r feature that certainly requires drawing Pi attention to, and attention is drawn iptd it accordingly. ,

Miss Nellie Stewart has come back to us as piquant, fresh, and versatile as ever. Tne part of Mistress Kitty is one that makes tremendous demands upon the actress. It combines the elements of both comedy and tragedy. Furthermore, the changes are so rapid, and require so much art for their proper presentation, that only a skilled and finished artist like Miss Stewart could hope to make a success of the role. That she does make a thorough success of it is undoubted. In two instances, she rises to great dramatic heights. The one case is the scene in Verney'B chambors, already touched upon ; the other is in the ball-room, when, by means of a deliberate lie, she, in his own interests, causes Verney to cast her oft, although she blights her fondest hopes by doing so. All through the play, Miss Stewart's acting is sublime, and Mistress Kitty must be added to the long list of her artistic triumphs. Miss Rosslyn Vane filled the part of the lugubrious Lady Standish with great credit to herself. In the latter part of the play, too, her emotional acting was of a high standard. Miss Madeleine Meredith made a rather poor Lady Bab Flyte. Her acting lacked intensity, and carried no conviction with it. The other feminine parts are all minor ones.

The company is strong on the male side. Mr Langhorne Burton, one of Mr J. C. Williamson's latest importations, gave a really fine study of the part of Lord Verney. His comedy work in Act I. was treated with a light and artistic touch, and in the more dramatic scenes he also showed himself to be a finished actor, imbuing the whole part with an air of convincing naturalness. The Sir Jasper Standisn of Mi Clyde King, another new arrival, was also a meritorious performance. The third newcomer is Mr Frederick Moyes, who made a striking success of the part of Colonel Villiers, a typical British officer of the Georgian era— a stickler for duty through the day, and an inveterate wine- bibber at night. Mr Moyes is an artist to his finger tips. Messrs Harry Ashford and Conway Wingfield, as Colonel McFiontan and Captain O'Hara, gave characteristic sketches of a couple of thoroughly good-hearted Irish officers, but Mr Templer Powell was inclined to be stiff as Captain Spicer. The subsidiary roles were adequately filled. The scenery was good, especially the ballroom scene and the tableau " In the Pouring Rain." "Sweet Kitty Bellairs" holds the boards until Saturday, and on Monday a revival of "Sweet Nell of Old Drury" is promised.

Fuller's Wide World Pictures resumed their triumphant sway at the Opera House last Saturday, before an audience which, besides filling every part of the building, frequently gave vent to highly audible bursts of enthusiasm. The chief feature of the entertainment is a most interesting and educative series depicting the principal incidents in the life of Napoleon. This film is in two sections. The first commences with the seige of Toulon, then follow pourtrayals of the battle at the Bridge of Arcole, the Egyptian campaign, Napoleon as First Consul, the pabsaga of the Great St. Bernard, the crowning of Napoleon as Emperor of the French, a Summer Fete at Malmaison, and concluding with the battles of Austerlitz and Malmaison. The second deals with the debacle at Moscow, the interview between Napoleon and the Pope, the Abdication, Waterloo, Napoleon's melancholy sojourn in exile at St. Helena, and his death in 1821. The most pleasing feature of this picture is the attention that has been shown to the most minute detail. The costuming is on a particularly elaborate scale, and the whole series has evidently been got up regardless of expense.

The programme includes several other pictures of an entertaining nature. "Bound for Constantinople " is an instructive scenic Bet, as is also •; Through the Canadian Rockies." " >r Cbe Meddlesome Boy " is a combination; of ' amusement and instruction. Sbnie interesting are shown of wonderfitl fe«tfl per-

formed by a troupe of trained birds and other animals, and " Behind the Scenes at a Punch and Judy Show" gives an excellent idea of how this ancient but still popular marionette entertainment is worked. Comic films are represented by " Madame Flirt," " Bertie Ruys a Bulldog," and " William's Suicide," and the dramatic series include "A Simple Story," "The Two Sergeants" and " Buffalo Bill's Exploits." There are also three cinephone records, viz. : " The Galloping Major," " The Little Wooden Hut," and a laughing song, and a strong orchestra, under Mr £. Cremer, supplies appropriate incidental music. The usual weekly change of programme will be submitted at next Saturday's matinee, when the chief feature will be a reproduction of the famous Punchestown Steeplechase, in Ireland.

The ambitious effort of the Orchestral Society in undertaking the performance of Beethoven's Ninth (Choral) Symphony at last week's concert was justified in the result. To suggest that it came within miles of perfection would be absurd. This last and greatest of Beethoven's Symphonies presents difficulties so formidable that some of the best equipped musical societies in the world have hesitated to produce it. The most that could be expected from any orchestra and choir that Auckland could provide would be a reasonably good performance. The Orchestral Society, as has, been made clear, were denied the vocal assistance that they expected from the Choral Society, and had to depend upon what could only be considered a scratch choir, and one that had to be organised and drilled in about five weeks. In these circumstances it will be conceded by those who heard the Symphony that Herr Wielaert achieved wonders in producing so generally praiseworthy a performance.

The Symphony comprises an Allegro movement fall of rich and varied musical colouring ; an exceedingly bright Scherzo, founded upon a phrase of three notes, and leading into a richly melodious Trio ; an Adagio that takes rank amongst the finest which this master of dignified slow movements ever penned ; and a Finale which begins tempestuously, then develops into strange conversational exchanges between the basses and the other instruments, and ends in a grand vocal and orchestral Betting of Schiller's "Hymn to Gladness." It is the extraordinary range of the vocal parts, both solo and chorus, that constitutes the obstacle to performance of the work. The composer has shown no consideration for his interpreters, and the strain upon the voices, in all divisions, is merciless. This being so, it can readily be understood that it would be easy, if it were necessary or desirable, to pick holes in the performance. • • ■

The fairer course is to say, as can reasonably be said, that Herr Wielaert and those associated with him gave an interpretation of the work which was in every way creditable to them. Entirely satisfactory performance of so gigantic a composition is not to be looked for, and least of all in a small community like ours. But is it to be said that because perfection is admittedly unapproachable the students of music are to have no chance of making acquaintance with the character of such works ? On such a plea the choral and orchestral societies of colonial towns might almost be asked to disband. Herr Wielaert and the society are entitled to all honour for their plucky effort, and for the ielative excellence of its result. The remainder of the programme consisted of a Schubert Serenade, played by the muted strings ; a " Rigoletto " quartet, sung to orchestral accompaniment by Madame Chambers, Miss K. Grellet, Messrs C. 6. Irving and O. E. Farrow ; and the Wagnerian overture to"Rienzi." • • ■

The death is announced at Dunedin of Mrs T. H. Aimers, professionally known as Mrs Collett Dobson, formerly a Shakespearian actress: Mrs Aimers abandoned the stage' many years ago, and settled in Dunedin as a teacher of eldcution and dramat™ ar t»

Douglas Garriek, who was married the other day to Miss Hose Musgrove, of the Hugh Ward Company, is described as a wealthy Ceylon teaplanter, who lived in New Zealand before he went to the island of spicy breezes. Another popular member of the same company, Miss Celia Ghiloni, acquired a husband at Bombay, in the person of Mr Ronald McPherson.

Benno Scherek has had the uncommon experience of hearing "The Merry Widow" in six different languages — Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian and English — all during his European tour of a couple of years ago.

Mrs J. A. Stirling, who figured in the famous and notorious Stirling divorce case recently, has returned to the stage, quietly taking her place as a show girl ac the London Gaiety.

Edward Branscombe leaves Melbourne for England in August for artists and novelties. He is likely to make Australia his headquarters for some time.

Stated that- at the expiration of his contract with Mr J. 0. Williamson, in November next, Mr Dave O'Connor, late of Tom Pollard's Opera Company, may return to New Zealand with a show of his own.

Miss Margaret Anglin, the clever American actress who was in Australia a couple of years ago, and who was unable to come on to New Zealand, is said to contemplate another colonial tour Possibly we may hope to see her this time. At latest advices, negotiations were in progress to secure for her a theatre in New York, which was to be named the Margaret Anglin.

Miss Madge Rickards, youngest daughter of Mr Harry Rickards, was married in England on June 30 to Frank Harwood, character actor and vocalist, well knovtfn in the colonies.

Are. you a tired housewife ? Let Steams' Wine of Cod Liver Extract help you in your work by building up the body and giving you new vitality. Take ay good care of yourself as you do of your houso.

— That more Jaipees are required in Auckland. What about Tom Long? — Th*at " Dad " Larkin has no particular admiration for the larkin 9 of the City Council. — That A. W. Hogg needs to bear in mind that Auckland crowds Hock to meetings as much from curiosity as from sympathy. — That Parnell is finding that the borough that goes to Millionaire Carnegie for a library loan has to put its dignity into its pocket. — That the matrimonial microbe is again hovering round the "Star's" literary Btati, and another journalistic bachelor is going the way of all flesh. — That John Henry Hannan was thinking seriously of contributing a week's rents to the Ladies' Benevolent Society ; but he thought twice, and didn't. — That William Richardson feels scandalised about the audacity of exMinister Hogg/ William ought to be an authority where audacity is concerned. — That on the strength of recent demonstrations, the people out Papakura way are. swearing by schnapps as an aid in pulling off difficult business transactions. — That the extra-power Santa Glaus expression on F. G. Ewington's benevolent features this' week is easily accounted for by the affluence of Saturday's collections. — That Robert Wynyard and "Doss" Jervis have recently been weeping bitter tears on each other's shoulders. Those lost dogs are a lugubrious bond of union between them. — That crystal-gazers have strong objections to gazing at a Kettle instead of at a crystal. But the Kettle may be able to proclaim their destiny better than a crystal. — That, according to the Rev. Gray Dixon, the eyes of some Australian girls don't drop when they meet inquisitive glances in the street. Whose inquisitive glances, Mr Gray Dixon ? — That since Percy Isaacs has taken to wearing knickers, his Julius Knightlike legs have been the admiration of all the fair sex. In fact, their attentions are becoming positively em bar- , rassing. — That Mayor Sayers would like to feel quite sure what was behind Health Officer Purdy's quiet smile when he complimented the Grey Lynn Council upon its reputation for up-to-date sanitation. — That there was disappointment at the Choral Hall when A. W. Hogg concluded his address without using his French menu illustration. Judiciously employed, it would be his trump card. — That some of the lawyers are talking of the proposed changes in the Stamp Department as retrenchment run mad. But wouldn't they plead guilty to being a little mad on the - subject themselves ? — That there is no truth in the rumour that Mrs Pankhurst has cabled out to 8. C. Macky, asking him to come Home and teach the imprisoned suffragettes how to go about the fasting business -properly. —That Acting-Town Clerk Haultain, of Grey Lynn, had a strenuous time last Friday soothing the ruffled plumes of the Grey Lynnets who " found their water supply cut off. They looked upon the joke as a horrible . example of " dry " humour.

— That S. I. Clark would rather tackle another Royal Commission inquiry than again crosa verbal swords with keen-tongued Judge Sim. — That Editor Sholto shows an unwonted modesty in writing hia contributions upon the eights seen by the journalists in London with the scissors. — That the German artillerists on the Condor have made a memo of the bandiness of the sheer-legs apex as a datum point for finding Calliope Dock. — That Bennie Myers has got all his Old Thames Boys' voices in active training for barracking purposes at the forthcoming Thames • Auckland match. — That a consignment of kilts has now come to hand for the Auckland Highlanders, and has been submitted to the W.C.T.U. for their approval or otherwise. — That Roderick McKenzie is not falling over himself in his haste to let the Thames deep level companies know the conditions on which they can have that £5000 subsidy. — That William Richardson strongly objects to people interrupting him when he is speaking. Of course, William has never interrupted a public speaker. Eh, what ? — That a southern Official Assignee headed an advertisement for a meeting of creditors the other day " Re Joyce." If there was a substantial dividend, they probably obeyed. — That Chairman Hudson was quite . safe in telling the Waiotahi shareholders that the mine might have a great future before it. At any rate, the future is not behind it. —That William Thome and F. G. Ewington have on hand from Saturday's collection boxes a sufficient quantity of brass buttons and safety pins to stock a small variety shop. — That Sir Robert Stout has shown more discretion than Bishop Neligan in his utterances at Home concerning New Zealanders ; but isn't he spreading the butter on just a little bit too thick ? — That when Father Patterson walks abroad now, he hitches that Waiheathen umbrella to his wrist by means of an unbreakable steel chain. Since his adventure on the train he is taking no unnecessary risks. — That E. Canavan Smith inadvertently came into town the other day with a red tie on, and was deeplydisgusted when a prominent soap* box red-tied and red-nosed -Socialist greeted him as " comrade." — That Robert Baxter has no desire to be a churchwarden. Sorting out the buttons and other articles from the Benevolent Society's collection has turned his raven locks snow-white. And the job isn't finished yet. — That a certain clairvoyant was announced to preach a " farewell sermon " last Sunday, and was carpeted in the Police Court on Monday. Under the circumstances, a " farewell sermon " seems highly appropriate. — That the only thing the Old 1 Thames Boy's barracking brigade are sorry for is that Tom Aitken has gone , to Sydney. They'll miss his melodious ; voice when the strife is at its height, ■ and Tom Allen refuses to act as an '. understudy. 1 — That, though the fact has been kept very quiet, it has cost the Har- , hour Board between £500 and £600 to ( settle the claim of the owners of the . Lauderdale for the damage suffered [ through one of the earliest caperings , of the new steam-tug. — That some sweet Parnellite recently advertised that he bad lost " a | most uncommon-looking dog." It is 1 understood that he has since fled to | Kamschatka, having been inundated 1 with "uncommon - looking dogs," 5 which are plentiful in this city. — That Arthur Rosser and Ihe other • two Tooley - street tailors on the i Trades and Labour Council are beginI ning to feel sorry that they ever ex- » eluded the " capitalistic '* Press from ■ r their meetings. After all, the lime* » light of publicity comes in handysome times. ' ',