Musical and Dramatic Notes.

Star (Christchurch), 23 May 1895, Page 4

Musical and Dramatic Notes.

AUSTRALIA.

{Canierhury Times.)

Allan Hamilton had a very prosperous season in Melbourne with hia circus and water pantomime. He has a lengthy country tour mapped out, and on his travels will carry hia own electriu-light plant, the first used by any similar travelling Bhow. The artiste, water- , pantoojimists, ballet, and working hands number 120 personß. | The "Gaiety Girl" Compauy is apparently making a great sensation in Mel- j bourne. The press is enthuaiaßtic as to the . beauty of the new actresses- Miss Maud ' Hobson, dark and statuesque in appearance, refined in her acting; Miss Blanche Massey, blonde and graceful; Miss Palotta, whose acting &a the French maid ia described as piquant; and Miss Decima Moore, who reminds one critic of a " refined edition of Alice Leamar." However, amongst the ladies, the surprise of the seaeon seems to have been the marvellous dancing of Miss Madge Eoflsell, who, achieved a success, equal to any gained in Australia by Sylvia Grey or Alice Lethbridge. It appears, however, that the strength of the company from a dramatic standpoint lies in the number of its clever comedians. Mr Harry Monkhouse's quiet ' humour and Mr Fred Kaye's drollery as a mercurial old warrior, are specially commended, and other members of the company seem to have done remarkably well. The following items are taken from the Sydney " Bulletin ": Rehearsal at Melbourne Princess' : — " Stop dancing and come off, quick ! These colonial ballet-girls will be copying our steps." Two English Gaiety Girls. Madge Roseell, of The Gaiety Girl Co., appears to be the only lady member of that beauteous throng who is pot about to be married presently. Yet the fortune hunters should be after Madge, for there is lots of money in her kick. Marshall Hall claims to have discovered a new musical genius in young Clutsam, a 'cellist and a chorister at St Paul's, Melbourne. A composition of Clutsam's will be performed by the the orchestra at the Town Hall concert on May 4. The composer is a native of Maoriland ; hia elder brother is also a musician of repute, and has for years been secretary to Paderewski.

Perhapß the most painful moment in the disgraoeful scene that took place on Melbourne Bijou stage on the Dacres' last night, was when poor Muriel Carr went off into wild hysterics during the last act. Had it not been for Shine's promptness in rushing down the steps and catching her in his arms, she would no doubt have had a bad fall and hurt herself severely. Amy Roselle sobbed audibly during the whole of the "debate" that followed between Phil Stuart and Daore.

Pert and pretty Grace Palotta, of the Gaiety girlhood, who will be the public's favourite ere the season is done, has a distinct leaning towards legitimate drama, and to that end she makes every effort to remove all elocutionary trace of her slight and charming Austrian accent. Her graceful carriage, which has ho captivated Melbourne johnniedom, is the outcome of education at a Leipsic school, where physical deportment was ranked as an essential in girlish training.