ACROSS THE FOOTLIGHTS

Waikato Times, Volume 95, Issue 14949, 20 May 1922, Page 12 (Supplement)

ACROSS THE FOOTLIGHTS

PLAYS AND PICTURERr

(By “Fra Diavolo.*)

ROYAL. Nightly—Pictures. June 12—J. C. Williamson (“Maid of the Mountains.’’) August 3. —Vice-Regals.

KING’S THEATRE, Nightly—Pictures.

THE STRAND, v Nightly—Pictures.

FRANKTON’S OWN THEATRE. Nightly—Pictures.

“Wliss Hook of Holland.”

. I understand that “Miss Hook of Holland” has been definitely chosen for production by the Hamilton Operatic Society, and rehearsals will commence shortly. This melodious musical is a happy choice, and, judging by the enthusiasm displayed by mem- ! bers, a successful production is assured.

Jhe Wanganui Production. The six nights’ season of “Miss Hook of Holland” by the Wanganui Operatic Society opened on Wednesday night. The following was the cast:— Capt. A. Paap Mr F. Thomas Lieut, de Coop .Mr G. Ball Bandmaster Van Vuyt, Mr G. Bartlett Mr Hook 1 -Mr .Ti Slipper Ludwig Schnapps Mr S. London Simon Slinks Mr R. Lawrence Policeman Mr C. Barton Van Eck Mr R. Hpwel Sally Miss K. Wood Mina Mrs W. Wilson Freda Voos Mrs T. Sperring Clara Voos Miss E. Swan Market Woman Miss N. Hill Gretchen' Mrs Sedgwick Rand ... Qhcen Alexandra Rand

How Miss Buckman Went to London. With Miss Rosina Buckman. opening her New Zealand tour at Auckland to- . njght, it is interesting to recall the cir- ' cumstances under which the prima 'donna came to leave New Zealand for London. On the completion of the season of the Melba Grand Opera Company in Australia in the early part of 1012, Mr John McCormack, the popular tenor, decided to give concerts in Wellington and Auckland en route to America and London. These were most successful. The tour, completed Miss Buckman remained in New Zealand. After visiting her relatives in New Plymouth, she went on to Wellington. In the meantime Mr McCormack had reached London, and It was lrom the tenor that the idea of her going Home came. One day she received a cablegram from Mr McCormack: "Good ; chances Covent Garden; pome.” In a flutter of excitement at the chance fate seemed to have flung .her wav, she confeuited her friends. Her difficulty was twofold. After Madams Melba's kindness to her during the recent operatic seasons in Sydney and Melbourne, she felt she could not take a definite step without her advice. Secondly, finance was a consideration. ' On advice Melba was cabled t.o at'once, the diva-replying within two hours: v: “Go, by all means.” So, with this blessing Miss Buckman’s friends got busy, a big concert was given in the Town Hall’on June 24, ID 12, and as f- the result the sum of £97 4s handed to the singer. That amount proved to be a golden footstep to glory. . for Miss Buckman on reaching England set to work and gradually climbed the ; cragged heights of artistic endeavour, and reached! the apex.

Miss Buckman Overwhelmed. In replying to the civic welcome' ac- . 4 corded her at Wellington the other day Miss Rosina Buckman said she, was so ■> : overwhelmed with the cordiality of the reception, that she did not know what to say. Tt had always been, he! 1 one thought to return to New Zealand and sing to the people of her native laftd. ; ‘'Many thanks—a thousand thanks.” ' she feelingly remarked, “for this beaulifui and wonderful welcome.” (Applause). his Maurice D’Oislcy was welcomed , with equal applause. He was quite as overwhclmtil, lie said, as his wife. He could not understand it in his own case, for he had no claim upon it except that he was a New Zealander by marriage. (Laughter). He paid a tribute to the re work Miss Buckman had performed in -....L0nd0n. She had worktfd harder than anybody he had ever met to attain her present position, (Applause). She . seemed to have had every possible qbstacle put in her way and had had to . light them all and put them down. She tad done it.

New Zealanders in London. A line this week from London from Mr>Shayle Gardner,,the New Zealand N actor who is now appearing in the Oscar Asche production, “Cairo," says: i “With Sir James Allen and his son and some other friends, I was at the Royal Albert Hall yesterday, when Miss ■Rosina Buckman gave her final concert in London, prior to her world tour. A; Both Miss Buckman and her husband were in glorious voice. We went .round afterwards and wished them Kia Ora.” Mr Gardner enclosed a programme Of the concert, which shows that the d,istingujsheid singers had the support of the Royal Albert Hall Orchestra,' with Sir Landon Ronald as conductor.. ’Mr Gardner also forwarded the proof a Shakesperean recital, incl2fe scenes from “Twelfth Night,” “As 1 You Like It,” “Julius Caesar,” “Miicii Ado About Nothing," and “Hamlet,” which he was giving under the auspices of the Royal Colonial Institute. Several illustrated London papers received by ibis week’s mail contain a picture of Mr Gardner posing for Captain E. E. Cooper, the well-known artist,'for a life-size portrait in one of his gorgeous “Cairo” costumes. The portrait is intended for exhibition at the Royal Academy. It is ' good to know that a New Zealand actor has attained such prominence in the world’s metropolis.

Slump in Picture World. News from America indicates that there has been a great “slump” in motion pictures from almost 'every aspect of the industry. Production has eased considerably, and it lias beendecided that in future huge sums shall not be spent extravagantly on productions. Many “stars” are ’ out of work and the salaries of others have dropped greatly. Exhibitors report that all over the United States attendances at tiie picture theatres have fallen considerably, and a big drop in the prices of admission is expected. It is beto be realised that only by keeping pictures.a cheap form of entertainment.can they retain their popularity. Henri Verbrugghen on Tour.

Mr Verbrugghen is apparently having a strenuous holiday (says the Sydney Referee). One moment we hear of him in London kissing Toscha Seidel farewell, the next in Detroit conducting (for 10 weeks at £2OO oer week),,

and apparently he is due back for another trip to Europe. Meanwhile these magnificent offers will undoubtedly raise the_value of Verbrugghen stock in Australia, if that were possible. W e may have to pay mor c for his services. To a mere materialist it would seem absolutely incomprehensible for a man who can earn £2OO in ten weeks to return to a land where he only makes £IBOO or so in 52 weeks. “Confessions” of Shayle Gardner. The following “confessions” of Mr Shayle Gardner were published in the London theatre programmes recently. They will probably be interesting to local friends of the New Zealand actor.

Which is your favourite theatre ?- His Majesty’s. Which is your favourite play?“Hamlet.”

What is your earliest recollection? — The bottle. V Which is your favourite sport?—; Cricket. Which is your favourite hobby?— Architecture. , Which are your favourite cigarettes? Don’t smoke them. > What would you do to make London brighter?—Jail all Pussyfoots and Killjoys. What Is your ideal holiday?—A trip to New Zealand. Which is your lucky day?—Tuesday. Which is your favourite restaurant? —Pall Mall. i n What is your favourite dish? —Rice pudding. • What is your greatest ambition 7 To please the public. Which is your favourite motto? —• “Do unto others,” eto. When do you feel at your worst? — When the income tax authorities show too much attention. When do you feel at your best? — When enjoying some outdoor sport. What would you do if you were Prime Minister for a day?—Take a narcotic. What is your opinion of Bridge?Finest indoor came. What is your favourite pet?— Kiwi. . n . What jis your pet aversion? —A society drawing room. What, if you were not connected with the stage, would you prefer to be?—An undertaker. Which is your favourite Christian name? —Maragret. ' . Carpentier as Film Star.

Georges Carpentier is to appear as a British film star, under the direction of Mr J. Stuart Blackton. The production will be made by Mr Blackton in association with Mr Allen Thomas and Mr Alexander Bird, and work on it will soon be started in England.

Carpentier will appear in a romantic di am a which Mr Blackton has decided. uj.,.D as t.v-t suited to his talents. Jt is an English si cry with large possibilities for effective pictorial treatment. He will be supported by a strong British cast. Although best known as ■a star of ths ring,.M. Carpentier is an excellent artist, and is regarded as the possessor of remarkable dramatic talent. , The Play&r's Mask.

People who sit “in front’’ and enjoy a performer’s work little realise under what trying conditions the artist is sometimes performing. A letter from a friend in vaudeville recently stated, “Yesterday my partner received word that his father had died suddenly. Today I received news that my father is seriously ill and may die at any moment. Needless to say, we are finding it difficult to be as bright as usual in our work.”

Footlight Flashes.

The Dunedin Comedy Club this week (produced the old comedy, ‘Our Boys.” The two new' plays “The First Year” and “The Bat” have caught on in ('Melbourne.

Mr Allan Wilkie continues to win success in his Shakespearean productions In Sydney.

The “Babes in the Wood” pantomime season at Auckland, which has been very successful, will close on Monday night. " • ■ The New York Morning Telegraph gives the reason for Mr Hugh J. Ward’s naturalisation as an Australian to the offer of a knighthood.

The Tivoli 'Pollies will probably be sent to New Zealand shortly by Mr Harry Musgrove, who recently sent us Wilkie Bard and Ella Shields.. Toscha Seidel,'the Russian violinist, who is creating enthusiasm in Australia, has the support ol’ Mr Frank Hutchens, th.e well-known New Zealand pianist.' The Q.P.’s were at latest advices in Christchurch. The company has been further strengthened by the inclusion of Miss Nina Gordon, whose impersonations (she does one of Harry Lauder!) are said to be very clever. It is said that this year has seen a big rush, especially on the part of young ladies, for membership in the Wellington Amateur Operatic Society. Active rehearsals of “The Toreador” are to begin next week.

“The Peep Show," a spectacular revue, will bo staged in Australia shortly by the Williamson management. Several performers, including Miss Mona Magnet, are being brought out from England for Llie production. In tiie Wellington Choral Union's production of “Maritana” to-night the soloists will he Miss Gwen Spanswiek (in Hamilton recently with Chautauqua), Miss Winnie Fraser, Mr Hubert Carter (formerly of Auckland), and Mr Barry Coney (of Auckland). After concluding her New Zealand tour, Miss Rosina Buckman will visit Australia and America. She has not made any definite plans for the future, beyond having accepted an engagement to sing at La Scala. Milan, the greatest opera, house in the world, next August. The Irish players, direct from London, havescorcd a great success in Sydney, under the direction of Messrs J. and N. Tait, in “The White Headed Boy.” ' The play tells how a whole Irish family is sacrificed for the “white-headed boy,” but rises in revolt,

Melodrama has returned to Ihc King’s Theatre, Auckland, Mr George Cross having come there for a lengthy season. “Mother 0’ Mine” has been running all Hie week, and will give place to-night to “A Sister’s Sacrifice.” Miss Vera Remee, who has not been in New Zealand for some years, is leading lady.

Elmo Lincoln, known as the “giant of the movies,” whose real name is Otto Linkenhelt, is suing Julius and Abo Stern for 4000 dollars, which he claims they promised him for, shaving ail the hairs off his body in filming the last “Tarzan” picture. It’s a funny life!

Mr Kenneth Impetfc f associate-editor of the Waikato Independent, .lias relinquished his appointment to accept concert engagements jn New Zealand and Australia. A prominent figure in the Waikato and other parts,, by reason of his efforts on behalf of charitable organisations, Mr Impel,l,’s departure from Cambridge will cause regret. He leaves for- Auckland at an early date.