ACROSS THE FOOTLIGHTS

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15185, 10 March 1923, Page 14 (Supplement)

ACROSS THE FOOTLIGHTS

PLAYS AND PICTURES. THEATRE ROYAL N.'ght ly—Pi c t u r es. April 16—J. C Williamson (-pantomime, "The Forty Thieves.") May, 7,8, 9, 10, 11:—Hamilton Competitions Society. NEW STRAND THEATRE. Nightly—Pictures. PRANKTON*S OWN THEATRE. Nigtrtly—Pictures. TOWN HALL. March 10 —Laurie's Musical Comedy Company. March 14—Concert by Mr A. Cade and Pupils. Chautauqua—April 3-6 inclusive. _

ALEXANDRA HALL. March 20—"Joyland."

Hamilton Choral Society. The Hamilton Choral Society is certainly a live body. At a meeting this weeX much enthusiasm was displayed, aod the new season was entered upon ?ery optimistically. It was decided to present at the first concert, about the end of May, excerpts from the operas "Thanhauser" and "Lohegrin." These have never been produced In quite the same form before in New Zealand, and will no doubt make a very strong appeal. Another novelty will be Elgar's "Fly, Singing Bird"' (ladies' three-part voices). I understand the Society numbers over 100 voices. This is very gratifying. The annual meeting of the Society will take place on Tuesday night.

Shayle Gardner In London, , Illustrated papers received by this week's English mail contain photographs of Mr Shayle Gardner, the exAuckland actor, in the new play, "Destruction," at the Royalty Theatre. Mr Gardner has attained a prominent position on the London stage, among his engagements being a long season as juveile lead with Matheson Lang and another as the "hero" of the Oscar Asche production, "Cairo." Mr Gardner has also been appearing at the New Scala Theatre in a "prologue" to the Shackleton film. A London paper of recent date says:—A good deal of interest is being shown in the new play which will precede the presentation of the Shackleton film at the New Scala Theatre. Mr Donald Crisp, who has written "Night in the Antarctic," and Mr Dion Titheradge, who will produce it, have obviously to create the srtghfr atmosphere for the cinematograph record of Shackleton's last tragic journey. It is pleasant to observe that just as the expedition itself consisted entirely of Britishers, various parts of the Empire being represented, so' the principal part in this play is to iall to Mr Shayle Gardner, the New Zealand'actor, whose adventurous career should make him very much the right man in the right place in this show. This "curtain raiser" will precede "Shackleton's Last Antarctic Expedition Southward on' the Quest," which is a complete cinematograph record of the famous adventure. Commander Wild will deliver the lecture.

Laurie's Musical Comedy Company. To-night, at the Town Hall, Laurie's Musical Comedy Company, which has just arrived from Australia, will appear. The principals will have the support of the Buster Ballet. Mr Val. Atkinson formerly of Auckland, who is well-known in Hamilton, is now "ahead" or the Company. To Help Our Own.

Hamilton has a good opportunity now of doing something to help its own. Mr Cyril Leak, a young pianist of whom big things are expected, has decided to leave for the Old World for further study and the broader musical education that can only be gained bv hearing the world's great artists. For vears, first as a child and latdr as he grew up to young manhood, Mr Leak has been looked upon as possessing the "divine spark," and it is gratifying to think that he will have the opportunity of developing his powers. Early in April Mr Leak will commence a series of recitals, the proceeds from which will go towards the expenses of his tour abroad. It is to be hoped that they will receive the support they deserve. Mr Leak has always given his services ungrudgingly for any charitable object.

Chautauqua.—A Unique Lecturer.

Of Julius Caesar Nayphe, the Grecian lecturer, who will appear on tile opening night of Chautauqua in Hamilton, the Otago Daily Times says: "Dunedin has probably never previously seen or heard an entertainer like Mr Nayphe. He has a pretty wit, and told In a wonderfully interesting manner of, the life, the customs, the manners, the religion of the people of Palestine. He is wellnamed Julius Caesar. Last night he came, he saw, he conquered." Farewell to Sistlne Choir Soloists. Before a crowded house and amid scenes of great enthusiasm, the Sistine Choir soloists brought their New Zealand season to a close at Wellington last. work. The concert was conclude! ;il a into hour with the Italian national aulhem, and the singing Of "For They arc Jolly Good Follows," while audience and singers cheered one another again and again. The Soloists were to open I heir Sydney season last night. Mr Cade's Recital.

On Wednesday next, at the Town Hall, Mr Alfred Cade, Hamilton's gifted singer, and his pupils will give a recital. Assisting artists will be Miss Dorothy Baker (violinist) and Mr Air. Boyce (pianist). As an excellent programme will lie presented there be a large attendance. Roboy Receives £6OO per Week.

Mr George Robey's appearance at Covent Garden is in pursuance of a contract made with Sir Oswald Stoll for a term of eight performances a week, at the rate of £OOO per week. He has two other contracts with Iho Moss Empires and with Mr Charles Gulliver, covering, in all, three years, at an aggregate roughly, of CIOO.OOO. "You'd Be Surprised" is the revue in which Robey is appearing at Covent Garden.

Allan WHkie's Intentions. When Mr Allan Wilkie returned to Sydney from New Zealand he had completed his G34th consecutive performance of Shakespearean plays. In an Interview he stated that he had the misfortune to come upon a theatrical depression in New Zealand, but, he thought it would pick up tremendously about Easter time. Mr Wllkie's bos! audiences are in Queensland, he says. V'eiaide and Perth, too. are good, and the South Island of New Zealand displays a keen interest. The. theatrical accommodation m H» small towns in yew Zealand is wonderfully good, and it Hwtlnss and Napier it compares 0/t jKEflflP* b* &7ttn«7 and Mel-

(By "#*» Dkafk")

bourne. In New Zealand Mr Wilkie added "Henry V." to his repertoire—his fifteenth play. When he recommences he will add "The Tempest" and "King Lear." His objective was to produce the whole 37 plays of Shakespeare. Au Revoir to Roslna Buckman.

After two successful tours in New Ztealand and one in Australia, Miss Rosina Buckman, the distinguished singer, and her party left Auckland for London, via America, on Wednesday. Miss Buckman is accompanied by her husband, Mr Maurice d'Oisly, Miss Adelina Leon, 'cellist, and Mr Percy Kahn, pianist and composer. Miss Buckman could not speak v?ith any certainty of her future arrangements. She is going direct to New York to discuss the matter of an American tour. She will make her first appearance in London at the Albert Hall, where she was given a splendid farewell last year. An appearance at La Scala Opera in Milan may follow this season or next, and there is the possibility of a concert tour in Stockholm, which country the prima donna has not yet visited. Mr D'Oisley fully shares his wife's enthusiasm for New Zealand, and describes their tour as the happiest and most successful they have yet undertaken.

Interviewed at Auckland, Miss Buckman said: "To be quite frank, I am of opinion that music in New Zealand is just about at a standstill. It seems to me that the country has not gone forward musically since I was here 12 years ago. There is not anything like the fostering of a love of good music there should be. The older people are interested and show a true appreciation, but at all concerts I noticed comparatively few young folk. Perhaps it is the jazz that is upsetting the standards. Jazz is good in the right place, but everything now is jazz, and I do not think its influence will be good. For the sake of the musical standards of the Dominion, I hope more will be done to inculcate a love of good music."

Ada Reeve Sued. Miss Ada Reeve, as she Is .known professionally, or in private life Adelaide Mary Cotton, recently had writs claiming over £2OOO damages served on her at Sydney. It is claimed by the authors of the writs that a breach of contract had been committed in relation to engagement for a South African tour. The names (jf the claimants, and the amounts, are as follow: Stanley Tilton and Eddie West, £400; William Graham Tree and Mrs Myra Tree, £600; Frederick Keeley and Ivy Aldous, £460; Con. Colleano, £SBO. It is stated that, while contracts had not actually been signed, verbal contracts had been entered into.

Oscar Asche Productions. According to the Australasian, "Cairo" is unlikely to be seen anywhere except in Sydney and Melbourne. It was succeeded in the latter place for a short season by "Julius Caesar," but (he latter wa s soon withdrawn, and will be followed by "Chu Chin Chow."

Oscar Asche Angry. Shows in Melbourne are booming at the moment, all except "Julius Caesar" (says the Sydney Referee). It has caused considerable comment that Melbourne, the home of the highbrows, should neglect such a fine production and prefer revue and comedy. Oscar Asche certainly has the satisfaction of seeing his latest protege, "The Southern Maid," successfully launched; but this can hardly be counted as compensation. Melbourne prefers jazz to Shakespeare, and Mr Oscar Asche is angry about it (says a message to the Sydney Sun). Even at the opening night of "Julius Caesar" many of the regular first-nighters did not bother to take up their seats. Mr Asche said that he had cancelled his plans to produce half a dozen other plays. "People here really seem to prefer jazz, revue, and films," he says. "So why not let them have what they want, and thereby eliminate the financial worries of the management?" "If Winter Comes,"

Mr J. Macdonald Hastings' version of Mr A. S. M. Hutchinson's "If Winter Comes," which was recently produced at the St. James's Theatre, London, by Messrs Frank Curzon, B. A. Meyer, and Owen Nares, will soon be seen in Australia. A company has just arrived from England under the management of Messrs J. C Williamson, Ltd, and a long tour of Australia will begin early in March. The company include Miss Muriel Martin Harvey, Miss Ailsa Grahame, Miss Jane Savile, Mr Valentine Guthbert, and Mr Garry Marsh (in the part of Mark Sabre). Mr Cyril Maude will soon be going to the United States to play the part of Mark Sabre in the same play in that company.

The Competitions. I learn from the competitions secretary that enquiries continue to come in daily from all quarters. One enthusiast from a distance was so anxious not lo miss any of the good things uoiug that he sent, in lis 6d for a season ticket 10s Gd. plux tax. II appears that only a limited number Of season tickets will be available, and these will be in demand, giving as they do admission to all contests, which "will probably extend over seven days.

News of Artists. Items from the London Era: — As "Sinbad" Miss Vera Pearce (the Australian girl) is an ideal boy, and acts wilh unfailing spirit and energy, infusimr into everything she does the jov of life that calches the public fanrv rigid away. In a round dozen of catchy songs she scores with a Scottish ditty, with "Shufflin' Along," and a taking song, "Vou-oo," which looks like making a big hit. Flla Shields' two numbers, "Wide \wake Walter" and '-Piccadilly," have proved exceedingly popular at , the London Palladium. NoraDelany (here last year with the Williamson pantomime) is the principal I.ov in '-Goldilocks-' and "The Three !:.>ars." at the Opera House, Manchester. Dame Nellie Molba in Opera.

J, <:. Williamson. Ltd.. have completed arrangements with Darnc Nellie Melba for a season of grand opera in Australia and New Zealand, commencing in about twelve months. Melba is shortly proceeding to the Continent witti the object of hearing famous artists in Milan and Vienna. The directors intend to produce operas on a scale hitherto unaitained in Australasia The repertoire includes "La Bohome," "La Tosca," "Madame Butterflv." •I.' Traviala." "Aida, ••nigolol'to." ■•Oldie." '•r.a\allcria Rustjca'na." •■Faust." ■ Bmneo ;md .1 illift •• Cannon," "Andn . i.henier. "Louise,' "Figaro,' "The Magic Flute, ,

"Cosi Fan Tutti," "Tales of Hoffman," "Tannhauscr," "Lohengrin," and the "Valkyrie."

Footlight Flashes. Oscar Asche is due in New Zealand shortly. In all probability Sir Harry Lauder will appear in Hamilton within the next few months. Muriel Starr, who will return to Australia later in the year, is now in her home town, Chicago.

It is stated that £IO,OOO has been paid for the film rights of "Chu Chin Chow," Oscar Aschc's big stage success.

After the Melbourne season of "The iForty Thieves," the pantomime will visit Adelaide and Perth, and will then be brought across to New Zealand. Miss Gladys Moncrieff's engagement ring has been the cause of much admiration. It consists of a circle of diamonds set in platinum, made in the form of a crown.

Miss Eileen Alexander, the dainty Doreen of "The Sentimental Bloke," was at one time a member of an amateur company at Christchureh ("The Troubadours"), organised by Mr A. Cade, now of Hamilton.

I have to acknowledge a group photograph of the three principal!* — Doreen, the Bloke, and Ginger Mick—in "The Sentimental Bloke," also a handsome photograph of Lee White and Clay Smith, of "Bran Pie," The sudden closing down of "Spangles" in Sydney does not indicate Ada Reeve's final retirement from the stage. Miss Reeve is returning to vaudeville and after visiting South Africa will return in September next for another Australian season. Madge Compton, the well-known actress, was about to petition for a divorce from her husband, the famous comedian, George Graves, when the last English mail left. Miss Gladys Cooper is another well-known actress who has Just secured a divorce from her husband.

Miss Maude Fane has not returned to London, as was originally announced. Having concluded a New Zealand tour, she will open at Her Majesty's Theatre, Brisbane, in such well-known successes as "Mary," "A Night Out," and "Oh! Lady, Lady," on Easter Saturday, March 31. It is possible that Miss Lee White, Mr Clay Smith, and some of the other principals of the "Bran Pie" Revue Company, will, at the conclusion of their present engagement, tour New Zealand under their own management. They have made many friends throughout the Dominion, and will be very welcome. Signor Bruno Sarti, of the Sistine Choir Soloists, will 'probably return to New Zealand at a later date, and may quite possibly make his home in this country. Signor Sarti, who is a native of Florence, left recently for Sydney, and will later visit Italy. He will probably return to New Zealand by way of America in 1924.