ACROSS the FOOTLIGHTS

Waikato Times, Volume 96, Issue 15353, 29 September 1923, Page 14 (Supplement)

ACROSS the FOOTLIGHTS

C '~ PLAYS AND PICTURES.

THEATRE ROYALNightly—Pictures. October I—Tano Fauna. October B—Fox Orchestral Cencert. October 25 —Recital by Mr Edwin / Dennis and pupils. End October —Dance Extravaganza by Mrs Parkhouse’s pupils. NEW STRAND THEATRE. Nightly—Pictures. FRANKTON THEATRE. Nightly—Pictures* Pantomime on Monday. On Monday next Mr Tano Fama—■whom Hamilton remembers pleasantly u the manager of the New Zealand Diggers—will present his new Pantomime Company in “Dick Whittington.” The company ’has just closed a season at Auckland. The pantomime Is said to be very bright and amusing. Mr Ted Stanley, the dame, has made himself very popular, and he is well supported by Miss Sadie Tilburn (principal;boy), Miss Ivy Beaumont (principal girl), Will Cass (comedian), Kavello (as Aspro. the donkey), Little Jackie Cass (as Tom Cat), and Mr George Edwards (as King Rat). '

"Tutankhamen” —a Flrle Production. It was my good fortune to see “Tutankhamen,” the original production of the Auckland Operatic Society, on Saturday night, and I was delighted with the whole production. The rest of the crowded audience was delighted too, judging by the enthusiasm displayed! Applause was frequent, and at the close there wasian ovation, and in response to the call for “Author 1” the author and producer (Mr L. P. Leary), musical director and composer of many of the lyrics (Mr Eric Waters), and the stage manager and designer of the costumes (Mr W. J. Crowther), were forced to come on the stage and acknowledge the plaudits of the crowd. Then the performers were deluged with flowers, and coloured streamers from stage to auditorium gave a carnival air to the proceedings. It was a great night, -and one to be remembered I The story of “Tutankhamen” was interesting, with drama and comedy attractively alternating, the music was delightful, the dancing unusually fine, the mounting excellent, and the acting surprisingly good, principals and chorus doing splendid work. And it is not too much to say that the dressing was the most gorgeous and artistic yet seen in New Zealand. The whole production far outclassed the average professional production. A suggestion has been made that “Tutankhamen” should be brought to Hamilton. It is to be hoped that the suggestion materialises; local- playgoers would enjoy "Tutankhamen."

Robert Romani In America. The following extracts from a letter received this week from Mr Robert > Romani (Lafferty) the ex-Hamil-tonian, will probably . be read withinterest:—

“We are very muoh alive in California, and instead of being two we are now three, a little Galli-Curci having arrived 1 I have been in California some months now, and am pleased to let you know (as I know vou are ..intecested in my progress) that I am doing fine. I am now with the San Francisco Grand Opera Company, taking minor parts, which gives me a chance to do a bit of understudy work. We are doing ‘Rigoletto,’ ‘Andrea Chenier,’ ‘Pagliaccl,’ ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ ‘Mephistopheles,’ ‘Cour Angelica,’ ‘Tosca,’ and ‘ha Boheme.' The season starts on September 25, and I am putting In plenty of work.- The main roles will be played by Gigli (tenor), Martinelll (tenor), Quena Maria (soprano), De Luca (baritone), Gandolfl (baritone), and Soroya. . ..These are at present leading lights with the Chicago Opera Company, so this is a wonderful opportunity for me. I might say these operas in America are always done in the native language (Italian). lam studying Italian and French as it is necessary, and helps a great' deal in interpretation.

“You will be also interested to know that Cesaroni is' in California. He seems to be doing well and is appearing at one of the theatres. “I had the honour of meeting Signor Lilia Ruffo some few weeks back, and lie invited me to sing for him. I did so, and sang, ‘Rigoletto’ and ‘Largo al Factotum.’ It was very encouraging to me, I can tell you, to be told by the world's greatest baritone, ‘to just keep on going and success would meet me.’ He said I had a very fine voice, of very good quality, and gave me quite half an hour’s coaching and advice. I am improving every day and my voice, with such valuable advice, seems to be maturing very l fast; also my range. Although my bottom registers are as full as ever, the- upper ones now include A flat upper, which brings me well in the operatic baritone range. My aim is to rise hi opera, and, believe me, if trying has anything to do with it, I’ll get there." Oscar Asche. Mr Oscar Asche and the members of his company were given a warm farewell at Wellington on his departure for Sydney last week. A large crowd assembled, and there was much cheering. Mr Asche will appear shortly in Australia in a revival of “Iris," to be followed by productions of “The Skin Came’’ and “Ilassan,” the latter being a poetical play with full scope for spectacular display. Mr Asche will also probably revive several of bis Shakespearean successes. Melba's Opera Scheme. It is officially announced by j. C. Williamson. Ltd., that they arc start-

(By “Fra Dimvalo”)

ing on a quest for voices for the chorus of the forthcoming Melba opera season. The firm has already engaged Mr Ernest Mowle, who was connected with the last Melba Opera Company ' and “Madame Butterfly” Company. Mr Mowle is at present engaged on the music. Sydney will be interested to know that “An Opera Appreciation Class” is to be formed at once. The operas to be given by the Melba Company will be gone through by this class. Madame Melba, on arrival, will give all the members of the class a trial, and immediately draft the successful voices into her chorus. Fox Farewell Concert, The farewell concert to be tendered to Mr and Mrs W. R. Fox promises to attract a record audience to the Theatre Royal on Monday, October 8. The value of the services rendered by Mr and Mrs Fox in the realm of music are fully recognised and there ,is no doubt, that that recognition will be fully expressed. An excellent programme is being arranged. - Orchestral items by the Fox Orchestra are certain to be" popular, as will the big concerto with Mrs Fox at the piano. The Choral Society and the Male Choir will assist, and there will also be solo numbers. Altogether there will be over 200 performers. Molselwitsch at Auckland. To-night Benno Molseiwltsoh, the great pianist, will give the first of four concerts at Auckland, at the Town Hall. No,doubt a number of Hamiltonians will visit the Queen City to hear him. An Australian critic said that Moisetwitsch recreates in himself what he feels to have been the mood of the composer: he recreates the composition Itself. His feelings and passion carry the audience away. “If Winter Comes.” 1 “If Winter Comes,” a dramatisation of Hutchinson’s widely-read book, will bo presented at His • Majesty’s Theatre, Auckland, "on Wednesday next by a Williamson Dramatic Company. Mr Garry Marsh, an English actor of distinction, will appear as Mark Sabre, and included In the cast will also be Misses Muriel Martin(daughter of the famous actor, Sir ,Jphn Martin-Harvey), Ailsa Graham and Jane Saville, and Mr Mayne Lynton. "If Winter Comes” will be followed by the latest thriller, "The Cat and the Canary.” Melbourne Farewells “O’Brien GlrL”

Though a week has passed, Mr Hugh Ward is still filled with the wonder of it. The send-off given his musical comedy company in Melbourne surpasses anything he had ever previously experienced in the theatrical world (says an Australian paper). It was a publio demonstration straight from the heart of the people. Spencer Street station was transformed for the nonce to a fairyland of flowers and coloured streamers. Men cheered and women wept when the last good-byes were said. For 40 miles out an aeroplane hovered over the train, caressing it with a multitude of “Tangerine” ribbons. "The O’Brien Girl” is now duplicating in Sydney the success it gained in Melbourne. Dance Extravaganza. The dance extravaganza, “The Magic Ring,” to be given by the pupils of Mrs Aileen Parkhouse on Monday, October 29, will be very spectacular, and will be on a scale seldom attempted in Hamilton as far as dressing, lighting and mounting are concerned. The cast is as follows:—< Prince Charming (in search of the Magio Ring) .. Connie Croxford. Duke Rupert (in love with Fairy Heatherbell) ... Dorothea Vautier. Prince of the Sun’s Rays - Doreen Sandford. The Court Jester .... Estelle Blinko. Fairy Queen Phyllis Anchor. Princess Nadine (beneath the Witch’s

spell) Lilia Andrews. Heatherbell (half-fairy, half-mortal)

' Enid Ross. The Egyptian Sorceress (Keeper of the Ring) Gladys Denz. Lotus Blossom . „ Thelma Pemberthy. Witch Evil-doer ■ Marne Crosby. The Death Spider, Thelma Pemberthy. The Fly Beverly McCracken. The Lady of the Moon Boat

• Jessie Goodall. The Shell Fairy of the Lagoon - Audrey Andrews. Courtiers, fairies,': bats, Eastern slaves, w’ater-babies, etc.

Cambridge Competitions Next Week. The Cambridge Competitions, for which the entries number nearly 500, will commence on Monday next. No doubt there will be many Hamiltonians at each session; Cambridge supported the local society loyally, and here is the chance to reciprocate. The schedule is a varied.'and interesting one, and as talented performers will compete the competitions shouid be successful and enjoyable. ' About. Dorothy Brunton. "I am so excited- about appearing again in Melbourne that I am counting the days until it will be time for me to sail for home," says Dorothy Brunton in a letter received by Mr Hugh J. Ward from the young Australian star. Miss Brunton is to appear under his auspices in Melbourne later. Referring to the engagement of Mr Charles Ileslop, who is to be associated with her during her Australian tour, Dorothy said: “I am delighted that Mr Ileslop is to appear with me. He is one of the cleverest and most charming young comedians in London to-day." Good Vaudevlllo Coming. 1 Mr R. A. Shepherd, here some time ago with the Sisline Choir, has arrived in Auckland from Australia in connection with a new theatrical venture. Mr Shepherd's mission is to introduce Musgrove’s Celebrity Vaudeville from the Tivoli Theatres in Sydney and Melbourne into the picture houses in New Zealand. There will be a continuous supply of the biggest acts in Australia, which otherwise would not be seen over here. Mr Shepherd states that arrangements are just about finalised for playing a chain of theatres throughout New Zealand.

Wallie Roid Cannot be Replaced. Speaking of successors reminds us (says an American writer) that while there are two or three possible successors to Valentino, there is no one in sight pn the screen horizon who can even in a small degree fill the place that was left vacant in ttie shadow-world by the loss of Wallace Reid. Wallie was an unique personality in the films, llte importance of which is only noticed since we have him no longer with us. • Let others

worry about Valentino successors, what I am worrying about Is where we are going to get another WaLlie Reid. So far as I am concerned, Reid was a greater figure in the oanced drama than any of these Latin Romeos could ever be, and it’s ten dollars to a Russian rouble that had ho continued in a normal screen career he would have outlived them all. Music Not Appreciated. While not perhaps agreeing with a remark overheard yesterday that “Hamilton: — musically —is impossible,” one cannot but be pessimistic when one sees an artist like Miss Irene Ainsley singing to many empty seats. Miss Ainsley is not only a singer with a beautiful voice and rare artistic gifts, but she is also one of "our own,” who has made good in the world centres, and it is certainly not creditable to Hamilton that the audience was so small. Where were all the music students and those who profess a love for the best in music? NX Pianist In America.

Mr Guy Marriner, the ex-Anckland pianist, who is well known in Hamilton, continues to make progress in America Following upon some months of study with Josef Lhevinne in New York, he has just completed a five months’ ooncert tour, and reports having had a pleasant and successful time. After a short holiday at Kingston, Ontario, Mr Marriner will return to New York for further study, and perhaps concert work. Next year, about May, Mr Marriner hopes to go to England.

Holiday Pay for Actors.

A dispute regarding the aotual rate to be paid theatrical artists for holidays was decided in the Arbitration Court at Melbourne by Mr Justice Powers. Two applications had been made, one by the Theatrical Amusement Employees' Association, and the other by the employers, to strike out the clause in the award which provided for the payment of overtime rates for the actual time employees were at work on holidays and Sundays. His Honour said the Court could not encourage employers to work men on holidays and Sundays. He proposed to require the employers to give one full day’s pay to persons on weekly wage for work on a holiday; one day and a half’s pay for Good Friday and Christmas Day; and two days’ pay for Sundays, all in addition to the weekly wage. For those on a daily rate, the pay for Sundays, Good Friday, and Christmas Day would he double time.

Wealthy Film Star. The New York producers who of-' fered Ruth Roland (the heroine of “The Timber Queen”) a job on the stage in New York didn’t know much about the other 6ide of Ruth Roland. Film acting is just a little side issue with her. She is a very rich woman as the result of her large real estate operations, and is regarded as one of the shrewdest and keenest business women in the West. You couldn’t pry Ruth out of Hollywood If you her a New York theatre. Judging America by It* Movies. All Westerners are big-hearted and all New Yorkers cads. The favourite pastime of society Is giving midnight bathing parties. Trains are invariably on time. To get a telephone number all you have to do is to ask for it. Wealthy young bucks are always in love with poor damsels and vice versa. “Ma Mie Rosette," Revived. In the revival of “Ma Mle Rosette,” In Australia, Miss Gladys Moncrieff, who, by the way, appears to be putting on much weight, will play “Rosette,” Claude Fleming “Henry IV., Arthur Stigant “ Boullon,” Leslie Holland ‘Colonel Cognac,” Cecil Bradley, “Corisande,” Lottie Sargent “Martha,” and Rege Roberts “Vincent.” It was in ‘Ma Mie Rosette” that Miss Nellie Stc\yart, scored one of her biggest successes. Picture Theatres In Melbourne, There are 10 picture theatres In the City of Melbourne and 76 in the suburbs, while in the country districts of Victoria 104 managements arc engaged in the presentation of pictures: The seating capacity at the picture shows in Melbourne city and suburbs provides for 108,000 persons. Irene Vanbrugh—Dion Bouclcault. In “Mr Pim Passes By," (done in New Zealand by Miss Marie Tempest), which followed “His House in Order” at the King’s Theatre, Melbourne, Miss Irene Vanbrugh appears as Olivia, and Mr Dinn Bouclcault as Caraway Pim. A. A. Milne wrote the play specially for Miss Vanbrugh and Mr Boucicault.

Footllght Flashes. Maynard Dakin (one of the original English Pierrots) lias organised a new 'costume comedy company which is first to tour Tasmania. Mr Anew MeMasters, who played Ealdasarrc in “The Maid of the Mountains" in Hamilton, will he juvenile lead with Mr Oscar Arche when the latter re-appears in Australia. Tony Moreno and his bride, formerly Mrs Danziger, are building one of the finest homes in California at the, lop of a hill overlooking Silver Lake,' in the hills that skirt Los Angeles. Strong-heart, the canine star (seen jn many films at the Strand), has been insured for 250,000 dollars. No, there lias been no typographical error—two hundred and fifty thousand dollars! An imporlanl scheme of improvements lias been outlined for His Majesty’s Theatre, Auckland, tiic J. \C. Williamson Company having secured a long lease of the building, with the intention of making it thoroughly up lo date in every particular. Antonio Moreno, who is at present appearing under conlract to Famous Players-Lasky, settled a suit for 129,000 dollars thal lie had -instituted against Vilagraph, out of court for 22,500 dollars cash. The suit was based oil a claim for the balance or the lime that his contract had to run with the company, he having left because of unsuitable roles that were assigned to him in various productions.