ACROSS THE FOOTLIGHTS

Waikato Times, Volume 96, Issue 15359, 6 October 1923, Page 14 (Supplement)

ACROSS THE FOOTLIGHTS

(By ”Prm DiaooU”) r

PLAYS AND PICTURES. THEATRE ItOTAE, Nightly—Pictures. October B—Pox Orchestral Concert. October 25—Recital by Mr Edwin Dennis and pupils. End October —Dance Extravaganza by Mrs Parkhouse’s pupils. Beginning December —Stella Power (The “Little Melba"). December 24. —J. c. Williamson (probably Connie Opera Company in “A Southern Maid”.):. NEW STRAND THEATRE. Nightly—Pictures.

FRANKTON THEATRE; Nightly—Pictures.

Fox Farewell Concert on Monday.

On Monday next, at the Theatre Royal, the opportunity will be taken to "fittingly farewell Mr and Mrs W. R. Fox, who are leaving for Australia shortly! Hamilton' owes much to these musicians; they have played a prominent part in developing a taste for the best in music, especially orchestral, and for this they have earned the thanks of the community. For Monday night’s farewell concert an attractive programme has been arranged, including orchestral selections, a pianoforte concerto by Mrs Fox and orchestra, violin solos by Miss Peggy Sorby and Mr James Lee, vocal items by Mrs Le Petit and Mr J. G. Norman, and choral numbers by the Hamilton Choral Society and Male Choir (200 voices). With such a programme, and in order to do honour to Mr and Mrs Fox, there is sure to be a large audience.

Hamilton Activities. Good progress continues to be made by the Hamilton Operatic Society with “A Country Girl.” Two rehearsals a week are being held, under the capable guidance of Mr W. Frye, and all concerned arc entering into the work enthusiastically, which augurs well for a successful production next month. A strong cast has been arranged. Excellent rehearsals of "Charleys Aunt," under the guidance of Mr A. E. Manning, arc also reported.

“If Winter Comes” a* Auokland.

The dramatisation of Hutchinson's widely-read book, “If Winter Comes,” was presented at His Majesty’s Theatre, Auckland, on Wednesday night by Williamson's new English Dramatic Company,

The cast is as follows< Rebecca Jinkj; (High Jinks) . Georgia Harvey. Mabel Sabre .. Jane Saville. Major Miller Sidney Stirling. Rev. Sebastian Fortune .. Geo. Blunt. Mr Twyning ~«>»>«.-.•; Arthur Cornell. Mark Sabre .... - Garry Marsh. Sarah Jinks. (’Low Jinks) Lorna Helms. Harold Twyning' Robert Geddes. Effle Bright. laobel Wilford. Mr Bright J- B. Atholwood. Lady Nona Tybar Alisa Graham. The Coroner Val. Cuthbert. The Solicitor ...»«* Reg. Wykeham. The Chemist vi. ►.—>« H. 11. Wallace. Coroner’s Clerk «««. Gordon Ramsay. The Policeman - Henry Merville. The Typist’Lllyan Nightingale. How tho Btory was Written.

According- to A; J. M.'.Hutchinson, the author of the famous novel "If Winter Comes,” all the characters except Effie werejn.. fore he wrote about them. They just moved about in his brain from 1915 to 1919 doing nothing. After the war, in which Mr'- Hutchinson served with the RoyaTEngineers and later with the Canadian," Corps, he started to write the book, writing from character and not from plot.

Christmas Attractions. The Christmas attraction at Auckland will probably be the Royal Eomio Opera Company, - headed by Miss Gladys Moncrieff, with a repertoire including “A Southern Maid” and “Sybil.” : v At Wellington Miss Gertrude Elliott '(Lady Forbcs-Robertson) will entertain holiday audiences with “Smilin’ Thro’,” “Enter, Madame,” "Woman to Woman," and “Bluebeard’s Eighth Wife.” , r ’

Sydney Shows.

Ibsen’s “Ghosts” In Sydney. Mr Anew McMasters has been presenting, at matinees, for the first; time in Sydney, Ibsen’s famous masterpiece, “Ghosts.” The story of “Ghosts” is founded on a grim legacy of the great social evil of the day, and is transformed to the stage in its entirety, with a most realistic effect.

The play was banned by the English Censor until 1918, when, after repeated agitation by the famous author —lbsen —the ban was removed and this really wonderful and sensational drama was universally acclaimed as the greatest production of its kind ever staged. “Ghosts” was produced at the Palace Theatre by Miss Eily Malyon. The cast included the following artists well known to the Sydney public: Miss Rosemary Rees, Miss Pamela Travers, Herbert Millard, Field Fisher, and Anew McMasters. Owing to the fact that the artists necessary to the cast were engaged in the evening performances in the J. C. Williamson enterprises, matinee performances only could be given.

The proceeds of the initial matinees of “Ghosts" were to be donated to the “Warrimoo” Wonder Home. Mrs J. A. Wilson is the founder of the home, which will provide a fortnight’s holiday for 50 children from the con gested" areas of Sydney at fortnightly intervals. Sir Arthur Rickard has provided the ground for the erection of'the building, together with a donation of £SO. Messrs Robertson and Marks aro the honorary architects; the timber merchants havo donated the timbor, and the master builders have also opened up a subscription list, all for this most worthy cause. Mr McMasters was in New Zealand with “Paddy the Next Best Thing,” and later with “The Maid of the Mountains,” in which ho played Baldasarre.

Prominent Actor’s Illness.

Miss Ads Reeve. Miss Ada Reeve had a great reception When she made her reappearance in Melbourne at the Tivoli Theatre. Miss Reeve had to say a few words to the loyal friends who greeted her with such enthusiasm (says the Australasian). She explained that the great success of “Spangles” upset for a time »11 her plans, which in the end wore more abruptly broken by a breakdown •n health. She had made arrangements for other things in the revue and musical comedy line, the scenery of which is slill in store and wailing opportunity. At present there is a dimt'ulty iri geitins the use of a suitable theatre —a diOlrulty easily understood when we see the building plans in

hand.- Later Miss Reeve may again run a company of her own, and in the meantime she is filling in the gap profitably to herself and agreeably to her public with vaudeville.

Marie Ney In England. Commenting on the arrival of Miss Marie Ney (Fix), the Wellington girl, in England the London Evening News says:—Some courage and perhaps a little art are needed to “storm" the London theatrical -world from the outside, but it has just been done by a young New Zealand girl, bliss Marie Ney. Miss Ney spent some years in repertory work, under J. G. Williamson’s management, with constant travelling between the big Australian and New Zealand towns, and she rose so quickly that recently she was chosen to tour “down under" with Miss Marie Tempest in “Mr Pirn" and other plays. She has also played with Mr Allan Wilkie, who is known as Australia’s F. R. Benson. She arrived in London by herself a fortnight ago. It has been a strenuous 14 days, but she has secured a foothold, for yesterday she was cast for Miss Gladys Cooper’s part when "The Sign on the Door" goes on tour. “The Messiah”—4so Voices.

There was no performance given of “The Messiah” by the Royal Choral Union at Wellington last Christmas. This year the union will perform Handel’s ever-pepular work at the Town Hall under special and Imposing circumstances, for invitations have been issued to the Hawera, Stratford, and New Plymouth Choral Societies to visit Wellington as the guests of the union, and the orchestra - and choirs combined are expected to number 450 performers. The soloists arranged for this per formance will be Mr Lcn Barnes, who Is coming out from London under engagement for the Associated Choral Societies; Miss Ethel Osborn, of Brisbane, a distinguished soprano; Miss Mina Caldow, contralto, of Auckland; and Mr Sydney Butler, tenor, of Christchurch,

The principal’attraction's in Sydney when the last mail left were: —Miss Gertrude Elliott *■ (Lady Forbes-Rob-ertson) in “Bluebeard’s Eighth Wife," Laurence Grossmith in “Quarantine,” Ward-Fuller Musical Comedy Company in “The O'Brien Girl," Williamson Musical Comedy Company in “The Cabaret Girl,” Anew McMasters in “Ghosts,” Kate Ifowarde Dramatic Company in “The Limit,” Musgrove’s Vaudeville headed by the Long Tack Sam magicians.

“Miss N6II o’ New Orleans.” After successful seasons of “His House in Order” and “Mr Pim Passes By,” in Melbourne, Miss Irene Vanbrugh and Mr Dion Boucicault are appearing in “Miss Nell o’ New Orleans.” It is gratifying to learn that the Australian season of these English artists is proving very successfuL

“The O’Brien Girl” in Sydney. When a play secures a phenomenal success in Melbourne it is seldom that it is duplicated in Sydney (says a Sydney paper). "The O'Brien Girl,” however, bids fair to outdo the Melbourne run. The first week’s receipts are far "above those in Melbourne, and the play has already been witnessed by 16,000 jpeople —surely a record for any production in Sydney for a week’s attendance. Advance booking is enormous.

Owing to the illness of Miss Gertrude Elliott’s (Lady. Forbcs-Robert-son) leading man, Mr W. CroninWilson, the role of “Bluebeard" is being enacted by Air Mayne Linton, an actor who has already shown us his talents in other productions. Mr Cronin-Wilson (to the sorrow of manv) will bo sailing for England shortly and taking up agricultural work. His throat is so seriously affected by German gas that he cannot continue his stage career any longer. As for Miss Elliott herself, she is now enjoying a welcome rest from rehearsals, and taking every opportunity' of visiting Sydney’s well-known beauty spots. Australian Grand Opera.

If the music-lovers give the necessary support wc arc to have Australian grand opera again (says Melbourne Table Talk), lor I'rank Riga is once more out on the warpath. His soul is in the game, and he simply cannot. sit down when ho secs talent all around him only needing development. Once before lie organised and trained an Australian grand opera company to such purpose that, had it not' been for Ihe scourge of influenza that ravaged Australia, he would have had a suc-

cessful company in full swing. His judgment has been Justified wonderfully, for Leah Myers, Nellie Leach, Gladys Verona, Elsie Treweek, Browning Mummery, Fred Collier, Tom Minogue, Strella Wilson, all given by him their first big opportunity as grand opera artists, have done and are doing well in Europe, while Palli Russell and Thelma Carter have also made good. As things are, there Is no opportunity for Australians to gain experience after they have gone through the Conservatorium. Up to a certain point their training Is excellent, and there is a constant stream of good voices being turned out by our various schools of singing. Now a permanent Aus-

tialian grand opera company, a repertory company such as-they have in Europe, is just the thing needed. This is what it is hoped to establish.

Caruso’s Successor to Tour Australia.

After considerable negotiations, Mr E. J. Gravestock has definitely secured the Irish-American tenor, Mr Charles Hackctt, who has created an extraordinary furore in London during the past few months, for a tour of Australia and New Zealand. Mr Hackett was originally one of the leading tenors at the Metropolitan Opera House, New York, and recently appeared with extraordinary success in Paris, Barcelona, and Monte Carlo. Last May he created a remarkable furore at Covent Garden in "La Bohcme.’ The London critics gave him some wonderful headlines. The London Daily Express said; “Best tenor since Caruso. Triumph 'of Charles Hackett.” The London Star: A wonder tenor at Covent Garden. Applause in the middle of an act." London Daily News: “The American Caruso. Triumph at Covent Garden. Tenor interrupted by applause." The London Daily Telegraph said: "Mr Charles Hackett was one of the outstanding Rodolfos of has time. His voice is magnificent in timbre, of the Caruso type, indeed; it is used with consummate ease, his mezzo-voce being of especially lovely quality, and he was altogether most convincing. In point of fact, the enormous audience for once forgot itself in its enthusiasm, and compelled Mr Hackett to bow some half dozen limes at the close of

the poet’s song in the first act." Mr Hackett will be the “guest" tenor at the forthcoming Chicago opera season, and next year sings in London, Paris, Monte Carlo, Stockholm, arriving in Australia in May. Supporting Mr Hackett will be the young Serbian violinist, Yovanovitch Bratza, who has made a big name in musical circles in Europe.

Stella Power Coming. Mr E. J. 6ravestock announces that the celebrated lyrio soprano, Miss Stella Power, universally known as “The Little Melba,” will commence a tour of New Zealand at Wellington on October 23. The famous soprano will be supported by a pianist of considerable note in the person of Mr William James, who is already wellknown to New Zealand music-lovers as the composer of several fine songs, including “The Sun-God," “The Flutes of Arcady," and “Six Australian Bush Songs.” Mr Lionel Lawson, tho popular Sydney violinist, will also be of the party. Hamilton will probably he visited about the first week In December.

Footllght Flashes. “The Beggar’s Opera" has closed its Sydney season. Mr Allen Doone Is at the Majestic Theatre, Newtown, Sydney, with his Irish plays. Miss Isobel Wilford, daughter of Hon. T. M. Wilford, is appearing as Efflo in "If Winter Comes" In Auckland.

The receipts of the "Florodora” production by Masterton amateurs for the seven nights’ season ; amounted to £6Gi.

Stefansson, the great Arctic explorer, will lecture in Australia next May, under the direction of E. J. and Dan Carroll.

Air Robert Geddes, an cx-Auckland-er, is appearing in “If Winter Comes" with the Williamson Dramatic .Company at Auckland. The Annette Kellerman New Zealand made picture, "Sliona of the Southern Seas,” has been sold to America, the Australasian rights being reserved. Moiseiwitsch takes his own two grand pianos with him on his world’s tour. lie has a special attendant to lake care of them, so that he always plays a perfectly tuned instrument.

Mr Andrew Higginson, a matinee idol of a few years ago, recently returned to Australia, and is appearing in Sydney with Miss Kate Howarde in “The Limit.” The evergreen Miss Maggie Moore is also in the cast.

Following the revival of "Madame Rosette" in Atelbourne, Miss Gladys MoncriefT is being seen in a revival of “Katinka.” The company comes to New Zealand shortly, opening in Wellington with “A Southern Afaid.”

The committee of the Sydney movie ball, which was held In aid of the Sunshine Fund, have cleared up all outstanding financial business in connection with the ball, and recently handed to the trustees of the fund a cheque for the substantial sum of £1227 4s 9d.

London critics proclaim “Ilassan"

(to be produced by Oscar Aschc soon) as a triumph of poetic drama. The play was written by James Elroy Flecker, a famous young poet who died in Switerzland during the war. It was onl recently published, and has just had its first performance. Mr Shaylc Gardner, the ex-Auck-landcr, was, when the last mail left, enjoying a holiday at Jullonvillc, in Normandy. Ho had motored right 'through France, and reported having had a very pleasant time. On his return to England he expected to resume work in the filming of “Cornin’ Thro’ the Rye."