Music and Drama.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVII, Issue IX, 31 August 1901, Page 400

Music and Drama.

Walter Bentley is now in London. Mr. Harry Musgrove has definitely intimated in Wellington that as a result of the success of the present opera season in the colony New Zealand will be included in the future itinerary of Mr. Musgrove's companies. The Hawera Dramatic Society produced a farcical comedy, entitled "Our Gallant Defenders." on Monday last, which was of an entertaining character. Or Thursday next the Ponsonby Choral Society will produce Gade’s cantata "Una,” Mr Rupert Mantell singing the baritone parts of the Hermit and the Knight. His fine voice and the growing reputation of the Society will doubtless attract a large audience. Madame Belle Cole and her concert company appear at Hawera to-nieht (Tuesday), and will arrive in Auckland on Saturday first, givine concerts on their way here at Stratford and New Plymouth. The dances in the forthcoming production of "lolanthe” by the 'Auckland Amateurs promise to be particularly good, and good dancing is one and not the least important factor in the success of an opera. — .It the lowest estimate the number of persons who have witnessed "The Sign of the Cross" since its production is put down at not short of 14,860.000. Mis.- Nellie Stewart and Mr. George Musgrove are now in London to close their connection with things English. Mr. Musgrove is parting with his interest n the Shaftesbury Theatre, and wiii make Sydney his home in the future. Sheridan’s favourite play, and the one in which he made and has kept green hi fame. “Fun On the Bristol," to wit. was staged at the Auckland Opera House on Saturday. It is mansyears since Mr Sheridan was in New Zealand, and consequently as Ion<» since New Zealanders saw “Fun on the Bristol." for the piece is his. and his only, and without him has not. and, one is forced to believe, could not, have any existence. The Widow’ O’Brien is the soul of the play, and he is the Widow O'Brien, and for anyone else to attempt to be she, would be a distinct case of false pretences. How that good Lady has kept the theatres of the world on a rear for these many years- And age does not seem to have withered nor custom sta'vd her infinite variety. Hers is the good healthy innocent fun that is ever new wherever folks keep their hearts young. It is superfluous to say then that "Fun on the Bristol” was an cut and out success on its opening night, and that it still keeps the boards and shows no signs as ye’ of making room for anything else Of the popularity of "Fun On the Bristol” no better evidence is wanted than the courteous tribute paid to the piece by the Salvation Army. The Army's band was marching up Wellesley street on Saturday during the performance of the piece: the torches were waving, the brass was blaring, and altogether the enthusiasm of the Corybantic throng was at its height; but when opposite the door of the Opera House, an ’denly mindful of the disturbing effect of the music to those wi’bin, the captain ex ’ . mnl:

"Stop! the Widow O’Brien to-night!” and trump and tabor were at once silent. Honour to the Army for their broad-minded thoughtfulness, and to that can evoke such a valuable token of respect.

The alterations to the Auckland Opera House required by the new regulations of the City Council for the safety of buildings In case of fire are i.ow being effected. Apart from the improvement the change will be viewed frcm the point of view of the possibility of fire, it will be an advantage ia the ordinary goings in and out of the patrons of the house.

The Janet Waldorf Dramatic Company open in Auckland on NN ednesday next. The season will be of a fortnight's duration, and among the pieces plaved will be "Frou Frou" and "Camille." The company, which balls originally from America, and has just completed « two years season in India, arrived in Melbourne about three weeks ago.

Mrs. Fiske is about to bring suit against Miss Annie Hughes, who has lately produced a version of "Vanity Fair” in London, which she calls "Becky Sharp.” Mrs. Fiske owns the title in England, having purchased it from J. M. Barrie. Moreover. Miss Hughes’ play is said to follow closely the lines of Lorimer Stoddard’s dramatisation of Thackeray's novel. MrsFiske won a similar action against Mrs. Lewis Waller, who produced a dramatisation of "Tess of the d’UrberviHes." She is hardly likely to win it. "Becky Sharp" was the name of a stage version of the story more than twenty years ago.

The ancient Olympian theatre at Vicenza. Italy, was re-opened recently with a presentation of Sophocles' “Edipors Rex." in which Gustavo Salvini took the leading part. It was the first performance in the theatre in many hundred years. Three thousand people attended the re-opening.

Pinero's new serious comedy, on which he has been working nearly two years, goes into rehearsals at the Garrick Theatre about August.

The comedy "Caste." performed recently by the Dannevirke Dramatic Society, went off very successfully, and frequent applause was given by the large audience. Those who took part in the play were: Miss Parker. Mrs. Burmester, Miss Tansley, Messrs Tansiey. Hili. Blakiston. Harrison and Simpson. The performers thoroughly entered into the spirit of their parts, and represented the various characters most creditably.