MUSIC AND DRAMA.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVIII, Issue XII, 22 March 1902, Page 561

MUSIC AND DRAMA.

Mr. P. R. Dix introduced the Craggs to Auckland on Monday evening, and the general opinion is that these marvellous acrobats justify the high praise bestowed on them. It is the absolute grace and finish of their performance that conceals the dangerous character of the feats they do; and everything is done with such rapidity that one does not realise the difficulties. The general impression left on the mind after witnessing the t’raggs is one of bewilderment. The family will perform; nightly in the Auckland City Hall.

There is a rumour that Mr Williamson is about to send something good to New Zealand almost immediately, but of what nature I do not know.

Mr A. 11. Adams, one time of the Wellington “Post,” and later secretary to Mr J. C. Williamson and newspaper- correspondent in China, is leaving the colony shortly for London. In addition to the volume of poems by whieh he is known, Mr Adams has much in the way of verse and several plays—one based on NewZealand polities and the celebrated loss of Col- Fox’s Defence report—with which to start his campaign against London publishers and theatrical managers. He carries with him my best wishes for his future.

Madam Sapio has had to cancel her New Zealand engagements owing to the pressing nature of her London engagements.

Mr Wilson Barrett's overpowering modesty is apparently his one only serious drawback (says "Sydney Newsletter”). The following is a chunk: “Some people say that I can’t possibly act and write all my plays and magazine articles myself. I should like to see the author who can write in my style. It isn’t my fault so much as it is their misfortune. In my youth I could never decide whether to become a successful author or an eminent actor. In middle age I solved the difficulty by becoming both.-” After reading- “Quo Vadis” and “The Sign of the Cross” one begins to have grave doubts of Wilson’s position as a great author. Now if he had said a great plagarist people might have agreed with him.

’Anderson’s Company (No. 2) is to be considerably strengthened before leaving Tasmania for New Zealand.

Miss Amy Castles, the Australian singer, is now on her way to her native land from the Old Country- A good deal is anticipated of her tour. At the. same time, while she comes with many blushing honours on her in the way of favourable criticism, the praise she received at Home was by no means unqualified. The critic of the . London “Times” praised the beauty of hei- voice, but added that in Mozart’s air (“Zeft'iretti Fusingheri”) her execution of the ornamental passage lacked rhythmic grace, and her phrasing was often faulty, while the pronunciation in Italian is almost as defective as in other languages. These faults will no doubt be cured soon, but they point, to the conclusion that Miss Castles has been brought out before the proper time. Miss Castles will be in this colony about June next.

The Georgia Magnet is still at it. She has concluded a successful tour in Tasmania.

Mr Tom Pollard appears to have been successful in one of his latest acquisitions, Miss Connie Buttle. Her acting and singing in "The Rose of Persia” are' both most highly spoken of.

Mascagni is engaged on the score of a new one-act opera, which is to form a pendant to his “Cavallerin Rusticana.” lie is about to establish in association with a capitalist and a number of Italian composers, a co-operative society for the publication of operas in the interest of their authors.