MUSIC AND DRAMA.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXX, Issue II, 10 January 1903, Page 113

MUSIC AND DRAMA.

Practically the holidays are over, and the big rush at the theatres of the colony, which prevailed at pretty well every place of entertainment in New Zealand during the past fortnight, is to some extent over. But a larger number..of visitors are remaining in all the principal towns than usual, so business is everywhere more than averagely good.

In Auckland there has been a larger influx of visitors from Australia, the South and the country than has ever been recorded before, and naturally the theatres have reaped the benefit. Both “The Runaway Girl” and “The .Wrong Mr Wright” had prolonged Tuns. The former gives way at His Majesty’s Theatre to-night to “San Toy,”. and though it sounds Irish, “On and Off” goes “on” at the Opera House. The competition at the two •houses is very keen, and extraordinarily well balanced. It is unlikely Aucklanders will see two such evenly matched companies playing together in opposition for some time. As money still seems to be plentiful, both shows are doing equally well, but as the Willoughby-Geach Company is less numerous, it is presumably also less costly, and therefore may be getting slightly the best of the deal. Both little Pete Hughes and Mr Geach wear faces which radiate smiles as they look over their “treasury returns” o’ nights, so that the happiest state of things appears to exist in the Northern capital so far as things theatrical are concerned. Quick changes, fun and plenty of it, will be the London Comedy Company’s motto in Auckland for the remainder of the season. “On and Off” will run till January 12. Then will follow three nights of “Why Smith Left Home,” to be followed by a final couple of evenings investigating “What Happened to Jones.”

“Charley’s Aunt” did remarkably well in Christchurch.

The Majeroni Drama tic Company reports excellent business during its coastal trip. It will fill further dates on the roads of both islands before opening in Wellington.

The Leigh Douglas Comedy Company did well at Wanganui during the holidays with “Confusion,” which was greatly appreciated by very large audiences. .. •