Music, Drama.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IV, Issue 177, 14 December 1893, Page 7

Music, Drama.

By

“Prompter.”

The Bland Holt season terminated last week, and the popular actor-manager and his talented wife left by steamer on Friday for Tasmania, where arrangements have been made for a Christmas tour.' Mr Walter Howe did not leave with the company, as he has made arrangements with’ Mr W. B. Spong, the Australian scenic artist, to undertake a dramatic tour through New Zealand Miss Hilda Spong, a very graceful and promising actress, will play leading lady parts, and Mr Howe will, of course, play the masculine leads. Mr Harry Norman, who left by a later boat than Mr Holt, continues with that gentleman as stage manager, but before he rejoins his principal Mr Norman will take a life engagement with a Sydney young lady. Mr Howe’s parts will be taken in Tasmania by Mr Cosgrove, a young Sydney actor of great ability.

On Boxing Night the Myra-Kemble dramatic season will commence at the Opera House, and I can confidently foretell a successful season. Miss Kemble has a good company with her, an excellent leading man (Mr Edward Sass), an overflowing repertoire of sterling plays, and an energetic and capable advance agent and business manager (Mr Allan Hamilton). With these advantages, and a Christmas season, there is every reason why the Auckland tour should be a complete success. The leading lady of this company has a reputation well known in New Zealand, and her principal support, Mr Sass, will be found to be a sterling and accomplished actor. With the exception of Mr Titheradge Mr Sass stands above all his comrades of the Australian stage, and his name was long and favourably .known on the London boards before he journeyed out to the colonies. In a letter received last week from Mr Allan Hamilton he tells me that the programme will be changed every alternate night during the season, and that the plays presented will include the farcical comedies ‘ A White Lie,’ ‘ Our Flat,’ ‘ The Librarian,’ ‘ Dr. Bill,’ and ‘Jane;’ Pinero’s powerful play ‘ The Profligate,’ Broughton’s drama Peer of the Realm,’ and ‘ Pauline Blanchard,’ &c.

xMr. Fuller was greeted by a full house when he returned to St. James’ Hall last Wednesday evening, and the programme presented at the 31st Popular Concert proved to be quite to the taste of the audience. Herr Zimmermann made his reappearance at these concerts, and was accorded a hearty welcome, both his violin solos being redemanded, Mr Fuller was in capital voice, and gave a finished rendering of Adams’ beautiful song ‘ The Holy City,’ and in response to an imperative encore the artist replied with the minstrel song ‘Jenny with the light brown hair.’ Mr Fuller was recalled for, his second solo and gave Dibden’s ‘ Farewell, my trim built wherry.’ Mr E. L. Lees was in bad voice, and was hardly successful in his efforts. Miss Warren and Mrs Kilgour contributed solos to the satisfaction of the audience, and Mr Hawksworth Brown made his second appearance as an elocutionist, and was the reverse of successful. As usual Miss Brabazon s piano solos were greatly enjoyed. For last night’s concert a fair programme was arranged, and another good attendance was experienced.

Owing to the threi.tening nature of the weather last Sunday afternoon the excursion on the Eagle was not so well attended as the preceding ones, but when the good weather fairly sets in these enjoyable trips, arranged by Mr Fuller, should enjoy a large share of patronage.

On Monday evening last the members of the Young Ladies’ Orchestra gave a most enjoyable concert in the Choral Hall, and showed by their intelligentanq capable interpretations of the various

works performed,: that they are making rapid progress under the direction of Herr Carl Schmitt. Miss Peak made her debut as a solo violinist, and gave a creditable rendition of selections from 1 11 Trovatore,’ for which she was recalled. This young lady produces a good tone, and plays with considerable expression. Her phrasing and intonation were at times faulty, but for a young performer she gave a very promising performance. Mesdames Carterand Taylor, and Miss Thorpe, gave the trio ‘ Singers from the sea,’ and solos were contributed by Mrs Alexander and Mr Heywood.