THE STAGE

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume VIII, Issue 414, 30 June 1898, Page 13

THE STAGE

[By

Orpheus.]

Auckland Obchbsthal Union.—On Thursday evening the first concert of the ninth season comfortably filled the Choral Hall with an attentive and appreciative audience. The orchestra mustered in full force under the baton of Mr AHihnr Tossey, who conducted with, his wonted aplomb and skill, while Mons, de Willimoff, as leader, rendered yeoman service. Flotow s tune■ful and dramatic overture to “ Stradella, with its exquisite writing for wood-wind and brass, and skillful and interesting contrasts for the strings, ■ was rendered con amore by the band.. The intermezzo from Goetz’s fine symphony in F major opens with an impressive horn solo, tastefully played by Mr B. Craig, the phrases ot a graceful melody being echoed by wind and string instruments. The selection proved a happy one, remarkable throughout for original and clever instrumentation. Ambroise Thomas s graceful and dainty gavotte was somewhat marred by Taggedness, for which the ’cellos were chiefly responsible, but on the whole received a charming interpretation. • . John Barnett’s fascinating ‘ Itif T«an d ” a pizzicato morceau crisp and elegant, with horn solo j (Mr B. Craig) and wood-wind accompaniment, in which flute (Mr Innes), clarionet (Mr B. Jaekson), and oboe (Mr J. Jackson) all shone, was effective and popular as ever. The more solid selections were the first two mprceaux in Part IL, viz., Beethoven’s “Piano Concerto No. 3,” in C minor (op. 37), in which Mr Cyril Towsey displayed a clear and elastic touch and facile and correct execution. The first movement was played by the orchestra with crisp decision. The exquisite melody and delicious orchestral effects in the second largo movement were very well rendered. The quaint and characteristic rondo allegro showed Mr Cyril Towsey at his btst, but the orchestra now and then was somewhat unsteady. The clever young pianist was loudly applauded and recalled. The selection from Wagner’s “ Lohengrin” included the “ Bcveille,” with its lovely wind echoes; the .melodious and impressive “ Bridal Chorus” ; and the splendid march which opens the third act. The': morceau was capitally rendered by the orchestra, allowance being made for a little unsteadiness in the first number. Gunyl’s “Immortellen” waltz ' (composed in honor of Johann Strauss, of “Blue Danube” fame) fittingly opens with a funeral march, followed by waltz melodies, built,upon clever instrumentation. The orchestra played this number delightfully. Miss Ella Farrell contributed two songs, with orchestral accompaniment viz., Theo. Bonheur’s “ Sign of the Cross” and Piccolomini’s “ Queen of Angels.” Her: full, pure, and clear soprano voice, managed with artistic taste, won loud applause, but she an encore. A slight tendency to “ climb” to her . upper notes, instead of hitting them with decision, could easily be overcome with a little practice; otherwise her style and method are correct and charming, enunciation being one of her strong points. A more cheerful song or two would also contrast well with her present repertoire. Auckland Choral Society.—The rehearsals of Haydn’s “Creation” continue to promise an excellent performance. The services of Mr Percy Dufaur have happily been secured, and his magnificent voice and excellent method will admirably suit the noble music allotted to his part. Mr H. Brett, I believe, takes the tenor role, and probably Miss O. Lorrigan, will be the soprano. The choruses are already going capitally, but the band still requires much practice to worthily render Haydn’s fine orchestration. ; ■ Auckland Banjo, Guhab, and Mandolin Club.-—On Monday evening, at the Opera House, seats were at a premium, so popular has this society become. The stage-r-decorated with palms, foliage, banging baskets, and fairy lamps by Mellhnne—looked like a bit of paradise. Under Mr Towsey’s guidance, the club played during the evening—“ TheGrenadie ,” “Fortuna Waltz,” “Normandie March,” “ In Haste Galop” (all by J. T Armstrong), “The Colored Band Patrol” (Paul Eno), and “ A Spanish Serenade” (Karl Selbini). While all were well rendered, the gems were “The Fortuna Waltz’ and the ‘-Normandie March,” both narrowly escaping encores. A quintette, “ Hibernia,” by the Misses Hilda Fountain (mandolin), Lily Barker (Portuguese. guitarra), and Messrs H. Fountain (banjo), Foster (guitar), and C. B. Plummer (’cello), was a dainty selection, excellently interpreted. MLs Mabel Maxwell, accompanied by her sister Florence, sang “ Home, Dearie, Home,” with success. Mr Wynyard Joss and Mr George Bowe contributed mandolin solos, both winning enthusiastic encores. A dashing duet, “The Army and Navy,” by Messrs W. Lewis (tenor) and J. Worrall (bass), scored well, although the tenor’s intonation was not quite perfect. Mr Montague recited with great dramatic force and thrilling effect Lindsay Gordon’s ‘‘ How We Beat the Favorite,” and, in response to a tremendous encore, gave “The Hindoo Purgatory,” a sly and sarcastic matriinonial jeu desprit, which was irresistibly funny. Miss Maud Donovan sang Behrend’s “ The Gift,” Arid, although occasionally sharp, won an encore, Sg -'Happy Birds” very much better. Messrs tsbn, Schmidt, Young, and Jackson gave ■s plantation quartette, “ Good Night” — Je, shine, moon”—#very nicely, and had to | repeat the last verse. Mr Wilfred’s Manning’s rendering ot Emmanuel’s “The Desert” won an encore, responded to with “ My Life for Thee,” which suited the singeresen better. Of Mr Ernest Schatz's refined and witty comic songs, the

audience seemed never to tire. Including encores, he gave “ They’re Ail Fine Girls,” “ Eight Bars Best,” “Tut, Tut,” “The Polka,” and “Tell-tale Pockets.” He was admirably accompanied |by Miss Lily Thompson, who is about to accompany him through life—happy man ! Mr Cyril Towsey was the pianist in the orchestral numbers, and Miss Lily Thompson accompanied most of the vocal morceaux with taste and precision. Altogether the concert was a brilliant and enjoyable success.

In a letter recently received from Miss Alice May, later of the Inman Company, that charming young lady says that she is playing soubrette leads with the MacMahon Dramatic Company in Queensland. Members of the combination are Messrs King-Hedley, Harry Hodson, and Miss Harrie Ireland. Miss May Granville, who will also be remembered in connection with the Inman Company, has left the dramatic for the matrimonial stage, being now Madame Diedrichsen, wife of the Norwegian Consul at Thursday Island.

Miss Gertrude Esdaile is in Auckland enjoying a holiday with her relatives, and combining a rest with musical, literary, and dramatic pursuits, new parts being studied prior to returning to Sydney.

“ Uncle Tom’s Cabin” will be staged at the Opera House on Friday and Saturday evenings, a matinee being also billed for Saturday. The production is under the direction of Miss Hettie Howarde, who will be supported by Mr E. Fort (Uncle Tom), Miss Addie Lorkin (little Eva), and members of the Auckland “ Society” Amateurs. Great pains have been expended in rehearsal and preparation, and patrons may be assured of a good performance.

Madame Burfoot’s Concert Company will takes possession of the Opera House next week for a Short season, before Madame Burfort’s departure for England by the ’Frisco mail. Madame Burfoot has met with unqualified success during her tour of the colony, and Aucklanders are promised a rare treat when listening to tho brilliant soprano. Mr J. Montgomery, the popular theatrical manager, is busy with the arrangements for next week.

Mr John J. Bitson, the well-known dancer and Irish delineator, whose photo, we give in this issue, has many friends in Auckland, and the amusement-loving public will learn with pleasure that Mr Bitson intends settling down in A uckland, -and will give lessons in ;all-round dancing, including ball-room dancing, etc. Mr Ritson has been touring the colonies for the past four years, and is the’ winner of a large number of prizes, including three silver cups and sixteen gold and silver medals.

It is stated that Miss Maud Williamson is not a member of the Florence Hazelwood Company, which was booked to appear at the Opera House next month, but that she will visit New Zealand shortly under the management of Mr Alfred Woods.

What a successful season the production of “ Dorothy” by the Wellington Amateur Opera Company proved is evidenced by the fact that £7OO was taken for the seven nights. The amateurs deserved the good houses they attracted, for their performances are reported to have been of a high order, and the mounting was splendid.

Amongst other attractions in the near future, we are promised a visit by McMinn’s Minstrels. This company has been doing big biz down the West Coast, and includes the young Australian comique Bob Caulton, Miss Laurie and D’Arcy (serio-comics), Miss Gordon (serpentine dancer), and Jim Leno (a contortionist and daring trapeze performer).

I hear that the senior member of The Firm” (Mr Williamson) has issued instructions to his New Zealand representative to the effect that no permits can be granted to amateur societies in this colony to produce either “The Geisha” or “ The Circus Girl,” at least until after they have been performed in Sydney and Melbourne.