The STAGE

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IX, Issue 430, 20 October 1898, Page 8

The STAGE

[_By

Orpheus.]

** Orpheus f> will be glad to hear from those managers of theatrical companies touring New Zealand who desire that the public shall know the movements of the companies. Any information as to daie a , etc., will t>e acknowledged in these columns, as well as any other items of interest to the theatrical world. All letters should be addressed —•* Orpheus,” Sporting and Dramatic REVIEW, Vulcan Lane, Auckland.

Opera House: “Lost in London.”— Where amateurs are concerned I think the dramatic critic should temper his criticism with forbearance. He should look for what is good rather than seek to pick holes. It was in this spirit I viewed the performance of the Auckland Amateur Dramatic Society last Thursday, but try as I - would I entirely failed to discover anything that , could be called good, No useful end would be served by giving a detailed criticism, and so I draw a veil over the performance.

Pollard’s Opera Company opened in Napier on Monday to good business. From there they go to Masterton, Timaru, Ashburton, and Christchurch, where they play during race and show time, at the beginning of November. I hear Mr Ernest Fitts is scoring great success with a new song called “ Victory,” which should have considerable interest for Northerners, as it is composed by an erstwhile Aucklander, Mr Horace Stebbing.

By an English paper just to band, I see.it stated that Irving is to pay a visit to the Colonies in the near future. Of course we have been hearing this rumor for a good many years now, but there seems more probability about it this time. Let us hope it is true. It is interesting to speculate on the impression he would make on colonial playgoers. That he would play to crowded houses goes without saying, but I have a strong suspicion that after witnessing the first performance three-fourths of the audience would carry away with them a distinct feeling of disappointment. Irving is not a man who impresses at first sight. His curious elocution and ungraceful gait always strike strangers so much that they are unable to realise the great dramatic genius underlying these outward defects. However, the mind soon ceases to be distracted by these superficialities, and then, provided he is seen in a part that suits him, one is overwhelmed with the greatness of his impersonation. I say advisedly, provided he is seen in a part that suits him, for it is an unfortunate fact that Irving plays many parts for which he is in no way suited. For instance, he played Napoleon in “Madame Sans Gene,” and it is impossible to say that the performance added in any way to his reputation. But when seen in “ Richard III.,” “Beckett,” “ Louis X 1.,” or any of the plays of that class, the spectator soon feels that there is something in his acting which very few attain to. ** Braininess ” is the only word 1 can think of to express this something, and it is that which would ultimately triumph over any disappointment Caused by mannerisms.

“The Mikado” and “The Gondoliers.” —These two operas are now well under way, and there is every prospect of excellent performances when Mr Dix’s company appears at the Opera House. I have not, forgotten the great successes of Mr Archdale Tajler as Koko and of Miss Reeve as Katisha, and am looking forward to seeing once more that splendid dance in “ There’s Beauty in the Bellow of the Blast.” Mr A. L. Edwards, too, will be welcome in his old part of Nanki Poo. The cast of “The Gondoliers” is filled for the most part by tried performers, Mr Tracey Hall taking the baritone gondolier, Mr Archdale Tayler the Duke of Plaza Toro, and Mr George Warren as the Grand Inquisitor.

Some time ago it was anounced that Harry Rickards intended to send a company through New Zealand and Pat tie Brown was to be the bright particular star. But the next news was that this tour was abandoned. Now, however, comes the intelligence that the company is to come after all, and will play “ Ihe Little Minister ” and other novelties.