The STAGE

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XI, Issue 511, 4 October 1900, Page 9

The STAGE

[Bt

Paul Pry.]

•‘ Pam Pry” will be glad to hear from those managers •t theatrical companies touring New Zealand who desire that the public shall know the movements of the come males. Any information as to dates,etc., will be acknowledged in these columns, as well as any other items of interest to the theatrical world. All letters should be addressed- 1 * Paul Pry,” Sporting and Dramatic BWViBW, Vulcan iLane. Auckland.

McAdoo’s Jubilee Singers, who opened at the Opera House on Wednesday, 26th, give a most pleasing entertainment, and one sure to be popular with the local public. The programmes presented are well varied, and the various items artistically performed The choruses, which are naturally the chief feature, are given with beautiful harmony, volume, and finish, rousing the audience to great enthusiasm. “Hear Dem Belle,” “ Holl, Jordan, Roll,” and the patriotic chorus “ Marching Through Pretoria ” in especial were greeted with loud applause, the various effects produced being clever and catching. ; The secular part of the programme introduces Mr Willis G auze, who as a female imperannator delights and amuses his listeners for rnme ten minutes- He has a voice of marvellous ypnge, and knows how to use it. The other members of the company render popular solos in this part, Miss Dasalia Underwood and Mr B. H. OolMns in particular pleasing greatly. The views of the Oberammergau Passion Play (most distinct and interesting), and several Selections given by an exceptional phonograph serve to make up an entertainment deserving of crowded houses.

A farewell ? send-off ’’ supper was given at the Oaf 6 Royal on Wednesday to Mr George Musgrove, the Anglo-Australian theatrical manager, to whose enterprise is owing the appearance of “The Belle of New Ybrk” in London. Mr Musgrove is now on hie way to Australia, returning to take charge of his own theatre in London, the Shaftesbury, working.it is almost settled, in conjunction with Mr Charles Frohman and Mr Frank McKee—thus making a “oircuit”of England, America, and Australia. Mr Walter Pallant was in the chair, and read a congratulatory letter, from Lord Hopetoun, the future first Governor-General of United Australia. Among those present were Mr Arthur OoUins, Mr H. J. Hitchins, Mr Charles Cartwright, Mr Titheradge, Mr Spong, Mr Charles Warner, Mr Walter Dickson, and Mr Alec. Knowles.

It is quite time we had a visit from a good company, operatic or otherwise. There has been a long dearth of first-class shows here. Big biz is assured for a tip-top combination. McAdoo’s Jubilee Singers are well worth a visit. Their part singing is of the best. Little Eileen Boyd still charms City Hall audiences with her big voice and little feet.

Mi* Eugene McAdoo has a bass voice of great power; he is very much at home in the choruses.

Sacred concerts evidently pay; the Oorrick family still hold the Choral Hall'weekly.

Mr R. H. Collins, of the MoAdoos, has made himself a prime favourite with his pleasant voio e and easy presence on the stage. Fuller’s Bijou Company is making great strides, drawing big crowds, and new talent coming along regularly.

It speaks volumes for the excellence of the City Hall entertainments that they hav attracted large audiences throughout the wee j* in spite of the most inclement weather prevai r ing. The latest addition to the ranks of M t Dix’s company is Mr Sam Gale, who has me_ with a good reception. He has a fine power w ful voice and nice stage presence, but his aeleo a tions so far lack variety. We have had t surfeit of war songs, and I hope to find tha he has a large repertoire outside of this class. Miss Lenton maintains the impression she made on her first appearance. Her dancing is most dainty and graceful, whilst her wardrobe is evidently extensive, judging by her frequent changes of costume. All the old favourites are still in evidence, the Leslie Bros, in especial •making a great hit with their clever and comic scene, “ Fun in a Bar-room.” A special word of praise is due to Mr Burke and his orchestra, for to them in no small measure is due the success of the various items.

To-night (Thursday), lovers of vocal and instrumental music are promised a rare treat. Miss Lili Sharp will make her first appearance in Auckland on that night at the Choral Hall. Mies Sharp, who has a sweet and cultured soprano voice comes from Australia with a high reputation. Some competent critics declare that Miss Sharp sings better than Miss Amy Castles. If she sings as beautifully, then Aucklanders may congratulate'themselves upon their luck in hearing such an accomplished vocalist. Miss Sharp will be assisted by Mons Bafalewski, an excellent pianist and violinist, and by Mr W. H. Williamson, a tenor singer, possessing a wonderfully clear tuneful voice.

Professor Norris, the trick skater at Fuller’s Bijou Show at the Agricultural Hall, is nightly recalled for his very clever exhibition.

Salvino, the clever juggler now at Fuller’s Agricultural Hall, has caught on very well On Saturday he was recalled l alf-a-dozen times. A portrait of Salvino appears in ibis issue.

Mr Fred Bluett and Mr Jack Williams are keeping their end ,pf the sttick at Fuller’s extremely well. The former is a prime favourite with the people who flock to Fuller’s night after night, and Mr Williams is rapidly gaining in popularity.

Mr Kyrie Bellew, the well-known actor, is reported to have abandoned the stage to follow mining He recently took to London from the Palmer goldfield, Queensland, several claims in which the >ate Sir Thomas M’Hwraith sank large sums of money. Cables received in Townsville (according to a contemporary) announce that Mr Bellew has succeeded in placing a portion of the properties

Mr Williamson has been informed by cable that his London representative (Mr J. A. E. Malone, out here with the last London Gaiety Company) has secured the refusal of the Australian rights of the “Casino Girl,” which has proved almost as great a success at the Shaftesbury Theatre as *-* The Belle of New York” did. He has also been given the same option with regard to two other Autumn productions. After the present season is over at Brisbane, the company will go to Melbourne, opening there at Her Majesty’s Theatre a week before the Melbourne Cup. But prior to that Mr Williamson’s Melbourne theatre will he closed for a brief period to enable further alterations to be made, including, amongst other things, a new dress circle entrance.

The latest addition to the Rickard’s Tivoli Company is Mr Albert Whelan, the popular mimic, who gives some very fine imitations of a number of leading artists,:and meets with great success. Among the many other contributors are the Haytors, Ferry (“the Human Frog”), Mr Wallace King, Prof. Almond, Prof. Scrader, Miss Eva Lee, Miss Nita Clarke-Leete, Carleton and Sutton, Miss Ida May, Mr Billy M’Clain, Mr Chas. Walker, Mdme. Cordelia, Miss Irene Franklin, and a host of other favourites.

Mr Walter Bentley left for America by the Alameda on Monday. The talented actor was accompanied by Mr O. E. Hales. By the-way, there is a short article upon a “National Theatre ” in another column from the pen of the clever Scottish actor.

I have received word from “ Geachv ” to the effect that the Wellington people vied with the Aucklanders in their appreciation of Donald Macdonald’s lectures. The South Island is now being visited, and there is little doubt that the entertaining lecturer will meet with the same sort of reception that has greeted him in the North.

The following was the programme to be presented at Mr and Mrs Hamilton Hodge’s last song recital given at the Choral Hall last night (Wednesday):—“The Erl King,” Schubertj “He is Kind, Be is Good” ( derodiade), Massinet; * Not Quite Alone,” Allilsen ; “ Her Portrait,” Schubert; “ The Enquirer,”' Schubert; “ All Through the Night,” Franz; “In Autumn,” Franz; “Beloved, it is Morn,” Aylward; “ Good-bye,” Tosti; “What Hear IP” (Il Trovatore), Verdi;.“The Moon Hath Raised,” Benedict; “ The Fisherman,” Gabussi; “ Second Etude in O Major ” Rubenstein; “ Gavotte de Corelli,” Friedenthal. :

Our Christchurch dramatic correspondent writes : The Biograph Co is doing big business, I believe, at the Royal, but as my polite request for the usual “ complimentary ” failed to elicit the usual response, 1 am unable to tell you anything further respecting the show; . . Christchurch amateurs put on “ Pinafore ’’ next week. The cast seems (good. . . Looked in at Fuller’s show on , aturday night. Horace Bent was there, and got some recalls. Will Watkins made an extraordinary hit with “ Whoa! —Back pedal.” The audience roared and applauded frantically. . . The opposite show at the Opera House (Dix’s) is still booming The motto is “ Fun without vulgarity.” . Nice Mr Dix ! If he only had the “ savee ” to stick to that, permanent success will assuredly be his. “ Banjo ” Patterson has started lecturing in Sydney. He saw a good deal of the war which is now rapidly drawing to a close, so he —like Donald Macdonald —is likely to reap a golden harvest. “Banjo”, lectures under the able auspices of R. 8. Smythe —the evergreen and “ much-travelled.”

• Last night, Wednesday, was the last opportunity Aucklanders had of hearing little Eileen Boyd. This clever child goes down to Wellington to-day, Thursday.

Mr and Mrs Hamilton Hodge’s concert at the Choral Hall, oa Wednesday in last week, was extremely well-patronised. The delightful singing of . these talented artists was very highly appreciated. Mrs Queree, who played the music for the various songs, also executed her responsible part very well. Miss Dell will make her re-appearance at the

Agricultural Hall on Saturday night. ' • On Tuesday night Fuller’s Agricutural was literally packed with about the biggest attendance that has yet got inside that place of amusement. The Flying Jordans met with a tremendous reception, and a fervent greeting was the portion of all the entertaining company.

The Flying Jordans appeared>tj the Agricultural Hall on Monday night. They met with a most favourable reception. Their cleverness will certainly add to the already high standard of excellence Mr John Fuller’s entertainment has reached. _ ;