THE STAGE

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XI, Issue 551, 11 July 1901, Page 8

THE STAGE

[By

Amphion].

“Amphion” will be glad to near from those manager •f theatrical companies touring New Zealand who desire that the public shall know the movements of the companics. Any information as to dates, etc., will be acknowledged in these columns, as well as any other items of interest to the theatrical world. AU letters should be addressed —•• Amphion,” SPORTING AND DRAMATIC Review, Vulcan Lane. Auckland.

BOOKINGS.

Opera House. uly 10th to July 13th—Mr W. B. Parkyn and Mr John Bromley, English Drawing Room Entertainers. July 15th to August 10th.—The Musgrove Opera Company. August 12th to 29th—Wm. Anderson’s Dramatic Company. September 1 —Auckland Amateur Opera Club. September 14th to 27bh.—Arthur Pollard’s Liliputians. November Ist to 30th.—The Pollard Opera Company. „ , December 26th to January 22ad.—Brough Comedy Company. January 23rd to February 3rd. —W. F. Hawtrey’s Comedy Company. February Sth to 26 ;h.—Williamson’s Italian Opera Company. City Hall. Dix’s Gaiety Company, nightly.

Mors Reynal and Madame Reynal left by the mail boat for San Francisco list week.

At the Opera House on Saturday a short Kinemetograph season was opened by special arrangement with Messrs Cooper and McDermott. A series of very brilliant pictures was shown and met with the hearty appreciation of the audience. Those relaring to the funeral of late Qu >en, t?e accident on board the yacht Shamrock 11, and the new films of incidents of the Boer war were particularly successful. Several appropriate songs wtre introduced during the evening by Miss Ada Matheson (who had to respond with two encores), Mr Robinson Mr Barry Faucett and others. These items served as a useful break, and greatly enhanced the pleasure of the evening Miss Irene Franklin scored a big- success on her first appearance at the Theatre Royal, Wellington, being re cilled several times before her hearers would be satisfied. The Pollards, who have so long ranked as prime favourites with New Zealanders, open in Dunedin on the 3-d of next month. The initial production will be “ Floradora.” In Townsville (Q) the Company took £BOO for six performances. Mr J. C. Williamson, accompanied by his wife and daughter, are due back in Melbourne at the end of July. Mr Tyrone Power, having given up the idea of a trip to the Old Country for the present, will, with Miss Edith Crane and a strong company, stage “Najesda” at the Princess. Theatre, Melbourne, in September next. “The Taming of the Shrew” will also be presented. The Hay tors “ have come; have been seen, and have conquered.” Their act “ She would sing ” is absolutely unique and inimitable. Nothing like it has ever been seen in Auckland, and judging by the display of enthusiasm after each performance, the audience are of the same opinion as “ Amphion.” Applause is only a mild term to use in indicating the reception of this talented trio, for the audience fairly rises at them and they are not allowed to retire until they have bowed their acknowledgments several times. It would nake away from some of the pleasure in store for those intending to pay a visit to the City Hall were 1 to attempt to describe in detail the many clever thing, done during the 25min occupancy of the stage by the Haytors Their stay here will unfortunately be short, as after the conclusion of their engagement with Mr Dix they go back to England where they are booked continuously up to the end of 1903. In the course of a chat with a “ Referee ” scribe, Mr ‘Jimmy” Bain states that he did extremely well in New Zealand, and was proud of the fact < hat he was about the first big draw Mr Dix had. Business with Mr Dix, he stated, was “ simply a boomer,” and his combinations all first-class. Mr Bain does , a short Queensland tour, after which he will fulfil a lengthy engagement with Mr Harry Rickards.

Mr P. R. tDix and his general manager, Mr Fred Duval, left by the s.s. Flingamite on Mon day for a trip to Sydney and Melbourne They are combining business with pleasure, and will bi away for three weeks. The result of the visit will, Mr Dix hopes, be the material strengthening of his already strong combination of star performers. A Wellington corespondent writes me:— “ The last arrivals at Fuller’s Empire Compiny, Faust and Walhalla, musical clowns, have scored a decided success. Although the act is not new it is decidedly clever. This pair play the violin in any attitude which calls to mind the clever turn of the original Faust Family, of which the former, Bob Faust, was a member The Fish-eyed Smoodger, Will Stevens and Ted Herberte, a brother ot Miss Milly Herberte, are to appear on Saturday next. . . . The tstanton Opera Company are in their second week here. They opened with “Said Pasha,” “ Fra Diavolo ” next, and “Dorcas.” “ Girofle, Girofla ” went up last,njght. Business has not been brilliant, owing, doubtless, to the rest after the Royal visit . . . Fred Bluett, so long with the Fullers, has gone to Brisbane under engagement to Percy St John (call me Sinjin). . . . Blutch Jones was a passenger to Sydney last week, having returned somewhat unexpectedly owing to the illness of his brother George. . . . Dix’s Gaiety Company are still booming. Pope and Sayles are the big d:aw, and fairly convulse the audience with their clever turns. Dainty Irene Franklin, Elsie Rosser, Chas. Howard (with the moustache), and the Hagans fill the bill. Two people, a lady and a gentleman, have had their pockets picked at the Theatre Royal this week. . . , Chas. Faning is back at Fuller’s Empire Theatre, Sydney. He has had several good offers to go to Honolulu, but as Charley very aptly remarked, “Australia for me! Sydney is my stronghold!” .. 1 - The Ada Delroy Company opened up to excellent business in Dunedin. “ Floradora ” was to have been withdrawn from the stage of Her Majesty’s, Sydney, on Friday last, that evening marking its 200th production in Australia. “The Casino Girl ”is an nounoed as the next attraction the Company being strengthened by the inclusion of Mr Harry Shine, Mrs Edouin Bryer and Mr Wolffe. , The world is a very small place after all—at least for peripatetic theatricals. Two years ago Miss Alma Giay and Mr George D.an weio showing at the Palace Music Hall, London. Lhst year they were in the same bill at “ The Tivoli,”. Sidney, and now we have them once more together at the City Ha’!, Auckland. Mr Charlie Faning is doing a very laughable skit on Mr Frank. Latbna, “ The Musical Tramp,” at the Empire, and his falsetto rendition ot “ Bee How it Sparkles,” from “ Girofle, Girofla,” is also very amtfsing. As a burlesque artist, Australia has ndt the equal of the popular comedian (says the “Referee”). Mies Georgie Devoe also deserves a word of commendation for her pretty and tasteful dresses, all of which she makes herself.

Mr Arthur Morley concluded a successful season with Mr Dix’s Auckland Gaiety Company on Tuesday night. The management advise patrons of the Oity Hall to book their seats at Wildman and Lyell’s and so avoid dir appointment while the ‘Haytorboom ” is or. That ever enjoyable function, the . annual social given by the Old Chums Association, will eventuate this year in Lt. Benedict’s Hall, and will take place on the 24th inst. Mr Charles Grey, the president, and Mr W. P. Robinson, the secretary, assi-tad by their energetic committee are leaving no stone unturned to make this year’s function even more successful than it# predecessors. A Chinese opera is something of a novelty in Melbourne (says the “ Leader ”), yet this is oneof the forms of entertainment now being offered in Melbourne. Lt needs, however, to be to the manner born to appreciate the discords which constitute Celestial harmony. lhe Company,, which is at present appearing nightly at the Democratic Club, is not a local production, but consists for the most part of experienced performers, who arrived a few weeks ago direct from Canton. A Chinese, opera generally takes about a fortnight to perform but at the performance in aid of the Melbourne Hospital, a small thing in. some 80 acts, which commenced at 7 o’c.ock, and finished sometime before midnight,, was given. A large audience, which included a number of w.ll-known Melbourne residents, was kept thoroughly amused. Mr Dix has put on many fine programmes at the City Ball, but the combination he has assisting him bids fair to excel all in the quality of the entertainment piovided. In addition to the Hay tors, Frank Yorke, with his boisterous hilarity, fills the bill to aT, pleasing old and new every time. Jim Marion, a versatile comedian, has made a successful re appearance, and is certain to maintain his place as a staunch favourite with patrons of the hall. More new blood is in evidence in the person of Mr George Dean, whose interpretation of humorous ditties has met with warm approval. The performance of Little Alma Gray has always been one of merit, and the dainty lady continues to do artistic work. Miss Annetta Bodin, Miss Emma Owen and Messrs Morley and Collins are excellent in their respective departments, contributing to the success attained, while the orchestra, under Mr E. J. Burke, are deserving of more than passing mention.

The new trio of acrobats at Mr P. R. Dix’s •how, Messrs Johnson, Biano and Bentley, had a great reception (says a Southern scribe). The act in which they appeared, “ The Farmer and (jji the Monkeys,” enabled them to show their 3 abilities as gymnasts, and to greatly amuse t’’e I? audience. Made up as monkeys, two of them were chased by a farmer, himself a gymnast and tumbler, and the ludicrous attitude the monkeys assumed and the extraordinary position in which they placed themselves oonvulsed the audience. It is’stated that Mr-George Musgrove some years ago offered £lO,OOO down for a sixteen week-’ tour of Australia by Sir Henry Irving and Miss Ellen Terry. “In the Soup,” w ich has been produced at the Pal ice Theatre Sydney, has only served to enhance the reputation of the h awtrey Comedy Company. “ In the Soup ” is a farqial comedy depending for its success upon smartly represented • omical situations. Messrs Wm. B. Parkyn and John Bromley, society entertainers from London, opened a fournight season in the Opera House on Wednesday ; evening. Th»y have just concluded a season in Sydney, where their entertainment was favourably received, by the critics. Mr Parkyn, “ The Cornish Entertainer,” gives a series of unique sketches, rustic dialeo. tales, songs etc. Mr Bromley is a tenor who has appeared in the Albert Hall, St James’ Hall, Queen’s Hal , Steinway Hall, London Referring to Mr Parkyn the “ Era ” has the following : —“ We may say at once, and without reserve, that Mr Parkyn is a thorough artist in all that he does He never strains after effec*', and he makes all » his points with admirable ease and unconsciousness. Ver delicate and refined is the way in which he differentiates the personages whom he represents. He is familiar with various dialect and keeps them quite distict in his deliveries. His Cornish farmer, his horsey man his Wiltshi e yokel, his Frenchman, his old American, are firmly characterised, but the characterisation never approaches caricature. It is the same wit h Mr Parkyn** make ups Each of these is evidently a study from life, and e«ch is finished carefully and convincingly. It is as agreeable as it is novel to find an artist who appreciates what we may call the finer shades of rusticity, and can depict them with an assured, yet light and dainty hand. We have nothing but warm praise f< r Mf Parkyn’s work. ’ “ Amphion’s ” comments on the entertainment will appear next weak. Under the heading “ A Broad Minded Bishop”, a Queensland paper has the foil wing: —Among those who witnessed the final presentation by the Hawtrey Comedy Company of the “Message from Mars,” at the Theatre last night were his Lordship Bishop Barlow, and his sui’e. Apparently, bis Lordship quite enjoyed the play, and it is unf rtunately so rare in Townsville that a dignitary of the Church can a’tend a theatrical entertainment with the consoion-nees

that his presence is not liable to misinterpreta tion, that this morning he was asked by a representative of the “ Star ” if he would express an opinion on the subject His Lordship replied in the following terms:—“ If I had gone to see this play last Saturday night instea ; of the last night of its production, I would have brrn better pleased. Having bad a good deal of experience in London in earlier years, and some idea of artistic things, I ean safely say that the play has a really strong, edifying, healthy influence It is truly artistic. A visit to the theatre on such an occasion is ealculated to send men back in a strong, moral; and elevated spirit. When I think of the comparatively small population of Townsville, the fact the theatre has been attended

night after night by large and appreciative audiences, I feel gratified, for it all shows refinement and taste. I said to myself this morning, if I had seen the play on Saturday night I would not have hesitated to introduce a commendation —a strong commendation of it—into a sermon. I was very pleased indeed with it all, and very glad to have been able to go.” We think that his Lordship’s remarks will be warmly applauded by the citizens of Townsville. Old musical friends of Lieutenant Wynyard Joss will be glad to read the following cutting sent me from a London paper:—The New Zealanders contingent had a cyclist corps of fifty meh, wonderful fellows, under a marvellous leader, Lieutenant Wynyard Jois, who when not cycling over impossible treks and careering for three-score miles in a day, devoted his leisure to trapping insects and reptiles. I don’t mean the smaller class of insects, they are easily obtained ; but gigantic locusts, grasshoppers, with beetles and tarantulas as big as cricket balls. He has made a discovery that the baboon is inordinately fond ofjthe tarantula. The monkey - ■fied creatures seize them with avidity, tear the spider demon’s hairy legs ’ off,'and devour the body as a great dainty. I have seen Lieutenant Joss with a pet chameleon upon his wideawake, a tame tortoise upon a string, and a stock of dead and live stakes stowed away upon his person or in his cart. These cyclists of his used to carry despacthes daily between Plumer’s camp and the thirty-five miles distant post of Commissie Drift. I can cycle a bit myself, but I would not attempt what they did.

MB GEO. MUSGROVE’S SEASON OF GRAND OPERA.

At the Opera House on' Monday night an important historical mucical event in the history of Auckland will eventuate, and that is the visit of the long looked for Musgrove Grand Opera Company. Verai’s great work, “ Il Trovatore,” will be the opening piece. Th* season is limited to eighteen nights, and the opsras which wi 1 be produced during that period will be “Faust,” ‘Carmen,” “Bohemian Girl,” “ Il Trovatore,” “Mignon,” “Maritina,” “ Lohengrin,” and' “ Tannhauser,” all of which will be rendered in English. All these plays are to be put on, Herr Benno Scherek, who is acting as Mr Musgrove’s representative, informs me on a scale of lavishness which will be a revelation to New Zealanders. The chorus will consist of fifty voices, aud the orchestra will Joe proportionately strong. There are over 100 people in the Company, which is so strong in “stars” that no artiste appears on more than two nights in the week The company is essentially cosmc politan in its composition, as no less than six ationalities are represented among the leading performers. Madame Ella Bussell is the only member of the original company which has toured Australia who will not visit New Zealand. Her engagement with Mr Geo. Musgrove was for eight weeks only, and she had to return to the old country to fulfil important Oratorio engag--u ents. In a recent interview Mr George Musgrove, speaking of the N.Z. tour said:— “ In Madame Slapoffski, Madame Jansen and Mdlle Cecile Lorraine, the New Zealanders will hear prime donne capable of singing either the most florid or the’‘most dramatic music; in Signors Salvi and Barthald they will find tenors who will captivate their hea>ts with their sweet singing and realistic acting; Mr Max Eugene and Mr Tilbury are baritones of exceptional quality; while Messrs T. H. Pringle and Mooney are bassos of the first rank. It is worthy of mention in passing,and a fact that will deeply interest all colonials, th at Mr Pringle is a native of Tasmania, being a son of Mr Pringle, who was best known to Ne w Zealanders by his nom de theatre of Templeton, and

who was the baritone of several companies that went down to your colony. Mr T. H. Pringle has had a marvellously successful career. He came to the front five years ago as a member of Madame Albani’s company that toured Canada; and since that time he has sung with conspicuous success in almost every European capital. He i» simply great as Mephistopheles— at least that is the universal verdict—and makes an ideal toreador in ‘ Carmen.’ ” The prices fixed for admission are 6s, 4s and 2s, and the box plan is open at Wildman and Lyell’s. Future New Zealand arrangements are: — Wellington, a three weeks’ season, commencing August 12th Christchurch, two weeks, commencing September 2nd. Dunedin, three weeks, commencing September 16th. In reviewing the company’s tour in Australia a distinguished Melbourne musician and critic penned the following complimentary remarks : — “This week has been the close of the second season of Mr George Musgrove’s Grand Opera Company' There has been a repetition of many of the works which they have secured the greatest success, and with the alternation of principals in some of the leading parts, the interest of novelty has been maintained. In looking back over the record of performance, we cannot fail/to be struck by the high measure of excellence attained. Among Wagner’s masterpieces Lohengrin, Tannhauser and The Flying Dutchman have been presented with a completeness and accuracy of detail which would win favourably enconium in any city. The repertoire has alsobeen exceedingly varied, and has included many different schools of music. Composers, French Italian and English, have been represented, aswell as the great German master. Faust, Mignon, Carmen, Trovatore and Maritana have been given with admirable effect. The company in its second season, has been greatly strengthened by the inclusion of Miss Ella Russell, Mr Pringle and Mr Barron Berthaid, though this observation casts no shade of reflection on the ability displayed by other members of the company who had previously established thems -lves .as favourites. Madame Slapoffski and Miss Jansen have not suffered in comparison, and M. Arens has left behind pleasing memories which will not easily disappear. No one has worked harder or more efficiently than Mr Slapoffski, the conductor, under whose direction the orchestra has done wonderfully well. The enterprise displayed by Mr George Musgrove has placed the musical community under a debt of gratitude.

Now that the question of fire escapes and fire alarms is the theme of general conversation, people interested in the question cannot do better than make themselves thoroughly acquainted with the merits of the “ Castle ” Electric Fire larm Bell System, a full account of which appears in our advertising columns, fl he “ Castle ” Apparatus consists of Automatic Contacts and Alarm Bells. The contacts are distributed throughout the» passages and rooms, and are opened simply by breaking the glass Immediately the glass is broken on any one of the contacts, all the alarm bells commence ringing, and cannot be stopped except by the proprietor or some authorised person As “ seeing is (in the majority :t cases) believing,” we would recommend our readers to call at 135 Queen-street, and see a sample apparatus. A trial of the “ alarm ” was given last week in the presence of Messrs Graves Aickin, M. Casey and P. E. Cheal, members of the Auckland Licensing Committee; Captain Field, of the Salvage Corps, and Mr John Mowbray, who were greatly interested in the apparatus Mr James McDermott is interested in the invention, with Mr Castle, the inventor.