THE STAGE

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XI, Issue 605, 21 August 1902, Page 10

THE STAGE

[Bv

AMICUS.]

bookings. Opera House, Auckland : July 21 to September 20 —Closed-'for alterations SeDtember 22 to < ctol er 13 Geo. Musgroi e’s Company October 18 to November 22—' ollard Opera Company - ■ Tjaremher 26 to January 21—Geach- Willoughby Co. His Majesty’s Theatre, Auckland. December 26—Opening night, J. C. Williamson Comto Februaiy 14, 1903 —Frank Thornton Comedy Company March 16 io April 4 Hawtrey Comedy Company. April 11, 4 weeks—Holloway Dramatic Company. Opera House, Wellington : Till August 23—Pollard Opera Company • October 13,14 and 15-Gerardy Concert Company October 18 to November 6—Geo. Musgrove vo November 7to 22-J. C. Williamson Co . November 24 to December 6— Geach-Willoughby Co. December 26 to January 2, 19C3—Chas. Holloway Co. February 24 to March 14, 1903— Frank Thornton Co. April 11 to May 2, 1903—J. C. Williamson Co. - May 4to 30, 1903— Hawtrey Comedy Company Theatre Royal,; Christchurch : August 20 to September 12—Pollard Opera Company November 14 to 22—Geach-Wißoughbv Comedy Co. November 24 to December I—J. C. Williamson Co. December 2 to 13—Musgrove’s Pantomime Company December 16 to 23— H-irry Bickards No. 2 Company. December 26 to January. B—Frank Thornton Comedy Company . January 26 to February 7 -C. Holloway Dramatic Co. Princess Theatre. Dunkdin ? ' October 25 to November 7—Geach-Willoughby Company G November 10 to 29—Musgrove Pantomime Company December 5 to 18— Frank Thornton Comedy Company December 56 to January 22—Pollard Opera Co January 24 to February 14—Hawtrey Comedy Co.

'' Dix’s Gaiety Co. nightly at the City Hall. Au -kland gi Alhambra Theatre. Punedin. o PB ra House, Christchurch ; Theatre Royal. WelJingtm.

THE SAXON BROTHERS. The Saxon Brothers, who are to opei under engagement with the Messrs Wirth, are the famous pe formers who have been creating such a sensation throughout the world with their weight lifting and ixhibilions of feats of strength. Mr Arthur Saxon, - whose photo we reproduce in this issue, claims to be the only man that ever defeated “ Strong-man Bandow.” He was born in Saxony in April, 1878, and first began es an amateur to practice heavy-weight lifting at the age of seventeen. In a few months he succeeded-in going up from handling 100 to » weight of 2241b5. He obtained his first important engagement in 1898, making his X debut in Oldham. Mr Arthur Saxon’s greatest feat is lifting 3681bs with bis right .hand above his head, and 118Ibs with his' left, a total of 4861b5. From this and the fact that he has issued an open challenge to S allcomers, it may be acknowledged he has reason for claiming to be the strongest man in the w.orld. In height Arthur Saxon is i ' sft lOin. His weight is about 212ibs; chest measurement, 47 or 43 inches; biceps and neck, each 182 inches. Mr Adolf Sixon is also a finely-built man, and execu'es many clever feats, being practically equal to //Arthur Saxon in all but the crownping feats. These wonderful brothers ' should prove a good draw for the circus when they appear the first week in September. Messrs Wirth Bros, are spiring no expense to make and keep their programme up to the very highest possible standard, so it is '• hot to b» wondered at that the Amphitheatre /in Oust »m street is becoming more popular, if passible, than ever. // The la!e Bret Harte left an unfinished play, the rights of which have been ecquired by Mr ( harles Frohman. The play, which jImJo with Western American life, is to be /finished by Mr Edgar Pemberton, s | ■■■ ... .• ■■ :

Our Wellington correspondent writes that the Pollard ' 'pera Oompiny are doing good business at the Opera House. “ The Mesteager Boy ” took .his trip to Cairo for fou taen consecutive nights, and with his coter e of you h and beauty were evidently wel l pleased to see the boat go for the last time On tbe “ 12th night ” the proprietors, Messrs Pollard and O’Sullivan, presented a very attractive s mvenior befitting the occasion, it being Coronation Night. The booklet comprised photo» of J. C. Williamson, Messrs PolLrd and O’Sullivan, Bert Boyle, and others, including the "h le cast of “ The Messenger Boy ”in charact r pictures. Miss Molly O’Sullivan, who celebrated her eighteenth birthday on Tuesday of last week, was presented by the front of the house staff (most Jof s"whom were there in the same capacity when she made her fist appearance), with a handsome gold cross and birthday book. Miss Molly thanked them all very heartily, and said she would ever look back on the c cession with pride. A season of miscellaneous comic opera is proceeding apace. Dix’s Gaiety Corny any at the J heatre Royal are contributing their quota in good style, the feats of Arras and Alice being deci edly novel and wonderfully clever. Their feats of strength and markmanship are perhaps the finest conception s en on a vaudeville staga. The Well ngton musical circle are eagerly looking forward to the Jean Gerardy season.

During the present stay in Auckland of Wirth’s Circus and Menagerie. Mons. Bagoul, the animal tamer, has been busy teaching several of the animals new acts. He has succeeded in getting the tigress to walk a tight rope, no thicker than that used by an ordinary tight-rope walker. The act is said to be a decidedly novel and clever on\

According to the “ Newsletter,” the six members of what is known as the Theatrical Trust in, New York have secured for their share of the season’s business £B,OOO each. The members consist of Messrs Charles Frohmai, Al. Hayman, Klaw, Erlanger, Nho”, and Z mmerma".

I A I I *Ud >-!•“!!! : , ■ , ■ Mr George Rignold, w.ho has on several occasions toured New Zealand with his dramatic organisations, purposes leaving Australia for England at an early date. On the 6th August Mr Rignold had eold by auction a large quantity of theatrical effects, scenery and stage property. The Australasian rights of the following plays were also to be offered for sale on the same day :—" Lights o’ London, ’ “ Romany R ; e,” and “ Fedora,” besides several others.

The Earl of Bosslyn has signed a contract with Mr Charles Frohman to open at the Garrick Theatre, in New York, on September sth, as the hero in Captain Marshall’s new comedy, in which the Earl will play the part of a young lover. Up to the present time the Karl has always appeared on the stage, both in the United States and in England, under the name of “James Erskine,” but it is provided in Mr Frohman’s contract that this time in the United States he will be billed as the Earl of Bosslyn. ‘

The alterations to the Opera House ( Auckland) are being carried out with great dispatch by the contractor (Mr Hutchinson). The dress circle is not only up but has been floored, and is now practically ready for the seats. The columns are up throughout the house, and the upper circle will be in position in a week or two The r jof has been raised several feet, and the ’supporting walls have been heightened the requisite ten feet.

The following tour has been arranged for Mr Rickards’ and Mr Dix’s Vaudeville Company, which is to visit New Zealand :— Auckland, August 26th to September Bth; Napier, September 11th, 12th, 18th; Theatre Royal, Wellington, September -16th to September 27th; ' Christchurch, Monday,

September 29th to October 4th; Dunedin, October 6th to October 14th; leaving for Melbourne on October 20th. The toar will be under the joint management of Mr Harry Rickards and Mr P. R. Dix. Tha company will play in Mr Dix’s theatres. • • ♦ •

During the time that Mr Rickards’ company is playing P, R. Dix’s circuit, the gaiety companies will go out on tour. The Auckland show goes to New Plymouth, Stratford, Hawera, Patea, and Eltham, whilst the Wellington combination will journey as far as Greytown, Masterton, Pahiatua, Dannevirke, Palmerston North, B'eilding, and Otaki.

I have to acknowledge the receipt of a very handsome souvenir from Mr Pollard of his succ.ssful production of “The Messenger Boy.” It takes the form of a booklet containing photos of the proprietors of the company and principal characters in “ The Messenger Boy.”

Wirth Brothers made their weekly change of programme on Monday evening before a very large audience. An attractive series of equestrian feats, tumbling, clown interludes, and exhibitions of skill, besides clever turns provided by the skilfully-trained animals of the menagerie, served to keep the audience amused and interested throughout the evening. The performance co. eluded with Herr Franklin’s exhibition of animated pictures, shown by means of a circomatograph These included views of “ A Canadian Fire Brigade on Sledges,” “ Surf Boat Crossing the Rapids,” Lord Roberts Entering Ladysmith,” “Ice Boats Under Full Sail,”

“Rough Passage ,on a Steamer” (a ;very realistic picture), and several of a novel and humorous nature, i'he pictures were very nuch appreciated. Cn Friday night the ’ 100th performance in Auckland will be celebrated, when each member of the audience will be presented with a handsome photographic souvenir. he management have engaged the original Casino Deltoriellys (Sadie and Joe), the amusing and clever burlesque combination, who will open on Monday evening next. m c » •. »

After the performance of “The Messenger Boy ” on Tuesday evening, August 12th, at the Opera House, Wellington, a neat little ceremony took place in the vestibule of the dress circle, where the staff employed in the front of the house,, some sixteen all told, assembled and presented Miss Mollie O’Sullivan, a member of the Pollard Opera Company, with a gold cross and handsome birthday book, the occasion being her eighteenth birthday. Mr Frank Roberts, who made the presentation, referred to the fact that Miss O’Sullivan had been connected with the company almost from its beginning, and many who were now present on this occasion were engaged on the same staff over ten years ago, when she (Miss O’Sullivan) was but a mere child. Miss O’Sullivan, who is the daughter of the genial treasurer of the Pollard Company; thanked them all heartily, and said she would ever look back on the 1 occasion with pride. Miss O’Sullivan was . also the recipient of other valuable presents. • * The Brough Comedy Company will make its farewell appearance in Sydney on the 29th August.

The. Broughs’ Eastern tour wi 1 be the heaviest and most expensive organisation that ever went to India and Ohinq, either from England or Australia. The company will number 32, and nearly 300 tons of scenery and appointments will be carried for a repertoire of 10 comedies. ■ a . £ w

The Hawtrey Company played an excellent season in Adelaids with ‘ Mars ” and “ Tom, Dick and Harry.” Hawtrey himself recently celebrated the twentieth anniversary of hie connection with the stage. In the forties—to be precise, he is forty? five — Ung experienced, energetic and far-seeing, his connection with the drama in Aus ralia has been very happy. Before he embarked on his present enterprise Mr Hawtrey stagemsmaged for Mr J. C. Willia son.

’ The latest entertainer in Paris is M. Gaston Bordeverry. Taking several repeating -carbines, and standing ten yards from a piano, he “ plays,” or, to speak strictly, he shoots in very brilliant style, a complicated selection from “ Oavallaria Rusticana ” The piano is “ armoured ” for this novel performance • • • •

Before “Sherlock Ho’mea” is presented by Mr Williamson’s Dramatic Company in Melbourne next month, Mr Ouyler Hastings will arrive from America to. present the detective here. t Mr Hastings succeeded Mr Wm. Gillette in’the character in the States, and he was specially by Mr Sanger, Mr Williamson’s New York representative, for the Australian season. «*. • • ' The Paris “ FigAro” published some interesting statistics the other-day concerning the few fires that have taken place in theatres in Paris during the last 150 years. It appears, according to our French contemporary, that only twelve theatres have been destroyed since the Opera House was burnt in 1763, and that the average has been only one in every twelve 1 years. The Grand Opera has suffered most, fire having destroyed it in 1762, in 1781, and again in 1873; whilst the disaster at the Opera Oomique, when so many lives were sacrificed in 1887, is fresh in everyone’s memory, as is that of the Comedie Francais of 1900, when Jeanne Henriot lost her life. • • • • According to a London paper, Mr Maurice Grau’s last .American season was exceptionally successful. In twenty-seven weeks the enormous sum of £280,000, or a little over £lO,OOO per week, was taken, and out of that Mr Grau was able to pay his shareholders a dividend of 65 per cent. Travel- . ling expenses alone reached the considerable aniount of £20,000. His weekly expenses m New York are about £B,OOO fl ’ » •

Our Napier corresoondent writes : — Martyn Hagan with his accomplished wife (Lucy Fraser) and Company had a none too profitable time of it during their two nights’ season at the Gaiety Theatre this week. The weather was atrocious, and the few that did attend the performance were deserving of a medal for leaving their cosy homes on such nights. Still they got value for their money, for the show was bright and crisp, and certainly would havef* met with better attendances had the c’imata been at all favourable, Bob Hall, who formed one of the Company here, left for Wellington this morning to join Montgomery’s Entertainers. Martvn Hagan also left with his Company for Waipukurau to day, where they open to-

morrow n : ght afterwards playing at all the small towns en route to New Plymouth. p « a »

The Elingamite brought over from Sydney on Tuesday the singing dog, which belongs to the Casino Deltoriellys. The animal is the smallest creature imaginable, and has just been released from quarantine in Sydney, where it has been confined for the past six months,"since its arrival irom America. The Auckland public will have a chance to see and hear this wonderful animal, as she is to appear at Wirth Bros.’ Circus on September Ist for the first time in Australasia.

Jean Gerardy, the celebrated and famous ’cellist, whose amazing performances throughout Europe, America and Australasia have’ earned him so much fame, is giving a series of three concerts at the Choral Hall, last night to-night, and to-morrow night. Those desirous of hearing one of the most famous artists in the world at the present day should not fail to hear Gerardy, because the opportunity may not occur again. Gerardy ranks with Paderewski, Kubelik, and Melba; in fact, he has often toured with them. The concerts will be vested with even greater interest than those given last year, inasmuch as Gerardy has with him in Miss Electa Gifford, an American soprano, and Gottfried Galston, a pianist from London, two magnificent artists worthy to be associated with him. Both the Melbourne and Sydney press speak in glowing terms of Miss Gifford and Mr Galston, and enthusiastic notices are accorded to Gerardy. Mr A. H. Canby is the director of the tour.

Mr J. D. Ashby writes from Hawera:— “ Dear Amicus, —Our Company, the American Vaudeville Stars, have done splendid business during our short tour up to date. Our bill is "headed by Kelly and Ashby, who, of course with Cunning, the American wizards, are the bright particular stars. Miss Dorothy Roberts ,and her pics are .making a great sensation, their acts being extremely new and novel to the New Zealand public. Percy James is going good and strong with his society sketches and illustrated songs. Miss Beryl Gilman is singing a lot of new American stuff, and our projectoscope includes the latest picture of Ard Patrick winning the English Derby. Please give our best regards to A uckland friends. With best wishes from myself and members of the Company.—-Yours truly, J. D. Ashby.”

“ Mice and Men,” a romantic comedy in four acts, by Madeleine Lucette Byley, the new play in which Miss Nellie Stewart is shortly to appsar at the Melbourne Princess's, derives its name from the familiar quotation, “ The best laid schemes o’ mice and men gang oft agley.” - The period is 1786, and the costumes are said to be gorgeous, particu arly in the ballroom scene in Act 111. Miss Stevart’s part teems with opportunities for this clever artiste, and the progress of “ Peggy,” the foundling, from a shy uncultured child of Nature, to a woman, loving and loved, should be more than interesting to watch. “ Mice and Men ” will be followed by “ A Country Mouse,” a London success.

Mr Harry Rickards has a very strong programme on at the Sydney Tivoli when the last mail left. The contributors included the renownod Cirquevall (the king of jugglers), the Jacksons (who are in their last i ights), Miss Florrie Gallimore, Mr Mark Anthcny, Mr Tcm Woottwell, Miss Bay

Jones, the Williams Quartette, Miss Jennie Opie, Miss Maggie Fraser, Miss Emily Tyndale, Baby Parkes, Miss Ivy Scott and Mr J, Boberti.

A rather amusi g incident occurred at the matinee performance at the Tivoli, Sydney, recently. Cinquevalli was doing his trick with the cigar-holder, cigar and candle, and at the commencement of the performance a ripple of soft childish laughter came from the stalls. Each time he tried to catch the cigar in the holder the merry burst, sweet and clear as the sound of silver bells, rang out, and so musical and infectious was its tone that both artist and audience joined in. Three times L’lncomparable trie a before he was successful, and then made a courtly bow to the little one, whose delight was expressed by a merry peal and the hearty clapping of her little hands. We don’t know whether Cinquevalli Or the audience enjoyed the incident most. — “Newsletter.” a . a ;. a . » Mr A. W. Pinero’s fine play, ‘ Iris,” will be presented at the New Yorkjon Monday, September 22, with Miss Vi ginia Hamed (Mrs E. H. Sothern) as the heroine. Mr Dion Boucicault will "superintend the production. ® a a © Mr Frank Thornton’s Comedy Company played at Bathurst in “ Facing the Music,” “ A Little Bay of Sunshine,” and “ The Private Secretary.” The company, after appearing at Brisbane for a season, will visit Melbourne (again, Tasmania and New Zealand. A return season will be played in Sydney about next Easter. DIX’S GAIETY COMPANY. This week is the last week in Auckland of the present company at the City Hall, as on Tuesday next an entire new company sent from Australia will appear. The present programme is an excellent one, and the large audience, which attend nightly, fully appreciate the various turns. Miss Lizzie Kirk still continues to be a warm favourite, and has to respond ,to five or six recalls each evening. Mr Vai Voueden, with his “ Mrs O’Rourke,” receives an ovation nightly. Miss Maud Faning is as popular as ever, and Mr Frank Leon earns great applause for his clever dancing. Mr Charles Howard is heard to advantage, his fine voice and singing receiving a warm welcome, as does the aorgs sung by Miss May Lewie. Miss Lilly Howard is charming in her rendering of her songs and dance. The amount of fun and amusement provided by Messrs Pope and Sayles is cpnsiderab’e; this week new jokes ana songs are plentiful. The other members of the'company contribute items of a firstclasa nature, and taken altogether the performance is one of the best that the Gaiety Company have produced for some time past. < The new company which is to replace the present. one at the City Hall on Tuesday evening is a particularly strong one, comprising new English, American and Continental stars of Vaudeville artists, especially chosen by Mr Rickards. The Jackson Family, four in number, is said to be one of the highestclass musical quartettes that has ever visited the colonies. Fagan (Barney) and Byron (Mies Henrietta), entertainers in comedy,

song and dance with: wonderful electric effects; Messrs Derenda and Breen, the great comic juggling kings and the World’sChampion Club jugglers; Miss Neva CarrGlynn, a young Australian operatic contralto ? , the Clarence Sisters, song and dance artists; Miss Jennie Opie, the popular and gifted contralto, who was so great a favourite on " her former visits to New Zealand, introducing a (brilliant series of new illustrated' songs.. - Mr J. W. Winton, with his irrepressible automaton “ McGinty,” |is a ventriloquial treat; the most perfected bioscope, one of - Mr Rickards’ latest importations, presenting, an up-to-date and brilliant series of animated pictures. The company is one of exceptional : merit, and is sure of a warm -welcome in Auckland. The box plan will open this morning st Messrs Wildman, Lyell and Arey, and an early application will benecessary. ' STAGE DOOR NOTES. ' Jean Gerardy; the wizard of the ’cello, at the Choral Hall. • 0 ® • Dix’s Company at present at the City Hall is to tour Taranaki next week. « • e A Mr Harold Ashton has gone to South. Africa to explore the country and prospect on behalf of Mr J. C. Williamson. • • • • The 300th performance of “ A Chinese' Honeymoon ” was given at the Strand. Theatre, London, on the 24th June. •»• - • “ The Messenger Boy ” had a run of fourteen performances at the Opera House,. Wellington. The Geach-Willoughby Comedy Oompapy are at present touring B Western Australia. • • • ft Miss Sadie Deltorelli, who appears with Messrs Wirth Bros.’ Circus, is described asthe first and only lady clown in Australalia. • • • • “ Patience ” has been revived and staged at Wellington by the Pollard Opera Company this week. « fl II « fl Mr |Neil |Mcoay, who was through New Zealand with the Alice Hollander Company, has been appearing with the Amy Castles* Company in Australia, in place of Signor Dani. » ♦ * * A Melbourne exchange states that the Greenwood Family will play Westralia after South Australia, and then go on to India. ♦ • fl • « fl Miss Olga Nethersole has concluded her - London season, and started on a tour of theprovinces. Miss Billie Barlow is doing three London halls nightly. The Permans are doing good business in the Victorian provinces. Mr Frank York .isa member of the combination. * * •<- * The Wilton Brothers have joined Mr ??. Harry Bickards’Adelaide Company. . . ? * . * * Fitsgerald’s Circus was last heard of at Brisbane, where. they were billed for a short season.