The STAGE

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IX, Issue 664, 27 November 1902, Page 10

The STAGE

[Br

Amicus.]

, BOOKINGS. Opera House, Auckland : October 18 to December 4—Pollard Opera Company December 17 to 20—Auckland Dramatic Society December 26 to January 21 —GeaeH- Willoughby Co. January 23 —Madam Melba Concert February. 9 to March 4 —Miss Mtzmauriee Gill’s Co . March 16 to April 4—Hawtrey Comedy Co. April 11 to May 2—Holloway Dramatic C mpany June 8 to 26—Geo. Musgrove’s “ Sweet Nell ” Company June 27 to July 10—Harry R." kards . His Majesty’s Theatre, Auckland December 26—Opening night, J. C. Williamson Com ' , pany, 4 weeks > January 27 to February 14, 1903—Frank Thornton Comedy Company March 16 to April 4 Hawtrey Comedy Company. April 13 to May 12—Holloway Dramatic Company Opera House, Wellington : November 24 to December 6—Geaoh-Willoughby Co. December 8 to 17—1-ickards’Company December 18 to 24—Majeroin Dramatic Company - December 26 to January 2, 1903—Chas. Holloway Co January 19—Madame Melba January 23 to February 21—Pollard Opera Company February 24 to March 14,1903—Frank Thornton Co . April 11 to May 2, 1908—J. C. Williamson Co. ’ May 4 to 30, 1903—Hawtrey Comedy Company Theatre Royal. Christchurch November 24 to December I—J. C. Williamson Co. December 2 to 13—Musgrove's Pantomime Company December 16 to 23— Harry Rickard's No. 2 Company. December 26 to January B—Frank Thornton Comedy ■ Company January 28 to February 7 -C. Holloway Dramatic C February 19 to March 7 - Hawtrey Comedy Company. Princess Theatre, Dunedin November 10 to 29—Musgrove Company December 1 to 18- Frank Thornton Comedy Company 'December 26 to January 22—Pollard Opera Co. i January 24 to February 14—Hawtrey Comedy Co. Feb 14 to March 13 -Holloway Dramatic Company Dix’s Gaiety Co. nightly at the City Hall. Auckland Alhambra Theatre. Dunedin, Opera House , Christchurch ; Theatre Royal. Wellington. ; The Auckland Liedertafel have announced their last concert of the season, for Friday (to-morrow) night, at the Choral Hall. The programme arranged is a very attractive one, including solos by Mrs A. GF. Lee, Miss May Day, and Mr Wilfred Manning, with several part songs by Liedertafel, which are becoming so popular with Auckland’s musical enthusiasts. The secretary, Mr S. J Harbutt, is untiring in his efforts to make the, concert a success, and this function promises to be even more sucoessful than former ones, a bumper house being predicted. \

I Quite a number of first nights are I announced for December 26 (Boxing Day), in fact it will be a record opening of seasons. The . following are the principal ones announced : — In Auckland Mr J. C. Williamson’s Musical Comedy Company open His Majesty’s Theatre with “ A Runaway;Girl,” Messrs Willoughby-Geach Company in the Opera House with “ The Wright Mr Wrog.” \At Wellington: Mr Holloway’s Dramatic Company in the Opera House At Christchurch; Thornton’s Comedy Company in the Theatre Royal. At Dunedin: Pollard Opera Company in the Princess Theatre, and J. C. Williamson’s Dramatic Company in His Majesty’s ■ Theatre.

Mr J. C. Williamson has definitely decided to tour New Zealand with his English Dramatic Company. The pieces to be played are Sherlock Holmes’ “If I Were King ” and “ Secret Service.” The combination will include several artists of repute, headed by the clever American actor Mr Culer Hastings, who has been creating a great sensation throughout Australia. The following dates have been arranged :—Dunedin, December 26th to January Bth; Christchurch, January 9th to Jauuary 22nd; Wellington, January 23rd to February sth; Palmerston North, February 6th and 7th; Wanganui, February 9th and 10th; Hastings, February 11th ; Napier, February 11th and 13th. Auckland, February 16th to Marth 7th.

Mr Charles Carter was tendered a complimentary benefit by the Pollard Opera Company last night, the piece chosen was the favorite opera “Maritana.” Mr Carter taking the role of Don Caesar, in which he has every opportunity to isplay his excellent voice, The remainder of the cast was as follows:— )on Jose, Mr D. O’Connor; King of iBl>ain, Mr J. Ralston; Alcade, Mr G. Young; Captain of the Guard, Mr E. Wiseman; Marquis de Montefiore, Mr W. Percy; Marchioness de Montefiore, Miss A. Curtice; Lazarillo, Miss Nina Orborne; Maritana, Miss Agness Smith.

Mr J. C Williamson’s Musical Comedy Comedy, which opens here on Boxing Night, at His Majesty’s, includes the following performers:—Fred. H. Graham, Maurice Dudley, C. Trood, Charles Lyding, Arthur Crane, Arthur Lissant, Robert Needham, Fred. Leslie, and Claude Bantock; and Miss Rose Musgrove, Lillian Digges, Blanche Wallace, Elsie Moore, Hetty Muret, Aggie Kelton, and Grahame Newton. “ The Runaway Girl ” and “ San Toy ” are the new pieces to be played.

The promoters and performers at the Sacred Concert held last Sunday 'afternoon in the Opera House for the benefit and in aid of the suffers by the wreck of the ill-fated Elingamite, are to be congratulated on the success of the function. The generous manner in which both pro fessional and amateur artists ' offered their services, and the able and liberal Sort accorded by the Auckland fo, must be gratifying to all concerned, and the proceeds will help to swell the Relief Fund.

The Auckland season of Mr Harry Rickards No. 3 Vaudeville stars was brought a close on Saturday night, They played here for five nights and two matinees, all of which were well attended. The Auckland theatregoers have both seen and heard the wonderful Sandpw, and are able now to expound by personal knowledge on his feats and benefits of physical culture. The great athlete claims the secret of his system is the influence of mind over muscle, and certainly the series of exercises he showed whereby each group of muscles in the human body may be developed bore out his theory. Mr and Mrs Sydney Drew made numerous friends by their clever acting, the one act comedy entitled “ When Two Hearts are Won,” which they presented fairly caught on and took the town by storm. The Concertina King, as Professor Maccan is called, more than came up to expectation, his items and. musical imitations were exceedingly good, clever and entertaining. As a story-teller, Mr Mark Anthony earns warm applause for his turn. He is a clever comedian and keeps his audience convulsed with laughter the whole time he is on. Miss Ray J ones and Miss Nita Leete contribute songs which are always well received Little Fanny Powers captured the hearts of the City Hall patrons with ' her sweet singing and clever dancing. The pictures by the Bioscope are extremely clear and, bright, and form an interesting and instructive finale to a good programme.

Mr George Abbott, proprietor of the Opera House, is in Sydney, making arrangements for the tour of several companies <■ in the near future. through New Zealand. The firpt of these will be a dramatic company, headed by Miss Fitzmaurice Gill and Mr Charles Blake, and will comprise some of the leading talent of Australia.' Th© company .. will open Auckland on February 9 with a strong repertoire, including “Man to

Man,” “ Work and Wages,’ “ Fedora, ,r “ Harbour Lights,” and others

Messrs Wirth Bros, (says the “Canterbury Times”) have completed the purchase of another dapple-grey throughbred steeplechaser from Mr A. M‘Lolland, Northcote Road, Papanui. The animal, which competed at a recent meeting, will be trained in what is known in circus parlance as “ school riding.” This is the third purchase which Messrs Wirth Bros, have made from the same owner since their arrival in Christchurch.

Our Wellington correspondent writes, under date November 20th, that J. G. Williamson’s Comedy Company are having a splendid time at the Opera House. “ San Toy” vas first played on Monday last in New Zealand, and was received with general satisfaction. The piece is full of good things in the way or music, song, and patter. The lady members of J. C. Williamson’s company organised a costume cricket match here, which took place yesterday. It was held at the College Ground in aid of the Elingamite disaster. ,The cricket match would be absolutely too funny to record, but it re- ' suited in a sum of over £320 being collected for that fund. No only did the ladies do their very best at the wicket, but a bevy of youth and beauty dispensed afternoon tea in pleasant style. The frolics of a monkey (Mr Leslie) caused a lot of fun for the younger folk, though, many a parent enjoyed the fun also. George Dean’s Waxworks were also there, and many people visited the figures during the afternoon. Mr Jimmy Petherick would make people visit the exhibition whether they wanted to or not. His ability outside a tent is great. Another concert is being held to-night in the Choral Hall by Wellington amateurs in I aid of the same fund. Mr J. W. Harri-‘ I son’s school of physical culture provide eight items, and the second half will be contributed to by Misses Phoebe Parsons, Holt, and Mrs B. M. Wilson, and Messrs G. and-H. Parsons, W. D. Lyon,'and the Chieftain Rangiuia. A very large number of tickets, are already sold. 1 Dix’s Gaiety Company are doing the usual good “ bis” at the Royal. Callkhan and Mack’s is a splendid turn, / Another good interesting turn isthatof Brown Parker, the ball puncher. Ffeank M- ' Clark and Miss Olive Lpnton give a decidedly clever burlesque imitation of the Dar to dance, and are making a hit of it. Ernest Fitts is with us again, and is up to the usual standard. Miss May Lewis, Jo© Cowap, Sam' Rowley, and Jen Johnstone also add their quota to a lengthy

programme. Edwin Geach is with us at last, and the lo g-looked-for “ Wrong Mr Wright ” will begin his frolics on Wednesday next at the Opera House The Saturday matinees given by the Pollard Opera Company have become quite an institution, and draw packed houses, last Saturday’s performance was no exception to the rule, the seating accommodation of the Opera House being taxed to its utmost limit. The ever popular musical comedy “ The Toreador” was presented and was played with its accustomed swing, the principals and choruses earning warm applause.

The ever popular and merry musical comedy, ‘‘The Belle of New York,’ with its pretty and bright music, rich scenes, End striking tableaux was revived at the Opera House on Friday night by the Pollard Opera Company, and proved a great attraction being evidently a favor--ite with Auckland theatregoers, the piece was well mounted and went smoothly throughout the production being excellent. abe title role was taken by Miss Alice Pollard, who made a charming “Belle,” her acting, and singing being fully appreciated. Mr Charles C arter appeared to advantage as Harry Bronson, his capital renderir g of the songs allotted him earned well merited applause. Mr Alf Stephens gave very clever interpretation of the character of Ichabod Brouson, making a great hit with his patter songs. Mr W. Percy causing much fun and merriment by his comical imitations, some of which were extremely laughable and clever. Miss Gertie Campion greatly pleased her admirers by her acting as Fife Mr H. Quealy as Blinkey Bill/Mies Mollie O’Sullivan as Mamie Glance, Miss Nellie Wilson as Cora Angelique, Miss Wilmott Karkeek as. Kissie Fitzgarter, Mr J. Sullivan as Doe Snif kin, Mr D O’Connor as Billy Breeze, and others, were all well cast each contributing much to the success of the performance. Mr, O’Connor was heard to advantage in his song ” We’U stand and die together,” earning a well deserved encore The piece was played again on Saturday night with a slight alteration in the minor cast, to another large and appreciative aud ence I.

Our Christchurch correspondent writes: “ The carnival season has been a good one from the showmen’s point of view, anyhow. Messrs Wirth Bros.’ have done prodigious business at the Colosseum, and no wonder. A better circus than Worth’s present one never came to the colonies. The Majeroni Dramatic Company has been very well patronised, also, and the series of existing melodramas put on have been keenly appreciated by the immense audiences. Congratulations to the principals, not forgetting, of course, Mr Charles McMahon, under whose experienced direction the new pieces introduced by the company were produced. Dix’s Opera House Company have also done well, and no place of public amusement has been better supported during the holiday by carnival visitors. Mr Jameson is a prince of managers, and knows how to make up an attractive bill of fare as well as any man in the profession The WilloughbyGeach Company open for a short season at the Royal, and I fancy from all I hear that they will reap in the shekels to some purpose in Christchurch. ‘ The Wrong Mr Wright’ is billed as the opening attraction. and report declares it to be intensely funny. The company’s adver- 1 tisements are models of what such an announcements should be, and are calculated to stimulate the public excitement judiciously. On the 24th Williamson’s Musical Comedy Company opens here in ‘ A Runaway Girl,’ and lots of other shows are likely to follow, .so we shan’t be lonesome.” '

Our Sdyney correspondent writes: — Criterion Theatre: — The revival of “ Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” which was pro duced by Mr John F. Sheridan on the 15th inst., was very well received by a crowded house. A strong feature of the production was its effective staging. The performance could not be improved on, and should have a very successful run. . . Theatre Hoy al—The season of “Sherlock Holmes” will be brought to a termination on Friday night after an exceedingly successful run Next Saturday night “If I Were King,” Justin Huntly McCarthy’s four act romantic spectacle, will be produced for the first time in Australia. . . Lyceum Theatre —Mr Bland Holt’s revival of

“ The Derby Winner ” entered upon its second week, when the many big and exciting scenes of the sporting melodrama, and principally those of the regimental ball, the s le at Tattersall’s, and the race for the D rby, created a great deal of enthusiasm. A change of programme , should not be necessary for some' time to come. . .. . Palace

Theatre—Mr William Anderson’s production of “The Worst Women in London ” has been drawing crowded houses. Both the staging and the acting are up to a very high stand *r , the principal characters receiving adequate treatment at the- hands of Miss Eugenie Duggan and Mr Harry Plimmer. . . . . Tivoli Theatre—There is a typical audience at the Tivoli every nigh , ; and the present programme now running meets with its customary favour

DIX’S GAIEIY COMPANY. Mr P. R. Dix has arranged a very strong company for the City Hall, which was reopened last night. Old favourites and new faces were greeted by a large audience. The programme includes Alberto, the great card and coin manpulator ; Messrs. Morris and Wilson with their clever acrqbatic turn entitled “Chinese Frolics;” Mr Sam Rowley, billed as the little man with a big voice, of which Southern writers hold in high esteem; Little Veva Kearns, who has made herself so popular in Auckland by her clever dances and sweet singing ; Miss Ida Roslyn, with her pleasing seriocomic songs; and Mr Jack Kearns, who keeps the ball rolling with fun and merriment. Miss Alice Layton, with her sweet singing, and the listers Smith, with their clever duo dancing and songs, are included in the programme. Tbe favourite end inen and comedian, Messrs Pope and Saylesj are announced to re appear to-morrow (Friday) night. - STAGE-DOOR NOTES. “ Rip-Van-Winkle” will be the piece for the final production of Pollard’s present Auckland season. • • ® • “The Gay Parisienne” at the Opera House to-night. Messrs Pope and Sayles reappear at the City Hall to-morrow night-

The balance-sheet of the Wellington Amateur Operatic and. Dramatic Society shows a credit balance of £22u. 2s Bd. The Gaiety Company is in full swing again at the City Hall. The mighty Sandow has been and. gone, and is now touring the Taranaki district. ' u Messrs Morris and Walters; the popular acrobats are re-appearing at the City Hail. : Last nights announced for the Pollards' season. Mr Charles Carter received a great ovation at his complimentary benefit last night? ' ( 1 * ' « • > .• / r ' ' The Casino Deltorelis of the World’s E' tertainers fame are appearing in . Christchurch uuder Mr P. R. Dix’s banner. '■ ' . ~ '"I ■ The Henry Dramatic Company are at present touring Tasmania. The J., C. Williamson’s Musical Comedy Company played “ San Toy” to packed houses in Wellington. , The Auckland JLieaertafel concert at the Choral Hall to-morrow (Friday} night. ‘ ■ • • Mr W Percy’s burlesque on “ Sandow’ in the “Belle of New York” was immense, and was evidently as big a surprise to the performers as to the audience. ' Invercargill intend erecting a new theatre at a cost of £15,000* Miss Alice Corrick, the soprano of the New Zealand Corrick Family, .was gaged to sing at the Federal Exhibition, Melbourne. Irish comedians Callahan and Mack, with their charming “ Old Neighbourhood ” playlet, are appearing with Dix’sWellington (show. ‘