HIS MAJESTY THEATRE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IX, Issue 671, 15 January 1903, Page 10

HIS MAJESTY THEATRE.

“Sak.'lcy” Mr J. C. 'Williamson s Musical Opera Company have oeen scoring a distinct success with the musical op,-.a “ San Toy.” The piece, as staged by the present company, is georgeou- and well mounted. The story is a pretty one, and carries.its interest ligi t through. The music is delightfully blight and tuneful, and much of it reaches «. distinctly high level. Both scenic sets are exceedingly fine, and it is difficult to say which is the more beautiful, the street in PinkaPong, in Act 1., with its electric light effect, or the Emperor’s palace of the second act, with its effective oriental ornamentations, both scenes, with the bright colouring, rich and beautiful dresses, being tasteful in the extreme. Miss Rose Musgrove, as San Toy, daughter of Yen How, who has been disguised as a boy to prevent the Emperor attaching her to his harem, and whose discovery and adventures lead to all the fun of the play, established firmly the reputation gained in the “ Runaway Girl,’ that she is one of the brightest and cleverest actresses who have'visited New Zealand. Mr Fred Graham, as Li, makes a great hit, and is responsible for the fun and laughter of the comedy, hi impersonations-and mimics are extremely clever. Miss Lilian Digges has an ad- 1 mirable pait as the maid Dudley, her singing, acting, and dancing quite captivating the hearts of the large audiences. Nothing more finished or more fresh and delicate has it been our lot to see in this class of work than the excellent performance , by this little: actress. Miss Elsie Moore, as Poppy, is another excellent performance Her sweet voice is heard

to full advantage, and is much appreciated. Air Bantock gives a very clever interpretation as Yen How ; his make-up is perfect, and his work of high class order. As Bobbie Preston, the English lover of San Toy, Mr Arthur Crane is seen at bis best, and he does full justice to his fine voice in the songs and duets alloted to him, earning well merited applause. Mr A. Lissant, as the Enjperor ; Mr Maurice Dudley, as Sir Bingo Preston ; Mi Heorge Lyding, as Lieutenant Tucker; Miss Blanche Wallace, as Ko Fan ; ai <1 others of the very large cast, acquitted themselves very creditably in their various characters, the whole performance making one of the best, brightest, and prettiest comic operas over produced in Auckland.

Mr George Dean writes me from Wellington in a very cheerful tone, saying that he has started on the seventh week at the Choral Hall with the Royal Waxworks, aud is doing good business. I have to thank him for his new year greetings, and wish him and his company a prosperous new year*

Last week Mr George V. Beck, well known in theatrical circles and for manyyears connected with the famous Bessie Doyle Ct ncert Company, passed through Auckland en route for the South, after an absence of five years, during which time he has been travelling in the States and C ma da as business manager for the well-known firm of Webber-Burton, of Chicago, 111. Mr Beck states that the f present theatrical season in America has i very iittlo attraction to offer in the way of novelty. Vaudaville . takes the lead, ’ but it is a repetition of the previous' productions; in fact it is a hard matter to find interesting features for a drawing card at the present time. Mr Beck was fortunate enough •to find a few novelties suitable to the colonies, which will b© presented at an early date.