The STAGE

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IX, Issue 676, 19 February 1903, Page 10

The STAGE

[B?

Amicus.]

BOOKINGS. Opera House, Auckland : March 2 and s—Madam Melba Concert March 16 to April 4—Hawtrey Comedy Co. April 11 to May 23—Anderson’s Dramatic Company May 25 to June 13 —Pollard Opera Company June 14 to 26—Geo. Musgrove’s “ Sweet Nell ” Company June. 27 to July 10— Harry Rickards Co. His Majesty’s Theater, Auckland , ’ February 16 to March 7—J. C. Williamson’s “Sherlock Holmes * Company March 16 to April 4 Hawtrey Comedy Company. April 13 to May 12—Anderson’s Dramatic Company Opera House, Wellington February 23—Madame Melba February 24 to March 14 —Frank Thornton Co. ( March 19 to April 9—Miss Fitzmaurice Gill’s Company April 11 to May 2—J. C. Williamson Co. May 4 to 80- -Hawtrey Comedy Company . " \ . June 1 to 18—Rickards’ Company June 17 to July 3—Musgrcve Company Theatre Royal. Christchurch February 19 to March 7; Hawtrey Comedy Company. February 20: —Madame Melba »•' April HJto 25—Mias Fitzmaurice Gill’s Company April 27 to May 9—Musgrove Company Pbinobss Theatbe, Dunedin Feb 14 to March 13 -Anderson’s Dramatic Company April ll to 25—Musgrove Company May 4 to 14—Miss Fitzmaurice Gill’s Company Opeba House, Wanganui. .. Feb 26 and 27—Miss Fitzmaurice Gill’s Company March Races—McMahon’s Company April 11 to 18—Hawtrey-Company ' June 6to 10—Musgrove Compat y . ; June 18 to 20—Rickards’Company ,J ; : Opera'House, Haweba, ' February 18 and 19—Leigh-Douglas Company February 23 and 24—Miss Fitzmaurice Gill’s Company Maach 2 —Musgrove Company March 23— Madame Delores March 25 and 26—J. C. Williamson June 22—Rickards’ No. 4 Company Dix’s Gaiety Co, nightly at the City Hall, Auckland, and Theatre Royad, Wellington, ■ Our Wellington covr.-’-’.i * ',l jflt writes tinder date of Fei. iary 12 : - Bix s Gaiety Company are to to reinforced by Arnoldi, juggler, and Pope and Sayles, this week ©nd. Arona, a strong man has appeared with much success inis week. r, 'he last appearance of the Shenk Brothers is amounted. Their turr. is ab«o-iit.Glv the finest that Mr Dix h:i4 ever had in that line, and they will be sorely niissed. By the way Mr P. R Bix, lias at last got away from his sick bod and is look ’ng as

hale hearty ats gyer.; ■. ■< •: I’oi’aid's Opera Company are going stiong with the "Toreador 77 at the Opera House, and ate making- their prasiivie bit in this Hty. Yeatendaythe ladias played a costume cricket match, 'n r.’d <>l the Veterans Home Fund, which resulted in the Opera girls winning by 54 rims. Miss Zoe Kai keek is a very fine over-arm bowler. Altogether, the, afternoon’s performance resulted in £2lB 15 rd. a good afteinron’s work creditably given. Or- Monday next the Maori Comic Opera “Tapu,” by J. C. Williamson and Ar'/har Adame, : music by Alfred Hill, will be staged. . . Bean’s Waxworks and Vaudeville. Company are still attracting crowds to the Choral Ha’). A beauty show took Place on Tuesday night last, and Oh i n was funny, five competed,, and a gold watch was I Lo prize. These competitions are onr of sight. / ■ ■

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE.

“SHEKLOOK HOLMES ” The splendid reception accorded Mr J. C. Williamson's Dramatic Company at His Majesty’s Theatre on Monday night showed the reputation that had come ahead of the company, was of the right colour, and fully endorsed by the large audience assembled And as to the play itself, the verdict was a unanimous one. “Sherlock Holmes” only adds to the reputation Mr Williamson already enjoys of providing something that will be of the best of its kind. For the space of three hours the vast audience followed breathlessly the many thrillingly interesting episodes that unfold, one after the other, in the course of the play, and the greatest lover of sensationalism must have been satisfied. Novel, and' very effective results are obtained by the' complete darkening of the theatre prior to the raising of the curtain, which one does not see go up, the gradually-in-creasing light when switched on disclosing at once the scene and dramatis personae.. Such attention to details, with most effective mounting, all help the final result. The plot of the drama is curious, and, of course, improbable, but to judge such a character as Sherlock Holmes or such a play as this by a standard of probability would be to spbil all enjoyment; Thestory deals with a hitherto unpublished episode in the career of Sherlock Holmes — namely, f- The Strange Case of Miss Faulkner.” To sum this up -shortly, we are introduced in the opening scene to a lady and gentleman, Madge and James Larrabee, who are busy trying in vain to open a safe to secure documents which belong to Miss Faulkner, whom, in the guise of her friends, they have induced to reside with them, in the hope of securing these papers f:om her. She obstinately declines to give them up, however, and has begun to grow suspicious of the pair. The papers are valuable to Mr and Mrs Larrabee as a means of levying blackmail on a titled foreign family, a member of which had compromised himself by writing them to Miss Faulkner’s sister, whom he ddserted, and who had died subsequently. Sherlock Holmes is employed by a member of this family (Count voh Stalourg) to recover these documents. Around this complication the plot circles. Mr Hastings, who takes the name part, throws in human nature to its tulj extent, and makes the part powerful by his quiet forcilbe, restrained interpretation of it; devoid of any apparent effort at effect, it thence derives half its effectiveness The actor. had the whole sympathy of the audience all through, and his progress through the piay strfetive applause. Much credit must be

given to Mr J. B. Atholwood, "who in Professor Moriarty gave one of his very powerful old-man character impersonations. As James Larrabee, Mr Hamilton Stewart. made an entirely satisfactory heavy villain on orthodox lines. , A humorous part is taken by Mr Edmund Gwenn as Sydney Prince, a young cracksman and tool of Larrabee’s and he acts extremely well. As Dr. WatsOn Mr F. Hare made the most of his part. Mr T. W. Lloyd, as Benjamin Forman, in the secret service of Sherlock Holmes, was also quite satisfactory, and quite special credit must be awarded to the playing of the rather comical part of Billy, boy servent to Holmes, by Master Hedge Carey, whose natural boyishness was quite refreshing. Miss Mabel Lane, as Madge Larrabee, has the most important lady’s role, and showed herself to be a clever actress. Miss May Chevalier was very successful in the part of Miss Faulkner. Miss Minnie Terry’s Therese (a French' Maid) was artistically commendable. The other characters were all well taken, and the play going throughout with an eveness and smoothness which was quite refreshing, and as the lights faded on the last scene the loud and long applause testified as to the appreciation of the large audience assembled. ' '

STAGE DOOR NOTES.

Madame Melba has started her New Zealand tour. “ Sherlock Holmes ” is drawing large audiences at His Majesty’s Theatre. • . • . • - • ■ ■ • Miss Fitzmaurice Gill’s Dramatic Company appear in New Plymouth this week, and tour through to Wellington. 1 , > . ' ' • ’ Good programme'and new faces at the City Hall this week . • ' • • , Mr H. G. Barnes is due in town on Monday to prepare for Madame Melba’s visit'.

Mr Tait sends word stating that Mdlle, Dolores, who has had a magnificently' successful Australian tour, will leave, Sydney for Auckland on March 11th, where her farewell tour of New Zealand will be commenced, Three concerts will be given in /the Choral Hall, Auckland, on. March IBth, 19th and 20th, and Mdlle. Dolores will afterwinds visit the chief towns of the colony, -levying Auckland for Honolulu on 17 th en route to San Francisco, where : shewill recitals, The * talented vocalist, will afterwards tour British Cplumlnt 'Neis-. York, - > for Euxopm.in ■ July.

HISS FITZMAURICE. GILL’S DRAMATIC COMPANY.

Miss Fitzmaurice Gill and. ner good all round Dramatic Company concluded their Auckland season at the Opera House on Saturday night. Mr Abbott should be proud of the record put up by Ulis young ©nd newly, organised company. The long run of some of her pieces speak well for the future of the tour. “Man to Man" was played for eight nights,. “Harbour Lights” for seven nights, the other plays produced here were “Work and Wages.” “East Lynne” and “Dr Bill,” all drawing large houses and appreciative audiences. The Company are now appearing in the Taranaki district, playing at New Plymouth, Stratford, Hawera, Wanganui, Feilding, Palmerston North, Masterton, Dannevirke, Hastings, in order —Wellington, March 19 to April 9 ; Christchurch, April 11. to 25 ; Ashburton April 27 and 28 ; Timaru, April 29 and 30 ; Oamaru, May 1 and 2, and Dunedin, May 4 to 14.

THE THORNTON COMRDY COMPANY.

Frank Thornton and his talented company brought the Auckland season at His Majesty’s Theatre to a close on Friday with the charming comedy “ Sweet Lavender ” before a large house. Mr Thornton was called before the curtain several times at the close of’ the performance, receiving applause and cheers from his patrons, who were many.

DIX’S GAIETY COMPANY

The City Hall presents an animated scene every eveaing. Quite a boom is on with the Gaiety Company. Mr Dix is providing an extra strong programme, of which the people’s favourite, Frank Yorke, heads the list, and receives an immense ovation each evening. Miss Annetta Bodin made her re-appearance on Monday evening, receiving a cordial welcome. Mr Frank Graham charms the audience with his superb singing. The ballet of statues, with its effective music and brilliant limelight effects, is quite a feature of the programme, and never fails to win the admiring applause of the onlookers. The clever dancing and tuneful singing by the Sisters Smith, the Sisters Gilardi, and the contributions of the other members of the company all combine to make an excellent programme of pleasing variety.

A very interesting scene took place on the stage at the Opera House after the conclusion of the performance of “Harbor Lights” on Friday evening last. All the ~ of Miss Gill’s Dramatic Company were summoned to turn up on the

stage when the curtain fell after - the last act, when all had assembled, Mr Blake announced on behalf of Miss Fitzmaurice Gill and the managerial staff, that he wished to make a small recognition of the services rendered by the company by Mr James McDermott, Mr Abbott’s manager in charge of the Opera House, ; and the courteous manner in winch the members had been treated by the management. Mr Blake in a few well chosen words thanked Mr. McDermott and presented him with a handsomely framed and illuminated address signed by Miss Fitzmaurice Gill, Mr Charles Blake, - Mr Geo. Abbott, Mr. Leo DeChateau, stage manager, Mr.. Laurence, treasure, Mr. Walter Monk, . advance agent, and Mr. W. Diamond, seanic artist. Miss Fitzmaurice Gill also thanked Mr. McDermott personally for the work and interest he had shown and taken in the Company and production, presenting him with- a gold and silver cigarette case, suitably engraved. Mr. McDermott evidently taken by surprise, thanked Miss Gill, Mr Blake, and the others for their presentation and their good wishes. Mr. Blake called for three cheers for their guest, .which were given with much heartiness, the whole company singing, “ For he's a Jolly Good Fellow. '- It is pleasing to note the good-fellowship and interest taken by the management of Theatres with visiting companies. * * * ❖ Madame Melba was to have started her New Zealand tour at Dunedin last night, an event for the annals of the colony’s musical world. The diva’s concert party consist of Miss Llewella, Madam's own accompanist, Herbert Stoneham, flautist; Signorina Sassoli, harpist ; Miss Elva Rogers, contralto : Mr Walter Kirby, tenor. Madame Melba will give two concerts in Auckland on March 2 and 5 at Opera House, the prices of admission have been fixed at one guinea and half guinea. O «> © <5 Our Christchurch theatrical correspondent writes .—“ The benefits to P. R. Dix at the Opera House last night (Thursday) proved a bumper,' most of the artistes appearing being members of Will Jameson’s clever ‘ Entertainers,’ including the redoubtable “ Musical Tramp.” John Fuller was announced to sing, but was still suffering from the effects of mal-de-mer, and quite unable, consequently, to warble. However, a strong bill was presented, and P.R. made a speech, which was very heartily applauded. . . Will Jameson’s 1 Entertainers ’ are proving worthy of their name at the Oddfellows’ Hall. Crowded houses all the time. They may go on tour ere very long, and are sure of big business every-

where. Meantime the Oddfellows’ Hall show is a very might and jolly one. Lois of fun, a commendable absence of vulgarity and popular prices. Good Duetto you, Will Jameson I. . . . Fitzgerald’s Circus opens here on Monday (16th), and if all I hear is true, is likely to do booming business On Thursday (19th) the Hawtrey Comedy Company commenced a welcome return season at the Royal, when Burnand’s latest London success, “ The Lady of Ostend,” will be produced. Mr ,R. Bentley Young is acting as the Company’s representative. . . To-morrow (Saturday) Frank M. Clark’s Gaiety Burlesque Company re-opens at the Opera House with Frank’s latest, ‘ On the Tiles.’ ” Will Danvers, of the firm of Danvers and Bennett, theatrical advertising agents, of Auckland, has left for the South to produce the programmes for Miss Fitzmaurice Gill’s Dramatic Company during the Southern tour. « The Welcome Home Social tendered to Mr J. J. O’Brien by the New Zealand Natives Association on Friday evening was in every way a very pleasant function. The Hom T. Thompson was voted to the chair, and kept the fun going fast and furious. The speakers were in happy moods, and the musical portion was considerably above the average. The following toasts were honoured : —“ The King,” proposed by the Chairman ; “ The Governor,” Mr Baume ; “ Parliament of New Zealand,” Mr Leyland, replied to by Messrs Baume and Lawry ; “ Mr O’Brien,” proposed by Mr Ralph Potter ; “ Old Chums,” Captain Wood, replied to by Mr Lorrigan ; “ The Chairman,” proposed by Mr W. 11. .1. Bennett. Songs and recitations were given by the following gentlemen ■: —Messrs Armiger, Lewis, McCulloch, W. Dean, Mays, Stacpole, Skerritt, Lu udon and W. FI. J. Bennett. Mr Purcell played the accompaniments, and Mr Eager introduced some good gramaphdne selections. * * . . * Palace Theatre. —“ The Geisha ” had an enthusiastic reception, on its reproduction by Mr. J. C. Williamson, and will no doubt, draw bumper houses during its limited run. Theatre. Royal.—Mr, George Musgrove’s production of “ The Fortune Teller ” overflows with good things. Both the book and music are capita], while the latter has the advantage of being interpreted by such finished artists as Mdme. Slappoffski and Mr. Lempreire Pringle. The staging is on a very high scale.. Tivoli Theatre. —The latest attraction at the Tivoli is Mr G. W. Hunter, who made his re-appearance yesterday afternoon, after an absence of some three years. The comedian and racontant had a number of

new songs and very funny stories, and his turn went admirably. Spry and Monti again appeared, for a limited number of nights, and fired some original gags in their specialty act. The other contributors included M. Jacques Indaudi, Mr. J. W. Winton, Prof. McCann, Mr. Wallace Brownlow, Miss Pearl Lovell, Miss Malvena Moore, and Little Eileen Capel. Lyceum Theatre. —When a piece runs six weeks it may safely be taken for granted that it possesses claims above the average, and therefore, it is almost superfluous to again refer to the qualities to be found in “ The Breaking of the Drought,” which-was witnessed last week, when it entered upon its seventh week by , a crowded house. . Criterion Theatre. —At the Criterion “ The Lady Barmaid ” commenced its second week last night. The spirited playing of Mr Sheridan, ( Miss Celia Mavis, and those associated with them, together ydth the fine ballets arranged by Miss Minnie Hooper, ensured for the musical comedy a cordial reception. Next week Mr John J. Sheridan will revive “Fun on the Bristol." A strong company is being got together in Rotorua, and will give an exhibition of Maori hakas and poi in Auckland next month if a suitable hall can be obtained.