The STAGE

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IX, Issue 679, 12 March 1903, Page 10

The STAGE

[Br

AMICUS.]

BOOKINGS. Opeba House, Auckland : March 16 to April 4—Hawtrey Comedy Co. April 6,7, and B—Westminster Abbey, Glee and Concert Party. April 10—Steele-Payne Bellringers. 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 Theatre, Auckland March 16 to April 4—Hawtrey Comedy Company. April 13 to May 12—Anderson’s Dramatic Company Opeba House, Wellington 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 30 —Hawtrey Comedy Company June 1 to 13—Rickards’ Company June 17 to July B—Musgrove Company Theatbe Royal, Chkistchuboh April 11 to 25—Miss Fitzmaurice Gill’s Company April 27 to May 9—Musgrove Company Pbincess Theatre, Dunedin Feb 14 to March 13 -Anderson’s Dramatic Company April 11 to 25—Musgrove Company May 4 to 14—Miss Fitzmaurice Gill’s Company Opeba House, Wanganui. April 11 to 18—Hawtrey Company June 6 to 10 —Musgrove Compat y June 18 to 20—Rickards’ Company Opeba House, Haweba. March 23 —Madame Dolores March 25 and 26—J. C. Williamson June 22—Rickards’ No. 4 Company Dix’s Gaiety Co. nightly at the City Hall. Auckland and Theatbe Royal, Wellington.

Managers and secretaries of theatres in New Zealand would do well to keep the list of booking that is published at the head of this column up to date. Unless the dates booked at the various theatres are sent regularly the object of the column is entirely useless. If posted regularly it would prove of great value to managers looking for dates in New Zealand, and would save much annrysnce and waste of time. A post-card or wire to “ Amicus,” “ Review/’ Auckland, will receive prompt attention.

Mr Grau has engaged Madame Patti for a six months’ tour in the United States. Sixty concerts will be given,. for each of which Madame Patti is to receive 5000dol. and an additional fifty per cent, of the receipts when the takings for a, concert exceed 7500d01. Ten thousand dollars are banked to bind the contract.

Mr Jack O'Sullivan, who was in town this week, informed me that the Pollard Company are at present playing in Dunedin, finishing their New Zealand tour on Saturday night, and leaving almost immediately for Hobart en route icr South Africa.

Miss Maud Tobias, who will make her debut in the oratorio of “ Stabat Mater,” to be performed at His Majesty's Theatre on Good Friday Night, is the adopted daughter of the well-known metallician, T. Tobias. This young lady, who is under the tuition of Madame Tree, has been pronounced by the best judges to be possessed of one of the finest mezzosoprano voices heard for some time. We understand Miss Tobias intends to visit Europe for the purpose of studying for grand opera. We wish her every success.

Cable news advises us that Mr J. C. Williamson has engaged Miss Ada Crossley for twenty-five concerts in Australasia, opening at Melbourne in August or September next. She will be accompanied by a first-class English company.

Auckland concertgoers are to have another musical treat. The fact that Mdlle. Dolores has arranged for three concerts at the Choral Hall on the 18th, 19th, and 20th inst. is causing considerable excitement in our musical circles.

Aucklanders will welcome the return, after a long absence, of the talented and musical artists, the Steele-Payne Family, who consist of Miss Lizzie Payne, Miss Maude Payne, Miss Kate Malter, Miss Agnes Rahilly. Mr J acmes Williams and Mr Ralph Steele. The company passed through Auckland on Monday on their way to Whangarei, where they give two concerts, and then start on a tour through the Waikato, returning to Auckland and opening at the Opera House on Good Friday evening. Mr R. T. Tregaski has again taken over she business of piloting this clever company on their tours.

Our Wellington correspondent writes, under date March 6th, that the season of Thornton’s, at the Opera House, is very consistently patronised by the comedyloving public, and they are not backward in giving vent to their feelings should the necessity offer, as it frequently does. Mr Frank Thornton and, his very clever company are giving some revivals that are very popular. ’‘Charley’s Aunt” followed “Facing the Music,” and it has been followed in turn by “Sweet Lavender.” Everything is going in first-class style. , The Williamson Coy. are doing fair business, but a bazaar almost next door is helping to attract any unwary passer-by by their very attractive display of feminine (youth and beauty) they call it. Of course the accommodation at the Theatre Royal has spoiled some very fine scenic effects, owing to the cramped size of the stage. . . . Montgomery’s Entertainers leave here to-day for the Kaikoura dis-

trict, where they open on Saturday, 7th inst. . . . Dean’s Waxworks, in their sixteenth week without a change of artist, is somewhat of a record for our city. The business done during this season has been excellent, and this week the management were fined five shillings for overcrowding, which is all the more a pity, as they are in their last nights. . . John Fuller ans Sons take charge of the Choral Hall next week, and open on the 14th inst. John Fuller, iunr., will probably take charge. . . . Edward S. Moulton, an entertainer, etc., will give an exhibition of his ability at the Exchange Hall on Monday next. An opportunity of hearing two of England's celebrated vocalists will be afi'ord-

ed at the Westminster Abbey Glee and Concert Party's performance on April 6, 7, and 8, at Abbott's Opera House, in the persons of Madame Marie Hooton, the eminent contralto, and the tenor, Mr Edward Branscombe, both of whom come to us with the very highest credentials. Madame Hooton, who in private life is known as Mrs Branscombe, eomin.>i!<ed her training at the Royal Academy of Music, where she was successful in carrying off the most important prizes and distinctions that fall to the share of lady vocalists at that famous institution. These include the Parepa Rosa Gold Medal, the Westmoreland Scholarship, and many others. Since her student days, Madame Hooton has been in constant request for all the important musical functions in Great Britain, and has, in addition, toured with most conspicuous success in South Africa, Canada, and the United States of America. The career of the tenor, Mr Edward Branscombe, has been in no whit less distinguished. As a student of the Royal College of Music, where he was contemporary with many Australian students, now well known, this gentleman has steadily risen in the ranks of English vocalists, and achieved a position in the Old Country which is attained by but few. For the past six months Mr Branscombe'has been directing the tour of the Westminster Abbey Glee and Con cert Party in America, where his refined and cultured singing has gained him a great reputation in that vast country, and resulted in a prolonged concert en- | gagement for 1903-4. '

As Mr J. C. Williamson holds the Australian rights for producing “ Zaza,” the piece will not be included in the repertoire of Mr George Musgrove’s English Comedy Company which visits New Zealand next month.

Mr Hawtrey's Company open with “ Lady of Ostend,” at His Majesty’s Theatre on Monday night.

Ihe Otago “ 'Witness' thus describes the plot of Mr Hill's new opera Th© scene of tht Maori epera ‘ Tapu ' is laid in the Hot Lakes country*. After a chorus of Maori maidens,, who are shewn weaving mats and baskets ni the foreground of the pa, Makutu enters. She is the Katisha of this opera—a Macri sorceress, whose chief ambition is to meet someone who is willing to marry her. Her solo, ‘ Nobody takes the chances/ is Makutu’s lament that her charms are neglected. There is another melodious gem here in the song ‘ A woman’s wistful heart,' with which Mara introduces herself. Mara is a young chieftainess, who, like Makutu, has ambitions on the subject of matrimony, and has become indifferent, therefore, .to the attentions of Tonga, a Maori chieftain, who appears resplendent in a kiwi mat and gorgeous head-dress of huia feathers and an amokura. .Mara and her lover having sung a charming duet— ‘ Life has little of laughter to give,’ a song with a note of pathos ingeniously changing to one of merriment

—the comedian akes his appearance. The comedian in ‘ Tapu ’ is I one George Wright, who is visiting New Zealand in the capacity of a delegate to promote the cause of federation with Australia, but unluckily for him, the gtiiless Maoris in the Hot Lak?s district mistake a wandering operatic singer for the federation delegate, and give the latter an enthusiastic greeting at the pa. The singer—by name J ohn Smith—and his prima donna, Fay Chrysalia, are members of a stranded company, and while they are giving a series of dramatic operatic recitals, Smith is taking the opportunity to recruit, from the natives of the Urewera country, undeveloped talent for the stage. Wright,, in the meantime, is condemned to be boiled alive, and to be served up for the wedding breakfast of John Smith, who is claimed by the law of tapu as the husband of Makutu. However, the ’ identity of George Wright is discovered to the Maoris, and Smith, for having masqueraded as the federation delegate, is promptly condeimned to the cooking-pot, only to be rescued at the last moment by Fay Chrysalia; the latter claiming the hand of the principal baritone by right of her position as prima donna.” The piece has been played with success in the Southern centres by the Pollard Opera Coy. # * # # ■■■ .

Our Christchurch Dramatic correspondent writes : —“ The Pollards have gone,, and we shall see them no more for many moons. I trust the South African venture may pan out all right. Anyhow, the Company is sure of a hearty welcomewhen it returns to Maoriland. .. . .The Hawtrey Company close their season tonight (Saturday) with “Torn, Dick, and Harry,” which scored such a success whenlast produced in Christchurch. -There is no better company travelling than Mr

Hawtrey's. Business has been good enough to warrant a return visit at no distant date. I don’t know whether the management will pay one, but I hope sc. . . . F. M. Clark is running twice aweek 6d ' pops ’ at the Opera 1 louse, but goes on tour with his company shortly. . . ~On Monday, 9th inst., Williamson’s Musical Comedy Company opens a brief season at the Royal, and will introduce the ‘ Circus Girl ’ at Christchurch. The popular Pete Hughes business .manages the show. . . . The Opera House reopens under John Fuller and Son’s management on March 14., when the Oswald Dramatic Company will produce the old favourite, ' The Ticket of Leave Man.’

. . . Mr George Dean, with his Royal Waxworks Show, opens at the Oddfellows’ Hall on March 17 for a season. Most of his Wellington company will travel with him, as well as several new specialty performers.” .

Mr- J. Ord Hume, the eminent composer of band music, speaking at the Adelaide Town Hall a few nights ago, said he would like to see more band competitions in Australia. He thought the public

should encourage bands more than they did. If second-hand instruments were imt ported there might be more frequent contests. The bands l of both Australia and New Zealand were far in advance of what he had anticipated. • There were three bands in Australia worthy of taking a foremost place amongst the leading bands of Britain. The New Zealand bands were oven slightly better. A regular coiltfet between Australia and New Zealand would improve band music. Australia should send a representative band to England next month to comoete against the crack bands of the Old Country, as New Zealand was doing. He was proud that he left Australia Without giving ofienct- to ,a single bandsman or sojnist. -f Referee”)

WILLIAMSON’S DRAMATIC COMPANY.

The successful seasan at His Majesty’s Theatre of Mr J. C. Williamson’s Dramatic Company was brought to a close on Saturday night with a noteworthy performance of Wilson Barrett’s and Bernard Espinard’s dramatisation of Hall Caine’s “ The Christian.” The theatre was crowded to excess, every part of the house being full, making a splendid and enthusiaistic send-off for the clever and popular company. The performance itself was exceedingly good. As John Storm, Mr Cuyler Hastings’ conception of the character was of sterling merit and ability, and as Glory Quayle Miss May Chevalier had a part which suited her to life, her portrayal of the part being perfect, and the applause she received at th end of each act showed • that the large audience fully appreciated her work. Miss Mabel Lane played with great charm and ability in the sweet role of Mrs Callen-

der, the kindly Scotch woman. Misses Florence Gleeson and Nina Herbert acted well as two lights of the music-hall world. Little Miss Lorking, in portraying the minor role of Nannie, did so with realistic art most praiseworthy in so young a performer. Miss Lillian Meyers was excellent as Polly Love. As Lord Robert Ure, Mr H. Hamilton Stewart played with natural force and ability. Mr J. B. Atholwood was a distinct success in the part of Canon Wealthy, showing the versability of this great character actor. The other parts were all well cast, and the mounting and staging came in for a deal of praise. The company left on Saturday night for Gisborne, where they play for a short season, afterwards working their way through the inland towns to Wellington.

THE HAWTREY COMEDY COMPANY

The return visit of Mr W. F. Hawtrey t with a first-class comedy company will be welcomed by local theatregoers. The season opens at His Majesty’s Theatre ‘on Monday evening next, when the company will introduce “ The Lady of Ostend,” a play new to Auckland, and wpll spoken of by Southern critics. Coming* from the pen of Sir F. C. Burnaud, the lately knighted editor of “ Punch,” something good may be expected, and judging from reports we are to have a rare treat. An exchange says that “ the comedy is one of the most laughable pieces ever produced in the colony, and ‘ The Lady of Ostend ’ is an admirably and cleverly written play. _ No effort of will is required to enable an audience to follow the perform-1 ance. Its action is so consecutive that the playgoer may abandon himself unrestrainedly to the simple pleasure of being amused over the troubles into which the indiscretions of Dick Whortles l lead him.” In the capable hands of Mr Hawtrey, Mr Gregan MacMahon, Mr Oily Deering, Miss Austin, Miss Bancroft, and others, who are well known here, the piece will be fully interpreted, and full justice will be given to all the parts. Although the season will be a short one, we anticipate a good one.

DIX’S GAIETY COMPANY

Dix’s Gaiety Company, at the City Hall, has the unique position of being the only place of amusement open in Auckland this week, and consequently the management are recording good business. The programme submitted is fully up to their usual merit of profiriency. Mr Frank Graham, the popular tenor, still continues to delight those present each evening, and earns loud and long applause for his songs. Miss Emmie Smith, in cleverly rendered coon songs, is adding further, laurels to her fame as a vaudeville artist. The comicalities of Mr Frank Yorke result in repeated laughter, the favourite comedian contributing the lion’s

share of the humorous part of the entertainment. The Smith Sisters and the Gilardi Sisters are seen in song and dance items, and Miss Annetta Bodin and Mr Geo. Gardner give pleasing turns, The ballet des froliques, prettily danced by members of the company, and funny sketches and farces complete an interesting bill.

STAGE DOOR NOTES.

Both Opera House and Theatre closed this week. Same old tale—either a famine dr a feast.

Air Frank Graham is still delighting the City Hall patrons with his splendid voice.

Miss Fitzmaurice Gill’s Dramatic Co. are scoring a big success in the inland towns'. “ Man to Man ” was voted by a Feilding paper to be “ the best production ever seen in that town !”

Miss Edith Blandc. who visited New Zealand several years ago with Mr Bland Holt’s Dramatic Company, was at latest advices touring the English provinces with “ The Worst Woman in London.”

Mrs Fanny Howie’s ;Te iLmgi Pai) career in England has bi.cn marked by several recent successes. >Jnc of her engagements was for a Brighton concert, where she sang oh the .<ame platform w th Misa Ada Crossley. Appearing when the concert was half through, Mrs Howie won the first encore of the evening by singing Francesca Rowley’s setting of ’’ Break, Break ” and Guy D’Hardelot’s “ The Dawn.” It was Te Rangi’s first appearance in Brighton.

Ernest Toy, the violinist, who was round here a couple of years ago, is about !o re-visit New Zealand at the head of a concert company.

Ernest Fitts, the popular baritone, who has been through this country many times and oft lately under P. R. Dix’s management, is how appearing with Rickards’ Company at the Bijou Theatre, Melbourne.

Wirth Bros.’ Circus, which is at present touring South Australia, is due to open in Melbourne in March.

Mr G. H. Barnes, who was acting aa advance agent for Mr Musgrove to pilot Madame Melba through the colony, has left for the South in order to take charge of Mr Musgrove’s Dramatic Company, which start their New Zealand tour in Dunedin on April 11. The company will include Miss Nellie Stewart, and many old favourites. Their principal’ piece will be “ Sweet Nell of Old Drury,” which has been making such a furore in the Australian theatrical circles.

The Wellington Dramatic Students are. now rehearsing Pinero’s celebrated fouract comedy “ The Times,” and will produce it for a season of three nights at' the Opera House, commencing on April 29.