THE STAGE

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XV, Issue 881, 24 January 1907, Page 16

THE STAGE

(By “ Footlight.”)

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE.

“THE LITTLE STRANGER.” In reviewing a piece of the nature of “The Little Stranger,” it is a little difficult to know what to say. Of course it is an easy matter to go into panegyrics and ladle out the praise to all concerned, but this method is somewhat unfair to the actors, and is even more so to the reading public. There is, however, the danger of being too critical, and in finding the plot rather feeble, and the dialogue far from smart. Pure farcical comedy shou’d not be considered too closely. It is intended to cause a laugh, and if it succeeds in this then its mission has been accomplished. Judged by this standard “The Little Stranger” was a complete success, for the laughter was almost continuous, while Willie Parke held the boards. The plot, or what passes for such, has already been given in these columns, and it is therefore unnecessary to repeat it. It contains a slap at the fads of society, with a sort of “vice versa” flavouring, and the result is not very convincing, but like the curate’s egg it is good in parts. Those parts are when the boy Parke is on the stage, for all the fun revolves round him. When he is absent matters are apt to drag, for some of the subordinate characters are not a little tiresome. Willie Parke, as Tom Pennyman, the midget who changes place with the real baby of the piece, and thus causes consternation in the household, is a genuine comedian who works hard to keep things moving. Furthermore, he appears to enjoy the fun himself, which is a refreshing change from those socalled comedians who get through their business as though they wanted it l o be over. Next to Willie Parke comes Mr Harry Hill, whose representation of Paul Vronsky, chief of a sect yclept “The Soul Hunters,” is a clever character study, one of this ta'ented actor’s best b : ts of work. Mr H. Halley is amusing enough as Sir George Peacock. Mr James Lindsay gives a brisk rendering of the role of the Hon. Alec Howard. The ladies are somewhat weak, Miss Violet. Dene as Mrs Allenby, and Miss Guilford-Quin as the nurse being the best, the latter’s indeed, be : ng a clever bit of work. As a curtain-raiser there is a one-act comedietta -entitled “Wig and Gown.” It is a somewhat weak playlet which Messrs Hawthorne and Devere'l, and the Misses Dene and Russe'l try hard to make amusing without any great measure of success. This hot weather the class of play to succeed is one which does not need any study, but only is there to ra : se a laugh. Of such a kind is “The Little Stranger,” the last performance of which will be given this evening, so playgoers have but this opportunity of seeing it.

MR. J. C. WILLIAMSON’S ROYAL COMIC OPERA COMPANY. The coming of Mr J. C. Williamson’s celebrated Royal Comic Opera Company to Auckland is looked forward to with the keenest interest and enjoyment. The combination commenced their New Zealand tour at Wellington on Boxing Night, and the season in that city, which terminated last Friday, has been an unparalleled triumph from start to finish. The box office takings and receipts, it is stated, have eclipsed all the previous records of Mr Williamson’s theatrical enterprises in Wellington. The Auckland season, which is to extend over 20 nights, will embrace two new musical plays, “The Orchid” and “The Cingalee,” besides which there will be revivals of the ever-popular opera “A Country Girl,” and Audran’s world-famous comic opera “La Mascotte. ” The great London Gaiety Theatre success, “The Orchid,” which is to be the opening production of the season on Friday, charmed London for many months. It has also been played in America and in South Africa with phenomenal success. In Australia Mr Williamson has found it the most attractive musical production he has had for a very long time. The best evidence of this is that Over 160 consecutive performances took place in Sydney, Adelaide, and Melbourne alone. It is to be a very gorgeous production, with magnificent scenery and

dresses. The latter created a sensation in London, and the Australian robes are said to be no whit behind them. The “book” teems with smart dialogue, and the music is bright, catchy and tuneful. Many of the members of the company will be quite new to Auckland audiences, whilst the familiar faces will doubtless receive a rousing welcome. That prince of operatic comedians, Mr George Lauri, is still with the company, and others we.l-known to us are Mr C. R. Bantock, the unctuous comedian, Mr Fred Leslie, the repiarkab’e acrobatic comedian, Miss Evelyn Scott, the clever singing soubrette, Miss Nellie Wilson, Miss Lybbis Caffyn, Miss Ida Barnard and others. Amongst the newcomers will be Miss C ara Clifton, a thoroughly experienced actress of the Nellie Farren school, who came to Australia with Mr George Edwardes’ London Gaiety Company, and was induced by Mr Wi.liamson to remain and jo’n the Royal Comic Opera Co. Miss Alma Barber, a contralto, who possesses a fine voice; Miss Connie Milne, a very bright, vivacious soubrette; Mr W. S. Percy, the clever young comedian ; Miss Olive Godwin, the handsome young soprano; Mr Arthur Crane, the

popular young baritone; and Mr John Ralston. The musical director, Mr Andrew McCunn, is a brother of the wellknown musician, Mr Hamish McCunn. Mr Henry Bracy will supervise the staging of the operas, and the famous Royal Ballerinas will be under the direction of Miss Minnie Everett. The box plan for the first six performances of “The Orchid” is now open at Wildman and Arey’s.

THE CAMPION BENEFIT.

A packed house assembled on Thursday night at His Majesty’s, on the occasion of a benefit given to Miss Gertie Campion, late of Pollard’s Opera Co., who, while touring South Africa, developed consumption, and returned to New Zealand. The dainty New Zealand actress has since been undergoing a prolonged treatment at the Cambridge Sanitorium, and no better evidence of the complete cure which has been effected can be wanted than the little lady’s own appearance. Miss Campion is now the picture of health and happiness. "Tier illness has been such, however, that a return to the profession where she earnt such popularity is impossible, and the motive of

Thursday night’s performance was to provide funds for Miss Campion’s establishment in business. The programme was a good one, and most of the items were encored. A pretty pianoforte duet, prettily played, was the “Marche Triumphale,” by Misses Gertrude Spooner and Madoline Webb. “Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes” was sung by Mr Abel Rowe in his usual pleasing and effective style, and received an encore. Miss Ivy Alison deserved the reception following her rendition of “Listening,” and was the recipient of some pretty floral tributes. Mr O. E. Farrow has a very rich and pleasing vo : ce, which was heard to advantage in “Three for Jack”; he received a vociferous encore. “The Shepherd’s Cradle Song” was a pretty little song, prettily sung by Mrs Abel Rowe. There is no mistak'ng the popularity of Mr Hamilton Hodges, who was received with prolonged app'ause, and met with an encore for his singing of ‘Come Into the Garden Maud” (from the song cycle “Maud”). Madam Cecifa Staunton was accorded regular an ovation, and her interpretation of Tosti’s “Good-bye” was a revelation. Mr John Fuller was encored for his rendering of “Come Into the Garden Maud.” The

Ro'los scored highly with their quaint sketch “The Trouble of a Batchelor,” and were loudly applauded. Miss Gertie Campion was down on the programme for two items, but owing to the flood accidents on the line, she had to make the trip down the Waikato by boat, and only arrived in Auckland in time to prettily thank the audience before the curtain fell. Her place on the bill was filled by Miss Kitty Campion, whose singing and dancing was warm’y appreciated. The gem of the evening was a quartette “Beware,” by Messrs Abel Rowe, A. Fogarty, G. Bagnell, and O. E. Farrow. Mr L. Abrahams rather good in his Mel B. Spurr monologue “If we only Knew.” Master Freddy Byron, the Australian boy tenor, met with an emphatic reception, and deserved the encore he received. A full orchestra, under Mr S. Jackson, provided several spendid selections. As Miss Campion left the theatre she met with a further demonstration.

THE OPERA HOUSE.

FULLER’S ENTERTAINERS. This week several popular favourites are making their final appearance at the Opera House, and next Sat-

urday marks the advent of several new artists, notably Mr Fred H. Graham and M:ss Nellie Dent, the Four Rosebuds, and several others. The Rollos are at their best this week in a musical sketch “The Game of Life.” They are original, pleasing, and possess good voices; their appearance is not associated with comedy sketches of doubtful probity. A clever pair of artis.s, they provide the audience with a good healthy laugh and a musical treat. Miss Amy Blackie’s popularity never seems to wane, and her ballad singing always sends the house into rhapsodies. “Good-bye My Rosebud” is an especially pretty song, sung in Miss Blackie’s own sty e. Lesso and Roberts, the wonderful comedy ambidexterologists, continue to mystify the Opera House patrons with remarkable feats of strength and dexterity, intermingled with the comedy element. “The Friar of Orders Grey” suited the excellent voice of Mr A.

L. Cropp, and he received a deserving encore. The Lewis Sisters appear in a pretty double song and dance sketch, and are scor'ng rounds of applause nightly. Miss Lucv Lavinia, the delightful coon cantatrice, scores heavily with such songs as ‘Hello Litt’e Girl,*” “Rosy’s Cosy Bungalow,” and “Mamie Lady.” Little Eileen McLeod is a clever young artist, and her danc'ng is good. Miss Florrie Leigh receives a good reception as a serio singer. The comedy element predominates at the Opera House just at present, and Messrs Sam Wilson, Arthur Taucher, Andy Roberts and S ade Murray provide a miscellaneous programme of comical items. The Warwick Bioscope lends a further attraction to an already strong menu.

Auckland theatregoers are leal to old stage favourites. An absence of four years from before the footlghts has not sufficed to stamp out the memory of that dainty little operatic artist, Miss Gertie Campion. On Thursday night an enthusiastic crowd thronged His Majesty’s Theatre to the doors, anxious to welcome back to the light of the mummers’ world, even if only to the outer glim, the old Pollard Co. favourite. Mr Mabee, the energetic hon. secretary, tells me that the takings amounted to ;£i6B 5s 6d, which is, on the 3s, 2s, and is scale, a record for Auckland. The previous record was in connection with the “Stabut Mater” performance. Thursday night last saw eight rows of stalls reserved, and every seat booked. ns is the satis-

factory amount which will, be handed over to Miss Campion as a result of the ver.efi.. ” * * * ♦ My Christchurch theatrical correspondent writesTheatre-going has been warm work of late in this dusty city of the plains, the nights having proved since my last, as hot as—the naughty word which rhymes with “bell.” Nevertheless and notwithstanding the Williamson Co. did splendid business right up to the end of the season, the final production, a dramatised vers on of Ouida’s wellknown “Under Two Flags,” drawing all the town to see. As the winsome “Cigaret e, ” Miss Ola Humphrey had rather a tough contract, the part being un.ike any of the others in which she has appeared here. Yet, so clever and versatile an art ste could hardly make a failure of any part, and her impersonation of “Cigaret e, ” was very far from a failure. Indeed in the scene with the Countess and in some other scenes her' acting was remarkably powerful, and she rich y merited the hearty app’ause which greeted her efforts. Mr Waldron, like his leading lady, was somewhat handicapped in having to play what was, if I am not mistaken, a rather uncongenial part. “Bertie Cecil” is, truth to te’l, a little out of his line. Still he contrived to make a good deal of a success of it. He is a remarkaby fine actor —good, like Miss Humphrey—in my part. But I do not think he appeared here to better advantage than in “The Squaw Man,” a piece which must create as great a sensation in

Auckland as it did here. The Company has now departed in quest of fresh laurels. The principals will not soon be forgotten here. . . I hear Mr Chas. Waldron is engaged to a Sydney girl of great personal attractions. This will be depressing news for the girls of Christchurch, 75 per cent, of whom are in love with him. . . On Saturday, 26th inst., the Macmahon Dramatic Co. open yet another campaign at the Christchurch T.R., with the alluringly, christened melodrama, “The Price of Sin.” The Co. is 28 strong, and as sinful pieces usually catch on here alright, it is tolerably safe to predict that the popular “Two Macs” will have a good time at the Gloucester-street house. The season will last nearly a month. . . We are promised a visit by the Brough-Flemming Co. They open at the Theatre Royal, February 25. . . The Anderson Co. have booked His Majesty’s from January 26 to February 7; but “Mike” Joseph wont business-manage this trip. He is too busy at Sydney “Wonderland.” We shall miss you Michael. Still, these trials have to be borne. . . John Fuller, junr., the popu lar pocket-edition of John Fuller, senr. (to whom my very best respects), is leaving shortly, as I daresay you know, for the grand “tower,” accompanied by charming Mrs John, junr. He puts in a month in Australia en route, to “pick up talent” for the N.Z. circuit, and sails for England, Home and Beauty, from the Vic. capital on March 5. Bon voyage! . . . Exhibition visitors, of whom this place is s ill full, flock to the Opera House nightly, and seem to entertain a very high opinion of that temple of • amusement. Just now Les Warton and Percy Denton

are the principal Fullerian stars here, and both of them are tremendously popular. But the Co. is a thoroughly good allround one. . . “Wonderland” still continues to form the principal attraction at the Exhibition, and the “Helter-Skelter” is one of the great attractions of “Wonderland.” Good news to learn that Fred H. Graham and Miss Nellie Dent will be back at the Opera House on Saturday for a long season. I am told by those who have seen it that their sketch “The Lady Typist” is about the best ever produced under the Fuller banner. • • • « Mr Mabee is to be warmly congratulated on the success attending the Campion benefit. As hon. secretary he worked like a Trojan for the good of the cause, the result being a record in every way. Messrs Abbott and Montague also lent assistance to help matters along. * * * * After an exceptionally prosperous tour of the colony, the MacMahon Dramatic Company intends revisiting Christchurch for a three weeks’ season, commencing at the Theatre Royal on Saturday, January 26. Several new- and powerful dramatic novelties will be presented in quick succession, the opening bill being the stirring London Adelphi success entitled “The Price of Sin.” • » * • A rumour made its appearance last week to the effect tha.t.Mr J.. C. Williamson intended to abandon active work in

“the very near future” (writes Mr George Tallis), and the announcement created considerable interest. But as Mr Williamson hastened to point out it was due to a misconception on the part of a Sydney interviewer who reported only half of what he said. He certainly remarked that after 45 years of a singularly strenuous life he felt that some relaxation was due to him in order that he might enjoy the rest and recreation to which the fruits of h’s labours entitled him. But at the same time he pointed out—and this was the unreported part of his conversation—that while his present partnership lasted he could not abandon the active pursuit of his profession, and did not intend to do so until all his business obligations had been fulfilled —and that would not be for some years yet. Consequent upon the rumour an amusing incident occurred, an enterprising land and estate agent se'zing the opportunity immediately to bring before Mr Williamson the exceptional advantages of a little place he had to dispose of. This farm, was of course gloriously situated, with the command of every sort of v’ew, and was moreover excellently suited for the requirements of a poultry farm. The peaceful contemplation of prize fowls it was urged, was the ideal method of spending the evenings of once declining days, and Mr Williamson was strongly advised to devote the rest of his life to such pursuits. » ♦ » * Mr J. C. Williamson :s anxious that Sydney playgoers should se« “Cigarette,” the dramatisation of Ouida s "Under Two Flags,” as soon as possible, and for that purpose he has secured the Theatre Royal in Sydney for a seven nig) ts season at

the end of March, the Waldron Humphries Company being brought back from New Zealand a week earlier in consequence. ** -* •»• Mr Julius Knight and his company should both reach Melbourne this week, the former via America and the latter by the usual route, and rehearsals will be at care begun with “Robin Hood,” the vovage out of course being devoted lv itr members to it.” perfecting <f he'r respective parts. Another play—’Ciaudion” —has been added to Mr Kn gh-’s repertoire, and this addition one cf the late Wilson Barrett’s favourite role?' will still further increase the variety cf the list, which now includes a classical drama, a romance of early English fife. a Napoleonic and a French • revolutionary piece and a modern society play—surely an excellent select’on, especially for such a versatile actor as Mr Julius Knight. * * * * Some exceedingly interesting particulars of his early life in the United States have just been given to the world by Mr J. C. Williamson, through the medium of an Interviewer in an Australian weekly publication. He was born in Pennysylvania in 1845, and when still a boy was prominent :n amateur theatricals passing from thence to the regular stage at the age of sixteen. It was a small company in Milwaukee that first had the benefit of h’s services—the said services induding three, to four parts a night, clerical work in the day and ass’stance to the stage

manager or the scene painter at odd times. In 1863 he achieved the Paradise of American actors—a New Vork engagement. It was not much at first, but lead soon afterwards to a much better one at Wallack’s Theatre, then the leading p'ayhouse in America. There he remained seven years playing all sorts of parts, chiefly dialect ones in all sorts of the better class- plays, and rising so rapidly in h s profession that in 1871 ( he was engaged as leading comedian to the Californian Theatre in San Francisco. After three years there he came on to Australia with his mascotte “Struck Oil,” and a repertoire,, and there he has remained ever since—and intends to remain for the rest of his life. - * C. M. McLe’lan, the American playwright,- who is the author of two such notable and widely different successes as “The Belle of New York” and “Leah Kleschna,” has just turned out another musical comedy, “Nelly Neil,” which is shortly to be produced at the London Aldwych. Several superior critics have spoken quite seriously to Mr McLellan, more in sorrow than anger, deploring his return to libretto after writing high-class drama. Mr McLellan has retorted that libretto writing is the most difficult of all classes of dramatic literature, pointing out that, while a score of first-class writers of serious drama have come to the front during the past twenty years, there has been but one satisfactory librettist, W. S. G lbert. * * * * In the matter of striking titles, a London author of melodrama has outdone his rival’s effort of “The Worst Woman in London” by making another called “The Ugliest Woman on Earth.” At a recent sitting of the Southwark County Court, a hatter, who had permitted a woman, said to fit the description, to sit in his window to advertise the play, recovered ;£i2 from the owner of the Elephant and Castle Theatre for the hire of portion of h’s premises. * * * * The new dramatic company, which Mr Harry Rickards has formed, arrive by the Mongolia. The Australasian season opens in Sydney, at the Criterion Theatre, on 2nd February. The opening production wi’l be a fine drama, which has run for eight years, and is still running in England, entitled “Home, Sweet Home,” by Frank Lindo. Also in the repertoire are “A Modern Judas” and “The Spider and the Fly.” The new company is headed by Miss Lilian Hallowes, a fine all-round player—young, experienced and handsome. Mr Rickards is no stranger to dramatic business, steeped as he is in. vaudeville, for he ran, and successfully, the “Little Minister,” and London comedy companies.

“Mizpah,” the poetical play founded on the Hebraic narrative of Esther, by Ella Wheeler Wilcox and Luscombe Searelle, shortly to be produced in London, has appealed very strongly to the Jewish community in America. Congregations at the Synogogues have been urged from the pu'pit to witness the play, which they were assured was almost the only drama produced on the English-speak ng stage w’hich pourtrayed the true dignity of the race, instead of holding it up to scorn and ridicule. At the first performance of the drama in New York, at the close of a speech where Mordecai invokes Jehovah’s aid to succour his persecuted race, a tall, distinguished-looking Jew rose from the stalls and thundered out, “Send that message to Russia.” Messrs Macmahon’s Dramatic Company is playing a remarkably successful season on the West Coast. At Greymouth, Hokitika and Reefton the business has been exceptional, the theatres in each instance proving inadequate to the accommodation of the crowds that nightly thronged to the various performances. It was the company’s fourth Christmas season : on the coast, and the financial and artistic result, from all accounts, is a record. “In Greymbouth” (says the “Argus”) “no fewer than seven distinctive dramatic productions have been staged in as many nights, and in no single instance has there been the slightest lacking in the excellent detail of the arrangements nor the faintest diminution of the great attendance of the public. The season altogether has been of a remarkable character, and has given grat’fication unbounded to thou- - sands of • theatre-goers from all .parts of Westland. ” •* **■* Advices to hand by last English mail go to show that Miss Amy Castles is still growing steadily in public favour. She is received everywhere with enthusiasm, and heralded as a second Jenny Lind. The Huddersfield “Examiner,” writing of the

th’rd subscription concert given in the Town Hall on 20th November, says:— “Certain’y Miss Amy Castles possesses a very beautiful voice, in purity, evenness, richness and elasticity, and her singing of Bemberg’s “Nymphes et Sylvains,” was a great achievement in artistic florid vocalisation and poetic expression.. She gave an exceedingly beautiful reading of Goring Thomas’s chaste song “Winds in the Trees,” and sang “One Spring Morning” (Nevin) with delightful brightness, blitheness and buoyancy.” The “Chronicle” says that Miss Amy Castles must now be regarded as a rising Queen of Song—that she combines with the rare power of Melba some of the delicacy of Patt : , whi'e her own striking personal charms are a great acquisition. Miss Castles’s engagements in every part of the kingdom speak eloquently of the hold she has taken of the great English public. * * * * “Sir Anthony,” the new play by Mr Haddon Chambers, has just been produced in New York by that fine actor and great Australian favourite, Mr Charles Cartwright. A theatrical cable credits a decided success to the new piece, which dea's with well-known phases of English suburban “society,” and is said to be most wittily written. Leopold Godowsky, who is playing in London again, is by general consent reckoned the most wonderful living pianist from the point of view of technique. Even Rosenthal can hardly perform such wonders. With wrists of steel he has fingers of velvet, and the brilliance of his execution is equalled only by the amazing delicacy and beauty of his touch. De Pachmann, himself so wondrous an executant, is only one of many famous pianists who have testified to Godowsky’s fabulous powers. “Godowsky,” he once declared in his whimsical way, “is the king of pianists—but I can play better.” That was his fun, however. De Pachmann has, in fact, confessed before now

that Godowsky’s Chopin studies are beyond him. Godowsky, who was born. in Wilna, is at home in every European capital, and has spent a good many years, too, in America, where he was director for some time of the Chicago Conservatoire. The musical play “The Dairymaids,” was played for the last time at the Apollo Theatre, London, on the Sth