ALIDA LOMAN CONCERTS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVI, Issue 917, 3 October 1907, Page 17

ALIDA LOMAN CONCERTS.

On Monday next Auckland music-lov-ers are promised a treat when Madame Alida Loman and Company appear al His Majesty’s Theatre under the mtro duction of Herr Benno Sherek. Madame Loman is a lyric sopranno from Amsterdam, and from private sources I have heard that her songs in English, French, German, Italian and Dutch are delightfully p’quant, charming and musical; in fact, it is asserted with emphasis that Madame is another Dolores with the chic of the foreign artiste added to the tempramental genius of the British star. She will be supported by Mdlle Teresita (solo pianist), a talented daughter of Madame Carreno, the celebrated pianist who visited Auckland a short time ago; Mr. Eustace Blois, a sweet tenor, who is a pupil of Bouhy and Charles Santley; and Herr Sherek, who will act as musical director and accompanist. I feel sure that I am not making a mistake in saying that these concerts will be of the most enjoyable ever presented in New Zealand.

Mr. Claude Bantock, one day last week was certainly not in the humour to sustain the good fellowship that marks his character of Dr. Bryne in “The Dairymaids” (and it may also be said in private life also). On returning from the important function of the bath one morning He found that some scoundrel, lost to all sense of decency, had deprived him of all his portable valuables—ring, medallion, watch and sovereign case were removed, and the empty case is all that Mr. Bantock has to remind him of his vanished property. What galled him more than anything was the fact that on the night of the robbery the thief was in all probability enjoying the performance, having paid for his seat with his ill-gotten gains. Colonel W. S. Hayes died recently in Kentucky. He wrote the original words of ‘‘Dixie,” ‘‘Molly Darling,” “Keep in de Midd’e of the de Road,” and “De Old Log Cabin down de Lane.” * * * * Mr. Claude Bantock has achieved a new fame in consequence of the theft which deprived him of most of his portable property a few days ago. Not only has ; his little adventure been described at length in the daily press, and his remarks thereon reported verbatim, but a Melbourne weekly has cartooned him in the most unconventional costume — strings of pearls and medallions to wit—sitting in his bath his tendency to “adipose deposit” be’ng most unkindly suggested. One thing that the loss has done for him. however, is to give him further proof of the goodwill of his friends who clubbed toge her and presented him with a gold watch chain and sovereign case to take the place of the ones he had lost. The case wore the words “To Banty from his pals, No. 9, Nine Quid.” The last four words refer to a chain of curious coincidences which have altered Mr. Ban ock’s ideas with regard to unlucky numbers. His case, which contained 9 sovereigns, was stolen from his room ■No. q) at the hotel at 9 o’clock on the 9 h September. “I’m not shying off 13 any longer,” said Mr. Bantock in comment on the coincidence. * ■ • The sporting idea that everyone should be given a run for his money has, no doubt, something to do with the success of “Raffles” at the Princess Theatre, Melbourne, judging by the remark of a gallery boy as he left the theatre the other evening: “Blime, ” he remarked to the flamboyant young lady with him, “that’s the first bloomin’ play I’ve seen where the bloomin’ ourglar gets off.” And, though doubtless in more refined language, the same sentiment finds expression in the circle and stalls when the amateur cracksman dashes through the grandfather’s clock and escapes, while the detective and his men pound at the door of the room into which he has so cleverly trapped them. ■ Mr. Julius Knight has made a new , Reputation for himself in the role, and the play is being rece ved with every mark of appreciation at each performance. “Monsieur Beaucaire,” which is Mr. Knight?s “Sunday” will follow, and then comes ' “Brigadier Gerard,” ;

Katherine Brook, an English actress, who recently arrived in Sydney, joined the Meynell and Gunn No. 2 Company for its New Zealand tour. * * * * In connection with the run of “The Dairymaids” the management at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne, have instituted a Limerick competition, thereby discovering about 1000 budding, or perhaps aspiring poets, in the State of Victoria. They were asked to supply the fininshing line to — There was a young- maid of the dairy, Who boasted a taste literary, To poetry she turned Which she wrote as she churned, Replies simply poured in, and some of the efforts were screamingly funny, notably those who in all seriousness (theycame from dairying districts most of them) wrote to point out that she could hot possibly do the two things at the same time. References to little Mary, Fairy and Canary were perhaps the most favoured, but many made wild efforts to rhyme Lauri with dairy, and one genius thought Bantock the nearest approach to the rhyme. The winning line was— Till the boss thundered out “ Cheese it, Mary.” But in point of originality the lady who volunteered the statement “That she’d like to see Melba a dairymaid,” as her contribution, was a good way ahead of the rest. • • • • Perhaps the most important engagement (within recent years at any rate) that Mr. J. C. Williamson has made is that of Miss Margaret Anglin, with whom he has just completed arrangements in London for a tour of Australasia under his direction next year. He has been anxious for some time to secure her, and their meeting in London a few weeks ago when the lady was on her way to Paris for a holiday, clinched matters. Miss Anglin is admitted on all sides to be the most powerful emotional actress of to-day in the United States, and dramatic reviewers over there constantly ■ refer to her as the Duse of America. For her Australian tour she has already selected a most attractive repertoire, and she will be supported by a special company, the principal members of which she will herself choose. » * * * Melbourne has been treated to an interesting little bit of “friendship” between famous persons during Madame Clara Butt’s stay in the city. Madame Melba, who is spending her holidays out here with her son and daughter-in-law, has been at three or four of her concerts, her appearance there Being always noted by the audience, who have applauded her appearance with/ genuine enthusiasm. She has sent the great contralto some 'ovely flowers, has always “gone behind’’ to congratulate her, and both in pubi c and private has made herself most charming to the visiting diva.

In order that Miss Maud Hildyard may be seen in another of her successful creations, despite the curtailment of the season, the management will stage “A Beautiful Fiend” for the two last nights of the season, viz., Friday and Saturday. In this , play Miss Hildyard will appear in her original part of Wanda Lubinoff, a role played by her continuously for the past enight years. * * * * . Additional proof of the immense popularity Madame Clara Butt has achieved in the thoughts of the music-loving public of Melbourne is afforded by the circumstances surrounding the extension of her concert season there. At first Messrs J. and N. Tait thought that one extra concert would be enough, and fixed it for Saturday evening last. But the way in which the public “rushed” the box-plan soon convinced them to the’ contrary, and another evening concert was added for Tuesday (September 2), while a day or two later arrangements were made for a final matinee on the Thursday afternoon. The former matinee on Thursday last week it may be mentioned was the most largely attended afternoon performance that has ever been seen in the Town Hall, and both in number and enthusiasm exceeded many an evening func tion. * * * * Miss Maud Hildyard and Company will conclude a highly successful Auckland season on Friday and Saturday, October 4 and 5, with the powerfully dramatic Russian drama “A Beautiful Fiend.” The part of Wanda Lubinoff, 1 a Russian spy, played by Miss Hildyard, is said to be the best amongst the famous star’s roles. The play itself is said to simply bristle with sensations, whilst it tells a potent dramatic story of human :mpulse. When staged in Sydney the production created a tremendous sensation, coming as it did at the height of a nationalist Russian intrigue. Apartfrom the melodramatic excitement the play affords, a charming and intensely human story of love and romance finds I its way into the plot. A tense excite-; : ment is said to reign from curtain rise I to fall. The dashing sleighs with their horses and bells, the tramp of soldiers, the martial atmosphere, and, withal, the sinister political intrigue of the Russian Court lend a remarkable zest to the play. The company leave for South by the Rarawa on Sunday. * * * * A portrait of Mr. H. W. Varna appears in this issue. Mr. Varna is at present in Auckland as stage manager for the Maud Hildyard Company. Previous to this Mr. Varna will be remembered as stage manager for -.he KnightJeffries Co. in such plays as “Monsieur Beaucaire,” “The Darling of the Gods,” “A Royal Divorce,” “The Sign of the Cross.” For many years he was stage manager for Berbohm Tree at His Majesty’s Theatre, London, and was concerned in many notable produc’-ions.

Amongst “items” already announced for Mrs. T. Fitzgerald’s circus are Bob and Pipp, Swiss clowns; Roma and Riano, comedy bar performers; and a big living statuary turn. *'' * ♦ That “The Dairymaids” has made an unequivocally favouraole impression upon Melbourne playgoers is proved not only by the great audiences which have thronged Her Majesty’s every evening since the opening night, but also by the almost continuous laughter and applause that follow the course of the farcical musical play from the crowded benches of the theatre. And the reception is not to be wondered at for all the elements that go to the making of a ■lyric success are included in its composition—a merry little plot, a happy dialogue, amusing incidents, taking melodics, completeness of mounting and general ensemble (in which latter departments indeed a long way ahead of the London production). Add to this the great novelty of the gymnasium scene, the excellent training manifested by the participants in it as well as the fact that the principals, old and new, of the Royal Comic Opera Company, have seldom if c ?r been so happily distributed ■through .I.s long cast with its numerous comedy characters, ana the present and future popularity of “The Dairymaids” can be readily understood. The Besses o’ the Barn Band said farewell to Australia in three recitals at the Sydney Cricket Ground on September 25 and 28—afternoon and evening in the latter case.

Gerge Robey, the clever London comedian, who is due in Australia under engagement to Mr. Harry Rickards in December next, is only able to play a ten weeks’ season, owing to prior bookings. * * * ' Crimmins and Gore, who appeared in Australia under Rickards’ management, have signed a five years’ contract (says the New York Clipper,”) to star in the musical attraction, “A Warm Match.” They will first tour the principal States of America, and afterwards show in New Zealand and Australia. * * * * No actress would wish for a better experience than has fallen to the lot of Miss Beatrice Irwin, who made such a successful first appearance in Australia in “Raffles” at the Princess Theatre, Melbourne, on Saturday evening (September 14), and anyone with less than half her temperament and sensibility could not fail to profit by it. Both .Sir Hejnry Irving and Sir Charles Wyndham, masters of comedy and tragedy respectively on the English stage, are esponsible for her technique. She toured through the United States with the former, playing Annette in “The Bells,” and Jessica in “The Merchant of Venice,” while with the latter she played in his greatest success “Mrs. Dame’s Defence” (assuming the title role during the illness of Miss Mary Moore). In addition to this she laid the foundations for her career in the French Academy—where she graduated in the school of

acting while she has spent some time in the study of the German and Italian schools. Charles Frohmann has always regarded her as a valuable personage to have in his companies, and not only sent her to South Africa with one of them, but also engaged her to play with William Gillette in one of h’s New York seasons at the Broadway Theatre—and Gillette is the leading exponent of the repressed school that is so essentially a modern development of the stage so that Miss Irwin can lay claim to having had a wide range both of characters and schools. With all this she combines a very attractive personality, a capacity for emotional interpretation, a taking style and a general finish which indicates that she will rise high in her art. * * * * Mr. Andrew Mack is still meeting with marked approval from Sydney audiences, and each fresh revival is received with enthusiasm by large houses. Indeed, Sydney seems to have decided to vie with Melbourne in showing appreciation of the popular Irish comedian.

In Sydney this week preparations for “Brewester’s Millions” will commence in earnest. The scenery for the production is well in hand, and special attention is being paid to the great naval effect of the third act, which will be one of the chief features of the play, which is to be produced on October 12. * * * * Re Price and Revost at the Tivoli, Sydney: In the New York stage papers it is announced that Rice and Prevost are appearing in a humorous acrobatic turn at Hammerstein’s Paradise Gardens, and seem to be a big feature. * * » - Fred Rivenhall, the Australian comedian, has made a big hit at the Metropolis Roof Garden, New York. Freddy is a New Zealander. * * * * The popularity in which Mr. Andrew MacCunnn is held by members of the Royal Comic Opera Company found ex pression on Friday night last when he occupuied the chair for the last time prior to his departure for England. After the performance of “The Dairymaids” the whole company assembled on the s<age of Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne, and, with Mr. Gerard Coventry as spokesman, presented him with a handsomely fitted traveling bag as a token of . their collective goodwill, while individual membersl of the company, as well as sections of the chorus, supplemented the general present with par-i ticular ones. Mr. MaaCunn, in returning thanks, indicated that he would return to Australia, wfiere he had spent many happy months, in the near future. H s successor, Mr. Howard Carr, took up his duties last week. •♦* * »

Among many good bits in the great gymnasium scene of “The Dairymaids,” one of the best is a most vigorous boxing match, which never fails to catch the eye and the taste of the audience. The contestants are Miss Lily Moore and Miss Grac e Rees, and it is somewhat of a coincidence tha. the former is a sister of Miss Carrie Moore, who made her first London success in the same p : ece so that her younger sister is keeping up the reputation of “The Dairymaids” as a mascotte to the Moore family. Mr. Tom Wootwell will show in South Africa this coming Christmas, and for the following one, 1908, he has been reengaged for Australia by Mr. Harrv Rickards. * * * x An English exchange says: “Mr. Archie Carew, the aerial performer, paid a flying visit to Maidstone.” Quite the proper thing to do.

My Christchurcn dramatic correspondent writes: — The Willoughby-Ward Co. has got hold of a money-maker in “Mr. Hopkinson,” which has been attracting full houses at the T.R. here since tne opening night. The plot is not remarkably original, dealing as it does with the adventures of an obscure clerk whoi suddenly, finds himself possessed Of a year. “Mr. Hopkinson,” the individual in question, finds a most able exponent in Hugh Ward, while Mr. Willoughby as the “Earl of Addngton,” is also distinctly good. Miss Palotta as the “Duchess of Braceborough,” is rather out of her element, but Miss G. Scaife as Hopkinson’s .mash ’ in the days of his poverty, is simply splendid. “Mr. Hopkinson is a character-part requiring careful handling. An indifferent artist would be sure to over-colour and thus spoil it. But Mr. Ward,, although he is careful to let us see what a very plebeian person the amusing ex-bookkeeper is, scrupulously avoids exaggeration. The piece is we'lmounted and well advert’sed. But Edwin Geach is a past-master at that game. The next production, “The New Clown,” is to be staged on Saturday. Miss Louraine Tansley, with her pretty illustrated songs, and Mr. Vai. Newton, a k ar j tone of considerable merit, are the reigning stars at Ful’er’s Opera House just now. This popular place of amusement continues to draw packed houses n ffhtly. . . . Albani “farewells” here on Monday.