HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVII, Issue 999, 29 April 1909, Page 16

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE.

“ THE GAY HUSSAR.” Most Aucklanders know “ The 1 eaGirl ; they are not, however, so well acquainted with its up-to-date presentation as “ The Gay Hussar,” although large crowds have nightly flocked to His Majesty’s to witness the very pleasing operetta which the Pollard Juvenile Opera Company staged for the first time on Saturday last, and which has since had a very successful run. As a result of the Thorough revision and overhauling " The Tea-Girl ” has undergone, it now ranks as one of the brightest musical plays yet staged in Auckland. The story around which the play centres is familiar enough to most of our readers, and although, as is usual in such plays, there is onlj' the flimsiest of attempts made to seriously connect the dialogue running through the book, the interest is well sustained until the finish. The juveniles certainly do credit to Mr. Pollard’s training. They respond readily to the demands made upon them, and both in song, dance, and dialogue do remarkably well. Those particular stars, Mr. Charles Albert and Master Bert Nicholson, are the life of the play, the former as the Hon. Rev. Algy and the latter as “ Bobs,” the soldier, servant to Capt. Clyde Burke (Miss Cissie O’Keefe), causing no end of fun by the extremely comic business for which they are cast. Mr. Albert's dancing is remarkable in its way, and the sight of a parson gambolling around on the stage in harlequinade fashion is specially diverting. Obviously the character presented is an impossible one, but that is the sort of thing one naturally looks for in musical comedy of this stamp. The inane laughter and silly interjections of the aristocratic and emptyheaded curate would provoke even the worst of all dyspeptics to laughter, but when added to this there is a real wealth of humour associated with the conception of the part, it is small wonder that Mr. Albert is so singularly successful in his efforts to please. Although suffering from a cold, Mr. Albert sang well, and was more especially successful in the number, “ The

British Aristocracy.” In the grotesque dance which followed, Mr. Albert fairly brought down the house. Master Bert Nicholson was ably seconded by Miss Ivy Aldous as Mary Louisy, a coster girl in kilts, who was as funny in her particular way as Master Nicholson in his, both throwing themselves freely into their parts, and playing with a vivacity and brightness that kept everyone bubbling over with merriment during their turns on the stage. Miss Cissie O’Keefe improves upon acquaintance. Her singing is really a feature of the performance. She was particularly good in the musical numbers, “My Colleen Asthore ” and “ Love that will last for aye.” The Sisters Topping filled the respective roles of Enid Marmont, Lord Cuilfail’s neice, and Numi-Numi very creditably. Miss Minnie Topping sang “Dear Land of Dreams ” and “ A Funny Little Way,” and Miss Ivy Topping, as the Japanese heiress, who, after flirting with Bobs, ends up by marrying the Hon. Rev. Algy, made the best of the opportunity afforded her, acting consistently well throughout the play. As the Buddhist priest, Mr. Johnson was good, and was recalled for his singing of “ The Priest of Japan.” Mr. Ernest Schatz made up well as Lord Cuilfail, the impecunious aristocrat, who desired his nephew, the Hon. Rev. Algy, to marry well because money was required in the family, and played the part with considerable spirit and ability. Miss Nellie Cruickshanks (Lady Brookfield), Miss Ruby Esdaile (Maud McAllister), Mr. J. Willis (as the Col. of Hussars), and Mr. Edwards, also filled their parts very creditably and contributed to the success of the play. The choruses and dances were alike good, and the music provided by the orchestra, under the direction of Mr. A. Brahms, left nothing to be desired. The performers were repeatedly applauded, and received quite an ovation on the fall of the curtain in the closing scene, calls for the author being raised, in response to which Mr. Thomas

Humphreys (Dr. De Clive Lowe) came to the front and bowed his acknowledgments.

CLOSE OF THE POLLARD SEASON. This (Thursday) evening, “Blue Bell in Fairyland ” will be staged by the Pollard Juvenile Opera Company at His Majesty’s, a second production and a matinee performance being arranged for to-morrow evening and Saturday afternoon. On Saturday evening the company will make its final appearance in Auckland for the present season in “ His Highness the Bey.” THE CINQUEVALLI SEASON. Amongst theatregoers, particularly lovers of vaudeville, perhaps no artist is better known that Paul Cinquevalli, and it will therefore be welcome news that amongst the artist Mr. Harry Rickards is about to introduce to the Auckland public during a season of ten nights, commencing at His Ma-

jesty’s Theatre next Friday, is this wonderful artist, whose fame is world wide. Cinquevalli, as everybody knows, is a wonder. His juggling with cannon balls and everything that will lend itself to balancing feats is nothing short of superhuman. The “ Sydney Daily Telegraph ” says:—“ What a difference there is between very good and great was a remark made by a theatregoer when he saw Cinquevalli. That distinction discloses the relative difference between Cinquevalli and other jugglers. Mr. Harry Rickards, in selecting his present combination of star artists, has succeeded in bringing together, it is said, a company which, for general excellence, novelty, and brilliancy, cannot be excelled in any part of the world. This wellknown entrepreneur has evidently recognised the necessity of sending only the best talent to the Dominion, and it is safe to predict that, notwithstanding the enormous expense necessarily attached to such an undertaking, the financial result will be satisfactory. Those clever musical artists, Frank and Jean Latona, are certain to be-

come great favourites. Their turn will be a big feature of the entertainment. It is claimed that Miss Latona is a singer who can turn a sentimental ballad to the best account, or deliver a musical moral discourse in doggerel rhyme with vim and full expression. She has a grand opera voice, so elastic that she can turn it down to seriocomic pitch. It is said of her that she has the artistic sense and brain, but above all personality, and this has made hei’ one of the greatest favourites Mr. Rickards ever imported from the Old Country. Lawson and Norman perform ball-punching and trick cycling deeds, said to be scarcely less astounding that the great Cinquevalli turn. The foundation of their act is a punching ball and a bicycle. Scottish vocalists are always welcome, and the inclusion in the personnel of Mackinnon’s Scottish Minstrels is sure to meet with approval. Guest and Newlyn are also important artists, who in hurricane patter and melody, intro-

duce the reason why they may be termed specialty artists. Their dancing is a particular feature of the act. Mr. Tom Dawson will submit some of his latest songs and dances. Of other artists to appear, one is that clever young comedienne, Miss Fanny Powers. Miss Nellie Maunsell, contralto, and Mr. Arthur Harris, baritone, also appear. The box-plan for the season opens on Thursday morning at Wildman and Arey’s establishment.