SOUTHERN STAGE NOTES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XX, Issue 1112, 3 August 1911, Page 18

SOUTHERN STAGE NOTES.

WELLINGTON

(By “Lorgnette.”)

WELLINGTON, July 31.

Bad weather was responsible for a big falling-off in the attendances at all places of amusement last week. It rained pretty well continuously from the evening of the 22nd until the 27th.

The Wellington season of “A Ticket From Tatts” was only fairly successful.

Wellington playgoers are already anxiously awaiting the arrival of the J. C. Williamson pantomime, “Jack and the Beanstalk.” Quite a number have already asked me when the box plan opens,, as they want to book seats. A case of getting in early so as to avoid the crush. Judging from the Auckland notices it must be a very fine show. “The Arcadians” arrive in Wellington ,from Christchurch, on Sunday next, and leave next morning for Palmerston.

The management of “The Arcadians” Company has decided to play a three nights’ season at Palmerston, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, August 7th, Sth, and 9th, and one night at Wanganui, Thursday, August 10th, en route for Auckland. In Palmerston “The Arcadians” will be played for two nights and “The Belle of Brittany” one, whilst “The Arcadians” will be the attraction for Wanganui. These are the only towns that can be played, as the company is due to open in Auckland on the 12th for a three weeks’ season. I am glad to state that the Christchurch papers, with one accord, endorse all the good things that have been said about this most talented company. The veteran Harry Lyons, was a passenger for Sydney by the Manuka, which sailed from Wellington on the 2 Bth. I am sorry to have to state that poor old Harry was very ill when the steamer left. Watts and Lucas continue to be the headlines at the Theatre Royal. Their dancing and contortion act is a great feature in the programme submitted. Linley and Stephenson’s clever company, “The Wanderers,” are doing fine business on the West Coast of the South Island just now. The tour from the opening has been a great financial success, so much so that Mr Linley informs me that a return tour of the North Island has been booked.

Mr George Buller leaves Wellington for Dunedin on Friday to herald the ©ogling of the great Nicola to the Wty of Parritch.

Miss Winifred O’Connor, the leading lady of “The Arcadians,” has been recalled to Melbourne for the rehearsals of “The Chocolate Soldier.” She was a passenger for Sydney by the Manuka, which sailed last week. As predicted in my notes a few weeks ago, Miss Florence Quinn, who is a native of Auckland, will play Miss O’Connor’s parts during the company’s Auckland season. Miss Quinn is a capable artiste, and is sure to “make good” in her native town.

Judging from the amount of press matter that is being sent out from headquarters, it is quite on the cards that Mr H. B. Irving and company will tour the Dominion after all.

The “Scarlet Troubadours” opened a six nights’ season at the Opera House on Saturday evening last to a fairly large house. The show is a clean and bright one.

Nicola’s season opens at the Opera House next Saturday evening. I fancy this clever magician will do good business during h ; s stay here. MUSIC NOTES. (By “ G” String.) “Ave Maria,” which is being nightly sung at the London Hippodrome by Miss Dorothy Toye, of the marvellous double voice, was composed by the well-known Italian Leonciella, and dedicated to Pope Pius. The piece was originally arranged for a double quartette of voices, but despite this fact, Miss Toye comes through the ordeal most impressively, and it affords a splendid opportunity of exer-

cising the wide range of her singularly gifted voice. An added effectiveness is given to Miss Toye’s performance by the fact that she appears in the garb of a nun.

An unknown work of Wagner’s has been found at Dresden, amongst the papers of Mayner, one of the composer’s coypists. It is an instrumental accompaniment for a male voice and chorus, composed in 1843 for the unveiling of the memorial to King Frederick August I. It will be performed initially on February 4th next, at the celebration of the King’s birthday.

“Next to being born the most important event of my life was when I began to study music-” —Sousa. In spite of the hostility displayed by the German critics, Alice Neilsen and Lillian Nordica scored an immense success in Berl'n. They were welcomed enthusiastically, and rewarded by many outbursts of favour on the part of their audiences. The critics, however, because they are Americans, were unkind. Miss Neilsen appeared as Mimi in Puccini’s “La, Boheme, ’ at the Opera Comique on May 28 th, and on the following evening Madame Nordica sang Isolde in “Tristran and Isolde” at the Royal Opera House. The attitude of the critics was inhospitable. However, Americans are sufficiently broadminded to give no heed to an attitude inspired by German narrowness. Americans know that both Neilsen and Nordica are artistes of the first rank, and knowing that what more is necessary? The title of “Royal” has been conferred by King George on the Wellington Choral Society. “Music’s golden tongue speaks to all alike, and Heaven help him who cannot understand.” —Sousa.

Oscar Kammerstein has stated that he is turning into a regular Londoner now that he is settling down to the work of his undertaking. The London Opera House has already cost him half a million dollars, and by the end of September the cost will have been doubled. Mr Hammerstein does not have a thought of failure, and that must be a comfort.