IN PERSONAL TOUCH.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XX, Issue 1125, 2 November 1911, Page 16

IN PERSONAL TOUCH.

Mr Leo, D. Chateau arrived in town on Tuesday to herald the coming of “The G'ay Gordons.” This genial “advance” has paved the way and made the paths straight for Clarke and Meynell’s Company all through the Dominion. Everywhere the result has been the same—crowded houses land 'enthusiastic audiences. “Aucklanders know a good thing when they see it,” says Mr Chateau, confidently, “and they’ll get it full me'asure this time!”

Mr 'Scott Colville, managing secretary pf the Auckland Competitions Society is more th'an busy in connection with the forthcoming festival. The dates are November 27th to December 9th, and students from all over the Dominion have entered for various competitions. Special concession rates on the railway will be charged competitors. >

Acknowledged with pleasure from Mr C. N .B'aeyertz, copies of the art and music supplements which accompany the October issue of the “Triad.” They are true to the traditions of a magazine which sets only the highest standard.

The Devonport Musical Society is to be congratulated on. its efforts in promoting good music. It ha : s-'a real live conductor in Mrs Sutherland, and the public have had ample proof of the 'Society’s value, in the concerts that are given from time to time. “The Ancient Mariner” was given last Thursday, and Was capitally interpreted by the members. The soloists were Mr Barry Coney, Mr Walter, Miss V. Murdoch, and Miss G- Macdonald.

Miss Ralfe was pianist, and Mr Beale lead the archestra. Supported by an influential committee, composed of Devonport’s leading residents, may the Society continue to flourish!

Madame Melba opened her Melbourne season on Saturday night in La Traviata. The takings were a record — £2OOO. Melba, of course, was Violetta.

/ Stated that Harry Lauder has engaged himself for an Australian tour. A twenty weeks’ season and £lOO for each performance are Harry’s figures-

Pictures up to date! A London message states that Mrs Scott has despatched to Captain Scott a series of living pictures of their son, born after the expedition sailed.

“If in casting a play you can find an actor who looks the part you. have in mind for him, be thankful,” says Mr Frohman, the American actormanager. “If you can find an actor who can act the part, be very thankful, but if you can find an actor who can look the part and act it, too, get down on your knees and thank God!”

Miss Florence Baines, who made merry in “Miss Lancashire, Ltd.” a couple of years back, is coming out to New Zealand again, and opens in? Christchurch on Boxing night. Miss Baines will give a new adaptation of “Miss Lancashire,” and also a London coster farce,” “Laughing Liza.”

Mr Alex. Patrick, of Dunedin, has been spending a holiday tour at home, prior to commencing a rehearsal of the Williamson revival of “Ben Hur,”' in which he has an. important role.

Madame Melba’s performance of Marguerite in “Faust,” at Sydney, in Her Majesty’s, demonstrated the fact that she is a remarkable actress. The story of the opera was followed as she sang with an ease that was eloquent of her histrionic powers. Every critic on the Sydney press dwelt upon this next. day. The “Daily Telegraph” said: “Great expectations of the Diva in this part were more than realised..

. , How yonderfully Melba; sang and J<j acted' this part. As the opera pro-t-’-JgF6ssfed, -‘she ■ absolutely thrilled the 'Altfiience, and: created: ;an unexpected furore. , , , - .

1 ’ Signor Rossi, the new Italian ■ bari- .... tone, wflo arr.ived. in Sydney for the Meiba Grand Opera. , Company last •• Week must 'have 1 felt that he had got ci into:; a grand opera atmosphere iim- ■ mediately when walking along the corridors of ' the Hotel Australia to ; his room. -tyo- sooner had he got out of the lift when ’ he-.heard. John McCormack practising- “Tenori?” he remarked. Then he heard a mezzocontralto (Countess Cisneros), a baritone (Signor Scandiana), and a soprano (Mme. Korolewicz-Wayda). All the operatic artists stay at this hotel, and each has had a piano installed for practise. In the corridors, people linger to listen to the singing. Mr. W. Jacobs’ “Beauty and the

Barge” will be staged in Sydney on November 4 by the Allan Hamilton Company. The original barge, built in London for the late Robert Brough, will be used.

Messrs. MacMahon and Lodder’s new continuous picture show opens on Saturday, November 18.