THE STAGE

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, 24 October 1912, Page 20

THE STAGE

AUCKLAND FIXTURES.

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. Oct. 14-28 —Plimmer-Denniston Co. Oct. 30-Nov. 6 —Auckland Amateur Operatic Society Nov. 11-16 — Carrie Moore Musical Comedy Company TOWN HALL. Oct. 5-15—Tiny Town Exhibition. PICTURE SHOWS. Queen’s Theatre (Continuous). OPERA HOUSE. Fuller’s Vaudeville

HIS MAJESTY’S.

THE PLIMMER-DENNISTON COMPANY.

“A WOMAN OF NO-IMPORTANCE.”

“One can live down anything except a good reputation,” sa.d Lord Illingworth in “A Woman of No-Im-portance.” Not that the blase cynic knew anything ajout a good reputation, but this is only a sample of the wit that flashes through four acts of Oscar Wilde’s comedy, which was presented at His Majesty’s Theatre on Monday by the Plimmer-Denniston Company.

Women are defined as “sphinxes without secrets”; a bad man as the sort that admires innocence; a bad woman as the sort that a man never tires of; American dry goods as "American novels”; memory in a woman as the beginning of dowdiness; and so on. It simply glitters with gems of repartee, and the setting by the talented company responsible for its revival, serves to enhance its lustre.

The story revolves round Lord Illingworth, his illegitimate son, Gerald Arbuthnot, and the mother, Mrs Arbuthnot. Lord Illingworth, unconscious of the identity of his son, offers to take him as his private secretary. The mother, on discovering Lord Illingworth is the man who wrecked her life as a girl, pleads with her son in an impassioned scene to break the appointment, but will not give her reason for objecting. The climax comes when Lord Illingworth insults Hester Worseley, the American girl whom Gerald Arbuthnot loves, and the latter in justifiable rage attempts to strike him. “Don’t,” cried his mother, “he’s your father” —and the secret is out. Illingworth wants to marry Mrs Arbuthnot for Gerald’s sake, but she refuses. The American girl supports Mrs Arbuthnot in her contempt for Illingworth, encourages her in her decision, and marries GeraldMr George S. Titheradge’s art has not lost its cunning. Fifteen years ago he handled the difficult part of Lord HLngworth with consummate art. To-day he is still 'without a peer. His nonchalance under every situation is a study, and he conveys the lesson that ‘Serenity is power.” Mrs Brough, in the emotional role of Mrs Arbuthnot, handles it with that delicacy and quiet forcefulness, which marked her characterisation so vividly in the years gone by. Nor could anything be more delightful than Miss Beatrice Day’s conception of the society butterfly, Mrs Allonby, who is continually crossing swords with Lord Illingworth. Miss Day invests the part with just the necessary zest, and in a clever combination of frivolity and braininess scores heavily. Miss Lizette Parkes, as the American, appeals to every one by her girlish grace and charm. Miss Beatrice Usher is excellently placed as Lady Hunstanton, while Miss Tempe Pigott as Lady Caroline Pontefract, and Mr A. E. Greenaway as the subjugated husband, provide an amusing interlude. Mr Harry Sweeney is most likable as Gerald Arbuthnot, and acts with conviction, his scene with his mother being particularly good. The minor parts are all capably portrayed.

“A Woman of no Importance” will be played to-night for the last time.

“A VILLAGE PRIEST.”

The plot of Sydney Grundy’s play, “A Village Priest,” which will be staged by the Plimmer-Denniston Company on Friday, Saturday, and Monday, October 25, 26, and 28, is already well known to Auckand playgoers. Suffice it to say that “A Vil-

lage Priest” is an intensely human drama —a document from the Book of Life. It strips a man of his religion, and makes him break his most sacred vows, just because he is a man and human. The play is strongly conceived, and powerfully written, and in it the individual members of the company have exceptional opportunities. Mr Titheradge will be seen to distinct advantage in his famous character of I’abbe Dubois.

“THE MIKADO.”

SEASON OPENS ON WEDNESDAY

Considerable interest is being taken in the forthcoming production of “The Mikado” by the Auckland Amateur Operatic Society, to be produced at His Majesty’s Theatre on Wednesday next for a short season. Interest has been heightened by the fact that Gilbert and Sullivan’s opera will be produced under the sole supervision of Mr Tom Pollard, while the performers have also had the advantage of receiving his professional advice.

And judging from rehearsals they have not failed to profit by Mr Pollard’s tuition, either principals or chorus. The piece promises to be presented on the most elaborate scale ever attempted by New Zealand amateurs. An orchestra of 20 instrumentalists will augment the 70 performers. Mr Laurie Abrahams has been cast as Koko (Lord High Executioner) ; Mr George Hall (who is a brother of that fine actor Mr Winter

Hall) will be the great Pooh Bah; Mr J. Wallace Atkinson, the Mikado of Japan; Mr Albert Warbrick will be seen as Pish Tush, and Mr Egerton Pegg as Nanki Poo, the Mikado’s son. Koko’s three little maids will be represented by Miss Gertrude Gott, Miss Lurline Wrigley, and Miss Alison Napier, with Miss Margaret McKenzie as Katisha. Altogether “The Mikado” is in good hands for a successful revival. The box plan opens to-day.

OPERA HOUSE.

The current programme at the Opera House is far and away the best provided for months past, not a dull item appearing in the menu. Those clever versatile entertainers, the “Serenaders,” are seen at their best this week with a fresh budget of songs, monologues and musical items. One of the star items was 1 'The Three Vegetarians” by Huxham, Leslie and Norman, a humorous combination in which all three are seen to advan-

tage. “The Girl with the Barrel Organ” by Gertie McLeod, assisted by the Serenaders was also a splendid item and appealed greatly to the audience, as did “We all went marching Home” and “The House that Jack Built,” genuine and long applause greeting the company at the conclusion of each turn. The bass song, “Down in the Deep’ was rendered in fine style by Miark Phillips and a laughing song by Gertie McLeod was cleverly done. “Meet me by Moonlight,” a lantern scena was very good Edith Huxham singing in fine voice. A couple of comic items, “My Wife’s Cake” and “Under the Circumstances,’ by Norman Leslie and Gilbert Lauri created much hearty laughter and were decidedly new to Aucklanders. Sam La Mert was in fine form and whistled popular refrains in h.s inimitable style. A better 'first part than that provided by the Serenaders has not been seen at the Opera House, and those wno have not yet heard this talented company should lose no time in doing so. Peggy Roma opens the second part with several welcome songs and then gives up the boards to Harold Heath, who is, without doubt, one of the best dancers yet seen in Auckland. He introduces an abundance of new and difficult steps, but the ease and grace with which he accomplishes them would almost suggest simplicity itself. Victoria Cross proves herself a regular “character” as a Scotch lassie and in her song, “Mary Ann,” fairly brought down the house. The Harmonious Huxhams were again to the fore with a number of good songs, the best being “Well, I am Surprised,” and one that is well worth inclusion in any programme. Ida Berridge, a dainty soubrette, sang, in good style and should become popular. The programme concludes with a clever exhibition of dancing by Hamlin and Mack who are seen to. great advantage in what is known as “Texas Tommy Dance.”

QUEEN’S THEATRE.

A powerful drama entitled "Fighting Blood ’ starred the change of programme at Queen’s Theatre on Moilnay, and the attendances proved beyond doubt that Messrs MacMahon and Lodder know to a nicety how to gauge the public taste. The story nas a strong flavour or the Wild West, and deals with an Indian rising ana an attack on a log cabin. At the critical moment a troop of American cavalry come to the rescue, and the defeat of the Indians is accomplished after a thrilling encounter. The sensational scenes were realistically enacted, and evoked keen interest. Another drama was expressed in “The Sheriff’s Daughter,” which carried the spectators through a series of exciting incidents characteristic of life in the West. A pathetic love story was revealed in “The Fisherman’s Bride.” “A Trip to the Sun” was screened on Tuesday night, and is a fascinating and bewildering extravaganza that should on no account be missed. Scenic and comic studies are interspersed with the usual discrimination, and the accompanying music is an additional enjoyment.

The bi-weekly change takes place to-day. “The Sins of the Fathers,” an absorbing play, will be put on, amongst a list of other good itemsIt is said to stand alone in its intensity.

“Milestones” (by the same author as “Kismet”) will be played for the first time in Australia at Christmas time. The play is the reigning success of London, and in it Mr Julius Knight will return to Australia with a strong supporting company. That ever popular actor can rely on an enthusiastic reception. New Zealand will probably see “Milestones” in due course. It is brimful of life and colour.