THE STAGE

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, 31 October 1912, Page 20

THE STAGE

AUCKLAND FIXTURES.

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. 'Oct. 30-Nov. 6 —Auckland Amateur Operatic Society Nov. 11-16 — Carrie Moore Musical Comedy Company TOWN HALL. Nov. 25—Madame Kirkby Lunn. PICTURE SHOWS. Queen’s Theatre (Continuous). OPERA HOUSE. Puller’s Vaudeville

HIS MAJESTY’S.

AUCKLAND AMATEUR OPERATIC SOCIETY. “THE MIKADO.” Never has so keen an interest been displayed in an amateur production, .as that evoked by the presentation of “The Mikado” by the Auckland Amateur Operatic Society. The first performance took place last night, but too late for notice in this week’s issue. However, it had every promise Of being launched out most successfully on a ten nights’ season. It is being produced under the sole supervision of Mr. Tom Pollard and on a most elaborate scale, while the performers have also had the distinct advantage of being “coached” by that theatrical expert. That they have profited by his advice and tuition has been proved at rehearsals. Special attention has been paid to the scenery and costuming so that the true Japanese atmosphere may be retained, and the lighting and colour effects are another feature of the production. With a chorus of 70 voices ,an orchestra of twenty players, and Mr Francis Cornwall as musical conductor, the interpretation of the score of Gilbert and Sullivan’s sparkling opera should lack nothing.

The principal performers have been •capitally placed, and Mr Pollard has ■expressed himself as well pleased "with their work. Mr J. Wallace Atkinson plays the title role, and his success as Dick Deadeye in “Pinafore” last year proves his capabilities. Mr Laurie Abrahams is Ko Ko (Lord High Executioner) and his work is always stamped par excellence. Pooh Bah is allotted to Mr George Hall, who has played it before with conspicuous success. Mr Egerton Pegg has a good tenor voice which stands him in good stead as Nanki Poo, while Mr Albert Warbrick is well cast at Pish Tush. The Three Little Maids have charming exponents in Misses Gertrude Gott, Lurline Wrigley and Allison Napier, and Miss Margaret McKenzie has a good part in Katisha. “ Altogether,” said Mr Pollard, “ I think you will agree that the performance has been quite robbed of any amateurish touch.” PLIMMER-DENNISTON COMPANY. “A VILLAGE PRIEST.” Sydney Grundy’s drama, “A Village Priest,” on Friday, Saturday, and Monday. brought the Auckland season of the Plimmer-Denniston Company to a close. “A Village Priest” opens up a tragedy that occurred some nineteen years previously. At that time the Comte de Tremeillan "was found shot, and Jean Torquenie, who was seen near the body, was accused of the crime, tried by Judge D’Arcay, and sentenced to twenty years’ nenal servitude. Madame Torquenie dies shortly after, leaving a baby girl, Jeanne. Eighteen years later, Jeanne, who was adopted by the Comtesse de Tremeillan, lived in dread of meeting her father. Jean Torquenie escapes from prison, and by a strange coincidence comes to the house of Madame D’Arcay, and there seeks the aid of "his son, Armand D’Arcay. Torquenie recognises Armand as the son of the

judge who convicted him. Armand, after listening to Torquenie’s pleading, and reading the depositions taken at the trial, discovers that the man is really innocent, and that his father, for reasons of his own, had been prejudiced against Torquenie. The Abbe Dubois, who is the only person aware of the true facts of the case, after a long struggle between his religion and his conscience, reveals the truth —that it was Judge D’Arcay who committed the murder to hide his intrigue with a woman. Torquenie then nobly gives himself up to the prison guards to complete his sentence, in order that the judge’s name may still be revered.

Mr G. S. Titheradge gave a masterly characterisation of the Abbe Dubois, a part which he made famous many years ago. His interpretation of the gentle, kindly priest, torn between religious vows and human feelings, was a perfect piece of work. He was admirably supported by Mrs Brough as the Countess, Miss Beatrice Day as the blind wife of Judge D’Arcay, Mr Harry Plimmer as her son, Mr Arthur Greenaway, Miss Lizette Parkes. Miss Beatrice Usher, and Miss Tempe Pigott. Indeed, the memory of the delightful work done by the members of this talented company in their present repertoire will long remain, and New Zealand playgoers will give them a. hearty welcome should they come this way again.

OPERA HOUSE.

The usual weekly change of programme was made on Tuesday evening, this being occasioned owing to the late arrival of the Victoria from Sydney on Monday evening. Without exception the new artists appearing this week are of a very high standard and with a 'first part provided by the clever and entertaining “Serenaders,” the programme this week is one of the best yet presented at the Opera House. In the first half the “Serenaders’ ’individually and collectively introduce many fresh and clever items which meet with well merited applause. Their songs have quite an originality ti.at is decidedly pleasing, and the manner in which they are rendered leaves nothing to be desired. In the second portion of the programme the audience is introduced to a pair of very clever French artists in Les Bows whose turn is quite novel and welcome. The male performer is a revelation in trick cycling and tumbling and the ease with which he accomplishes the most ludicrous and difficult feats is certainly bewildering. As a cyclist and tumbler he is the best yet seen at the Opera House and no one should miss witnessing his performance. The lady ' introduces a number of Parisienne songs and dances which prove interesting. A very good turn is provided by Lieutenant Spoff, a ventriloquist, with quite a large family of dummies and dolls. His performance is humorous and clever and quite away from the beaten track of his brother professionals. That capable and entertaining comedian, Harry Linden, again amuses the audience with his songs and “drama,” his “Oscar Asche in a Fit” being a particularly clever and laughable piece of work. Victoria Cross, a Scotch comedienne, and an established favourite, was again seen to advantage, her pathetic monologue, “Dad’s Letter,” being the best item. Peggy Roma and Ida Berridge contribute towards the best all-round programme presented by the Fuller-Bren-nan proprietary for many a week.

Miss Florence Imeson, who was Hinbad in “Sinbad the Sailor” is leaving for England to fulfil an. engagement as principal boy in this year’s pantomime at Birmingham. Her successor for the rest of the season at Invercargill and Hobart will be Miss Marie Eaton.

QUEEN’S THEATRE.

The holiday on Monday was responsible for an influx of visitors to town, and a large percentage of them found their way to the popular Queen’s Theatre An exceptionally good programme, covering dramatic, scenic, and comic views, held the close attention of the numerous spectators, and evoked hearty praise. An absorbing photo, drama entitled “An Artist’s Model,” occupied pride of place by reason of its human touches and lifelike presentation. It tells a pathetic story of love and art, and the scene is laid in Paris. A beautiful pictorial trip was taken up the river Tamar, England, the scenery being exquisite. “Western Courtship” and “Broncho Billy’s Gratitude” provided subjects for two highly-thrilling dramas, in which the flavour of the

West was in evidence, while the comic relief was supplied in a couple of laughable stories. “Disillusioned,” a powerful society drama of modern life, will be a featuie of to-day’s programme, and promises to be a study in sensations.