SOUTHERN STAGE NOTES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, 26 June 1913, Page 22

SOUTHERN STAGE NOTES.

(By

“Lorgnette.”)

WELLINGTON, June 24. That clever combination of artists, “ The Butterflies,” made their reappearance in Wellington last evening, when they opened a season at the Opera House. There was a packed house, who greeted them with the greatest enthusiasm, every item on the lengthy programme being encored several times. The programme submitted included quite a number of new novelties, besides many of the gems of the programmes given during the first visit of the company to Wellington. A special feature of last night’s entertainment was the singing and playing in every imaginable form of the modern craze, the ragtime. The burlesques and “potted plays” are also a great feature. In fact, with such a fine all-round combination as the Butterflies are it would be invidious to mention any one of them as superior to the others. All are first-class in their especial line of business, and the clever and neat way in which they all do their work it is only natural that they should become the great favourites they are with the theatregoing public. A report having gained currency chat Aliss Ivy Schilling, whose dancing is a special feature of the J. C._ Williamson “Puss in Boots” panto mime, is about to be married, Miss Schilling has asked that the rumour be publicly contradicted, ar there is no truth in i.

“A.Woman of Impulse,” which the -Hamilton-Plimmer Dramatic Company are to stage at the Opera House on Thursday evening, the 3rd July, is said to be a little outside the run of play associated with this combination and it will be interesting to witness it even for that reason. This brilliant company is decidedly versatile, and the production of “A Woman of Impulse” should be the means of affording them an opportunity for demonstrating that versatility. Madame Mary Conly (soprano), Mr John Prouse (baritone), and Mr Sydney Butler (tenor) have been engaged for the Royal Wellington Choral Society’s performance of “The Creation,” to be sung on Friday, the Ist August. The soloists for “Elijah,” to be performed on the 12th August, will be Madame Mary Conly, Miss Edith Brainsby (contralto) and Mr. Harry Phipps (tenor). For its concert on November 21st the Society has decided to perform. Handel’s “Samson.” Mr. Christian Hellemann has decided to introduce a special feature in this work which will consist of a special choir of a hundred children’s voices to sing in the chorus “See the Conquering Hero Comes.” The seating capacity of the Town Hall Concert Chamber is being nightly taxed to its utmost by most appreciative audiences to witness the clever performances of “The Dandies.” “The Dandies” are now firmly established in popular favour, and ought to do first-class business during, the remainder of the season. • The Wellington season of the Pink Dandies will be brought to a close on the 26th July, after which they will play a lengthy season in Auckland before returning to Australia. I received a letter last week dated Venice, May sth, from Mr. R. 8.. Young, late manager of the Scarlet

Troubadours, in which he says.—“Do not fali down at hearing from me. After two years touring in South Africa, I am enjoying a jaunt on the Continent. Have visited Paris, Geneva, Lucerne, Interlaken, Marseilles, Nice, Monaco, Monte Carlo, Genoa, Florence and Venice. From Venice I go to Budapest, Vienna, Carlsbad, Berlin, Hamburg, Leipsic, back to London via Holland, then across to America for eighteen months. Kindest regards to all friends.” The six nights’ season at the Opera House of the Allan Doone Dramatic Company was very successful. “In Old Donegal” ran for four nights to big houses, whilst “The Parish Priest,” which was presented on the last two nights of the season, was also witnessed by large audiences. Mr. ' Leo Chateau, who has for some months past been in indiffer

eht health, is now, I am glad to say, quite recovered. At the close of the Wellington season that brilliant combination, “The Butterflies,” will visit Featherston on July 3, Greytown July 4, Dannevirke July 5-7, Foxton July 8, Marton July 9, Waverley July 10, Feilding July 11, Eltham July 12-14, Stratford July 15, Patea July 16, Wanganui July 1718, Taihape July 19. The programmes to be presented in the above towns will be virtually the same as those presented during the present We lington season —that is, the gems of the company’s extensive repertoire.