GREENROOM GOSSIP.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, 24 July 1913, Page 36

GREENROOM GOSSIP.

“A Woman of Impulse.” The Hamilton-Plimmer Company to play Auckland, commencing Monday, August 4, lias been scoring all along the line, and judging by the reports to hand from southern papers, the enterprise of this management in bringing to New Zealand a really “all star” company has been amply rewarded. Particularly successful has been the production of Victor Widnell’s great play “A Woman of Impulse,” and Messrs. Hamilton and Plimmer must have received a gold mine in the purchase of the rights for this play. Mrs. Brough, Miss Day and H. R. Roberts are said to be exceptionally well cast. s $ * * Cutting out Americanisms. “Within the Law” has been staged at the Haymarket Theatre, London, but has been materially altered to suit the requirements of London audiences. The American atmosphere has been taken out, and the piece given an English flavouring, whereby the expressive Americanisms that add so much to the humor of the play in the Melbourne production, and a number of the scenes typical of American conditions, have been eliminated or toned down. The thrilling “third degree” scene whereby Joe Garson is made to confess to the murder of the “stool pigeon, Eddie Griggs, is cut out. Instead, Joe Garson confesses from sentimental motives to the crime; and in other ways the play is made to conform to London requirements.

Genee and her Ballet Shoes. When a big case, bearing the stencilled words, “Genee, ballet shoes,” arrived at Melbourne Her Majesty s, the opinion of the transport staff was that some error had been made. It did not seem possible that one dancer would require such a large quantity of shoes. Mlle. Genee, however, when referred to before taking delivery, cleared up the mystery. “It is quite right,” she explained, “the case contains 120 pairs, and will just about see me (through the season. You see, I use a different pair every night—sometimes two pairs for a single performance. What becomes of the cast-off shoes? I throw them away, I never use them twice.”

“Americans who Love Australia” Club. The members of the American section of players in “Within the Law” at Melbourne Theatre Royal have formed themselves into a species of club or society, and its title of “A.W.L.A.” appears exceedingly puzzling until it is explained by Lincoln Plumer, its president, that it means ■“Americans who love Australia.” Mr. Plumer, who is Police-Inspector Burke in the play, says that the American members of the company are enraptured with Australia, and simply don’t want to go home any more! The climate and living conditions are just great,” says Mr. Plumer, “and as for hospitality of the people, well, in New York we don’t know what hospitality is. Is it any wonder that when we are given such a dandy time we try to give you the best we can? The audiences, too, are real fine. You’ve just got to hand it out to them good and easy. It isn’t hard work to make them understand. They get you quick. When I touch New York again,” added Mr. Plumer, “I’m going to be right in the front rank of ■ boosters of this glorious country.” « « * * The Greatest Tenor. Messrs. J. and N. Tait announce the return of John McCormack for a tour of thirty concerts, which will embrace the principal cities of Australia and New Zealand. Since he left Australia, the famous Irish tenor has sung at the Royal Opera Covent Garden, London, the Metropolitan Opera, New York, and other opera houses, and besides he has appeared on the concert platform throughout England, Ireland and Scotland, as well as throughout the length and breadth of Arneria, winning all the time a marvellous success. Mr. John McCormack is unquestionably the greatest tenor we have ever had in Australasia. • » ♦ * * Clara Butt and Good Luck. There are not a few of Madame Clara Butt's many admirers who be-

lieve that the renowned contralto radiates good luck wherever she goes. Plenty of the songstress's friends can relate stories of her marvellous mascot-like qualities, and there is in Paris to-day a successful man who attributes a sudden change in his fortunes a few years ago to the pleasure of a chance introduction to the famous star. Madame herself believes that she is lucky, or at any rate was born under a lucky star, and in proof of this she points to a career never marred by a single failure. s£ sfc ❖ * Going Strong in South Africa. . The Quinlan Opera Company.;' has

been appearing in Johannesburg during the strike riots, which caused such an upheaval in the city, and it says much for the attractive powers of the company that business has not suffered. The J. C. Williamson management in Melbourne received a cable sent by Mr. Quinlan from Johannesburg, as follows: “Despite riots we are going strong.” The company sailed for Melbourne last week. « * » * The Bert Bailey Trump Card. “ On Our Selection” is proving no less a boom during its present season in Melbourne than on the occasion of its first presentation at The King’s, the popular house being unable to accommodate the large crowds that nightly endeavour to gain admission, and this only six months after its previous season in Melbourne. Though such prosperity as this play has enjoyed is truly remarkcable at this period of theatrical rivalry, one cannot help recognising

that it is a well deserved success, and that the company of talented people who have created Steele Rudd’s delighful work have earned the last measure of the popularity and appreciation they have won. * * * * A Nea,t Compliment. The Imperial Russian ballet associated with Adeline Genee at Melbourne Her Majesty’s, paid the great dancer a neat compliment the other night. On the conclusion of her brilliantly descriptive hunting dance they presented Mlle. Genee with a small wooden horse, made in the attitude of prancing gaily, and surrounded by

a huge bun Ci. of violets. Needless to say, Mlle. Genee appreciated the gift and the charming spirit it indicated The great dancer is exceedingly popular with all those associated with her at the theatre, and has made many friends by her unaffectedness, charm, and friendliness. * * * $ “Autumn Manoeuvres.” Brightness, gaiety, and all the glamour of striking military costumes are characteristics of “Autumn Manoeuvres,” to be staged at Melbourne Her Majesty’s on the completion of the season of Adeline Genee and the Imperial Russian ballet. The central love story is only a small part in its attractiveness.- There is a neverending sense of liveliness about all the scenes. Gallant soldiers, pretty girls, amusing ..fellows,. _a peppery general, and the funniest captain or Territorials that a regiment ever laughed at. The music is original and catchy, and each of the principals is provided with real good songs.