SOUTHERN STAGE NOTES,

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1240, 22 January 1914, Page 37

SOUTHERN STAGE NOTES,

t.By

"Lorgnette.")

WELLINGTON, January 19.

The box plans for the first ten nights of the Wellington season ot the J. C. Williamson New Comic Opera Company were opened at the Dresden on Monday morning, and judging by the rush to book seats the season will be nothing short of phenomenal. “ The Count of Luxembourg” has been selected as the piece with which to open the season on Wednesday evening, and it will be staged for five nights. The second production will tye “Autumn Manoeuvres,” which will also have a run of five nights. The last six nights ot the season will be devoted to the production of “ The Arcadians,” “ The Chocolate Soldier,” and possibly “The Balkan Princess.”

I received a short note from the energetic George L. Petersen last week, in which he states that the reason this year’s tour of Wirth’s Circus and Menagerie has been “cut down” is that the Messrs. Wirth desire to be back in Australia in time to open in Sydney at Easter. Mr. Petersen says that this year’s aggregation of novelties is infinitely super-

ior to any previous lot ever brought to the Dominion by the Messrs. Wirth. If such is the case, then the show must be “real good,” as the Messrs. Wirth have, in their time, introduced to us some top-notch performers. One of the most remarkable acts to be introduced this season will be Daredevil Desperado, who performs the most sensational achievement of diving from a dizzy height, landing on a crescent-shaped chute, travelling at a fast speed until his body is in an upright position, landing on his feet, turning a somersault, and bowing to the astonished audience. News- was received in Wellington last week announcing the death of Mr. Percy Denton at Shandaken, New York, on the 19th November. Mr. Denton, who was well known in New Zealand, was born in England in 186 2. He sang all over England and America, and was indentified with the minstrel business until 1899 wP' Dockstader, Cleveland, Emerson, Haverley, and Moore and Burgess. Mr. Denton came to Australia with “The Belle of New York.” He remained in Australia and New Zealand for some ten years, eventually Tbturning to America, where he played with various companies until a few months before his death. He was

buried b£ r the Actors’ Fund of America. It. is not definitely known what the next J. C. Williamson attraction for New Zealand will be, but it is probable that it will be the comedy company which is headed by Mr. Fred Niblo and Miss Josephine Cohan with a repertoire of new pieces, including “Excuse me,” “The Fortune Hunter,” and “Officer 666.” This ought to be a genuine feast of laughter, judging from the success achieved by “Get-Rich-Quick Wallingford.”

The New Theatre is not to be closed, as previously arranged, but will continue to run as a continuous house as hitherto, under the management of Mr. W. G. Williams.

On Saturday, the 10th inst., the staff of the New Theatre (continuous pictures) presented Mr. M. J. Donnelly, on his retirement from f management on account of ill-health, with a silver-mounted ebony walkingstick, with Brazilian horn handle. The inscription was, “With best wishes from the staff of the New Theatre to Mr. M. J. Donnelly, January 10, 1914.” The presentation was made by Mr. E. J. King, pianist, and Mr. Donnelly suitably replied. Mr. and Mrs. Donnelly are to leave on a trip to Europe in March next.