SOUTHERN STAGE NOTES

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1246, 5 March 1914, Page 36

SOUTHERN STAGE NOTES

(Bj

"Lorgnette.”)

WELLINGTON, March 2. George Willoughby, Limited, deserve every credit for the manner in which they have staged their pantomime “ Aladdin,” which was produced for the first time in New Zealand at the Opera House on Thursday last- The cast of characters included such well-known and popular favourites as Miss Grace Palotta, Miss Carrie Moore, and Messrs. Percy Clifton, J. P. O’Neil, and Ernest Pitcher, whilst amongst the newcomers that are sure to become popular with New Zealand playgoers are Miss Mabel Batchelor, Miss Ruby Davies, Miss Stephenson, Miss Carey Nellie Fallon, and Tiny Tot Marjorie Mr. Edward Stanley, Henri Marcelle, The book in the main essentials sticks pretty close to i the “Arabian Nights” tale, the only radical change being that the scenes are set in China instead of in Tartary, as is the case in the famous fairy story. Mr. T. E. Martin, the librettist, has done his work excellently well. Miss Carrie Moore, as Aladdin proves a charming and roguish urchin of Pekin, and her

performance from start to finish wa artistic in a degree. Her biggest success vocally was scored in “ThTrail of the Lonesome Pine.” Her “Moon Song” was also received with great applause. Both songs are sure to become popular with playgoers. Miss Grace Palotta, as Koko, is as bright and cheery as ever, and received a most enthusiastic welcome on making her first appearance. Her principal vocal successes were the eatchy ditty “Whistle It,” and “Where do They go When the Band Starts Playing.” Miss Mhbel Batchelor makes a captivating Princess Badroulbadour, acting nicely and singing animatedly. Miss Batchelor, who possesses a very fine soprano voice, scored decided successes in the toy song “Santa Claus” and “That’s How I Need You.”

Mr. Percy Clifton, as Abanazar, is one of the chief funmakers, and succeeds in his efforts most admirably. Mr. Ernest Pitcher plays well as the Emperor of China, his make-up being excellent. His saxophone solo is a genuine treat. Mr. Edward Stanley is splendid as the Dame and scorelaugh after laugh with his quaint ways. His singing of “If I Could Onlv Get the Man Who Wrote that Rafftime” was decidedly good. Mr. J. P. O’Neill, as Biddy, was also in good form, and scored big.

Amongst a number of good specialties introduced, special mention must be made of the performances of Mr. Leon Morris’ three performing ponies dainty little animals that ought to become most popular favourites with the children and also the grownups. Then there is Henri Marcelle and Miss Nellie Fallon, who contribute a number of ragtime songs and dances. The contortion and achobatic act of the child Tiny Tot Marjorie was re-

ceived with enthusiastic applause, whilst Morris and Shand were good in their acrobatic work and animal impersonations..

The first act closes with a distinct novelty in the shape of “The Grani Ragtime Revue,” the invention of the producer, Mr. Lester Brown. Miss Nellie Fallon and Mr. Henri Marcelle are the principals in this specialty. Mr. Geoffrey Nye, manager of the New Zealand Pictures Supplies, L‘; 1., Wellington, is proceeding to Sydney on the 26th March to open an office for the company in that city. Arrangements are now complete' for the complimentary concert to be given to little Miss Cecil Haines prior to her leaving for Sydney, where her parents have decided to make their home. The concert will be given in the Town Hall on the 20th MarchJudging from the offers of assistance already promised, the programme will be one of the best ever presented to a Wellington audience. Mr. Lester Brown, the producer of thel George Willoughby pantomime, and the inventor of the ragtime revue that is one of the features of “Aladdin,” is regarded in New York, from whence he was specially imported, as one of the first four of America’s big producers. In such regard was he held by Henry W. Savage, that almost

every twelve- months this big American manager sent Mr. Brown to Europe to visit all the big centres to endeavour to secure anything of the latest in the theatrical world. e firm of George Willoughby, Ltd., have been exceedingly fortunate in securing a man of the standing of Mr. Brown to produce its attractions. Mr. William Anderson’s American burlesque company opens a tour of the Dominion at Invercargill on 9th March. The Wellington season will commence on Fa t ter Saturday. The repertoii’*' for the four will te “The Grafters.” “The Speculators,” and “A Day at the Races,” the pieces that have proved great box-office winners in Australia. The company is one of the strongest and most versatile that has yet visited these shores from the land of Uncle Sam. 'The George Willoughby Dramatic brought its season r Opera House to a close last Wednesday night with a performance of “East Lynne.” Of the plays produced during the season, which, by the way, was very successful, “No Mother to Guide Her” is the best.

One of the principal novelties introduced into the George Willoughby pantomime “Aladdin” is, without a doubt, Morris’ performing ponies, Banner, Malison, and Beauty. These poines are the most versatile animals ever seen on a stage. They can virtually do everything but talk. They have already acted for pictures, taken part in seaside parades, and other shows of every description. They have even been rescuers of drowning children in San Francisco. This latter event took place just before Mr. /Morris sailed from San Francisco for Australia. Two children were rescued and the gratified father, a wealthy Californian resident, gave Mr. Morris and his party a big garden narty in San Francisco just before he left.

Mr. Harry Muller, of the BrennanFuller management' staff arrived from Sydney by the Wollochra last Wednesday to take un the duties of general manager of the firm’s New Zealand circle. First-class business continues to be done at His Majesty’s Theatre. The vaudeville crowd at present occupying the boards is one of more than average merit. Mr. Walter Fuller, of the BrennanFuller firm, is expected to arrive in Wellington from Sydney about the Bth inst. on business connected with the firm.

The Wellington season of the pantomime “Aladdin” will be brought to a close on Saturday evening, the 7th inst.,, after which a tour of the Dominion will be undertaken. The following are the dates, hooked: —Masterton, March 9; Dannevirke. 10 • Waipawa. 11; Hastings, 12; Nanier 13; Palmerston North 16-17; Wan ganui, 18-19; Auckland, 21-April 3; Christchurch, 11-18: Timaru, 20-21 ; Oamam. 22; Dunedin, 23-29; Invercargill, 30-Mav 2. The company sails for Hobart on the 4th Mav, en route to Melbourne.

During the season of Wirth’s Circus in Wellington Mr George Wirth, one of the proprietors, accented an invitation to inspect the new Grand Opera House. After thoroughly ’ooking over the new edifice, Mr. Wirth had no hesitation in pronouncing it the fin est up-to-the-minute theatre in Australasia. He also said that Wellington is to be congratulated on possess ing such a fine playhouse, and is confident that the Opera House Company will reap its reward for its enterprise. Mr. Bert Royle has just secured a long lease for the J. C. Williamson firm of the theatre, and it will be opened next month by one of the J.C.W. attractions.