SOUTHERN STAGE NOTES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1370, 27 July 1916, Page 34

SOUTHERN STAGE NOTES.

(By

“Lorgnette.”

WELLINGTON, July 24. Local playgoers are eagerly awaiting the coming .of the Tivoli Follies, which open a ten nights’ season at the Grand Opera House on Wednesday evening, August 2. The Follies are said to be a stronger combination than that which visited the Dominion last year. The company is headed by Miss Vera Pearce, the Australian boomerang girl. Miss Thelma Raye is a talented English comedienne with an enticing charm. Miss Ella Caspers is voted one of Australia’s best contralto vocalists, and her repertoire includes some of the latest classical and popular songs. Miss Jean Keith is a juvenile dancer who has been under the Mclntosh banner for several years, and that is sufficient guarantee that she is “some” dancer. Miss Peggy Peate is a dainty comedienne, who is sure to captivate. Mr. Frank Greene is the well known vocalist who has made a specialty of Cammaert’s stirring poem “The Carillon.” Mr. Mclntosh, not being satisfied with the above coterie of topnotch performers, includes Jacques 801, the Belgian tenor, and the Belgian trio of musicians, and also sends four comedians who are at the top of the tree in their own particular line of business. Mr. Jack Cannot is an English comedian who has already made good in New Zealand. Mr. Walter Weems is a clever coon impersonator, who has caught the popular taste of Australian playgoers. Mr. George Welch is said to be the finest impersonator of the agile bibulous soul, with a turn for sentiment. Billy Rego is only a handful, but

he can get the “goods across.” Short and Little are a pair of acrobatic comedians who give a good act. Mr. Harold Bowden, the touring representative, has already arrived in town to complete arrangements for the opening of the season.

The Wellington Amateur Operatic Society are well ahead with the rehearsals of the melodious musical comedy “San Toy,” which is to be given a nine nights’ run at the Grand Opera House, commencing on Thursday, August 10. “San Toy” is one of the most melodious of musical comedies. The work is well within the scope of amateurs, and as a capital cast has been arranged, the production is being looked forward to with considerable interest. Mr. Tom Pollard, who will produce “San Toy.” is due at the end of the month to conduct the final rehearsals.

Mr. Paul Latham, late manager of Everybody’s, has been re-appaointed manager of the King’s. Mr. Harry Muller, of the Fuller managerial staff in Australia, arrived from Sydney last week, en route for San Francisco. Whilst in the land of the wooden ham, he will visit New York, Chicago and the other big centres in search of novelties for the Christmas pantomime to be produced in Sydney by George Marlow. He will also be on the look-out for attractions for the Fuller Vaudeville Circuit.

Allen Doone’s Wellington season was brought to a close on Saturday evening with a performance of

“Molly Bawn.” A very large and enthusiastic audience witnessed the performance. Mr. Walter Monk, manager of the Britannia and People’s picture shows, has gone to Sydney on a short business and pleasure holiday. He hopes to get back to Wellington next week with something extra special in his “grip.”