SOUTHERN STAGE NOTES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1412, 17 May 1917, Page 34

SOUTHERN STAGE NOTES.

(“By

Lorgnette.”)

WELLINGTON, May 14.

The Brandon - Cremer Dramatic Company inaugurated what promises to be a very successful five weeks’ season at the Grand Opera House on Saturday night with the ever-popular drama “The Fatal Wedding.” There were very few seats vacant at Saturday night’s performance, and the manner in which the audience received the performance gives the management great promise as to the financial result of their efforts. With a business acumen of years Mr. Cremer has allotted the various parts in a careful manner, and the result is a really fine all-round performance. Miss Gertie Cremer, who last visited the Dominion with “The Blue Bird,” made a welcome re-appearance as the “little mother,” and her performance proved that she continues to make rapid strides in the profession which she has adopted. This little lady is a clever artist. Miss Mabel Hardinge, as the adventuress, played with excellent judgment and scored a great success. Mr. Edga Kenna, as the villain, was well placed. Miss Kathleen Arnold and Mr. Maurice Tuohy, as the heads of the wronged family, were very successful in their respective parts. Mr. Frank Neil, as the butler, deserves a special word of commendation for his humorous efforts. A feature of the performance was the juvenile tin-can band, who did much to brighten the performance whilst on the stage. Mr. Brandon-Cremer’s policy seems to be one of quick changes, and it is a very good one. Dur ng the five weeks’ season he intends staging “The Silence of Dean Maitland,” “The Silver King,” “The Bad Girl of the Family,” “Mary Latimer, Nun,” and other pieces of the same standard.

After an absence of some six years, the English Pierrots will renew acquaintance with .Wellington theatregoers on Thursday evening, the 17th inst., when they open a season at the Town Hall Concert Chamber.

The Cherniavsky Brothers gave two farewell concerts in the Wellington Town Hall. These young musicians have many friends in Wellington, and their brilliant work at each concert was warmly applauded. The Universal film “Where Are My Children?” is proving a great money-

winner at the King’s Theatre. Hundreds are turned away at every session and the Wellington season, which is to extend over another fortnight, is sure to be an all too short one. The picture has a great theme and ought to be seen by everyone, as its lesson is much needed in these days.