IN PERSONAL TOUCH.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1461, 25 April 1918, Page 34

IN PERSONAL TOUCH.

Mr. Walter Johnson and his revue company, who are the big draw at the Opera House again, have been in New Zealand for fourteen months touring the Fuller circuit and keeping to the four centres —a record that speaks volumes for their popularity.

Miss Kate (Kitty) Campion, who left Auckland seven years ago to follow up her musical education abroad, is realising the hopes of her friends, although, naturally, the war has interfered largely with her plans. Writing to her sister (Miss Gerti Campion), the young singer said she had just been to Liverpool to fulfil an engagement, and had sung no fewer than ten numbers at the one concert, being honoured with triple encores.

Miss Rosemary Rees, the New Zealand actress, who has been in England for many years, is to revisit the Dominion. Miss Rees has for the last two years been entertainment superintendent to the New Zealand War Contingent Association, and in this capacity has done very valuable work. She is a daughter of the late Mr. W. L. Rees, of Gisborne.

The repertoire of the BrandonCremer Dramatic Company includes many old popular dramas and a few new ones. After “Man to Man” it is intended to produce “Her Second Time on Earth,” which will be followed by a selection from the following: “A Woman of Pleasure,” “The World Against Her,” and a fine dramatisation of Victoria Cross’ novel, “Life’s Shop Window.” * * :!•- * “The Invisible Foe,” an English play in which Mr. H. B. Irving starred all last season in London, was secured by Mr. E. J. Tait while in America.

Mr. Kennedy Black, well-known in amusement circles, has joined “The Troubadours,” a costume comedy company operating in Melbourne under the Branscombe Proprietary. Numbered amongst the artists are Miss Linda Bradford, Miss Ivy Davis. Messrs. Ford and Pace. A ladies orchestra and ballet give further backing to the performers. Mr. and Mrs. Black have recently added to their establishment a little daughter.

During the progress of the Walter Johnson revue at the Opera House on Monday a star turn interpolated by De Carr, “the acrobatic waiter,” was unfortunately cut short owing to the artist injuring the tendons of his foot, but not before giving the audience a good idea of his remarkable agility. Medical assistance was readily obtained and relief given the sufferer, but it will be some time before he loses the effect of the sprain.

Mr. Julius Knight, the well-known actor, has recently, in collaboration with Miss Rosemary Rees, the New Zealand actress, visited most of the camps and hospitals of the N.Z.E.F. in Great Britain. The party staged at each the short play “The Mollusc,” and, needless to say, the performances were highly popular.

Miss Lola Hunt in the course of her career as the giddy widow in “The Parisian Models” makes six changes of frocks, each one a striking confection in black and white, which meets the eye most pleasingly and excites admiring comment.

“People out here have not begun to realise how deeply America realises her responsibility in this war,” said Mr. G. A. Highland (producer of “Katinka” for J. C. Williamson, Ltd.) to a “Dominion” interviewer. “Do you know that from Monday till Friday (included) no electric sky signs are permitted on Broadway? To those acquainted with that wonderful thoroughfare and its myriads of flashing sky signs, Broadway loses its identity completely. Only on Saturday up till 9.30 p.m. are the signs allowed to be lit. This is part of the coal economy measures considered essential to the well being of the Allies. And do you know that east of the Mississippi no theatre, concert hall, music hall, picture show or dime museum is allowed to open its doors on a Tuesday—day or night? To make up for this two performances are given on Monday (the coalless day), which answers very well, as many people are unable to work owing to the factories not being allowed to be heated, and perforce are given a day off.

During the raid on the Grand Opera House, Wellington, by the Commercial Travellers for subscriptions to the War Loan, the Royal Comic Opera Company occupying the boards, Mr. M. A. Carr, on behalf of the Travellers, introduced Mr. G. A. Highland, the producer. Mr. Highland made an eloquent appeal for money. He pictured the boys fighting “out there,” and told of the large amount necessary to feed and clothe and keep them supplied with all the necessaries of war. He appealed, he said, as an American subject. Three of his brothers had gone to the war, and one of them had been killed. The other two were now fighting in France. “Give your money,” he appealed. “Don’t be afraid. We want it all. Personally I bid 1000 dollars. (Applause.) Who will be the next?” Other amounts were quickly announced —£500 from T. Hart, £5OO from J. Myers, £5OO “on behalf of a widow,” £5OO from A. M. Samuel, £2OO from R. Jameson, £l5O from E. J. » Hyams, £lOO from R. B. Grange, £lOO from E. Soldi, £lOO from A. G. Pfirdy. £lOO from B. Van Staveren, £lOO from John Farrell, £lOO from Thomas Farrell, £lOO from Mrs. Le Cren, £lOO from Bill Brown, £lOO from H. Dodson, £lOO from C. McGuinness, and £5O from Betty and Jack Manton, besides numerous smaller amounts. When a total of £3BOO was announced at the second interval, Mr. Highland gave another 1000 dollars. Altogether over £5OOO was subscribed.