OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1520, 12 June 1919, Page 34

OPERA HOUSE.

FIRST-CLASS VAUDEVILLE. Monday’s change of programme at the Opera House saw the usual rush for seats, and old and new favourites had a hearty reception from the packed audience. A ventriloquial scena by Victor and Madame Clothilda occupied an interesting portion of proceedings, the former proving himself a clever exponent of voice-throw-ing through the medium of his mannikin. Victor’s pretty little daughter, Gladys, demonstrated that she had inherited her father’s talent in the Valentine Vox line, and their duets with their respective mechanical dolls were amusing and skilful. Miss Nellie Kolle was the only other new inclusion, and she readily made her customary capture with the song “Little Girl,” a bright interval at piano with familiar melodies, and an old chorus favourite. Brightie and Carlyon had the ovation of the evening for their quaint and merry offering. Mr. Carlyon in a coster song was followed by a joint patter ditty in which Miss Brightie was very true to her name, and after numerous curtain calls the pair, in response to a clamour for “Destiny,” gave their popular “hesitation” dance. Miss Elsa Brull and Mr. Arthur Hemsley gave their new sketch depicting rural life at a Lancashire railway station, which gave scope for their undoubted talents in laughable character studies.

An eccentric dance by Mr. Hemsley and a duet, “I Didn’t Want to Do It,” further built up a diverting act. Sterling and Love were also seen in a fresh sketch, in which the former did amusing work with the cornet, and was supported vocally by his contralto-toned partner. Mr. Walter Emerson and Miss Gwen Hasto were responsible for a mirthful few moments, the sprightly lady accompanying her husband’s ditties. As a straight-out musical duo, Mr. Will Rayner (tenor) and Miss Rose Brennan (soprano) held the stage in ballads and operatic excerpts. Mr. Fred Bluett kept the audience in continuous merriment with his inimitable handling of such songs as “I’m a Flirt,” “Paddy McGinty’s Goat,” and “They Can’t Find Me.” Mr. Lew James was also in the popular eye for his Hebrew numbers, “Solomon’s Trombone” and “At the Yiddisher Ball,” which he rounded off with anecdotes. A fine bill was brought to a close by the Royal Togos in their marvellous feats of equilibrium.

The German Naval Surrender film has never been witnessed by a more interested audience than that which filled His Majesty’s Theatre on Tuesday. afternoon. Mr. J. W. Tibbs, headmaster of the Auckland Grammar School, recognising the educational value of the picture, arranged with Mr. Maurice Ralph for the whole of the seating accommodation to be reserved for the boys, who numbered over 900, and were accompanied by the various masters.

Mr. Harry Dearth, the famous English baritone, has ingratiated himself to the full with the Melbourne public, who like the singers fine sonorous tone, his easy and graceful manner, and the fine measure of intellect that is behind his work. So far he has been appearing at ballad concerts in the Auditorium, J. and N. Tait’s great concert hall in Collins Street, Melbourne, and the big audiences which have filled the big pavilion testify to the capacity of Mr. Dearth as a baritone of the highest standing.

Madame Marie Power, the fine singer who is accompanying the screening of the German Naval Surrender film, is a resident of Dunedin, and has done concert work on tour in the South Island. She has a deep resonant contralto attached to a wealth of sympathy, which makes her interpretations universally pleasing. Grand opera, she says, is her particular goal.

Mr. E. J. Tait, who has been in America the past few months acquiring star plays for his firm, left by the Ventura last week on his return to Australia. From news that has filtered through, this live scion of J. and N. Tait has something good up his theatrical sleeve.

Miss Dorothy Gard’ner, the versatile ex-Dunedin girl of Dandies remembrance, is finding South Africa a pleasant field to exploit her talents. She is still with those perennial favourites, the Steele-Paynes, and their entertainments are greeted everywhere with crowded audiences. An extract from the “Star,” Johannesburg, of April 7, makes the following complimentary reference to Dorothy: “Miss Gard’ner deserves a special word. She is a veritable artistic treasure trove, and there should be no limit to her success in the profession she has adopted. Beyond a good voice and a charming personality she possesses all those other qualities which bespeak the true ar-

tist. She is many-sided, in that song, dance, character or other imitation comes equally naturally to her, while the vocal numbers and dances are arranged by her, and we would not be surprised if she were entirely responsible for certain of the words and music. Her work as a doll, child imitation, burlesque of the Laura Guerite style, in the cat duet, and half a dozen encores was as surprising as it was pleasing, and the very clever Spectacular Finale is one on which she is heartily to be congratulated as the producer.” Mr. Cuthbert Rose also receives a special word for his genuine and quiet humour.

Mr. Lew James’ dainty partner known professionally as Reina Selma is at present ill in hospital in Auckland. The many friends she has made both on and off the stage will wish her a speedy restoration. Meanwhile Mr. James is specialising in Yiddish originalities, and there are not many who can equal him in giving point to a story.

The Philistines met in revelry once again at their garrison in Swanson Street on Saturday night, Mr. R. A. Singer holding sway over a multitude of chosen spirits. His epigrammatic harangue mightily pleased the hosts assembled, and a light offering of song, story and supper further disturbed the welkin.

The Auckland season of the German Naval Surrender film closes on Thursday. The following towns will be visited in turn: Hamilton, Cambridge, Rotorua, Thames, Te Aroha, Paeroa. * * « V Bert La Blanc will be the next revue company to visit New Zealand for the Fullers. The Auckland season is due to commence as soon as the Australian shipping is normal again. Since his last appearance here Mr. La Blanc has completely reorganised his company. * « • • Mr. Charlie Taylor, the veteran actor, passed away in Melbourne last month. He was engaged directing a performance at Fullers’ Palace Theatre when a paralytic stroke felled him. He was born in London in 1851, and came to Australia in 1859 with his father and mother. He adopted the theatrical profession at the age of 18, under the then well-known theatrical entrepreneurs Coppin, Stewart, and Harwood. Afterwards the

well-known combination of TaylorCarrington was formed, and toured Australia and the East for many years. Latterly Mr. Taylor and Miss Carrington have been associated with various managements, including Geo. Marlow, Wm. Anderson, and Ben and John Fuller. Mr. Taylor was wellknown in New Zealand. He is survived by three daughters, one of whom is Mrs. F. Henningham, of Auckland. * ♦ * • For a dozen seasons Mme. Emma Calve was the idol of Covent Garden, London, where she last appeared fourteen years ago. To a whole generation of opera lovers her Carmen and her Santuzza are treasured memories. They gathered in force to hear her again at a concert in the Queen’s Hall in January. Her splendid voice is said to be scarcely touched, if at all, by the passage of years, and the charm of her delivery is as great as ever. She sang both the Habanera and the Seguidilla from “Carmen.” It is about eight years since Calve visited New Zealand. A novel postcard from Edward Elliott, ventriloquist and revue writer for the recent “Smart Set,” is to the effect that he hopes to be over here next year with the “Pronouns.” * « * • At St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday night Madame Marie Power sang with exquisite feeling, Schubert’s “Ave Maria.”