ANOTHER “FIND.”

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1559, 11 March 1920, Page 36

ANOTHER “FIND.”

PROMISED IN “BUTTERFLY.”

A feature of the present J. C. Williamson Grand Opera Company is its supply of reserve forces.- There’s no “one-man or one-woman” show about it, and the multiplicity of exceptional voices is remarkable. One case in point is Miss Gertrude Johnson, whose success in “Lucia di Lanjmermoor” was in the nature of a sensation, her vocal aptitude astounding the critics in New Zealand as in Australia. A parallel instance will probably be recorded after next Friday night, when Mr. Browning Mummery (hitherto heard in small parts) will appear as Lieutenant Pinkerton in “Madame Butterfly.” It Mr. Frank Rigo—stage director of the present combination and a power to be reckoned with in grand opera destinies —who “discovered” Mr. Mummery in Melbourne and saw. his possibilities for -eventual eminence. So satisfied is he that a new star has come to light in Mr. Mummery that the management, likewise impressed, have decided to give him an opportunity of declaring his powers at the performance on Friday. Several authorities claim that they have never heard a more beautiful natural tenor voice than that possessed by this Melbournite, who, by the way, was an engineer before Mr., Rigo “found” him and deviated him from the even tenor of his way to the channels of grand opera. That he is a find those who know say there isn’t a shadow of doubt.

A line from Mr. Victor Beck indicates that the English Pierrots are due to reach New Zealand in April. At present they are doing wonderful business at St. Kilda.

“Kissing Time” has been described as the best-dressed musical play ever staged in 'Australia; but it has additional attractions in its witty dialogue, ctachy mudic, clever acting, and piquant atmosphere-

Major lan Hay Beith has arrived in New York to see the production which A. H. Woods will present, entitled “Tilly of Bloomsbury,” which is adapted from his novel, “Happy Go Lucky.” Tilly of Bloomsbury” is to be staged in Melbourne at the Theatre Royal shortly by J. C. Williamson, Ltd., with a specially organised company, including some prominent artists from London.

“Mother Hubbard,” the J. and N. Tait, Bailey and Grant pantomine in Melbourne, has broken all previous records. Barry Lupino and Jack Cannot are a big attraction. Then there are those clever dancers Moon and Morris; the unusual acrobatic jugglers “The Creightons,” and hosts of other favourites, . not forgetting William Hassan as the dog. The panto, is scheduled for Sydney in April.

It is pleasing to report that Mr. Scott Colville is well on the way to recovery after his serious illness.

Mr. Kennedy Black, manager of Liberty Theatre, Christchurch, has relinquished his position to rejoin Mr. John Hopkins, director of The Dandies, as managing and musical director. The tour will be Mr. Black’s fourth with Mr. Hopkins.

Mr. Harry Cohen, son of Mr- Albert Cohen, of Dunedin, accompanied by Mrs. Cohen, arirved at Wellington last week by the Tofua from San Francisco. Mr. Cohen proceeded to Dunedin, before crossing to Sydney, where he will make arrangements for the production of several American stage successes.

Mr. Gravestock, representative for Messrs. J. and N. Tait, confirms the report that Mr. John McCormack is to revisit Australia and New Zealand under the ' firm’s management this year. Mr. McCormack is bringing with him Mrs.’ McCormack and the members of his family.

Miss Daisy Kennedy, the voilin genius, returned to Australia last week after a successful Dominion tour. She commences a concert season in Melbourne on March 13- Her husband, Benno Moiseivitch, the Russian pianist, is to come out to Australia under engagement to J. and N. Tait in' May, and later will tour New Zealand with Miss Kennedy.

A painful sensation was caused in the Princess Theatre, Dunedin, by an accident to Mr. Archie Falls, of the acrobatic team of Archie and Gertie Falls, Fuller artists. In the course of his act he undertakes a hazardous somersault underneath his partner, who is sitting on a trapeze. At the end of his gyration he intertwines his feet with hers, hanging thus head down. Connection was missed, and Mr. Falls tumbled awkwardly on his head. He was stunned, and the curtain had to be lowered. The accident was fortunately not serious, and the act was presented again next evening.

For the last eight months touring manager for the Allan Wilkie Company, Jack O’Sullivan has once again answered the call of the East, and has severed his connection with drama to join Edgar Warwick (of Court Cards fame) in a new Eastern tour. Mr. O’Sullivan has received a letter from Warwick (dated Hongkong, January 8) announcing that he is going to England in search of novelties, and enjoining O’Sullivan to meet him in India or China, as may be arranged latej\ Mr. O’Sullivan has been spending a few days, in Wellington as the guest of Mr.- Bert Royle before leaving for Sydney.