THE THEATRE.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 265, 1 August 1908, Page 12

THE THEATRE.

"The world's a theatre, the earth a stage."— Heywood. Br Sylvius, "Tho Merrymakers." "The Merrymakers" is the title of a company of bright, clean entertainers who arc to open at tho Town Hall on Saturday next, under tho management of J. and N. Tait. They are described as skotch artists, comedians, balladists, dancers, monologuists, mimics, raconteurs, and musicians. Of their performance the Dunodin "Star" says:— 'Coming under the direction of Messrs. J. and N. Tait, it might have been supposed that tho Merrymakers could show us something above tho ordinary, but it is doubtful whether any of the largo audience that attended His Majesty's Theatre expected such a roally clever entertainment as that which was presented. 'Refined,' as applied to vaudeville, somotimes means, when the guarantee is fulfilled, a weak and witless show;: The Merryiflakers possess brains, and therefore are able to present a programme that is innocent of coarseness and at the same timo smart and largely now. In the matter of their stage arrangements—their entrances and exits, their linking-up' business, and bo forth—their mothods are refreshingly original. Another point of merit about the entertainment is tho brisk allegro of the proceedings. Nevor for an instant is the stage to let, and the interval is very short. So that, by this judicious economising of timo, the Merrymakers get through what would ordinarily be a lengthy programme in tho spaco of two hours. 'God Save the King' was played at ten o'clock precisely,' and everybody who wanted to get hoino at a decent time could do so—a consideration of material importance in connection with any amusoment to which a 111.111 likes to take his sons and daughters with him, as may be safely dono in this enso. Then, too, the Merrymakers do not angle for encores or reappear after .1 dubious 'call.' [f 'they are coming back they do so at once; if, on tho other hand, a performer has not quite hit the bull's oyo. ho seoms to know it and all the renowed noise that the house con mako will not coax him on airain. Tho Morrymakers distinguish' at once between the sinmro'encore nnd the recall of a minority."

Tho principals of the company are Miss Doris Tjind. Miss Elsie Williams/Mr. J. If. Campbell, Mr. Gavin Wood, Mr. Eric Blnre. Mr. Herbert Clayton, and Mr. Sam Walsh. "Zlra." "Zira," which is to succeed "Tho Thief" at Her Majesty's, Sydney, 011 Saturday last, is an adaptation of W'ilkic Collins's story "Tho Now Magdalen." Hester Trent, another Mercy Morrick, 'upon seeing a young woman' of wealthy family killed, as sho supposes, by tlio explosion of a shell, in South ; Africa, takes her name, in order to blot out her past, and goes to England as Lady Wavering's niece, Ruth Wilding.' The first act passes at Major-General Grabanl's headquarters near Ca.petown, at the close of the Boer War, tile second at the mission house attached .to St. John's Church, Mile End Road, London, and tho third and fourth in the house of Lady Constance' Olavoring, Mayfair. Tho cast of principals will bo: — Rev.'Gordon Clavering...Mr. Henry Kolker. Sir Frederick Knowles...Mr. G. S. Tithcradgo. Captain Arnold Sylvester.'..Mr. Cyril Mackay: Mark Trent ,' Mr. Sydney Stirling. Tho Bishop ofWapping...Mr. Henry Overton. Arthur Fielding Mr. Dion Tithcradgo. Lady Constance Clavering... ■ ■ Miss Susio Vaughan. Ruth. Wilding Miss Eugenie Bessercr. Hester. Trent ("Zira")..j ■ Miss Margarot Anglin. Miss Anglin has starred for the past three years in this play in the United States, and hor first season as Hester Trent at the Princess Theatre, Now York, towards tho ond of 1905, was considered ono of the most momorable dramatic events of the year. Tho part which Mr.-Tithcradgo .will play hero, tlio surgeon, Sir Frederick Knowles, is that in which lie appeared with Miss Anglin in Now York. Though the mow drama is founded on Wilkie Collins's story, it is said to bo more modern in torio and treatment, the opening sceno being an incident, not of tho Franco-Gorman War, but of that which was fought in South Africa. Curiously enough, the novelist derived his inspiratim from the Tichborne case, ono of tlio most famous in history. It was in the selection of "Zira," after-it had been rejected by various American managers, that Aliss Anglin provod her judgment in respect of untried plays. Having read the manuscript she recommended her manager to produce it in New York, Miss Anglin herself placing Hester .Trent. ■ He did so, though' against his own belief in tlio wisdom of the choice; and tho result was complete success, not only in New York, but in other cities of tho United States. "The Throe of Us," Amongst tho new plays of which Mr. Williamson has ,tho. Australasian rights is Rachel Crothers's "Tho Tlirco of Us," which has. had a great run of prosperity in America. A perusal of tho London notices just to hand concerning its production at Terry's Theatre last month afford some amusement by reason-of their variety. While tho London "Daily Telegraph" and "Daily News"declare tho play to be ci'udo and artificial, the "Daily Chronicle" enthusiastically describes its production in London as "one of tlioso unexpected, triumphs that arrive ra.rely and refreshingly in the jog-trot of. theatrical affairs," and says the pieco is "ono of tlio strongest, most thrilling, and vital little affairs that Terry's has known for many a long day." What generally happens in a caso ofthis kind is that tho public takes tho matter into its own hands, and crowds tlio theatre overy night. _ Hence "Tho Three of Us" is likely to achiovo.in London at least a-.share of tho prosperity which has marked its career in America. Miss Fannie Ward is playing the horoino at Terry's, and Messrs. Cyril Keightley and John W. Dean her two lovors.

Mr. Williamson, who saw "The Three of Us" in America, and . was impressed with its strength, secured it witli the prospect'that ■ Miss Anglin might bo seen in it during hoiAustralasian tour. It. is not likely, however, as her stay hero will necessarily be a short one, ..that it will' be produced during tho present visit of the distinguished actress to Sydney. At present, it is probablo that Miss Anglin will, alter "Zira," appear , in a comedy , part, in Clyde Pitch's "The Truth," another notablo American success which is now to this'part of tho world. Latest from London. The theatres have offered us a varied bill of fresh fare during the last few days (says the overseas edition .'of the London "Daily Mail" of June 20) —something for everybody's taste. First and foremost-, that most prolific and versatile, of dramatists, Mr. W. Somerset Maughan, has advanced .yet further in his triumphant career. Following close on tho heels of "Lady Frederick,'' 7 "Jack Straw," and "Mrs. Dot," wo now have "Tho Explorer" from his pen. TliiS may be described as cultured melodrama. It deals with tho woes and feats of a 'stern, strong man in the wilds of Africa and tho West End of London, and gavo Mr. Lewis Waller an opportunity,' at the Lyric on Saturday, of which he availed himself in fmo form. Aided by those brilliant ladies Miss Evelyn Millard, Miss Mary liorlce, and Miss Eva Moore, lie carried Mr. Maughan once moro to decisive victory. A success cvfen better deserved was that scored by Mr. Cyril Maude at The Playhouse on Tuesday, Juno 1G. — "The Flag Lieutenant" (which has becii secured by Mr. J. C. Williamson), by Major W. P. Drury and Mr. Loo Trevor, is a bright, bracing "Service" play of the best kind, which went straight to tho heart of the public and-de-serves its permanent affection. It is as clover as it is invigorating. On tho samo night, at tho Haymarkct; was produced a whimsical "fairy play" by that very clever, man of lettors Mr. Laurence Housmnn. It is called "Tho Chinese Lantern," and tho best thing about it is that the costumes aro genuinely Chinese. It gives no proof that Mr. Housman is a dramtist, and waa

chiefly notable for introducing us to Miss Irene Clarke, who, as Mee-Meo, tho horoine, showed herself an exceptionally charming and clover actress.

THE LAMENT OF THE DEADHEAD. I'm the most invet'rate playgoer, I'novor kick at all — As well content in balcony ■ , Or front orchestra stall. • Upon occasion in a box I sport my "dress clothos" black — I have been known (on op'ra nights) To drivo up in a hack! I am the treasurer's little friend, I help to "dress the floor"— Know where to "plant" (at supper timo) A dozen "pairs" or more; Put Aunt Matilda in tho "Bale," And Aland " downstairs," for stylo, Send Bridget to the "Family Circ"— My "Boss"—"two on tho aisle," And yet, altlio' I help him out, The managerial frank Ain't exercised with fairness— For, while I'm not a crank, It seems to me, in plays I see, The plots are awful thin, And when there comes a "bully" show Tho,y never pass me in! I tried to get somo "paper" For John Drew in "My Wife" — Well, could I "work" the box office? Gee! Not upon your lifo! They gave me seats for " Artie " , And for "The Evangolist," I But evei-y play Maude Adams had You bet I've always missed 1 I got in on a car transfer ' To seo "The Other House" (I never had "admission" To " The Lion and the Mouse") Dave Warfield in tho. " Army Man" They wouldn't lot me seo! (Two "rows" for " The Alaskan " Was what they sent to mo!) I hear "Tho Merry Widow's'' great! ' But I can't get in free, It's only just tho "lemons" 1 got handed out to me — • And the thought that most disturbs me Is the fear that some rash day, I'll want to seo a first-class show And walk right up and PAY! —Anna Marble in the " Theatre Magazine."

Stage Jews. ' A movement has been started in America to do away with tho "stage Jew!' A,prominent Rabbi is at the head of the movement. It is claimed that the Hebrew, impersonators seen 011 tho stage—in vaudeville, musical comedy, and melodrama-—are caricaturing tile Jeivs unjustly and continually holding up tho race to ridiculo and scorn. " All the preachments from the pulpit on goodwill," says the llabbi, " cannot cate tho venom.inculcated by this lampooning of tho Je\v upon the stage." It is assorted by prominent artists, on the contrajy, that all the impersonators of this character who aro successful are themselves Hebrews, and that 'their performances are provocative of laughter merely) not contempt and scorn. It has been frequently remarked that tho Hebrews in the audience aro the ones who seem to enjoy most thoroughly the impersonations in which tho racial peculiarities of thoir people are depicted in a humorous manner. Notes. Air.- Charles Froliman is crossing the Atlantic on the Maurelunia, and lie intends, it is stated, to, pay. special attention'to the possibility of iniU-octan performances by theuu-ical companies: .if the idea is proved to.' be practical politics the name of the liner will, wo presume, be changed to the Jintertauia.—" i'unch." Hoforo leaving Wellington yesterday Miss Brightie Smith,-the aptly-named young serio, who lias .spent four pleasant months on the Fuller circuit, was entertained by her private and professional friends, and presented with a pair of coral and diamond earrings as a token of lovo and esteem. Miss Smith will bo remembered as the preternaturally clever lit-" tie girl who, for somo years, pla.ved tlio child parts with tho Bland Holt Company in tho days when New Zealand used to metaphorically fall at the feet of and worship Mr. and Mrs. Holt, as tho be-all and end-all of melodrama. As tho years came Brightio developed talent that _is i in demand on the vaudeville stage, and joined the -giddy forces of Mr. ■Harry Rickards. since which time she has never looked back.