D’ARC’S PANTOMINE AND MARIONETT COMPANY.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1027, 21 October 1903, Page 2

D’ARC’S PANTOMINE AND MARIONETT COMPANY.

The above clever organisation, who are to open a season in the Academy of Musio during Show week, commencing Tuesday, 27th October, have just completed their sixth tour of the world. Their last appearance in Now Zealand was in the old Theatre Eoyal, Auckland, in 1869, with the originator of the show, Mr Lambert D’Arc—lately deceased—at their head. The entertainment is practically the same to-day as then, the proprietor considering that the acme of ingenuity and perfection had been reached. The Company includes 16 artists, all marionette manipulators unto the moving and acting of the puppets—of course hidden from view—vocalise, dance, and rendor the dialogue to appropriate music, specially written by the conductor, Mr Walter Gonsalves. The figures are said to be sumptuously costumed, and surprisingly lifelike. The programme consists of the marvellous “ Fantocini ” burlesque, “ Salvation Army on Parade,” the gorgeous Oriental pantomine " Blue Beard,” screaming harlequinade and comic scenes, and the magnificent transformation scene “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The scenery is described as superb, and the many changes worked with remarkable mechanical skill, the whole of the side wing 3, back cloth, and borders moving simultaneously, and with Burprising rapidity. The wholo of the fixI ture is in miniature reality a complete stage, with procenium curtain, footlights, and scenic effects upon the actual hall stage. Popular prices 3s, 2s, Is, are to be charged. A grand special matinee has been arranged for Thursday, when special tariff will be charged for families. Box plan and day sales will be open at Mr Miller’a to-morrow morning at 10 o’clock,