MUSGROVE’S GERMAN OPERA CO.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2175, 3 September 1907, Page 2

MUSGROVE’S GERMAN OPERA CO.

MORE TROUBLE IN WELLINGTON. : A QUARREL AND A RECONCILIATION. (Special to Times.) WELLINGTON, September 2. Though the genoral public kax-e heard nothing about it there has been a recrudescence here of tlio trouble between Manager Musgrove and some of tho members of tho German Opera Company. At the matinee on Wednesday it xvas noticed that Herr Fritz Rupp did not make his appearance in “Hansel and Gretel,” and that his part of the father was being taken by a chorister, xvho came on with a book in his hand. It appears that there had been trouble between Mr. Musgrove and Herr Rupp, and tho latter;'after an alleged insult had consulted Messrs Bell. Gully, Bell, and Myers. The result was a lawyer’s letter to Mr. Musgrove and an absolute refusal on the part of Herr Rupp (acting under legal advice) to appear again with the company. It was in consequence .of this contretemps that the important alteration had to lie made in the cast of “Hansel and Gretel.” In this dilemma the influence of the German Consul was brought to bear and both he and Mr. Musgrove called upon Herr Rupp at his hotel and discussed the matter with him. It is stated that some members of the chorus also went to Herr Rupp and urged him not to leave the company, stating that if he did so there was a danger of the company disbanding; in which case they would be thrown out of employment. This appeal touched Herr Rupp, and he is again taking part in performances. If all one hears is true Mr. Musgrove, lioxvever, has not yet seen the last of his trouble, and it is quite on the cards that important developments may take place on the return of tho company to Melbourne.