Dramatic and Musical

Free Lance, Volume I, Issue 22, 1 December 1900, Page 12

Dramatic and Musical

By Footlight.

WITH longing eyes the play-going public have been waiting for some time past the advent of the Crane-Power Dramatic Company, which is touring the colony under engagement to Mr. J. C. Williamson. On Monday next the local season will open at the Opera House with the production of Henry Hamilton's striking romantic play, "The Bang's Musketeer." As most people know, it is the most successful stage adaptation of Dumas's brilliant fascinating novel "The Three Musketpers," not to have read whic 1 ! have missed a delightful '-roah The play has produced a furore wherever it has been performed. It is splendidly costumed and mounted, the scenery is superb, and the company is a very strong combination. Miss Ethel Crane, the leading lady, is already most favourably known to us as the original "Trilby," and of Mr. Tyrone Power great things are spoken. The box plan is open at Holliday's, and, as there is sure to be heavy booking and crowded houses may safely be anticipated, those who do not want to be disappointed will do well to reserve their seats at once. * * Dixs Gaiety, at the Exchange Hali, continues to do excellent business. James C. Bain's store of comicalities seems quite inexhaustible, and the capacity of the audience for absorbing them certainly is. It is impossible to load them up. The more they get from Bain the more they want. However, he is generous and gives them plenty of change. Johnny Cowan's specialties are bright and sparkling as usual, while the singing of Miss Alice Layton, the trick cycling of the clever Delavales, the "turns" of the Staunton Sisters, and the songs and ballads contributed by Miss Ivy Foster, Mr. Walter Rivers and other artiistes unite to furnish forth the material for an entertainment that keeps one highly pleased and vastly amused from start to finish. No one should miss the new programme. * * * The Bijou Company are still on the flood tide of success. Long before eight on Saturday night the Choral Hall was crowded to excess in every part, and the new programme was received with every mark of lively satisfaction. Miss Katie , Lynns singing was highly effective, the corner men (Messrs. Bluett and Williams) kept the fun going with unslackened current, and the vocal efforts of Miss Coralie Barlow, Miss Silviui and Mr. Percy James scored every time. Miss Lottie Lome, assisted by Master Coleman, well sustains the popularity she has achieved, and her new songs have been received with the utmost favour. Fisko's jncrnriing; di&play was admirable, and the Risley act of the Tylers produced round after round of hearty applause. Sivroni made his last appearance, and got a very cordial send-off. The public will be rejoiced to learn of the special engagement of that prince of burntcqrkists, Mr. Charles Faning, and the vivacious serio-comic and sketch artiste, Miss Georgie Devoe, both of whom will shortly appear on the Choral Hall stage. ¥ Mi-s. Fanny Howie's farewell concert in St. Paul's Schoolroom on Monday night was a rare musical treat. The programme, of course, was choice, and the names of the artistes engaged would alone be sufficient warranty of highly efficient performance. In short the concert was worthy of the gifted contatrice. and reflected the utmost credit on all concerned. Encores were the order of the evening, and the performers were graciously compliant. Mrs. Howie's contributions were, "The Banks of Allan Water" (which stirred the audience to great enthusiasm), "Lullaby," "The Linden Tree" (Schubert), following which some lovely bouquets were handed to the songstress, "The Beating of My Own Heart" (Macfarren), "In the Tiinc of Roses" (Corbett), Tosti's "Good Bye,"' 'The Day When You'll Fprget Me," and "To the Breezes," a dainty little piece emposed by Miss Trixie Atkinson, of Nelson. *■. Mr. John Prouse's fine resonant baritone was heard to impressive effect m Alfred Hill's "My Fairest Child" (Herr Max Hoppe playing a sympathetic viohn oblisrato) in Schubert's dramatic ballad "The Erl King," and in Sullivan's "Thou'rt Passing Hence." He also sang

"When I Awake." The instrumental morceaux were quite in keeping with, and of a standard equal to, the vocal pieces. Herr Hoppe was recalled for his masterly violin solos, and Mr. Maughan Barnett's brilliant pianoforte solos were keenly relished and very warmly applauded. Miss Florence Prouse played all the pianoforte accompaniments with her accustomed care and taste. * * • The Biograph exhibitions, at the Opera House, still continue to fetch and fascinate the public. There is still the same nightly spectacle of a crowded and highly delighted audience, and by frequent changes of programme Messrs. Wyld and Freedman have maintained unimpaired and unshaken the freshness and novel interest of their entertainment. The series of pictures illustrative of leading situations from the musical comedy of "San Toy," at the London Gaiety, were capitally produced, and made a very decided "hit." * * ■* Miss Janetta Frazier, a young English cantatrice, who has recently arrived in Wellington, and who brings with her high credentials, gives a choice concert at the Sydney-street Hall on Monday evening next. She will be assisted by Mr. Maughan Barnett, Mr. John Prouse, and Herr Max Hoppe. A very attractive programme has been prepared, and a musical treat is anticipated.

Entries for the Wellington Amateur Athletic Club's Spring Meeting close at the Central Hotel, to-morrow (Saturday) night at 8.30. Entries for the Public Schools Championships close at the same time.