Dramatic and Musical

Free Lance, Volume III, Issue 130, 27 December 1902, Page 16

Dramatic and Musical

By Footlight.

DIX'S galaxy of talent, at the Theatre Royal, has not supplied the usual fun during the past few nights, but the people have been lying by for a burst of Boxing Night pantomime. Those in tihe know are able to assert that the preparations for the production of "Dick Whittington and His Oat" are on a most complete and elaborate scale. The youngsters know about that pantomime already, and, as many Wellington children have never witnessed the old, yet ever n.&w, form of Christmas entertainment, it is safe to say that everyone — husband, wife, obild, and servant — will endeavour to get a peep at Diok on Boxing Night, or some succeeding night. * • » The mam ooant about the pantomime is that ib is to he locally turned out. Mr. Dix has already a reputation for his ability to oater successfully for the amusement of the public, and he has called upon his resources in order to eclipse any spectacle of the kind seen in New Zealand. Maybe, most children and grown-ups too, are familiar wth the life story of the boy to whom the bells said, "Turn again, turn again, Lord Mayor of London," and to see the tfharming old tale told, to the setting of gorgeousness with which Mr. Dix has surrounded it, will be a treat indeed. * * * The William Anderson Dramatic Company has been girding on its warpaint during the week, in order to burst forth on Boxing Day with something good and new. The company, recognising tlhat Wellington has to be given a good tiling in order to roll up in its myriads, have brought no fag end of a company, or waste 1 bits of scenery. The combination is a particularly strong one, and the repertoire is as strong as thr company. "The Night Birds of London," with which the company open the season, has been described as one of the cleverest and most picturesque and enthralling plays of modern times. * ♦ • Mr. Harry Plimmer, well-known by Wellingtoniane, is leading man and his recent successes, chronicled so admiringly by the press of the "other side," are the best evidence tthat he fills his portion with much credit. Also, the company does not tail off. Following "The Night Birds of London," the company also play "Mariners of England," "The Favourite," "The Worst Woman in London," and other clever modern pieces. * • • Mr. George Dean, with his waxworks and his wit. has been successfully catering for tihe amusement of Choral Hall

habitues. Marvellous the buried talent dug uio by the simple process of offering prizes for mouth organ playing, stepdancing, and singing. Budding geniuses in the audience have been invited to become mouth-organ kings or Frank Leoras, and the good humour and hilarity consequent on the innovations has kept the hall full. * # * Mr. Dean promises an extra SDecial attraction for Christmas night, for Mr. John Fuller, whose fine tenor voice is said to be finer than ever, will sing. The &aored concerts, illustrated by views of a trip through the Holy Land, should attract a large crowd on Christmas night. For Boxing Night, Mr. Dean has arranged for a special production of that lively musical comedy, "The Brook." ♦ » * Added to the new attractions are the excellent exhibition of waxworks, the hundred and one interesting side-shows, for which no extra charce is made. Altogetfae'r, Mr. Dean understands his public, and has succeeded in pleasing it by refusing to keep in a groove, and giving his patrons something fresh at frequent intervals. The great feature of the complimentary concert, given to Mr. Chas. Carter, on Friday, was me violin playing of little Irene Morris. This talented child (only daughter of Mr. R. B. Morris, of the Postal Department) played in both parts of the programme, and executed a variety of pieces w'hidh would have been preitensious enough for an, adult performer. Her meithod is admirable, reflecting the utmost credit upon Herr Max Hoppe. her teacher. "She fingers deftly bows with remarkable coniidemce and resolution, her tone is broad, rich, and resonant, and she displays a very great faculty of expression for a child of such tender yearsi — only eleven, I believe. Little Irene Morris is a born artist ajl right. The concert was a very nice one., and Mr. Carter's contributions were in his best style. Miss Jeanne Ramsay. Miss E. Maginnity, Miss Sime, and Messrs. E. J. Hill and Harry Smith also assisted. * * ♦ A very enjoyable entertainment was given by the College Rifles, at the Exchange Hall, on Saturday night, in aid of the bazaar fund. There was a crowded audience, and every item on the first half of the programme was encored. A duet, by Messrs. Oarr and Ballance, "Ring Out, Wild Bells," wast tlhe first, contributioflx, and, in response to an encore, tihev siang "The Old Flag." Miss Watson "brought down the house" with her amusing song (in character), "Bother the Men," and Miss Maginnity, as usual, had to submit to a double re-oall. • # • Mr. Carrs sweet voice was heard to advantage in his number, and he sang a dainty little encore sorter. Miss Sime'si recitations w^re oreatly enioyed, esnecially "A Soliloquy in Church," and later she sang "Jack and I," with much expression. "Lightning Sketches," by Mr. E. F. Hiscocks, were extremely clever, and, as each sketch de*veloped, it was greeted witlh grea/t applause. • • # Another novel item was the recitation (mi character) by Mr. P. Duignan, who represented an Irish woman and

various other characters, witih much, cleverness. Mr. BaJlamce was loudly encored for his solo, responding with "Beloved, it is Morn," winch he sings with excellent expression. The accompanimenits were played by the Misses TJpham, Maginnity, and Holmwood. The second half of the programme was provided by ladies, who acted the "Women's Parliament." The various members sustained their parts capitally, and the performance went throughout with great spirit. A tableau, in which the College Rifles took part, brought the performance to a close. (Continued on page HO.)

Th© Wadrarapa Farmers' Co-Operative Association have been getting beans. They have also a charming young lady from Boston, in tihe pertson of Miss McLeod to cook them. H. J. Heinz and Co., of Pittsburgh, are advertising their wares interestingly, and the W.F.C.A. is the spot chosen in Wellington to demonstrate. Prteeiding- over a picturesque array of bottle goods, exquisite fruits in jars, tomato soup that you may taste for yourself, baked beans that are not a bit like any baked beans you know of, and appetising and nourishing ■products in the/ cookery and canning of which exquisite care has been exercised, is the young lady from Boston, who is a most effective background for the choice exhibition. ♦ • * Miss McLeod is travelling, with a business representative of the Messrs. Hedmz, round the world, and is asking you to taste the delicious 1 products she cooks for you in silver dishes "right here." If you accent the invitation, you will be a convert to Heinz, bis beams, his fruits, his tomato soups, and other delightfully prepared delicacies. Miss McLeod "has a lot of the map to cover yet," and will be taking her silver service away soon. Just stroll along to the W.F.C.A., and have t look at her. The visit will repay you, and you will come away wearine; an artificial Heinz bean as a watch-charm. We are wearing one.

Mr. J. H. Robinson,, watchmaker and jeweller, of Willis-street, has an excellent way of reminding his friends that he has not forgotten them at Qhristmaß. The neat oard-oase he is sending out is of excellent duality, and choice design, and. will be much more welcome than the average highly-coloured almanac. We are in receint of cards conveying seasonable greetings from the New Zealand, Railway Department, the Department of Labour, the officers <rf the Registrar of Friendly Societies, the office staff of the City Council, Minister of Customs Department, tihe Wairarapa "Observer," Wairarapa "Standard," and the Marlborough "Express." Weheartily reciprocate th© sentiments of our well-wfehers.