DRAMATIC & MUSICAL

Free Lance, Volume III, Issue 159, 18 July 1903, Page 16

DRAMATIC & MUSICAL

By Footlight.

" YSN'T it a lot of ridiculous nonI sense?" was the comment of a stolid playgoer who went to see "Are You a Mason." With that, he chuckled until he was black in the face, and his neighbour restrained him by thumping him on the back. As a matter of fact, "Are You a Mason" is the most ingenious "nonsense" that could be devised, based upon foundations so slender that only the finest comedians could hope to make it the screeching success it undoubtedly is. It has to do with the giddy old man included in all farce comedies. This particularly giddy old man is absolutely the wickedest old sinner of his class, for, as most of the population of Wellington know by this time, he has deceived the wife of his bosom, for twenty years, into the belief that he is a Mason. * * * His son-in-law, who will be as giddy a dog as he when his hair grows whiter, in a weak moment, in order to cloak indiscretions of late hours, also becomes a fraudulent Mason, unknown to the giddy old father-in-law. On this foundation is the fun based. The agonising efforts of the twain to deceive trusting womanhood' into the belief that the mental and physical gymnastics they perform are the signs of the Order result in an avalanche of side-splitting laughs that oftentimes obscures the "lines," and makes the audience assume one vast grin. * * * What need to tell of the vivacious young friend of the family who, to help the younger scamp, assumes the role of an alleged daughter of a former "dead and gone" wife of the giddy old man for purposes of more fun, or the introduction of a grotesque, down-at-heels tragedian, who helps the chaos and who is one of the very brightest bits in the whole show? Nothing quite so funny has been seen in Wellington for a very long time, and one hasi to sit down and have a good solid think to find out what one has been laughing about. * * * As the gay old spark, who was not a Mason. Mr. George Giddens fills the bill until it bulges with humorous sparklets, and bis son-in-law, Frank Perry (Mr t Cecil Ward), is not far behind in the nonsense race. Their absurd "Masonry" is done to roars of laughter. The plotting ex-actor, George Fisher who, as Franchon a long-lost "daughter" of the old gentleman is excellent. He is the nicest main-girl I remember. As a matter of fact, it is quite impossible at first sight to believe Fanchon is a man so excellent is he*r figure, and so skilful her make-up. * # The gentlemen are strong, and the ladies equally so. Miss Eileen Munro, as Miss Bloodgood, the senior "Mason's" wife, is a clever actress, but ewes one the impression that a man would have to be an accomplished fraud indeed to deceive her- Miss Ethel Knight-Mol-lison, as one of her daughters, and the wife of the young "Masonic" fraud, is piquant and refreshing, and, Miss Olga Beatty Kingston and Miss Molly Pearson, her other daughter, are both charming. Also, their dresses are "dreams." * * • Miss Lily Roehfort, as an Irish servant, is fitted with a part that eminently suits her. One of the most satisfying and ludicrous characters is Hamilton Travels, the tragedian, and Mr. Herbert Jarman absolutely scintillates in it. Minor parts are taken bv people who get every ounce of fun out of them. The house roars from 8 until 10.30. The Wellington playgoeir who is unablo to answer the question, "Are Yon a Mason?" is a person on whom one can bestow a wealth of pity. * * * Dixs Gaiety Company, at the Theatre Royal, is revelling in the good times that used to happen along a couple of years ago. There is no superfluity of empty space in the building. Among half-a-dozen "star" turns, the brilliant act of Hill and Silvainy is 1 best and brightest. This wonderful couple showed for one night only during a recent visit, and have now amplified their business until it is a masterpiece of strength, agility, and daring. There are several "creeps" in this marvellous

Fuller's Entertainers, feeling it their bounden duty to keep up to the scratch with rival entertainments calling to their patrons, has a bill at the Choral Hall that explains satisfactorily the anxiety of the patrons to squeeze in somewhere. Mr. Fred Bluett is still the reigning attraction, and his humourisms are the subject of conversation among Fuller's friends, on car and train and 'bus. Fred is cheerful, and his expansive simile is reflected in the radiant countenance of his audience. * * * Miss May Blackie, among many beauteous demoiselles, has the' blackest lettering on the programme. You are therefore to conclude that she 1 is the "star." She shines in ballads, and her "Nobody Ever Brings Presents to .Me" makes you feel that you might have saved up your shillings to prevent the imputation being oast on your generosity. * * * Mr. Ted Herberte, the gentleman with the fine voice and the wealth of descriptive talent, sings such, songsi as "The Miner," "Toilers on the Veldt," and good material of that sort. Strong supporters are. the Phillip sisters, the Lenton girls, Jack Hall, Tim Howard, and other favourites. "Marconi's Latest Invention" is kept for a wind-up, and it is certainly not conducive to gravity. * * * Mr. Fred Duval sends me a neat post-card from 'Frisco, to say that the Stone aaid Evans American Comedy Company sent its specially selected comedy "stars" away from that city on July 4th, for an extended tour of the Australasian colonies, and that it "will positively visit your town "

bicycle act. The muscular Hill, perched upon an "ordinary" bike, support* the graceful Silvainy on one hand holding the other extended, and performs feats that make the eyes bulge. # One of Mr. Hill's sensations is to nde furiously "downstairs" with the lady upside-down on one hand, arrive at the footlights as if he were going to fall on the drummer, and then stop suddenly. The audience jumps. It thinks there is going to be a triple inquest, but it is robbed of this sensation at least. The astounding ability and strength of Mr. Hill are a feature of this fine act. To take a lady on one's shoulders at the top of a flight of stairs, to hop lightly with the burden on to the wheel, and reach the ground is simple to Mr. Hill. The audience rose and cheered what it evidently conceded was the finest feat of its kind seen in New Zealand. * * * That charming quartette, "The Williams's," are eminently picturesque. Their "statue" clog dance is an artistic item. Under the limelight, these versatile people dance delightfully, and suddenly assume poses representative of

classic statuary. They get a reception only second in enthusiasm to the great act just mentioned. Their song and dance, "My Blackbird," is delightful. They wind up with a clever club-swinging act. * * * Tod CalJaway is chiefly noticeable tins week for his unique and diverting song, "The Football Referee," which is a quaint conglomeration of Latin, French, German, a<nd other terms, stolen from the back of the dictionary. He sings as many othei" songs as the audience can get out of him. Mr. Jim Marion has imoroved beyond recognition. His "I'm a Coalman" is really not too bad at all. Miss Flo Williams has a charm of expression that suits the semi-nathetio item "They say that my Mammy's a lady " and Miss Jessie Thorne dances daintily a stately Spanish step. * * •* Miss Eva Esdaile is still a favourite, and that evergreen actor-vocalist, Mr. George Dean, is highly successful in "A Bit of Acting Off the Stage." Add to the above list a hilarious oneact comedy, and a wind-up farce and you have one of the best bills the Gaiety Company ever put on.