MUSGROVE THE THIRD.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVII, Issue 975, 12 November 1908, Page 18

MUSGROVE THE THIRD.

Management, like wooden legs, runs in some families, writes Peter Quince in Melbourne “ Punch.” The name George Musgrove is known in three-quarters of the globe, Harry Musgrove is well known throughout Australasia in connexion with ventures of his brother and his own. Now there is a third brother acting ais a “man behind the gun” on his own account. Musgrove the Third, by name Frank,

passed through Melbourne last week, after an absence of nearly a year in England. During his absence he saw everything of theatrical interest on the other side, with an eye to the invasion of Australia, and he has initiated negotiations for various attractions in the future. The immediate outcome of his trip is the engagement of Mischa Elman for an Australian tour next year, and he is joining with his brother George in several big things. It is hardly necessary to tell the Melbourne public that Mischa Elman is a musical prodigy, and one of the wonders of the century. Professor Rose, of the Royal Academy of Music, who was a fellow passenger by the China with Frank Musgrove, says that “ Mischa Elman has taken London by storm, and is simply unrivalled.” Whilst in London Mr Frank Musgrove came into contact with many Australians, but mostly the successful ones. “ The forefront,” he says, “ is still occupied by Melba, who is a wonder. Australians don’t realise just what she has accomplished, and certainly don’t think half enough of her. Tetrazzini is a great artist, but she has not pushed Melba out.

The other successful ones that I saw were:—Madame Mary Conly and A’ice Crawford at the St. James, and Marie Lohr at Her Majesty’s. These three are right on top. Other that I saw, doing good to middling, were Otto Heggie at the Haymarket. George Ek on in Courteridge’s Company, Albert Whelan and Olive Lenton at the Pavilion, Carrie Swain at the Colisseum.