Press Clippings for the week ending
Saturday, 19 July 2003
A random selection of cuttings
from newspapers and magazines
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Metropolitan music hall, London, August Bank Holiday, 1883
'On Bank Holliday was produced here what is called a grand ballet divertissement, entitled Inca. It is the arrangement of Mr. Walton, and while we by no means wish to speak disparagingly of it, we are bound to say that it does not make us forget the many successful entertainments of a similar character which have been seen upon these boards. Inca is rather more a ballet d'action than what it has been the custom to witness here, pantomime forming its special feature rather then dancing. It is well mounted as regards scenery, the effect of an Indian encampment in flames being at once startling and well managed. Messrs. Walton are excellent pantomimists, the Sisters [Isabel and Agnes] Lindon render most efficient aid, and Mdlle. Aguzzi is a première danseuse of attractive form and feature. The general company is equal to that usually found at this establishment, which is saying much, and Mr. William Bailey, upon whom, as manager, much responsibility rests, is as energetic and watchful as of yore. Mr. Eaton and his excellent band materially add to the evening's enjoyment. The holiday entertainment here is well worthy of support, and, judging from the appearance of the Hall on the occasion of our visit, is meeting with it. Mr. Lake may, therefore, be congratulated.' * * * * * * * * Trixie Friganza at the Fifth Avenue Theatre, New York, 1909 |
Trixie Friganza (1870-1955), American actress and singer
(photo: unknown, probably New York, circa 1909)
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'Trixie Friganza (Fifth Avenue) proved beyond a doubt the value of material over the value of an artist. She worked dreadfully hard on Tuesday night [6 July 1909], but because her songs and her short monologue were evidently not suited to her personality she failed utterly to make the hit she should have. "Prunes, Prunes, Prunes," "Blind Pig," and "An Irish Fandango" were the selections. The first is way out of her line. The second is also and has been done to death this season, while the last was unsuited to her at present as it could possibly be. She did, however, get some laughter by a series of acrobatic gambols across the stage, but which required neither talent, personality nor anything save the ability to use one's limbs with a measure of awkward rapidity, and through uncalled for waits and remarks regarding late-comers in the audience.'
* * * * * * * * Chappell's music shop, Bond Street, London, 1925
'One of the good things I took care not to leave behind me when we went to Drury Lane to see Rose Marie was the music of the "Indian Love Call," which is sung with such delightful feeling by Edith Day and Derek Oldham, and which Messrs. Chappell must find one of their best sellers. I went to the famous Bond Street music shop and bought the other numbers, including the pianoforte selection, which, with No, No, Nanette, brings my musical comedy repertory quite up to date. I don't play golf, and very little law tennis, so my pianoforte is still my principal recreation. But what a boon the gramophone must be to those out-of-door folks who have neither the time nor the energy left for trying over new music. A few shillings spent on the Columbia Records, and you have the songs, the voices of the original artists, and the splendid Drury Lane Orchestra, under that admirable chef d'orchestre, Herman Finck, and you have only to close your eyes and picture the stage, and there you are, practically assisting again at the theatre performance.'
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© John Culme, 2003