"A MESSAGE FROM MARS."

Of all the plays in the repertoire of the Hawtrey Company there is none which stands out ' so prominently as Ganthony's remarkable comedy-drama

"A Message from Mars," which is to be revived this evening. It was due to the enterprise of Mr Hawtrey that the production was introduced to tho Australian public, nnd when his company first staged the piece In Sydney it made an immediate hit, and since then has enjoyed a popularity in Australia and New Zealand second to no other production placed before the public in this quarter of the world. A feature of this charming ami original conception Is the strong hold it has obtained upon the religious element in society, and it has been quite a common thing to see clergymen, with their families, enjoying and applauding this unique play. .Six bishops have witnessed the play in Australia, and Bishop Barlow did not hesitato to bxprcss his appreciation of its moral value. As a

lesson on the sin of selfishness it

worth many number of sermons. Canon Tucker, of Melbourne, went so far as to preach a sermon ~on "A Message from Mars " at Christ's Church, South Yarra, and subsequently took his choir toys to one of the matinees. Thoso who have not seen the play must not think for a moment that it is heavy or sombro in construction. It is full of tho most ainus. ing episodes, and the dialogue is witty. The scenery is also of an uncommonly beautiful, description, and the mechanical effects are pronounced to be admirable, and at times quite sensational. "The tramp" of Mr. Hawtrey is a lainfully perfect character sketch; : and Mr MacMahon as Horace Parker has gained a long succession of applauding; comments. Mr Hammond appears in his old tale of Arthur Dicey, and the; cast includes the Mioses Austin,- Bfonton, Bancroft and Torrence," and Messrs Heggle (the Messenger); Deering; Elton,- Stanley, Keith, and others.' Tb-tnorrow will be the last night of the Season,- when Ralph Lunir ley's great X'ondon'- success "In the Soup" will be produced for the first time in Now EeftlMtf. '"'■