AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 178, 28 July 1903, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

THE, MAJERONI COMPANY.

The Majeroni Company opened its second week at" the Opera House last night with a change of programme, "Justice at Last," a five-act play by Frank Harvey, taking the place of the opening piece. It j 5 a hard task to find originality in plays of this kind, and that rare element will not be found in "Justice at Last," but the piece has the merit of being a, convincing human story, unpretentious, and for that reason more likely to appeal to the feelings of an audience such .as is attracted by plays of the emotional kind. As the title explains, the usual end "is attained, justice is triumphant, villainy vanquished, virtue is rewarded, and those deserving of happiness secure it late in the day, but all the more appreciated for that. The thrills of excitement are not awakened, but the story commands the utmost sympathy, and, well played, makes a satisfying evening's enjoyment. The heroine is Jlay Gordon, who marries Gentleman jack on the Australian diggings, and a fine glimpse of a typical bit of- creek "'way back" is obtained by the audience in the first act. '-Gentleman Jack" finds lie lias inherited rank and a fortune, and, forgetful of the wife who has shared and made lighter the days of poverty, forgetful too of his baby boy, he deserts them, an d is successful in covering for a time his Australian experiences. Nemesis i 3 on his track, he struggles to evade that sure process, and, as usual, he fails. ■This is the bare story, but it has inter-' tivined with it other features which serve to keep up the interest and make the play a thoroughly pleasing one to the audience. Miss Nellie Ogden, as May Gordon, the deserted wife, played with quiet dignity and force, and Mr. George jlajercni made the most of the role of the instrument of justice as Wilfred Meredith, his part being popular and. veil played. "Gentleman Jack" was not overdrawn by Mr. Mario Majeroni, who ffa V thoroughly in keeping with the Tvhole tenour of the play in his well-re-strained acting. The lighter element was it°ll in evidence, and was capably preyed, Mr. P. A. Savierf being particularly droll as a blunt-witte'd carpenter lover, Tom Clinker, to whom Miss Eleanor Harlin, as Selina Thorpe, made a eharmrngly piquant sweetheart. Mr. Savieri worked well with Mr. Harry Douglas, as a British workman, Sam TTOpS, in many amusing side-scenes, and' Jliss May Renro. as the workingman's wife materially aided her in duty bound, also contributing most efleclive'iy when the story bad to be unfolded Miss May Granville and Miss Kate Gair took other parts capably. The piece is veil mounted, but, perhaps owing to its beir.c a first night, the changes were rot quickly made. An improvement here tfil] give additional zest to the play, and -jith-this done, "'Justice at Last should te capable of a successful run. The Flight for Life," and-"For the Term of His = Natural Life" are included m the Majeroni repertoire.