HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 137, 9 June 1917, Page 8

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE

'DADDY LONG LEGS." "Daddy Long Legs," the dramatisatlon of Jean Webster's delightful fu»-J f * smiles" book, will be presented at His Majesty's Theatre on Monday evening next by a powerful J. C. Williamson company, headed by the two celebrated artists Katnlene MacDonell aud Charles Waldron. This charming play took Sydney by storm, and. after a highly successful season there, went on to Brisbane, where another great success was achieved. From Brisbane the company is coining to Auckland, which means that New Zealand playgoers will have the opportunity of witnessing the production ere it is presented to a Melbourne audience—a somewhat unique experience •Daddy Long Legs" scored in New York and London before reaching Sydney, so exceptional Interest centres around Miss MacDonell's first appearance ill Auckland. At the same time, local playgoers are looking forward to the reappearance of that sterling actor Charles Waldron, whose excellent work on his previous visit as "The Squaw Man" Is still fresh in their memories. Jean Webster's novel has made a great reputation for her play. Like "Peg o" My Heart." the piny centres mostly In the "principal character and his doings. although Daddy Long Legs himself has a good deal to carry. According to Sydney critics. Mr. Waldron makes a big luccess of the title role, one writer rather ecstatlcnllv remarking that he "played the part beautifully." In Miss Knthlene MacDonell it is said that nn ideal Judy has been secured. She has all the sprlghtllnwis that tbe character requires, and to this are lidded a tenderness and depth of expression that at once removes the part from any suggestion of pertness. The whole cast, it ls said, does excellent work. MUs Emma Temple, as Miss Piitchnrd. the lady who makes Judy's escape from bondage possible, is nn old favourite, and. as always, plays with sincerity and Intelligence. Miss Mnggle Moore also gives one of her delightful bits of characterisation, and is seen at her best. Mr. Louis Kimball is the flue actor who, it will be remembered, scored splendid as tbe American pressman Charley Brown In the great war drama "Under Fire." The orphan children, too. are gems in their way. nnd assist in the success of this excellent production. This play will bo staged for five nights, for which the box plans are now open at Wild man nnd Arey's.