"THE SIGN ON THE DOOR."

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17401, 11 March 1922, Page 16

"THE SIGN ON THE DOOR."

AT THE THEATRE ROYAL TO-NIGHT. " ~~ ' The "Daily News," in speaking of the opening performance of "Tlio Sign on, the Door" in Perth,'said: '"The Sign on 'the Door* justifies loud and .even extravagant language of praise. It is wonderful. Nothing to equal it has been shown in Australia for many years, and the people of 'Perth ehould pride themselves upon having 'had the first opportunity to see a play . which will assuredly create a theatrical furore in the East." A prologue and three acta .compass the story, which runs, swiftly through a* maze of possibilities to a climax as startling as it is satisfactory. There are three women in the case, but only two' of them figure in the Btage version. Anne, the wife of 'Lafe' Began, prior to her marriage had an experience with Frank Devereaux, a polished wife stealer and seducer. Devereaux visited th& Regans and, foscin-mei: Helen, tho 'laughter of . the husband by a former.wife.. "Lafe' was aware of an infamous ruse, by which Devereaux attempted to lure the wife of a friend, but he did not suspect his wife's past, or hi 3 daughter's present relations with the man. Complications arise. Mrs Regan learning that Heien had an appointment to meet Devereaux at his rooms set out to save her. Her husband had left home earlier to confer with his friend. - Anne reached the rooms before the daughter, anO while the was there the husband arrived to get even with the scoundrel On of his friend. Anne was concealed. .Devereaux was shot by Regan, who .disappeared. To save her husband, Anne confessed to the murder, declaring that Devereaux molested her. Then followed- a thrilling procession of incidents, culminating in surprising fashion. The audience was spellbound by the dramatic power of tho play, the sustained intensity of which captivated the imagination, and proclaimed the genius of the author." This play will be staged in the Theatre .Royal to-night, and for five nights only, by j. "c. Williamson's popular "Scandal" company headed by Miss Maude Hanaford 'and jl r \v. J. Kelly. The box plans will bo at The Bristol till noon to-day, and afterwards at the Toy Cave, where day sale tickets may also be obtained.