ALLEN DOONE COMPANY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 4962, 31 August 1918, Page 6

ALLEN DOONE COMPANY.

“MOLLY BAWN.” ■•Molly Bawn” had an enthusiastic reception at the Opera House last when Allen Doone and lne brilliant company excelled themselves. Allen Doone as Ted Luttrell was in his element, and the love scene in which he engaged with Molly Bawn (Miss Edna Koeley) was particularly effective. There is nothing exceptional in the plot, hot tlie portrayal of the various characters more than compensated for this. Several needy relatives anxiously await the demise ol the rich uncle. The latter, however, is fully aware of the earnest desires of bis relatives, and assures them that Ho is determined to hang on to life as long as possible. The ironical • fashion in which he conveys this intelligence to them was exceedingly smart, and the part, that of Lord Amherst (Frank Cullcnane) was interpreted in a masterly manner. There is a niece, Molly Bawp (Edna Iveeley), whose sole reason for desiring to be near her uncle is .to gain his affection, and in this she succeeds admirably. Whilst at Herat Royal she meets the irrepressible Ted Luttrell (Allen Doone), and tlie two promptly fall in love—or, rather, Molly eventually succumbs to the delightful audacity of Ted. There are many startling situations, and the dramatic and humorous elements are,blended in a manner which appealed to a crowded bouse. Ethel Grist as Sarah, Molly Bawn’s maid, fulfilled a difficult role in a. most capable manner. Allen Doone’s rendering of a number of items, including “Molly Bawn,” “Molly’s Eyes are Irish,” and “Colleen Bawn,” fully justified the high terms of praise with which they have been received wherever they have freon sung by this talented artist. Every word that Mr. Doone utters is distinct. whilst his voice is a.? sweet and clear as the proverbial bell. The charming, half pathetic, half humorous way in which he made lev© to Molly enchanted the audience, whilst Molly’s reception of Ted’s advances endeared her to all. Tlie scenic effects were all that could bo desired, and the staging of the piece generally was splendid. The various artists acquitted themselves in a manner which won for the company unstinted applause, and will ensure a crowded. house again tonight.

“TOM MOORE.” “Tom Moore” to be presented tonight at the Opera House by Allen Doone and company is a very wellknown drama and Allen Doone* is well fitted to play the hero in it. He has several songs to sing, such as the beautiful “Last Rose of Summer,” “Are Y"ou half the Man Your Mother Thought You’d he,” the fine melody “Love’s Young Dream,” and other typical harmonics. The play is well set and has many witty Irish dialogues. ( Miss Enda Iveeley will play as Bessie Dykes. Tom Moore’s sweetheart, and as MacDermott Maurice Lynch is cast. Tie part of the great wit, Richard Brindsley Sheridan falls to Frank Cullcnane, who holds it with distinction. Perhaps the most pleasing past of this clever play comes in the first act with a children’s scone, and this has been carefully prepared. There is no question hut that “Tom Moore” as played by Allen Doone and tlie popular players with him will revive all the interest that has ever followed the famous play.