“MY SWEETHEART.”

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume VI, Issue 264, 24 October 1916, Page 5

“MY SWEETHEART.”

NAPIER’S SUCCESSFUL EFFORT. The staging of Minnie Palmer’s beautiful little play “My Sweetheart,” at Napier last evening, proved to be beyond all expectations of theatre-goers and was certainly a marked success. The organiser, Mr. Sidney Davys and his enthusiastic band of performers, last evening fc-und their great efforts crowned. The scenery in which the little play was enacted was charming, while the acting, some of which is entirely new to the local stage, was equal to that of any previous amateur performance. Briefly, the play shows a _ young farmer “Tony,” living in rustic Holland, when he unexpectedly learns that a wealthy uncle has passed away making Tony his heir, a count. He later finds, however, that his society life is but a transient thing, and after being on the edge of an abyss, almost in the hands of an adventuress, finds that his rustic life and surroundings were the mainstay of happiness. Mr. Eric Amner. as Tony Faust, was a wonder and besides charming dear Tina, treated the audience likewise by rendering several little musical snatches, as “Blind Man’s Buff,” “Bubbles,” and other part songs with the Belle of the Evening, “Tina,” who was impersonated by Napier’s well known coquettish little actress, Mrs. S. Jowett. With her winsome little ways, “Tina” won the heart of the play figures, of the audience, and Tony Faust, whom she saved by her sweet innocent love. Several sweet songs with Tony and alone were rendered by this charming figure, her stars being “Idle Dreams” and when “I’m With You.” Mrs. S. J. Davys made, a laughable farm mistress as Mrs. Hatzell and provided ample laughter for all present. Miss Dorothy Ellinghrm performed the part of the adventuress Mrs. Fleeter with perfect grace, added greatly to the success of the little piece. Mr. Sidney Davys, as Joe Shotwell, displayed well founded acting. Dudley Harcourt, the somewhat eccentric man with an eyeglass, provided a great share of enjoyment, while Mr. S. Harrison as Dr. OlKer, Mr. H. W. McDowell as Harold Bartlett, and Mr. R. Bailey as Sambo all carried off their parts with ease and ability. Mr. J. Madigan, as Farmer Hatzell, the man who worried about his “mule,” helped to increase the abundance of laughter. A dainty little danseuse was portrayed by Miss M. Russell, while Miss Z. Davys acted daintily as Ralph Christie. A number of small boys and girls forme l a pretty dialogue in some of the scenes, such as “bubbles.” A high note of praise is due to the conductor of the orchestra. Mr. J. A. Louis Hal, for the delightful way in which the music vas supplied during the acting of the play. Great credit is due to the hard-worked organisers and other assistants, who have gainel such a marked success, their object being to provide funds for the brave boys’ Christmas gifts.