"A MESSAGE FROM MARS."

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7191, 8 January 1902, Page 2

"A MESSAGE FROM MARS."

HAWTREY COMEDY COMPANY,

Absolutely unique iv its conception, Mr Ganthony's play forms a strikingly realistic delineation, of the governing motives ascribed to individual action generally in present days, that is to say "self" or anticipated benefits to solfconstitute the predominant reason for efforts on the part of the great majority of humanity, selfishness being allegedly rampant in all classes of society, the vague difference being that of degree. The moral of the piece is undoubtedly a ■high' one' aud its impression, veiled though it is by satirical csniody, is apparent from the rise to the fall o"f the curtain. Perfection would indeed be personified did not at somo time or other in the progress of the play a characteristic trait strike home, and yet so singularly attractive is the piece that all trace of solf-cousciousness is lost in the interest with which the Utopian dveam of the author is followed. As described by the messenger, life on the planet is decidedly of a Utopian character, which, however desirable, requires a particularly vivid and optimistic imagination to contemplate as being introduced to mother earth. The great lesson to be learnt from the piece is the power that is possessed by all, more or less, to alleviate the distress of our fellows, to follow the golden rule "to do unto others as we would bo done by," and generally that charity is the open door to blessedness. Despite the seriousness of the high ideal that is set and followed, the dialogue is of the brightest possible description, lesson after lesson being illustrated by comedy absolutely irresistible, the admixture furnishing an evening's amusement of a most enjoyable character. The audience, winch comfortably filled tl>~ Theatre, wa3 not slow in "recoSnisinc salient points of the play., and su * taine 3 applause fodoweA innumerable striking anmmciations during the evening", llio play was presented with due attention to detail, the scenerj especially in the second act bein" particularly good, and aptly illustrative of the mystery attending the expiatory pilgrimage of the visitor from Mars upon our very inferior planet. The main responsibility falls upon Mr Herbirfc Ross, who as Horace Parker, the unwilling recipient of the attentions of tho ghostly visitant-, is the centre of attraction from beginning to end. In a natural and convincing manner lie vividly represents the egotist in all his objectionable traits, until in tiie last act he becomes the avowed disciple of Martian's principles, and finds extreme pleasure in extending a helping hand in situations where previously selfish indifference only was noticeable. It was a most consistent performance, and Mr Ross thoroughly deserved the genuine applauso accorded him during the progress, and at the close of the play. Mr illawtrey, m the role of a broken down engineering genius in dire distress, and a save to the ruling passion, created a most favourable impression by his very natural representation of a character which, in most instance would be spoilt by being overdone. Mr 0. P. Heggie, as the oelestial visitor from Mars comported himself with a dignity fully in accordance with his undoubted superiority over mere mortals of this poor planet, his deep, and in some passages, sepulebrally toned voice adding considerably to the effect of his "dynamics" introduced at critical periods of Mr Ross' conversion to altruism with wonderfully convincing results upon the latter.. Miss Winifred Austin as Minnie Templar, tho heroine of the piece, was most successful, and played a part, endowed with impulsive and unselfish principles, with a lightness and vivacity that was charming to a degree. Miss Nellie Mortyne as Miss Elsie Austin also contributed materially to the success of the presentation, as did all the minor characters, all round excel lence being one of the characteristics | apparent in Mr flawyrey's combination. The stage business, oE a more complex oharacter than is usual with comedy, was satisfactorily managed and the per' forniance throughout safely ranks as one oE the most brilliant yet submitted tor the approval of local thoatre-goers. Several instrumental selections were contributed during the erenmg, while the onrols in the second act were nleasingly sung by the Hawtrey quartette party. The performance will be repeated this evonijig, and it is safe to assume that the thoroughly favourable improssion created last evening will bo fully confirmed.

A word ot praise is also due to Mr T. E. Poster, the stage-manager, and Mr J. Hardy, the mechanist, for the wonderful results they achieved in their particular lines.