REPERTORY PLAY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 197, 22 July 1941, Page 6

REPERTORY PLAY

“CHILDREN ‘TO BLESS YOU,”

Witty dialogue, smart dressing, tasteful staging, a diverting if slignt plot, and capuuie producing contribute to excellent entertainment in the Manawatu Repertory Society’s current offering at the Empire liall, “Children to Bless You,” a modern comedy weaving together a series of love's young dreams almost inextricably. The play calls for uncommonly sustained exuberance by the majority of the cast, yet finds room for some very fine dramatic touches, and 'it is a tribute both to tho experience of the producer, Air F. Cousins, and tho ability of tho performers that the atmosphere is admirably preserved through the vicissitudes of an impecunious and exhausting household. The production reveals a commendable polish and the tirao lag between scenes has been reduced. The cast is predominantly feminine, but the predicaments inevitably revolve about the male members in a tantalising manner. Airs A. Coles takes tho role of Clare Lawrence, mother of a boisterous family either enduring or enjoying the pangs of love, and in the part of a resigned, adoring, and quite bewildered parent she is excellent. It is an entirely new typo of work for her and she invests it with natural charm. Fine opportunities as guide, philosopher, and triend in time of trouble are exploited to the utmost by Airs N. A. Nash in tho role of Stella Harringway, sister of Clare. Four marriages (almost a fifth) and travel have made Stella extremely wise and Airs Nash displays a great deal of insight and ability in portraying the self-possessed but kindly woman on whom tne story lurgoly hinges. Airs Al. D. Kilpatrick is most attractive as Audrey Lawrence, a daughter of Clare; madly in love, so that the veneer of sophistication does not become complete, and called upon to undergo suspense, it is a role not easy to play, but it is excellently presented. As Tonic, sister of Audrey, Aliss Joyce Carruthers could not have been better cast. She obviously enjoys the abandon and spirit of the part, and keeps the air of vivacity to the fore throughout in a splendid manner. Aliss KRichards makes a dainty picture as Jennifer” Lawrence, daughter-in-law of Clare. Aliss It. Hepburn is unusually enjoyable in the role of Pearson, a harassed parlourmaid, and Airs F. Bendall (Aliss Drake, a manicurist) anil Airs It. P. Reeves (Louise, a maid) both contribute to the enjoyment of the play. Air B. Davidson carries a good deal of responsibility as Alartin Lawrence, pursued by a young woman and tantalised by his sisters, and he provides an extremely likeable portrayal of the youth, speaking his lines splendidly. Air A. Gibson (Guy Lawrence, an impoverished son-in-law of Clare) lias to engage in some particularly heavy work, and his dramatic ability is well proved in Guy’s most impecunious moments; he captures the spirit admirably. To Air J. Kitchen is entrusted the roio of Ronnie Trent, more-or-less enthusiastic suitor of Audrey. The air of sophistication is never quite absent, but Air Kitchen capably succeeds in preventing the part becoming too blase. The many people concerned with the smooth running of this very laughable play may lecl satisfied with the excellent standard obtained, which highly pleased last night's big audience. It will he presented again this evening.