THE MYRA KEMBLE COMPANY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 8882, 19 May 1892, Page 5

THE MYRA KEMBLE COMPANY.

"DR. BILL" After a long and eminently successful tour of the colony, Miss Myra Kemble and hor comedy company arrived in this city yesterday morning, and at the Opera House last night presented, for tho first time in Auckland, the farcical three-act comedy "Dr. Bill." So highly has the company been lauded in the South, and so many have been the praises bestowed upon the particular comedy with which Miss Kemblo derided to open her season here, that an overflowing house was naturally expected. The audience was an extremely laige one, tho lower part of tho auditorium being crowded, while, beyond the possi bility of a doubt, the performance deserved, and more than deserved this liberal patronage, the comedy being immeasurably the funniest thine Auckland amusement-seekers have enjoyed for many a day. Almost with the rise of tho curtain the merriment begins, and until the last moment it ceaseth not, peals of laughter following each other in such quick succession as almost to constitute a continuous shriek. Indeed, the only fauit that can be found with the comedy —and an excellent fault it must bo considered—if, that it is too excruciatingly fuuny, and provokes hilarity which, by its intensity, becomes well-nigh painful. " Dr. Bill "is an adaptation by Hamilton Aide from tho French of Albert C.'arr6, and although the adapter has used the pruning knife judiciously and well, there still remain traces of its Parisian origin. Unobjectionable in its English garb and free from any prurient snggestiveness, the comedy is innocently and extravagantly amusing, but it can easily be seen that when first given to the world in its native habiliments, it possessed features which would be unacceptable to an ordinary British audience. The comedy is based upon the troubles of a young married doctor, ho, having sown his wild oats, gives up his practice and settles down to enjoy a comfortable fortune with a charming wife. An energetic father-in-law, however, is determined that the doctor shall not remain idle, ani resorts to divers means of com pelling him to resume active work in his profession. The schemes of tho old man succeed only too well for the peace and comfort of all concerned. Several of the doctor's old friends in the theatrical profession—ladies, of course—turning up unexpectedly, and causing all sorts of ludicrous misunderstandings and awkward predicaments. The unfortunate doctor has an extremely lively time between his wife, her parents, and his former associates, a young gentleman of the imbecile species lending his aid to mix matters by temporarily assuming the character of Dr. Bill. This, shortly, is the foundation upon which a very ingenious fabric has been constructed, a fabric which is calculated to wear well and long when cast on public favour. The story is clearly and connectedly worked out, every point is incisive and effective, and with bright crisp dialogue it is no wonder that " Dr. Bill" has proved a favourite everywhere. In the third act, it is true, the fun flags a little, but that is because dramatic exigencies require everything to be cleared up, all errors to be explained, and universal peace and happiness to bo restored. The lady to whom most of tho commotion is duo is Mrs. Morton, wife of a police superintendent, and formerly a lady of the ballet, and into the impersonation of this character Miss Kemble entered with the greatest spirit. The most notable feature of the lady's acting was its unobtrusive naturalness, its quiet but effective power. In a part that would lend itself easily to exaggeration, in fact, which offers strong temptations in that direction, Miss Kemble artistically avoids the pitfalls, and plays with a delicacy and easy grace which pro claims the accomplished and gifted actress. Never unduly prominent she makes no attempt to eclipse her attendant stars by her own brilliancy, but, with tho unerring instinct of a true artiste, tills her allotted place to perfection, and with that is well content. And here it may bo remarked that one particularly meritorious feature of the comedy is that it is not a one part piece, not one of those dramatic productions specially devised to display the abilities of one individual to the utter extinction of everybody else. Each part in "Dr. Bill " is a good one, even the servants have good lines, and lots of what is technically termed " fat," and when, as in the present case, each part has a capital exponent, the result is extremely satisfactory. Mrs. Walter Hill, an old New Zealand favourite, received a warm welcome from the audience, and in her delineation of Mrs. Firman, gave an example of the ability which she is so well known to possess. Miss Nellie Lyons made a bewitching Mrs. Brown, and acted admirably, while Miss Ada Lee was inimitable as the vivacious, rolliking, merry Nellie Fauntleroy. Miss Lillie Clitherow as Jenny, and Miss Madge Corcoran as Ellen, acquitted themselves capitally. The gentlemen were,one and all, really excellent. Mr. Harris as the doctor, Mr. Leopold as the fussy father-in-law, Mr. Diver as an idiotic dude, and Mr. 10. Lester, as the police superintendent, were equally successful, and it would be difficult, besides in vidious, to select any of these gentlemen for special commendation. Even so small a part as that of Baggs, the doctor's servant, was entrusted to capable hands, Mr. E. Leonard making most of his few opportunities. The comedy was capitally mounted, tho furniture being supplied by the Auckland Furniture Company, and in every respect it was presented in a most complete and effective manner, the company being honoured with a call at the close of each act Between the first and second acts an efficient orchestra under the leadership .of Mr. A. Eady, played the " Myra Kemble Waltz," a pretty and tuneful air specially composed in honour of Miss Kemble by Mr. C. Huenerbien, of Sydney. " Dr. Bill" will be repeated this evening, indeed, its popularity will probably become so great that several nights may pass without a change of programme becoming necessary.