ENTERTAINMENTS AND MEETINGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12401, 24 October 1903, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS AND MEETINGS.

THE FRAWLEY COMPANY. In- "Brother Officers," which they presented for the first time last night, the Daniel Frawley Company proved to a deeply interested audience at His Majesty's Theatre. two things. One, their own decided versatility, and again, the intrinsic value- of a fine play. Leo Trevor's comedy-drama can claim to belong to that high standard which bears the hall-mark of good literary style, the sagacity of consistent character-drawing, and the often rare advantage of a well-constructed and enthralling plot. Clever, too, is the comedy element, clothed withal in terse and pithy dialogue, often remarkable for its wit and sparkle. To alternately laugh and sigh, and then to pause awhile and think—such is somewhat the effect that " Brother Officers" may have upon the spectator. The story is that of John Hinds, V.C., of obscure parentage, formerly a sergeant, and for bravery promoted to a lieutenancy in the British Army. Untutored and uncouth, he flounders like a rudderless boat when he finds himself cast upon the bewildering waves of aristocratic surroundings, and the officers' mess. He is a man of blunders in society, but one woman (the Baroness Royden) discerns his innate nobility. • He loves her because of it, but she is bound by the same tie to Lieutenant Lancelot Pleydell, an officer who owes his life to an act of courage on the part of Hinds. They are brother officers, and Pleydell requites his friend's former service by teaching him the maimers of a gentleman and setting him at case with his fellow officers and their friends. Hinds .learns, before he.has declared himself to Lady Roycliw} of her love for Pleydell, and effaces himself. Before the end of him is seen he does his friend one more great service by checkmating the efforts of a villainous card-sharper and cheat (Robert Hutton) to ruin and disgrace him. In the beginning is the comedy, in the end the drama, and all through the lights and shades that make up human nature. Mr. Daniel Erawiey gave, a remarkably impressive impersonation in the role of John Hinds. In the first act he was particularly fine, depicting with rare ability the awkward and unmamiered soldier of the ranks striving to conquer in the presence of his aristocratic companions defects in breeding of which he was only too conscious. As lie was made to say, the ordeal appeared to be worse to him than his first time under fire. • It was a studied piece of comedy work, with the pathetic reality of it all strangely well intimated. ■ Later Mr. Frawley was seen in a phase of the part which threw into a convincing light the faot that the man whose character he so skilfully portrayed was not merely a hero on the field, but in the war of life as well. He rose to great heights, by sheer, quiet earnestness, in the semi-final scone with the card-sharper. This—a tensely dramatic and well-evolved situation—he enacted with true power. Miss Mary Van Buren as the Baroness Royden, gave a womanly reading of a sympathetic character, marred just slightly, perhaps, by a trick of too careful elocution. Mr. Harry Phmmer as Lieutenant Pleydell was thoroughly good and convincing. Mr. Wallace Shaw (despite an occasional indistinctness of speech) made a great deal of the role of Robert Hutton, and was excellent in the dramatic scene in the last ant. Miss Christine Hill as Lady Pleydell made a refined and graceful grande dame. Her acting was so good that it was a pity lies: dialogue should have been a little inaudible. The remaining roles wore capably filled. A complete success was made for the piece, which was most warmly received. It will bo repeated to-night, and the company's season will close on Monday night with " In Missouri." This afternoon there will be. a special matinee of " Arizona."

"A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM." What promises to be one of the most notable seasons in the theatrical annals of this city will open on Tuesday evening next, when Mr. George Musgrove's English Shakespearean Company will open their season at His Majesty's with Shakcspere's delightful comedy, " A Midsummer Night's Dream. ' This comedy has ever been a favourite with nil playgoers, but its full beauties are unfolded to the view in Mr. Musgrove's production by the moans of the latest effects, that modern ingenuity has suggested. The beautiful stage pictures presented in the woodland scones and the appropriate music delight the senses and maintain the poetic illusion which is necessary to a fairy comedy. It is in the spectacular aspect as well as the acting that the Charm of tho representation is said to be found. Mr. W. H. Denny, a comedian of considerable experience in Shakespercan parts, is said to give an admirable conception of Bottom the Weaver, whilst Misses Nora Karin, Dora Rignold, Dorothy Marsden, and Maud Milton have been spoken of in most eulogistic terms, 'i the other principals, ineluding Misses Margaret Cellean, Gladys Ure, Messrs. Norman Partridge, Cooker King, Athol Fordo, Charles Kenningham, Stanley Lathabury, etc., nothing but praise, has been accorded There has been an unusual demand for seats to date, and the management notify a limited sale of stalls and gallery tickets at the day sale depots for each evening The company loft Sydney by ttie- /c-a-landia, and should arrive on Sunday afternoon.

OPERA HOUSE. ; The popularity of Miss Maggie Moore with Australasian audiences will no doubt secure her a hearty greeting'to-night at tee Opera House. Apart, however, from the individual popularity of the actress and her company, the opening play is one to attract attention, ft is a romantic Irish drama entitled ■•Killarnoy." which is said to be a, quaint combination of comedy and drama, with a touch of tragedy and fare?. lno piece is well written and characteristic of the author's crisp style.. Throughout the four acts the attention of the audience is* held by a rapid succession of exciting incidents. The sympathies are aroused by, strong pathetic scenes, while the abundant; and irresistible humour of the play causes much laughter. "Killarney" will be played for only a limited number of nights, and then the farcical comedy, "The Widow from Japan," will be staged. A day sale of earlydoor tickets may be obtained during the season at Carter's confectionery and Williamson's, tobacconist. The box-plan is on view at Wildtnan, Lycll, and Arey's.

FULLER'S ENTERTAINERS. A change of programme will be given at the City Hall matinee to-day, and a new artist, Mr. Tim Howard, will make his first appearance with the company. Mr. Bob Bell will make his last appearance to-night, ana the Driscoll Boys make their last appearance but one Miss Tillie Dunbar and the other members of the company will appear in new items and a new farce will bo staged. For next week six fresh performers are announced. Harlpy and Williams, end men, appearing on Monday., and the Stagpooles, pautomimis s and comedy sketch artists, and I red. Bluett, described as "Laughter's Ambassador, will augment an already strong company on Wednesday evening.

TABERNACLE GYMNASTIC CLUB. A gymnastic display and concert under the auspices of the Tabernacle Gymnastic Club was held in the Tabernacle schoolroom last evening. There was a very large attendance. The items were exceptionally good, and the audience was enthusiastic. Ihe Rev. Joseph Clark presided. The items included solos bv Miss Phillips and Mr. C. I<. Bennet, a duet by Messrs. S. Cousins arid Reginald Hooton, and a recitation by Mr. R. H. A. Hooper. The members of the ladies'' and gentlemen's Rymnastio clubs gave reallv fine exhibitions and exercises. .Ins orchestra rendered several selections. During the evening medal? given by Mews. Harry Rountree, of London, and K. J. Forgie for competition among the members of the ladies' class were presented to Misses Vera Rountree and Mabel Atkinson. Air. F. N. Andrews, on behalf of both clubs, presented the instructor (Mr. K. J. Forme) with a gold chain and pair of gold sleeve-links in recognition of his .valuable services. . ... ,

LANTERN LECTURE. A lantern lecture, descriptive of t.he principles, methods, working, and results of Dr. BarnaVdo's 34 years' work amongst the destitute and orphan children of London, was given in the Y.M.C.A. lecture-room last evening by Mr.' W. F. Ho crop, treasurer of the Auckland branch of the Young Helpers' League* which has been established in connection >vbh Dr. Barnardo's homes. The Rev. Dr. Purehas presided, and in introducing the l«ehirei spoke very highly of the good work carried on by Dr. Baranrdo amongst the waifs and strays of London. Mr. Harrop's lecture was illustrated by Rome 80 excellent slides, lately received from London. Reference was made to the fact that about £20 was about to be sent by the Auckland branch of the league towards the support of the homes. During the evening Miss Alice Rirrimer sang very effectively "The Cry of the Children."