ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 12861, 9 May 1905, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

ANDERSON DRAMATIC COMPANY. A NEW melodrama, entitled "The Best Must Win," was introduced to a large at the Opera House last night by the Anderson Dramatic Company. It was very handsomely mounted and capably acted, being treated, indeed, in both respects, above its deserts. For sheer sensationalism of the morbid kind wo have seldom seen a piece to excel this one. Clearly the authors have catered for thoso whose appetites run to horrors, and not for those who are easily shocked. Whilst recognising that in certain quarters this type of play wields a fascination of its own, we must deplore the fact. The new piece cannot claim ati abundance of marks of merit, either as to abundance or coherency of plot. Its morbidity does not entitle it to rank as wholesome, nor do its general tone and the coarseness of some of its comedy-scenes appeal to relined tastes. The least said about some plays the belter, wlfich is true in the present instance. Miss Ada Guildford acted distinctly well in the role of the heroine, as did Mr. Geo. Cross in the part of the hero. Messrs. Wilton Power and Godfrey Cass, as a pair of villains of the most blood-curd-ling type —steeped to the finger-tips in unutterable and highly exaggerated crime made laudablo attempts to convince themselves and the audience. They certainly acquitted themselves in these roles remarkably well, and earned the hatred and aversion of many impressionable persons in front. By the way, it is upo» these very people of impressionable natures that such pieces exert a questionable influence. At one stage of the play the ghnstliness of the scene .being enacted drew audible exclamations of horror, if not of fright, from more than one woman in the auditorium. Miss Mnisie Maxwell was a bright spot in sombre surroundings, as a vivacious soubrette, and Mr. J. I*. O'Neill was also generally exceedingly amusing. His scene in Act 2 with the so-called Countess might, well be cut. Mr. S. Whyte was equal to all demands in the role of a Hebrew accomplice of the villain, but like many of the other members of the company lie lint* little real scope for his undoubted ability. Mi. John J. Ennis sustained one of the bestdrawn characters in the pieco, that of an old blind soldier, and sustained it remarkably well, his pathos ringing true all through. Miss Kathleen Lorimer played two diverse roles with discrimination. Miss Georgie Leighford gave a discreet portrayal of a gambling-house decoy. Miss Gertrude Esdaile was also seen in a conscientious impersonation in the first act of a woman with a secret. The mechanical effects requisite foi the depiction of the main sensation of the play" the kiss of death"was cleverly conceived lo carry out the gruesome sensation in question. "The Best Must Win" will bo repeated to-night and following nights. SALE OF WORK. The Young Women's Christian Association concluded their sale of work last night after three successful days. The attendance yesterday afternoon "and evening was very good, and on both occasions good business was done. ORPHANS' CLUB.

The opening of the 1905 session of the Auckland Orphans' Club, which took place in the Federal Hall on Saturday evening, was largely attended. The chair "was taken by Mr. W. Coleman, who congratulated the club upon its satisfactory position. During the evening speeches were delivered. These were diversified by musical and elocutionary items by Messrs. Atkinson, A. Ford, K. A. Singer, H. T. King, Bcckford, R. Noton, Herbert. MncEwan, Asjidon, .T. Ryan, Ilerr Kugel, the Waiata Quartette Party, and the club orchestra.