Page 7 Advertisements Column 1

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXIV, Issue 4883, 7 February 1903, Page 7 (Supplement)

The Auckland season of the Fitzmanrice Gill Dramatic Company was commenced at the Opera House on the -4th, when tho sensational - drama .‘‘Alan .to Alan” was staged. The wins packed to the doors by an enthusiastic audience to witness the production. In criticising the performance the “Herald says;—Alisa Fitzmaurico Gill, in tho leading role (Ethel Maythoruo), played with dramatic sympathy throughout, and bad her audience with her from the outset. Slio was bright in the opening .scenes and gave a touch of tragedy to the pourtruyal of her later scenes. .Mr Charles make acted with fine dramatic force as dames Gordon, His hero being tho typical manly fellow whom everyone admires. Mr Edward Ivey, on hotter acquaintance with his lines, should leave nothing to ho desired in his handling of the role of Kichard Ellerton. His acting revealed a subtle force which made him an impressive villain, and earned him the ungrudgpd hatred of “the gods.” Mr F. B. Francis was cast as the mad parson—one of the finest parts in the play, and whilst he gave a capable impersonation, might have shown more force both in tho delivery of his lines and in his actions. He will also do well to raise his voice a little more. Mr Leo du Chateau played a low' comedy role, Samuel Plumtree, with the art and humour of a good comedian, ami his efforts resulted in much laughter. Miss Kate Gnir supplied more comedy as an old maid, and carried out her scenes with Mr Du Chateau very well. Miss Dina Cooper gave a good study as the boy Ned I)oyie. Tho Bill Birldoy of Mr Gus Neville was a clever bit of character work. Mr L. Wnlshc was fairly successful as Mijttiievv Ellerton. Miss Nellie Mylrae. as Madge, a gipsy, played with dramatic reserve, and only requires to jint a litlte, more intensity into her work. The minor characters had careful exponents. A wonderful Japanese drama, by Messrs Beiasco and Long, entitled “The Darling of the Gods.” was produced recently in New York. It is the most gorgeous stage spectacle over witnessed in America. There are ten scenes, magnificently mounted, and full of dazzling effects. Realism is enhanced by the burning of incense, which disseminates drowsy odours throughout the theatre. The critics pronounce the production marvellous. and confess themselves unable to find language to adequately describe the performance, in which nearly nil the senses are successfiilly appealed to.