ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 6177, 8 April 1907, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

ANDEEAV 31A OK SEASON,

“THE AVAY TO KEN3IARE.” The enthusiastic reception accorded to “The AVay to Kenmare,” Mr Andrew Mack’s second production of the season being played under Air J. O. AA'illiamson’s management,at the Opera House on Saturday night, loft no manner of doubt as to the success of it. As a matter of fact, there is seldom such demonstrative approval bestowed upon theatrical representations in colonial playhouses as was tho case in this instance. There were curtaincalls after each act, and during the progress of tho pioco laughter alternated with applause, and anon with the hush that always betokens real interest. All this, not because of any great intrinsic merit, or high artistic qualities, discernible in the play, but simply because it made a straight-out appeal to the more easily stirred emotions, and only very little to the finer sensibilities of thoso who listened and looked on. Also, no doubt, because it was a vehicle for some excellent acting. The author of “Tho AVay to kenmare” (Edward E. Rose) has labelled it a “combdy-drama.” As a matter of fact, it is a blend of melodrama, farce, and good Irish comedy. There is no gainsaying the fact that theio i, a larger liking and a larger patronace for such faro than for ’plays that attain a higher standard. Tour great British public loves to bo roused. Hence melodrama has more partisans • than drama, low comedy is more favoured than light wit. Whilst, therefore, the critic will not be able to conscientiously place this effort of Mr Hose’s upon a prominent pedestal amongst dramatic works of art, be will," having allotted it its proper standing, proceed to judge it from that basis. As melodrama, then, “The AVay to Kenmare” belongs to that type whose sensational elements arise out of fairly reasonable premises. Its story —stereotyped in the sense of there being a wronged hero and an atrocious villain, missing documents, struggles to tho death, a desperate leap into the sea from a height by the hero, and foul conspiracies—is, nevertheless, freshened, invigorated, and given a flavour of novelty by the Irish boisterousness of the hero aforesaid, and the charming atmosphere of “ould Erin” that pervades it. The dialogue is often breezy, tho action brisk, tho fun fast and -furious, the love-interest healthy, and the sensations sudden and most thorough. Tho play, moreover, is handsomely mounted, particularly fine stage effects being thoso of settings of acts 2 and 3, tho former an Irish village and landscape, tho latter a picturesque old church ruin.

Mr Andrew Mack presented another type of tho virile young Irishman, in the role of Dan Ma guire, as readily moved to sentiment as to fun, tender and poetical in his love-making, imbued with strong qualities, and a favourite with everyone. Mr Mack’s own personality invaded that of the assumed character, and the - impersonation became completely natural, convincing, delightful. Ho sang during tho piece four songs of his own composition, tho .fascination of the melodies of which was heightened by his purity of tone and his sympathetic inflection. Miss Jane Kelton was a charming Rose Donald, the object of Dan’s regards. Her acting was sincere, bright, and altogether agreeable. Alias Annie Mack’ Berlein as Mrs Honoria Maloney was deliciously droll. Her comedy scenes were shared well by Mr Charles Avcling as a love-sick “Dutchman,” and Air Fred. Monley, as an aspiring publican. Air Thomas Jackson gave a humorous charactersketch as an Irish driver (whose jaunting car, by the way, was a novelty), and Mr F. Cambourno played with thoroughness as a daft old sexton with a secret. Mr Alartiu Alsop as the villain, Clement Fairley, made him too heavy. In the melodramatic scones in act 3, and more noticeably still on his first entry in the fourth, he considerably over-acted, and devoted far too much lung-power to the utterance of his lines. This latter scene was quite robbed of its impressiveness by tho shouting and ranting that wont on. Air E. J. McCormick as a lawyer with,a perpetual grin and villainous tendencies, was also an offender in the same respect in this particular scene. Tho Earl of Kenmare, as portrayed by Air James Howard, was a mournful, colourless individual. Roy Donald, in the hands of Air AA’. Townshend, was a vivacious young man, who deserved his popularity. Air Kendal AVeston and Aliss Alac Steven son filled other roles satisfactorily; “The AA’ay to Kenmare” offers too many attractions to tho majority of playgoers not to prove a strong draw. It will bo repeated to-night and following nights. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. “O’CALLAGHAN IN A FIX.” Air diaries Aimer's second production at His Alajesty’s Theatre, an attractive Irish comedy entitled “O’Callaghan in a Fix,” was greeted on Saturday evening by an audience which was extremely appreciative. This play served to give Air Verner and tho members of his company scope for the exhibition of their versatility. The plot is simple and pleasing. Two young lovers are likely, to be separated be cause the youth is about to be sent away to a military college. , He decides to sham sickness. Sir Felix O’Callaghan, an Irish gentleman who is virtually “on his last legs.” has been obliged to accept a position as a village schoolmaster, but when ho gets to tho hamlet whore tho lovers reside with their parents he discovers that the pedagogic position ho has come to fill has already been taken, and he is in a fix indeed, for bo is without money and friendless. Ho is mistaken by a Scotch groom for a member of tho medical faculty, and taken willy-nilly

to the sick swain. O’Callaghan deter- i mines to play up to his supposed char-1 i actor as a medico, and ho speedily discovers tliat tho young fellow is only i malingering—in fact, it’s a mutual : discovery, for the patient finds out at tho same time that his physician is a humbug. Hut they agree to carry out the deception. It turns out that tho lover's aunt is an old sweetheart of O’C’allnghan, who had always loved him, although since their estrangement slus had been married, and had become a widow. They meet, recog. niso cadi other, and renew their pledges of affection, and as the widow lias now plenty of money OX'ailaghan ir. no longer in anything but a very oleasant tix. The young people share their good fortune, and everything ends merrily with marriage bells. Air Charles Vcrner, as Sir Felix, has most of the burthen of tho piece thrown upon him, and the. iiujiersonation is one in which ho fairly revels. Another good comedy part, of different type, was that of Jock McGregor, a Scotch, coachman, which was remarkably well played by Mr William Hart. Charles Revere, tho lovo.sick West Point cadet, was taken veay satisfactorily by Mr Richard J. Oswald. Miss Ethel Gibson, ns Mrs Monteaglc, Miss Gertrude Foloy, as Julia Majoribanks, Miss Annie Brandt, as Betsy Bernard, Mr J. R. Stevens, as Colonel Rovcro, and Mr G. W. Dennis, as Dr Alajoribanks, completed tho cast. THBATRF, ROYAL. Tho change of programme at tho Theatre Royal on Saturday night by Fullor:-,' Vaudeville Company proved eminently successful. The auditorium was filled, and hearty applause followed each item Air Tom Armstrong nnd Miss Priscilla Verne presented a comedy sketch full of jokes and patter Air Armstrong is a brilliant trick dancer, and his nimble dance in clogs was of exception''l merit. Miss Vorno’s vocal numbers wore cordially applauded. Tho ventriloquial perfevraaneo by Victor the Gier.t places that artist in tlio foremost rank of Ins profession; Ho was compelled to icspond to a recall.. Mr Percy Donton sang a comic song, “I Wish They’d Do 1 t Mow,” and was encored. Ho also contributed two illustrated ballads. Miss May Wallace sang “In Vacation Time,” and added a quick clog dance. Mr A T al Newton’s ballad, ‘ Ordered to tho Fray,” was enjoyable, and he was ’ recalled.' Miss Dorothy L’Kstrange was hoard to advantage in “Patti Waltz Song” and “Edinboro' Town.” Miss Fla Weston was vociferously applauded for “I'm Crazy Over You.” Other pleasing items included Miss Ivy Goodwill’s serio-comic song “Molly Rehau,” ; and Mr Joo Verne’s song and dance ! “I Wonder what Makes it Snow.” The biograph pictures wore a splendid series. Tho programme will bo re- , peated to-night, with the addition of character-songs by Mr Slade Murray, ■ who will make his reappearance.

MADAME AERAL. Tho concerts which were to bo given in Wellington this week by Madame Blanche Arral have been postponed for a few days. Any disappointment that may bo felt on this account will bo removed when tho reason is stated. Madame Arral has recently been singing in the concert hall at the Christchurch Exhibition, where she had the advantage of Sir Hill’s fine orchestra to accompany her. . Tho effect was so striking and the concerts wore so successful that it was felt advisable to arrange for the gifted singer to bo heard in Wellington’s fine Town Hall under similar conditions. To this end, Air H. Bassett has engaged a largo number of the members of Mr Hill’s combination for Madame Arral’s Wellington concerts, and • has also secured the services of several wellknown instrumentalists in this city. When arrangements are sufficiently forward, tho dates of the concerts will bo announced. There is no doubt that the management is wise in taking these measures, so that Madame, Arral’s unusually fine, dramatic voice may bo heard in a building suitable to it, and accompanied by an adequate and capable band. Tbesb concerts will be well worth waiting for. CATHOLIC BAZAAR. The Skating Rink was crowded on Saturday night, when tho Muritai bazaar concluded its first week’s run. tho total takings for which amount to just on £SOO. A good programme of gymnastic displays by tho men, boys, and youths' teams of tho Wellington Physical Training School was gone through, undo" Instructor Dovey, a fine exhibition of horse-vaulting being included. Tho display concluded with a fine tableaux, all tho members taking part. A team of young ladies did some fancy club-swinging. There was also an attractive exhibition of electric light club-swinging by little Miss Johnston. Among other items were marches and fancy dances, under Bliss B. Putnam, tho dancing of tho military ballet being tho most popular with a very appreciative audience. Tho number of visitors to the bazaar is growing rightly, Saturday’s being the record attendance. Tho bazaar will bo open for three more nights. All , persons who have oooks of art ’ union tickets are requested to forward the butts and unsold tickets with remittance by to-morrow to tne hon. secretary (Mr Fred W. Oombie), as the art union is to bo drawn on Wednesday night.