J. C. WILLIAMSON ATTRACTION

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9613, 20 March 1917, Page 6

J. C. WILLIAMSON ATTRACTION

“THE HOUSE OF GLASS” TO-NIGHT. 'This evening, at the Grand Opera House, Miss Rockwell, a famous American actress, under the direction of the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., management will ’ Inaugurate a nine-nights’ season with “The House of Glass,’* a phenomenally successful Now York sensation, which will be presented but for four nights. So much has been written about this remarkable play that tittle remains to be said. “The House of Glass” was the great sensational success of New York last year, where it had the distinction of running for eighteen months right on end. Tho occasion will afford VVellington patrons the opportunity of witnessing tho first appearance of that famous American actress, Florence Rockwell, who comes to us with quite an interesting record, for she took up the running in America of that magnificent actress, Margaret Anglin (whom Australians will remember some few years ago). Her success in America is quite equal to that of any of the most popular stars. It will be interesting to learn that Miss Rockwell was specially brought out from America to create the character of Margaret Case in “The House of Glass-” A further interest will be attached to the cast, which includes all the original members of the J. CWilliamson Company, which made this production such a success at the Criterion Theatre (Sydney). Alits Rockwell is said to be exceptionally well placed in the trying character of Margaret Case, which calls for very strong work right through the four acts. Again, the reappearance of that excellent artist, Air Frank Harvey, in the part of Harvey Lake, will doubtless prove a feature of the performance. Alessrs Leslie Victor, Boyd Irwin, and Arthur Styan will also he connected with this fine combination, whilst the ladies supporting Miss Rockwell will include Misses Afaggie Knight, Stella Paytcr, and Rose Rooney. It is represented that the exact production which created such a splendid impression in Sydney is to be_ shown here, so that everything is being done to make it a worthy representation of the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., Firm. The plans are now open for the entire season at the Bristol. Thq success of “The House ef Glass’’,

has been quite phenomenal, if one may judge from exchanges, and tho author has written a story of the most compelling description; in fact, so great was his success that this young writer jumped at a single bound to the front rank of the English-speak-ing dramatists. The box plans are now open at the Bristol for the entire season of nine nights.

The production “The Land of Promise” on Saturday next should prove of exceptional interest. This tender love story provides at first a domestic comedy of sentiment, but in no littlo time the inevitable sex problem note is sounded with modern insistence. From the rising of the curtain the interest thickens rapidly, finally developing into a sensational dramatic story that never fails to bold, and occasionally stirs the blood in a most exciting manner. It is said .that as Norah Marsh Miss Florence Rockwell wins all along the line. It is admitted to bo a portraiture equal in merit to that of Margaret Case in “The House of Glass.” Also Air Frank Harvey as Taylor, the stern, handsome hushman, who regards his wife as he would a “brumby” that required breaking in, is said to have the chance of his life. The fact that the play is by so distinguished a dramatist as W. Somerset Maughaum should be a sterling recommendation. The drama is in four acts, two of which depict the rigours of a Canadian winter.