OPERA HOUSE.

NZ Truth, Issue 184, 26 December 1908, Page 6

OPERA HOUSE.

"The Thief." : * To-night (Saturday) at the Opera House Wellington play-goers will have their first opportunity of welcoming the new and specially-selected Williamson Company m that poweiful and remarkable play entitled "The Thief." The interest of the occasion will be considerably enhanced by the re-appearance here of such an old favorite as Mr Geo. S. Titheradge, who is one of the three stars of this combination. There is little doiubt that Mr Titheracige, one of the finest actors that we have had amongst us at any time, will get a right royal; welcome. Associated with. Mr Titherad'ge are Miss Ola Humphrey, a lady recently here as co-star with Sir Julius Knight, and Mr Henry Kolker", acknowledged by the American and English press to be the beau ideal of the cultured romantic actor. With three such names and personalities at the head, a more than adequate series of performances during -the ensuing season may be reasonably anticipated. "The Thief" is a play powerful! m construction, absorbing m interest and enthralling m presentation that stands practically alone as the success of two Enn-lish and American seasons. "Grip" is the word, and convincing quality the commodity that best describes its cflect upon an audience. The interest is said to begin with the rise and to finish only with the fall of the final curtain. "The Thief" moves, so to speak, m a tense atmosphere. That it is a .great work there appears to be no question. Besides the three stars mentioned, Miss Susie Vaughan, Miss liileen Vaughan, Miss- Evelyn, Morris, and Miss Eileen Warner, of the ladies, and Messrs Dion Tithecadge, Cyril Mackay, Sidney Stirling and Norman MacLeod and many other names of note amongst the gentlemen, make up. a combination whose artisffic value has possibly not been seen m Wellington for a, very considerable time. The season is limited to IS nights, during which will be produced, "Zira," "The Truth," "The Village Priest," "Twelfth Night," and "The Taming of the Shrew." The box plan is now open at the Dresden, and is said to be filling rapidly.