GRAND OPERA HOUSE.

NZ Truth, Issue 578, 15 July 1916, Page 2

GRAND OPERA HOUSE.

Allan Doone Season.

Allan Doonete -faelcome m Wellington has been more N than" cordial. The celebrated Irish-American actor-manager I is wise m his generation, and always makes a point of giving the public exactly the kind of dramatic pabulum they most want, but this does not altogether explain his popularity with our people. His. success is also another illustration of the triumph of a virile 1 personality. A likeable man. himself, • he, iri return, is a man who sticks to the friends he makes, for the members of his company , are more than mere employees, they are really pals. This, perhaps, accounts .for the happy atmosphere that radiates from the stage when an Allan Dopne play holds the boards, and why "the piece goes with j i a swing 1 and vim. True to the, Doone tradition of quick changes, no play has been presented during .the week fQr more than three nights. To-night (Friday) is the last appearance of that golden little Irish play, "The Colleen Bavra." "The beautiful girl,' ? to give the translation of the title,' is splendidly and sympathetically played by Miss Ethel Bashford, who is a charming ingenue. Allen Doone is that sad scapegrace with the golden heart, Miles Na-Coppaleen, and Miss Edna Kelley, leading lady, has a dashing role as Anna Chute. The other members of the company give a good, account of themselves, particularly Mr. Maurice Lynch as Danny Man. On Saturday evening "The Bold Sojer Boy" holds the boards, and this piece will continue to be played until Wednesday, when "Too Much Johnston," a great laughIng success, will be played for two nights. On Friday that popular, and evergreen play, "The Parish Priest," will be staged, while, for the last night of the season, Saturday, ''Molly Bawn" will be produced. Allen Doone sings pretty songs m all the above plays.