AMUSEMENTS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11629, 10 May 1912, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

" EVERYWOMAN." To-night at the Opera House the. J. C. Williamson Ltd. Management will present for the first time to playgoers of Oamaru the enormously successful spectacular morality drama "Everywoman." The sensational triumphs achieved by this play in America and "Australia, and more recently in New Zealand, further illustrates the fact that the taste for higher class works is increasing rapidly. It is to be hoped that the success of "Every worn an," following so closely on that of Mr H. B. Irving's recent tour, will serve to encourage the management to extend their operations to raise the standard of theatrical productions. Of course, plays of the "Everywoman" type must be faithfully cast, each artist Jmust for the time being be the actual character she or he is portraying. With. this end in view Mr Williamson searched the whole of England and America for suitable artists, and once again his integrity in this direction has not failed, as the present organisation has been described as 'the best yet sent on tour by the J. C. Williamson Ltd. Management." Mr Williamson was fortunate in securing the services (although at a. very high salary) of Miss Hilda_ Spong and, apparently Tin her case, it is a question of our gain and America's loss, as New Y 7 ork papers to hand deplore her absence from the States, adding that "her place will be extremely hard to fill, and that playgoers will be glad to welcome her back." The role of "Everywoman" gives Miss Spong every opportunity to display her talents. The character makes a big demand on tho actress, but it is stated that Miss Spong rises to every occasion, and she is saxl to be particularly fine in the intense dramatic scene where _ she throws a champagne glass at a mirror, and in : the big dramatic scene in the fourth act. William Desmond has on previous occasions delighted us with his acting. In to-night's production he will take the role of Nobody, which, it is said, presents him at his very best. Special interest is attached to the appearance of Miss Elsie Clarens and Air George Miller, who in the characters of Youth and Bluff will make their debut. Miss Emma Temple will make her reappearance in the part of Truth. A. J. Patrick will appear as King Love. Miss Dorothy Cumming as Beauty, Miss Enid Bennett as Modesty (.Everywornari's hand-maidens). Miss Rerie Gold as Conscience, MrJTohn Ralston as Flattery, Mr Robert Whyte, urn., as Stuff. Mr .7. A. Williams as Puff. Mr William Lockhart as Time, Mr Herbert Leigh as Wealth: M;ss Cissie .Tamieson. Greed; Miss Florrie Ferguson, Self;' Miss Madge Griffiths, Vanitv; Miss Rene Tnswell. Vice; Miss -Hetty Patey, Flirt;. Miss Florie Elsie, Curls: Miss Glory ■ Chandler, Curves; Miss Eva Brown. Shape; Miss Vi Alartin. Sly; Miss Vie Scott, Giggles: Mr, Robert Beeston, Charity; Air O. Cushing. Law: Air Leslie Barclay, Order; Mr T: Curtain, Grovel; Mr Ernest Gifford, Sneak. Mr Lionel Walshe is stage manager; Mr Fred Quintrell, musical director; and Air Richard Stewart, business manager. Only one. performance can be given by the Company here, as to-morrow night "Everywoman" will be staged in Dunedin.

HAYWARDS' PICTURES. The new programme screened at the Picture Palace last night was a, delightfully diversified one, but "A Tale of Two Cities," an adaptation of Charles Dickens' story of that name, was the principal film'. , At a time when. Charles Dickens' "name is prominently before the public the pictorial representation of the story comes with added' interest. The iiic'dents of the story all deal with the French Revolution. The cast is in capable hands, and the story is told by gifted actors. The. dressing of the period is studied down to the smallest technicality, and the play as a whole : s both educational and clever. The film is 3000 feet in length, and that fact ;'s an evidence that the audience see ; t "'n its completeness. "The Reform Candidate" is an electioneering drama. All electioneering, is dramatic for one side or the other,: but; it;{lias its comedies. The comics include 'the .irrepressible Tweedledum-and "A Canine Swindler," and they maintain a -hearty laugh all through their representation. The same programme will be repeated this evening. UNIVERSAL PICTURES. .To all those who had the distinct pleasure of witnessing the screening, some months back, of scenes from Charles Dickens' famous novel, "A Tale of Two Cities" in picture form, the renewal of the film last evening at the Opera House before a. good audiencewas exceptionally welcome. The masterpiece of the novelist loses none of its attractiveness at the hands of the Vitagraph Company, who produced the film, and the repetition was as interesting and entertaining as ever. The many impressive and striking scenes tho story presents are weir brought out, and the audience all through followed the picture with the greatest interest. Other pictures on the programme included "Peanut Industry," scenes in Mozambique, and several dramatic studies of even merit. Of the latter a. Lubin film entitled "The Imposter" calls for first mention. The story concerns a notorious adventurer who impersonates an English nobleman, and carries ■matter to some length before the deception is discovered. • The most acceptable feature of. the humorous, studies was entitled "Of Deepest Dye." The plot is very refreshing, and was, greatly enjoyed. The accompanying music did much .to' make the two find, -a-lialf hours' entertainment pass pleasantly.