JOHN D. O'HARA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17935, 14 May 1920, Page 4

JOHN D. O'HARA

"LIGHTNIN , " TO-NIGHT.

This evening- at 8 o'clock at His Majesty's Theatre, J. 0. Williamson will produce "Lightnin'." The piece will be played for six nights, and the box plans are open at tho Bristol. It ig probable that no play of recent years announced for production here by the" firm of J. C. Williamson (Ltd.) lias created more general forward interest than " Lightnin," the phenomenally successful comedy-drama. " Lightnin' " has recently enjoyed the longest rune •in both Sydney and Melbourne of any attraction of any kind placed before the public, in either of these cities. "One hundred and thirty nights is "its record for Melbourne, with a consecutive run of 19 weeks in Sydney. It is said that the main secret of this success is the wonderful performance of Mr John _D. O'Har-a in the name part Mr CHara, it_ is claimed, has had a greater and more important influence on the Eug-lish-spoaking stage- than any other actor since the time of _ Sir Henry Irving. His style is terse, vivid, natural, and without flourishes. Directness his aim and humour the very breath' of his being. The v play itself is eaid to be a splendidly goodnatured affair with many well-known actors in well played parts. It has a striking and highly original plot, having for locality the notorious town of Reno, in NevadaHere a number of intending divorcees aro involved in a series of ludicrous complications, the bulk of which aro straightened out finally by the natucd genius of " Lightnin ," Bill Jones. The play cornea with the very best of forward reputations, the consensus of contemporaneous opinions being that it is tie most exceptionally conspicuone and cleverly written piece of its kind yet seen south of the line. It will ►be interpreted by a specially selected cbmpanv. amongst which aro a number of newcomers. 'Messrs Robert Toms, John Beck, Fred E/smelton, and Miss Biana Wilson will make first appearances here. Also in a long cast are Misses Lizotte Pa-rkes, Lester, Marion Morons Clarke, Messrs lan Maolaren, Arthur Cornell, Fred Gamboume, Thomas Lloyd, H. 11. Wallace, qpd G. Levi. Hunxan nature, sentiment, pathos, quaint characterisation, and humour—tons of it are orammed into every scene in the play that illumined Now York for over two years, and over all' is tho lovably personality ana Wonderful craftsmanship of Mr O'ffara aa ' " Lightnin'"-—Bill Jones.