“SMILIN’ THROUGH.”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19102, 22 February 1924, Page 9

“SMILIN’ THROUGH.”

‘Smilin’, Through” was submitted for the last time by Miss Gertrude Elliott and her company at His Majesty’s Theatre last night, and as on the previous occasions the audience was a large one, and did not hesitate to express its appreciation of the really excellent performance. Mias Elliott as Madame Lisa Della Robbia captivated her hearers with her splendid rendering of the part, and the talents of the other performers were displayed to no small advantage. “ENTER MADAME” TO-NIGHT. Playgoers who have been able 'to witness all the pieces in which Miss Gertrude Elliott has appeared at His Majesty’s theatre will long retain a memory of her charm and the infinite variety of her art. They will possess recollections of her in appealing emotional drama in which she has neen faultless, comedy in which she has been perfection itself, and cultured characterisation, the keynote of which has ever been complete understanding and naturalness. It is a matter for sincere regret that the season has been so brief. It will terminate on Saturday evening, and there remain, therefore, only two more opportunities for the further enjoyment of the cultured lady’s artistry. For her farewell appearances the accomplished actress has elicited to play “Enter Madame,” by Gilda Varesi and Doily Byrne. This will receive its first production to night. It has everywhere been acclaimed as one of the most delightful comedies in the repertoire. It is said to scintillate with wit. It presents characters that are drawn to the life, so much so that tney are said to leave the impression ot having resulted from a close study of some originals on the part of the joint playwrights. In the character of Madame Lisa Della Robbia, Miss Elliott is said to display flawless artistry that will thrill the audience. The whole action of the piece centres round the caprices of a superlatively temperamental operatic star. Her Carmen, her Delilah, her Marguerite have won the capitals of Europe, and have disturbed the peace of mind of an impressario who even weeps at the telephone. But while Lisa triumphantly tours half the globe yearning for poetry ‘ and romance, nor husband, Gerald Fitzgerald, yearns for a fireside, a pair of slipoers. and a home-loving wife. How she wins back her husband’s love is told in three acts of uproarious laughter. In addition to the star the cast will include William Mollison aa the husband, a brilliant character part, Maggie Moore as the maid, lan M’Lean as the chef, Athol Forde as the doctor, J. B. Rowe as the son, Gertrude Boswell as the secretary, and Lilias Waldegrave as the widow, Mrs Preston. The box plans are at the Bristol.