Walter Sanford's American Players

Southland Times, Issue 19324, 11 April 1904, Page 2

Walter Sanford's American Players

- »" Whati promises to be a theatrical event of great interest to our • theatregoers will lx> . the appearance of _Ir Walter Sanford and his American Players at the Zealandia Hall ' for a period of six nights, commencing Katurdoy, April IGth. This organisation is at present appearing in Christchurch, and their success haa been most pronounced and t-iu-phatic. The press hus lieen unanimous in hailing it as ono of tho best organisations ever sent us from America. Tlie company is composed of tho very best dramatic tulcnt, and was formed in New York City a year ago. Since that timo they have played extended engagements of eight to tea weeks 'in tho large American cities before sailing for tho colonies. They played a six weeks' season in Auckland, and havte created a very lnrge clientele, who have, hailed each succeeding production 'with delight. The plays are new to our public, and the scenery is unsurpassed and has been the cause of great admiration, having been painted by the leading scenic artists of the United States. Walter Sanford, the proprietor and star of the company, is an American actor-manager of 15 years' oxperience. Although now | a young man, he began his theatrical ! career as a star at tho age of 17. He ! was born to tho " sock and buskin, " | figuratively speaking, as his father is j now the oldest living theatrical manager \ in tho States, having attained the ago i of 85 years. Mr Sanford has been the J lessee, the same time He has managed several touring companies presenting j his successes. iHe is a character actor of great versatility, and will be seen in a number of widoly different roles. I His repertoire of plays includes a number of American successes, never before seem in this country. He has chosen for his opening production " The Power of flold." While this play is an American production, the scenes arc laid in London, lt is humorous, emotional, and startling, and is set n a framework of realistic stage pictures. The play is an epitome of London daily life ; it is the story of the constant battle for bread j on tho part of the poor, und the greed for gold amon|g tho prosperous and wealthy. It teaches that every badk has its burden, and that neither the rich nor the poor monopolise the sorrow of this world . The box plan will be opened at Ueggs' to-morrow morning, when seats for the six nights may he reserved.