“YOUNG WOODLEY”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 687, 12 June 1929, Page 14

“YOUNG WOODLEY”

A SPLENDID PRODUCTION j GOOD ACTING IN GOOD PLAY ] Y. oung' \\ oodley," a play in three j i acts by John Van Druten. Presented 1 1 at His Majesty’s Theatre last evening 1 by J. C. Williamson. CAST I Trevor Brogan j | i George Preston j Michael Maeowan w«HSi Edward Ashley Woodley Lewis Shaw Laura Simmons Xatalia Alova t Simmons Frank Royde -Maid einra Tenlcin«s Mr. Woodley Guy Hastings Young ~Y\ oodley,” John Van Druten’s play of adolescent love, is a beautiful and impressive piece of stagecraft, acted with understanding' and discernment. There is not one really indifferent artist in the whole cast, and one leaves tli© theatre with that sense of satisfaction which is born of an intellectual play, excellently and sensitively acted. Such occasions are rare in Auckland. Here is a serious theme handled with an insight into the heart of the adolescent and a delicacy of feeling, which have rarely been surpassed in the theatre. It is difficult to understand, after seeing the play, why it was banned by the censor in London. America saw "Young Woodley” as long ago as 1926. Two years later it was produced by the Arts Theatre in London, and not till then was it allowed to be produced publicly. There is nothing in “Young Woodley” to shock the most sensitive mind. On , the contrary, there is every reason for the complete enjoyment of the intellect and the emotions. Certainly the conversation in the prefects’ room is frank ; —significant, perhaps, for its omissions rather than for what is actually said, but there has been no attempt to drag in sex and degeneracy for the sake of the box office. “Young Woodley” is an ■ honest and successful dramatic production, with qualities tending to make it a popular success. There are many passages in the play which can be marred by a titter or a senseless laugh, and last evening many of the audience seemed to imagine that 1 the subject of young and tender love was food for amusement. The enthusiasm which followed the final curtain, however, was proof of the appreciation 1 due to this excellent and stimulating production. For once we have seen a play in which every character is deserving of some praise, for there is not one really mediocre performance. Acting honours must go to Lewis Shaw, who gives a notably fine study of tlio awakening adolescent. His perpormance is convincing and stamped with a sincerity one hardly expects from a lad of IS. His natural shyness, his sensitive love and halting curiosity were admirably expressed. There was no hysteria—only a subdued emotion which made his performance all the more impressive. Miss Moya acted with charm and delicacy the part of the housemaster’s wife, starved for sympathy and handicapped by a natural reticence. She makes the part that of a healthyminded young woman in uncongenial surroundings, and only a salacious mind could discover harm in her love for Roger Woodley. Miss Moya has repose and a wistful charm admirably suited to the author’s craftsmanship. The final farewell between Woodley and Mrs. Simmons is one of the most moving scenes in the whole play. Mr. Royde, the producer, is to be congratulated on his artistic presenta- ■ tion of the play. His housemaster is a fine character study. George Preston made Vining the detestable character he was intended to be. Michael Macowan gave a splendid performance, particularly in the last act. Edward Ashley fitted into the pic- j ture with ease and assurance. Master Brogan, aged 12, played his part of the fag with the perception of a veteran. Mr. Hastings, in a scene demonstrating what strangers fathers and sons can be to each other, did all that was required of him. “Young Woodley” will be presented for five more nights. Lovers of good stage productions should not miss it.