THEATRE ROYAL.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIIC, Issue 14283, 25 August 1910, Page 7

THEATRE ROYAL.

" THE AMERICAN TRAMP." 'Attracted perhaps by the reputation Ivliick preceded the genial Phil AYalsh, head of the dramatic company which bears his liaiM, or out uf curiusitv to Bee in what respect the American Tramp differs from a tramp of a.ny lather nationality, a goodly house assembled at the Theatre K-oyal lust jiigkt to witness the production of tlio American drama above named. Though possessing no very intricate plot, it has :i good deal in it that appeals to the sense of humour, and the audience, being treated to some "hits" and situations which marked a- departure from the beaten truck, was easily kept in u. state of merriment. The American tramp turned out to be an escaped convict from Sing Sing prison, and falling in with a schemer who desired the hand of a certain young lady in marriage, is persuaded, under pain of being sent back to his prison life, to masquerade as the father of the young lady, in order to claim her for the mail under whose orders he was working, it having been ascertained that she was not the daughter oi the parflits with whom she lived, having been substituted at birth, for another child which, had died. The little plot- is nicely worked out, with all the frills incidental to the modern drama: and from assuming the role of father to the girl, it subsequently turns out that the drunken, good natured tramp, is actually her father and at the "latter end be plays the part of parent right loy- j ally. It might have been expected that the up-to-date American would have given a novel ending to tlio piece, but no; it was the traditional ending—virtue triumphs over vice, the lady marries the man of her choice, and all puds happily. The drama, was presented in lour acts, through each of which the serpent, in the person of James Blackburn (Mr Stuart Meßae) and Jerry the tramp (Mr Phil Y\ al-lii are very prominent. The latter, with his droll American accent, his virtuous resolves, and his effective "dealing" with the villain, played a strong part in a strong way; he. easily ensconced linnself a- warm favourite, and was given a cordial reception. Mr Stuart McHae in his unpopular role as the villain, played the part wth duo attention to its requirements, and made an excellent man oi the serpent type. Miss Eva Marius-Paigne, as the heroine, was very good, the value of her work being enhanced by a good stage presence. Miss F. M. Paijjne made a pert little maid of the house with a penchant for saying and doing saucy things to all who came under her displeasure. Mr P. C. Mitchell, as the favoured lover of the heroine, was Tatlier stiff, and Mr Donald L'ogan, as Colonel Lea could have made more of his lines had lie been a littles less formal in his manner. Afiss Eleanor "Wade appeared as Mrs Colonel Lee, and filled the position with becoming dignity. At an interval, Mr "Walsh stepped before the curtain and thanked the audience for the cordial reception given him, and announced that he would pay a return visit to Tniaru a month hence.