OPERA HOUSE

Wanganui Chronicle, 19 March 1901, Page 2

OPERA HOUSE

THE STNFORD DRAMATIC COMPANY

It' the test of a. company's popularity with the public is the 'patronage bestowed on the occasion of a return visit there can be no doubt that the Stanford Dramatic Company 'has "caught on" with. Wanganui patrons. The return season was commenced at the Opera House last evening when, to a capital house, the company staged the charming domestic drama, "Shall We Forgive Her?" The piece itself is certainly one of the most interesting—to give it nobetter description—that has been staged here for a long time past. The real beauty of tb.9 play, the element which most appeals to the sympathies of the audience, is the. "touch of nature" which is everywhere manifest throughout the plot* -The author appeals to the heart rather than to the nerves, and although the play cannot be said to lack sensationalism, that feature is not unduly obtruded. Moreover, there is ample scope- for scenic effect, even though the strikingly spectacular isconspicious by its;, absence. The glimpse of "the land of the burning 'sun," .revealing the horrors of 'up-country life in Queensland in the time of drought, -was thoroughly realistic, and as-faithful to detail as the more congenial later scenes in "Merrie England" in which the story reaches its conclusion. A prettier stage picture than the 'garden at" Myrtle Cottage, with its clusters of roses, its rural fence and ivycovered porch, has- rarely been presented on local boards. Good as the play is, it is not a whit too good for the artists entrusted with its - production. The Stanford combination it, all round, one of the best and ablest that we have had the pleasure of meeting. In last night's production the heaviest task fell to Miss Ida Greshain, who gave a splendid representation of the character of "Grace," Oliver West's much-tried but devotedly faithful wife. Mr C. B. Stanford afforded farther proof of his versatility by the aJbie interpretation he gave 'o the character of "Oliver West." As "Joanna Ligbtfoot," a repugnant specimen of hypocritical - womanhood, Miss Rosa Conroy had <an unpopularpart to play, and -when we say. that she earned the detestaton of the, whole audience we have paid her the highest possible ■ compliment "Joanna" had not a friend in the house, and the occupants of circle, stalls and pit united in their signification of approval afc her .finalsand well-deserved discomfiture. In strong contrast to this character was that of. "Aunt Martha," an old lady with a heart as good as gold" which was admirably.played by.Miss Roland Watts-Phillips. Mr J. F. Cathoart, one of the veterans "of the-'Australian stage, appeared as "Doctor McKerrow," and Mr J. P. O'Neill another old favourite,; $»adf a pleasing small part as ''Jerry Blake." Miss Katie Towers made the most of the light comedy role of "Nellie West," and/ the same may be said of her stage lover gi& Walton," as impersonated'by Mr Franls Hawthorne. Mr W. Taite made, a = capital vagabond- as "Neil Garth, "•■ Mr George Chalmers appeared to advantage as "Paul Elsworth," a parson of'tlte right kind, aad! ■Mr S. A. Fitzgerald had a congenial (role as "James Stapletoiu" From first -to last the acting was of a high order and. in every; respect "Shall We Forgive Her?" was a distinct success, well worthy of the large house which witnessed its production. Tonight the company appear, in comedy, t&e piece chosen being that good old lausrhterprovoking "Oaste." Another bumper house should greet them. y