BUSINESS BEFORE PLEASURE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 45, Issue 13754, 5 February 1919, Page 2

BUSINESS BEFORE PLEASURE.

Onti-'s in London, .mow Voik and Australia. .■(•'•' unanimous in their opinion that "Business Before .Pleasure,'' to

be presented at the Opera House next .Saturday is the most humorous, and at the same time the most human play this generation has produced. .Messrs Adams and Waters, who were tile original exponents of Potash and I'erimuttei* in London, will appeal' as Abe and Mawruss in this production — rhura'-ters which they originated in America. Of course, ''liusincss "Before Pleasure'"' relies for its success mainly upon the (■.•ecu; ricities of the two Hebrew cornelians, but: another factor which has :•■,.•■.(.!■• it ''veil more popular than " I'olash aud .1 enniutter" is the heart, interest which is created by the exploits of Abe and Alawr'.iss ; who are presented by tin.* author as 1 wo of the most lovabie and delightful personages which we have yet enjoyed on the sta-j'e. In this play another chapter in the lives of these two amiisin*.,- Hebrew partners, Abe Potash and ..Mawruss Perl mutter, i.s unfolded. This interest.-

jn.L'' pair discard their cloak and costume trade lin favour of the cinematograph studio, but in the fact that the experiment turns out disastrous lies the humour of the comedy. After fearful experiences arising out of their engagement of a fascinating film actress to play " vampire-' parts, and the consequent jealousy of Mesdames Potash and Perlmutter, they at last realise that they are out of their element in the sameraroorn, to say nothing of being bankrupt. Then they both agree, that, as one of them quaintly puts it, •• moving pictures is not a business, but a. dissipation." So they decide to re-enter the clothing trade. In. the respective characters of Potash and Perhnuttcr, Messrs Adams and Waters make their puppets such living realities that Abe and Mawruss make their business a

! joint stock partnership of pleasure for everyone before the footlights. Each has a joy of individuality in stimulated, characters, and each the necessary completement of the other, while the little foils and elusive tricks of speech and gesture are said to be displayed by both actors with masterly craft. A strong supporting company, specially selected for this production, all contribute their share towards making "Business Before Pleasure one of the most successful comedies ever staged in Australasia. The box plan is now on view at the Bristol Piano Company 's premises.