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New Zealand Graphic, Volume XV, Issue XI, 31 August 1895, Page 250

The most important production of the Brough and Boucicault season, which shortly commences in Auckland, will be ‘ John-a-Dreams,’ so that some extracts from the criticisms on its first production in Australia will probably be read with interest. Its success was instantaneous and complete. The picture scenes presented were very beautiful, while the plot, dialogue and acting are of great calibre. Stern moralists who object to the ‘ Second Mrs Tanqueray, ’ will probably be still more strongly opposed to Kate Cloud. In the case of Paula, the terrible past is known and forgiven ; in ‘John-a-Dreams,’ its secret is revealed only as the interest of the play heightens. ‘ John-a-Dreams ’ closes more happily. The woman sinner, who has made full confession , receives her re ward at the end, and the pla y con vey s the healthy moral that the truth is mighty. Viewing the stage as an educational factor, there is no reason why it should not address itself with discretion and caution to the question of which ‘John-a-Dreams ’ treats. Robberies, murders, elopements and many others of the wrong things of this world are held free to the dramatist; why should he not go a step further, provided his intention be honest and his moral wholesome ? ‘ John-a Dreams ’ presents a repentant woman with a past ; a woman with a noble present, and redeems her future. It is a fine, healthy play if considered broadly and in a spirit of humanity. And, this question apart, the interest excited by it is most intense.