“THE GIRL OF MY HEART.”

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XIII, Issue 800, 6 July 1905, Page 18

“THE GIRL OF MY HEART.”

The initial production on Saturday, July 8, of Aliss Fitzmaurice Gill’s season at His Alajesty’s Theatre will be the spectacular, military, and nautical drama, “ The Girl of Aly Heart.” The piece was written by Herbert Leonard, and was first produced at the Suriey Theatre, London, where it proved a tremendous success, and immediately caught the fancy of Air. AV. J. Holloway, who secured its Australian rights for Aliss Fitzmaurice Gill. Bright and sparkling comedy scenes follow in rapid succession on tense moments of dramatic interest; and the vivid colouring of military uniforms lend picturesque background to the brilliant gowning of the ladies. The main deck of H.AI.s. Challenger, where the fine incident of the naval court-martial is displayed, is only equalled by the piettiness of the military wedding. The Girl of My Heart” is sure to appeal to the popular taste *of the British public, who all love Jack Ashore, and laugh with him in his joys and weep sympathetic tears over his misfortunes, not forgetting to applaud vociferously his sentiments of loyalty oft expressed to his country and his King. A pretty love story runs its uneven course, foiled by the machinations of a villain in the shape of a rascally major, but with the aid of numerous good friends the heio and heroine are finally re-united, and all ends happily as the curtain falls. Plot and

counter-plot are finely worked out, and Air. Leonard has never lost the interest of his audience from the rise of the curtain to its close. Amongst a budget of good things Miss Gill has secured the rights for New Zealand and Australia of a dramatisation of Joseph Hatton’s great novel, “ By Order of the Czar.” To those who have read the book, and their name is legion, the pathetic story of the beautiful Alma Klosstock will appeal tremendously, and with an elaborate stage setting, including scenes of A 7 enice en fete, showing the grand canal brilliantly illuminated on th,e occasion of the visit of the King and Queen of Italy, and the Carnival of Flowers, Air. Alacmahon is

confident the piece will prove an immense draw. Aliss Gill will have a better opportunity as the ill-fated Jewess than usually falls to her lot in ordinary ranks of melcdraina, and Mr. Chas. Blake will appear in the romantic role of Philip Tossythe, the English artist. Aliss Gill has brought some beautiful costumes for especial production, which the management are certain will prove the draw card of the season.

His Alajesty’s Arcade and Theatre Company has declared an interim dividend at the rate of 6 per cent.

Aliss Tittell Brune’s Christchurch season commences on July 7.

It is rumoured that a New Zealand tour of “A Aloorish Maid” is among the possibilities of the near future.

Air. Fred. Graham and Miss Nellie Dent are billed to appear at the Opera House next Saturday.

Among new pieces secured by Air. John F. Sheridan are “ Naughty Nancy,” “Th? Earl and the Girl,” and “The New Housemaid.”

I learn that Air. J. Youlin Birch, joint author of “A Moorish Maid,” is leaving

Auckland to take up an appointment on the staff of the New Zealand Times at AVellington. Mr. Birch has gained hosts of friends here who will unite in wishing him the best of good luck in his new home.

Air. AVilliam Anderson’s latest dramatic purchase, Arthur Shirley’s sensational play. “The Midnight Mail, or the Railroad to Ruin,” has been in preparation for months past, and will be produced at the Theatre Royal on July 15 by an augmented company. It will, it is said, introduce __the most strikingly realistic incidents ever seen in modern drama.