“HUMAN HEARTS.”

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XV, Issue 893, 18 April 1907, Page 17

“HUMAN HEARTS.”

Mr Edwin Geach, the well-known Australasian entrepeneur, will shortly introduce to the public of New Zealand the celebrated American melodrama entitled “Human Hearts, ” by special arrangement with Mr J. C. Williamson, from whom he has secured the rights of the play. Chronicled as one of the most remarkable successes in England and America of recent years, it is said to have more Companies on tour in these countries than any other acknowledged success. Described as." a drama of exceptional domestic and emotional interest, a work abounding in. human situations and quaint characterisations, a play of strong vigorous development, its advent should be eagerly anticipated. The story is simple in construction and avoids all possible deviations into the realms of the. impossible usually associated with melodrama. The charm of the play is apparently its wealth of local colour and atmosphere, and the necessary all-round interpretation' by a Company who have been selected for their fitness. The locale of the play is Arkansas, America, and the thrilling story of Tom Logan, the 'heroic blacksmith 1 who was married not wisely but too well; the retrograde move of his wife Jeannette, who leaves him for a former lover; the unfortunate murder of his- father, of which crime he is accused; and later, the many adventures he passes through until, in the final development, once more he is a free man, are but leading features in a story which is remarkable for its rare and beautiful all-round human characterisation. Originally. .Mr ; Williamson ; purchased the play with the intention of making it a companion piece to “The Squaw Man.’’- ■ , • .

Mr Ernest Leicester, one of the first dramatic artists in Great Britain who created many important leads at the : Surrey Theatre under the late Mr George Conquest, and later appeared at leading East End -theatres,. has. been specially en - gaged after months of negotiation by Mr Geach to play the part he originally created in England. Miss . Valentine Sid ney, a leading lady from England, who has likewise performed , successfully in South Africa under Mr. Edward Sass’ management will suport him. The company has been selected with extra care dn view of the importance of every part in the piece! Mr' WJ J. Lincoln will manage the tour.