THE GEORGE WILLOUGHBY DRAMATIC COMPANY.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1246, 5 March 1914, Page 34

THE GEORGE WILLOUGHBY DRAMATIC COMPANY.

Monday evening next will witness the initial performance of an eievennights' season at His Majesty’s Theatre of the George Willoughby Dramatic Company under the direction of George Willoughby, Limited, when the immensely s-ocessful four act melo drama by Walter Melvnle, “The Beggar Girl’s Wedding,” will be staged. A strong combination has been engaged to interpret the characters, including the well-known “hero” exponent, Mr. George Cross, supported by Miss Kemee, an emotional actress who is said to be gifted with special attainments m delineating “heroine” parts, together with dramatic artists ravouramy remembered by Auckland audiences. It is intended that this and subsequent productions shad be staged witn the same close attention to detail that has characterised the firm’s efforts at their Australian theatres, the whole of the scenery and eneets essential to correct presentation having been brought over tor the occasion. “The Beggar Girl’s Vvedding” was recently the cause of much comment in England when the author, Mr. Walter Melville, was sued by Miss Rosemary Rees, an actress and authoress hailing from Gisborne, tor p.agiarism. According to cabled reports Miss Rees had written a drama entitled “The Beggar Bride” and submitted it to Mr. Melville, who, however, did not use it at his theatre, but shortly afterwards brought out “The Beggar Girl’s Wedding.” Miss Rees’ complaint whs that certain original ideas had been pirated and conveyed into his plot. The lady was, however, non-suited. Mr. Willoughby intends staging several new pieces here, the second being Nita Rae’s “No Mother to Guide Her.” The box plans are at Wildman and Arey’s.