SOUTHERN STAGE NOTES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1368, 13 July 1916, Page 34

SOUTHERN STAGE NOTES.

(By

“Lorgnett.”)

WELLINGTON, July 10. Mr. Allan Doone, the well-known Irish actor-vocalist, and his company opened a 13 nights season at the Grand Opera House last Saturday evening with the four-act comedy drama “O’Leary, V.C.” There was a very large audience to witness the opening performance, and the reception accorded to Mr. Doone, Miss Edna Keeley and the company was of a most enthusiastic nature. “O’Leary, V.C.,” is a play written round the life of the hero who made himself famous by his wonderful deeds of bravery in France. Mr. Doone plays the double part of Richard Dale and O’Leary, V.C. Richard Dale, who is in the Army, has a sister whom he loves dearly. This sister, Eily, has been secretly

married to Darcy O’Neil, also a soldier, the secrecy being rendered necessary by the terms of a will, which, forbids Darcy marrying before he reaches the age of 25. The third soldier, Captain M. Nevin, is the villain of the piece and the rival of Dale for the hand and heart of Mona Fitzpatrick. The villain learns that love messages have passed between Eily and Darcy, but has no suspicion of the secret marriage. Darcy is called to the front, and reported as killed. Elly’s. behaviour when she learns the news confirms M. Nevin’s suspicions, and enables him to dictate terms to Dale to save the inevitable scandal that must follow the birth of the expected child. Dale’s regiment is called out, and at M. Nevin’s instance and to save the publication of Eily’s supposed shame, Dale resigns his commission. He is branded as a coward, and cast off with contempt by Mona Fitzherbert. With his sister he then goes to France, where the two experience the pinch of poverty, and at last he determines to enlist and fight the Germans. The rest of the story can be easily guessed...„ .He covers himself with glory under the name of O’Leary, and comes back. Darcy O’Neil also turns up, * and so the story goes on to a happy. finish.

Mr. Allan Doone gives a convinc-

ing interpretation of the double part of Richard Dale and Michael O’Leary, V.C. The actor was in good voice, and his rendering of “The Kerry Guards,” “My Mother’s Wedding Ring,” “The Hams in the Corner” and “My Ould Dhudeen” re ceived with most enthusiastic applause. Miss Edna Keeley has done nothing better here than the bright and attractive Mona. Fitzherbert. Miss Ethel Bashford as Eily Dale, Mr. Onslow Edgeworth as the scheming Captain M. Nevin, Mr. Clive Farnham as Darcy O’Neil, and Mr. Frank Cullenane as Patrick Fitzpatrick were in the other prominent parts, whilst the two tiny tots Connie Kyte and Jean McColl were remarkably good as the two children. The other characters in the cast were all well played. “O’Leary, V.C.,” is well mounted, and the necessary effects were excellent. During the season Mr. Doone will present “The Bould Soger Boy,” “Too Much Johnson,” “The Colleen Bawn,” “O’Shea, the Rogue,” “Molly Bawn,” and “The Parish Priest.”

Wellington playgoers are already awaiting the coming of the Tivoli Follies, which are due to open a seven nights’ season at the Grand Opera House on Wednesday evening, August 2. The Follies established

themselves great favourites with the Wellington public when they were here last year, and it is certain that they will enjoy as successful a season on their coming visit.

The Wellington Professional Orchestra gave another of its monthly concerts at His Majesty’s Theatre on Sunday evening under the conductorship of Mr. Herbert Bloy. The programme included several classical and popular items, the principal of which were Herold’s “Zampia” overture, the “Mignon” overture and a fantasia on Verdi’s “Otello.” First-class business is being done this week at His Majesty’s Theatre, where the star attraction is the five Manchurians, who do a marvellous act. Others on the programme are Mr. Dan Thomas, the Lampinis, Alsace and Lorraine and Victor Prince’s Revue Company. It might be mentioned that Mr. Prince’s latest production is not up to the standard of his previous production. It is almost certain that the J. C. Williamson firm will shortly send the big picture film “The Birth of a Nation” on a tour of the Dominion.

All the picture houses are doing splendid business at present. The Royal Choral Union gave a very fine performance of Gounod’s “Faust.” in the Town Hall on Tuesday evening, the 4th inst.