WELLINGTON NOTES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1481, 12 September 1918, Page 27

WELLINGTON NOTES.

(By

“Lorgnette.”)

WELLINGTON. September 9

The re-appearance of that popular Irish actor, Allen Doone, at the Grand Opera House last Wednesday was greeted by a most enthusiastic audience, to welcome him in one of his finest impersonations, viz.. Larry O’Shea in the comedy-drama “Lucky O’Shea.” There is a delightful buoyancy in the actor’s representation of Hibernian character that appeals strongly to the average playgoer. In the part of Larry Mr. Doone is given every scope to display his histrionic abilities, and does so to the very utmost. As the colleen, Miss Edna Keeley played with a pretty feminine charm, being especially effective in her scenes with Mr. Doone. The supporting members of the company are all well placed in their allotted parts. “Lucky O’Shea” will be played for six nights, after which will come a series of popular revivals, including “Tom Moore,” “The Bold Soger Boy,” “The Parish Priest,” and “Molly Bawn.”

Mr. Doone promises an early tour next year with several new comedydramas. He is always welcome. The Wellington Professional Orchestra still continues to keep up its high

state of efficiency. The concert given on Sunday evening, the Ist inst., was a brilliant one, the programme submitted including a classical selection from the works of six famous composers, viz., Grieg, Tschaikowsky. Dvorak, Ponchielli, Matt and Beeth-

oven. The gem of the evening was Grieg’s suite, “Peer Gynt,” the orchestration of which was excellent. Mr. H. Moschini wielded the baton in masterly style. During his sojourn in Wellington Mr. Frank Levy has made himself felt in many ways. He has got the town billed as if for a circus, and everywhere is evidence of “stickers” in the shape of a shamrock with the words inscribed “Allen Doone is coming soon.” Mr. Frank Levy is. I consider, one of the best .touring managers in Australasia at the present time.

It is some time now since we have had a visit from the Messrs. Wirth, but from what I can gather this energetic firm contemplate another descent on New Zealand about the end of the year. The company which the Messrs. Wirth have got together for this season’s tour is a strong one, and includes Les Montt’orts, in the sensational act the Loop of Death; the Cevines. who are described as the Six Maniacs on the Wire; Tex Bailey, with his performing horses, dogs and sheep; the Garcias, wonderful acrobats; Miss Belle Onva, dashing gymnast; Reeman and Ransfield, whirlwind jockeys; the Winskills and the Zandil Sisters, acrobats.