HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1481, 12 September 1918, Page 32

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE.

KATHLENE MACDONELL SEASON. MEMORABLE PORTRAITURES. As the orchid is to the violet so is “Romance” to “The Cinderella Man,” but Miss Kathlene MacDonell fitted her art to each, scoring in one with her amazing emotional power and in the other through the appeal of her own sweet femininity. “The Cinderella Man” was played last Thursday and Friday, its fanciful note striking a cord that attuned itself readily to

the audience. With the deep tenderness put into her work as the modern fairy godmother by Miss MacDonell, the gentle chivalry of Mr. Charles Waldron as the penniless poet, and the delightful human touches of both, “The Cinderella Man” will remain in the memories of those who saw it as a cameo of fragrant sentiment. Miss Emma Temple effectively energised the character of the “ great SheBear,” and Mr. Charles Brown as the irascible millionaire, Mr. Roy Redgrave as the kindly old lawyer, and Mr. Plumpton Wilson as the faithful servant did capital work. “The Rainbow,” which was presented on Saturday, was another charming little comedy, in which Miss MacDonell exercised her natural vivacity and sunshine of spirits as Cynthia, peacemaker. Mr. Charles Waldron as Neil Summer, estranged from his wife, gave another 'fine etching of character, the quietly emotional parts between him and Cynthia being adroitly handled. Miss Emma Temple put in some clever comedy work, and Mr. Roy Redgrave, Mr. Kenneth Brampton and Miss Beryl Bryant added to a thoroughly adequate performance. “Daddy Long Legs” made a popular revival and farewell on Monday and Tuesday, Miss MacDonell giving an ideal conception of the part of Judy Abbott, the charity girl, commanding smiles and t?ars at will from the audience as she depicted the varying phases of the orphan’s career. Mr. Waldron, polished actor that he is,

was the Jervis Pendleton (“Daddy Long Legs”) that we all loved in the book, and there was never a moment when the utmost charm was not extracted. At the concluding performance the curtain was raised again and again, and the Canadian star and her distinguished colleague were given due homage for the rare treat afforded in their repertoire of fine plays. The company play at Palmerston North on Thursday and are due in Christchurch on Saturday.