WALTER GEORGE’S OBSERVATIONS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1539, 23 October 1919, Page 37

WALTER GEORGE’S OBSERVATIONS.

Six years ago Mr. Walter George invaded New Zealand with his “Smart Set” entertainers, setting the pace for costume comedy companies, of which particular style of entertainment, by the way, he is the originator. Since then he has travelled Australia, putting in lengthy seasons in leading cities, and sixteen months ago he accepted an engagement with Messrs. Fuller, undertaking to organise and produce miniature musical comedies for them. “Not revues,” Mr. George emphasises, as he places his entertainments on a higher musical plane. And with his company he has broken all records in Dunedin —a twelve weeks’ season, and with a request from patrons for. an extension. He’s been associated at Home with the D’Oyly Cartes, playing comedian roles in Gilbert and Sullivan operas; he is bronze, silver and gold medallist, L.A.M. (London); he has been deputy for that famous entertainer, Corney Grain; he’s had 27 years with his costume comedy venture, and in its train has accumulated a flawless knowledge of what the public want and how long they want it.

One of the most gifted members of the Emelie Polini Company is Miss Georgia Harvey, a character actress of abounding vitality and originality. In “De Luxe Annie” Miss Harvey figures as -a garrulous- New England boardinghouse landlady, and in “The Eyes of Youth” is the coloured dresser of the prima donna in the opera scene.

Sydney Theatre Royal is to be dismantled and refurbished for the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., to present their attractions. Mr. Tom Pollard is taking in hand the production of “The Mikado” for the Wellington Amateur Operatic Society. The opera fs to be staged at the Grand Opera House on Saturday, November 1.

Mr. Harrington Reynolds passed away with dramatic suddenness at the Opera House, Christchurch, on October 16. Just as the curtain was about to rise on. his turn he had an apoplectic seizure and died a few hours afterwards. Mr. Reynolds was well known in Australasia, and had paid several visits- to New Zealand. He was with Beaumont Smith’s company. in “Seven Little Australians” some few years ago, but is best remembered by his fine character work as Father Kelly in “The Rosary.” His last appearance here prior to his recent engagement on the Fuller circuit was with the Allan Wilkie Dramatic Company in “The Story of the Rosary.” He played a season at the Opera House, Auckland, some weeks ago, appearing in dramatic playlets, in which he was supported by Miss Gladys Thomas and Mr. Walter Dyer. He had a kindly personality, and’a large circle of friends in Australasia will hear with regret pf his demise. He was 67 years of age, and leaves a widow and son (Mr. Harrington Reynolds, jun.), vaudeville, artist, in New York, U.S.A. j