MR. JOHN D. O’HARA.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1564, 15 April 1920, Page 32

MR. JOHN D. O’HARA.

“LIGHTNIN’ ” BILL JONES. “‘There goes Lightnin’ Bill Jones,!’ That’s what I often hear in. the streets from strangers,” and Mr. John D. O’Hara, of the silvery locks and polished style, gave the writer some amusing reminiscences of the period which saw his own courtly personality covered by the graces or disgraces of the shining light in “Lightnin’.” After 15 weeks in Melbourne and 17 in Sydney, his clinching remark “I’ll fix it” carried such conviction that one day he received a letter from a young man about to be married, saying the event would have to be postponed unless he could find a house; and knowing the actor’s capacity for “fixing” things he appealed to him for help. He showed the letter* to an estate agent, who was able at the opportune moment, to fix him up with a desirable house. “And so,” said Mr. O’Hara, “the wedding came off, and I duly received a piece of cake in remembrance.” “Lightnin’,” as he remarks, is a play that appeals to everyone on account of its simplicity and wholesomeness —anyone can discuss it without having to blush —and its admirably blended emotions are so very natural in their sequence. It is full of laughs, but it has its tearful moments, too. “My conception of the old reprobate is the result of analysis and long study. The audiences seem pleased with my efforts in the part, and that’s half the battle.

“But don’t attribute its success to any personal merit of mine. It is just an accident that I happen to fit the part. Bill Jones —Lightnin’ for irony, on account of his slowness — is a character that plays itself, if the individual is the right type. I’m the type, so there you are. Types are so essential to success. And in playing it you must be simple and natural, and avoid acting. But of course you must portray it to keep the sympathies of your audience. ‘Lightnin’ ’ Bill has all the vices, but he makes them so adorable they almost appear virtues. For instance, to have him stagger on the stage noisily drunk would spoil the illusion of his real down-to-bedrock character, so any effect, like that must be carefully considered.” Mr. O’Hara, in the course of a life of constant study and application, has played close on 1000 parts. “And,” he emphasised in that’ measured stately way of his, “it needs constant study to get on. That is the only road to success. And young people aspiring to the stage who only look on the glamour and applause should bear it in mind.” He has just completed arrangements to remain with the J. C. Williamson firm for another year, which brings him to August, 1921. “I’m so much in love with Australia and its hospitable people that the chances are I’ll become a resident,” he says, “though the only

trouble would be leaving all my old friends of a life time.” The J. C. Williamson firm have accepted from the distinguished American actor for production in Australia an Irish play entitled “Peggy Machree.” It is equally clean and as delightful as “Lightnin’,” and is elaborated with songs and choruses. The authoress is Mrs. Denis O’Sullivan, who wrote it for her husband, a celebrated baritone. In it Mr. O’Hara plays a Scotchman in kilts who is compelled to live in Ireland against his will. One can see our friend Lightnin’ handling the humorous possibilities, Mr. O’Hara was eleven years with George M. Cohan, and it was due to his endorsement of our visitor’s ability that he was engaged by J. C. Williamson for the Australian tour. In passing, he pays a glowing tribute to the latter firm. “They never do anything by halves,” he says, “and in my long career of over 40 years with different managements I have never yet encountered such an earnest desire on the part of a theatrical firm to cater to the tastes of the public as is exemplified by the individual membership of the J.C.W., organisation.” Another thing that impressed him during his stay in Austra’ia was the fine talent displayed by the actors and actresses in that country, and he went so far as to say that in the present cast there are several whose parts -are played in a superior manner to the New York production. A hurried trip to Rotorua was managed before the company opened in Auckland, and both Mr. O’Hara and his equally charming wife were warmly enthusiastic over the wonders of the place, and look forward with interest to the remainder of their Dominion tour.