"NEVER SAY DIE"

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2227, 13 August 1914, Page 7

"NEVER SAY DIE"

WKEBE THE LAUGHS ARE THICICEST "Never-Say Die/' a farce, in three acts by AV. H. Post and Win. Collier. Cost:— Dionysius Woodbury Fred Niblo (Jrigra Konald Byrom Virgil Galesby, M.D Edwin, Lesto Sir Jolln Morenzi, M.D Robert Greig Hector Walters B. P. Bush I Janice Prank llaicourt Vorchest Itarice Dudley Mr. Gibbs John De Lacsy 'Buster" .\ Fred Junior "Herman" Rudolph. A. Van Loder David Jefferson Mr. Bpewdman Gcotro Spclvin "Lα Oipale" Enid Bennett Hon.. Mrs. Stevenson Marian Marcus Olarko Violet Josophine Colion. If anyone lias the smallest, disinclination to become sore with laughter they should not entertain a thought of witnessing "Never Say Die," the farce that com. pletoly wrecked the gravity of a discriminating audience at the Opera House last evening. As to the designers of this faice, we confess to a complete ignorance of \V. 11. Post, but knowing Wm. Collier for what ho is, it cannot T>e conceived that his name would be associated with, .and much less would he be likely to act. in, anything that was less than aluraininmbri'lit in the comedy lino, and "Never Say Die" is just a whirr of smart talk and wildly humorous situations. Baing American by birth it has iu'st that touch .of sentiment which pleases impressionable voung girls and docs not hurt anjono. It deals wjth a purple page in the life history oi Dionysius WoQdbury, a wealthy youjig American whom the great English , .specialists say cannot live for more than a month, who has.- medically, been already dead for six weeks, and is just walking round for lack of something Detter to do.' Dionysrus meets his old college dram, Hector Waters, a budding artist, who loves but 18 desperately poor. Dionyslua meftts Bector'e fia-ncee, Violet Stephenson and l , her mama, and rather likes them. So much so, that ho hits upon an idea that will make them rich and happy without, the slightest trouble The offer of Dionysius is that ho shall marrv Violet; that she and her mother will leave tit once for Russia, and thiit Hector will pursue his artistic sfwliea in Italy—and,then in a little time, they, will return to mourn his death for a little, and enjoy his wealth for a long time. The proposition is accepted, but when the parties meet again in London, Dionysius hos not wild life of dissipation and late hours has induced a robust state of health. Violet comes back timidly, but does not reproaoh him for not having died, but Hector is very severe with Ms friend for having broKen hw word. Dionysius, feeling that he has grossly deceived the ;roung couple, decides, at the suggestion of Hector, to get a divorce, nnd a put-up compromise is arranged with a private detective, and a lady from the chorus of an adjacent theatre to ensure tho granting of the decree absolute, but the littlo plot is Tather dislocated by the arrival of Mrs. and "Miss" Stevenson (Dionysius's wito), who, to his embarrassment, stay to dinner. In the middle of the feast La Cigalo," tho paid medium of the compromis9, eaters, and a..scene of the wildest chaos fellows. With the morrow the mists o£ misunderstanding are dispelled. Violet loams, ffoin Griffs- that Dionysius is .only endeavouring to do the npflit thing, and finally, when slip'discovers (that Hector has bseri friendly with <'La Ugale in Italy, she finds herself to bo m love with her husband, and together they 1 .leave for America. Mr. Niblo-is deliciously droll as the fading Diouysius, and without thoslightest ■ attempt at forcing, gets all the American onap and humour that exists in tile part, which is as good a ohance as the best ot comedians! deserves to get. Miss., Josephino Cohan wag not so well suited as Violet Stephenson as was the case .in "The Fortune Right through the comedy she suggested pathos and not farce, suggested it very nicely, but often when it was not'in demand. Still Miss Cohan's experience and judgment combined to Interest everyone. Mr. Ronald Byram (in the absence through indisposition of Mr. Sydney ' Stirling) played Griggs remarkably yell, -displaying the reserve and native good sense of-the. well-bred ■ well-trained . English, servant' .to..tho. life. J; Mr. , E. Pi Bush played,the young artift;rather unsteadily -an-.the-firsUact, • but.redeemed himself m-'-.the second' where he : accuses. Dionysius of having .gone: back'on him; Mr.' 'Maurice ; Dudley >'.was ~e xcellently suited as' Verehi'si; tho cook, .\and 'Mr.-. John do Lacy wns the idiotic -.detective. Miss Marian Marcus'Clarke as-Mrs. Stevenson and Miss Enid Bennett as La Oigale wore both "in the picture. Messrs. Hobt. Grieg and Edwn Lester were in capital form as two prosy old. medical specialists. The , '.farce is presented.with every attention to detail, and every scene is good to loot' upon. : ■'