"WHY SMITH LEFT HOME."

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3024, 10 March 1917, Page 2

"WHY SMITH LEFT HOME."

"Why Smith Left Home," a farcical comedy in three acts by Georgo Brqadhnirst. Cast:— ' • John Smith George Willoughby General Billetdoux Harry Halley Major Duncombo Maurice Cofl'ey Bob ;..'. Frank Brookes Count .Van Dam............ David Jefferson. Lavinia Arthur- -Albert Mrs.' John - Smith ...........■..'...'.. Muriel Dale Miss Smith Florence Leigh-. Mrs. Billetdoux Florence .FairingJulia Juno Addell Eosa Bartlctt Edna Seaton

"Why Smith Left Home" is a diverting bit of honsenso," which makes agreeable fun out: of that very serious factor in our industrial life—,tradc3 unionism. Since it was written by Geo. Brqadhurst a couple of decades ago, tho leit motif has undergone ' such changes Jin Teal lifo that tragedies such as Galsworthy's "Strife" Have been', written round it, but that does not affect the jollity ivhich the American writer has managed to squeeze into the throe acts in explaining "Why Smith Left Home." Mr. George Willoxighby added to tho spirit of raillery so happily embodied by including a. number'.of smart songs and dances as frivolous" as froth, but not altogether devoid of fun bubbles. Apart from the incidental allusions to trade unionism, tho comicality of the piece turns ou tho troubles of John Smith, a etout, liappy man, who is worried out of hie newlymarried bliss by. the. visits of liis wifo's relatives, whoso domicilary frightfulness is the real cause of his leaving home. As may bo confidently . anticipated,. Mr. George Willoughby as Smith carries the load, which falls light enough on hia ample shoulders, and laughter unconstrained followed his every sally, down tho long lane of deception. He chortled tho 6ong, "I Like it Liko That," in the best'comedy spirit, and was gay as a lark, 'with Miss Edna Seaton, in the Billy duet, "Gila Galali, Galloo." Mr. Harry Halley, a relinblo actor, v;as excellent as General Billetdoux, a very much henpecked officer, and Mr. Frank Brooks acted with spirit and sang well as Bob (Mis. Smith's brother). Mrs. Billetdoux •was capitally played on farcical lines by Miss Florence Faning, and Mr. Arthur Albert was blatantly amusing ris the pink-haired president of tho Cook Ladies' Union. Miss Jiihb Addcll was pert and pleasing as Jiili'a, the trim-built'maid, Miss Muriel Dale was suited as Mrs. Smith, and Miss Florence Leigh was the elderly Mies Smith. As Eoso Barton, Miss Edna. Soaton was wholly satisfying, arid Mr. David Jefferson was responsible for much mirth as Count van Bam. "Why Smith Left Homo" will "be explained again this qveiihi.? at tils Grand Opera House. This afternoon a matinee performance of "What Happened to Jones" v;ill be given, the doors opening at 1.30. . ■ ■