THE THEATRE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 276, 10 August 1918, Page 11

THE THEATRE

(By "Sylvius.")

Allen Dooiio's Tour. Allen Dunne's tour through Ihe North Island ill: the conclusion of his Auckland season will J>o us -follows:—Huwcra, August lil; Wauganui, August 20 and 21; raJmerslon North, August 22 and 23; Nupicr, August 2G and 27; Gisborne; August 20, 30, aiid"3l; Hastings, September 2; Masterto.il, September 3; and AVelliiigton,September -1 to 21.. ... "The Invisible Foe." "The Invisible Fee," the new English success which ,T. and N., Tait are to in> trodnco to Melbourne audiences at the King's Theatre, at an early date, is a drama that is unusual in its construction and development. Apart ■> roiii its 3 strong characterisation and its gripping situations, it reveals literary merit of a very high order. . Another remarkable feature about it is that it is the first modern play to have, a ghost. Certainly the ghost is not a visible presence, as in "Hamlet," nor is it an influence that spreads grief and terror, as in Maeterlinck's "intruder." It might almost be called the memory of a dead n>an that aids in the elucidation of one of the riiost astonishing mysteries that lias ever been presented on the Australian sr.ngo. The brilliant. Emelie Polini and-.the clever company now supporting 'nor in "Do Luxe Annie" will bo eci'ii iu "The Invisible Toe." A Dramatic Event. 'io those seriously interested in the theatre, and its literary side in particular, I lie coming season of tho Avilliameon Dramatics Company, leaded by Miss Kulhlene MncDonell and Mr. Chas. Waldron, should bo an attraction quite' out of the ordinary. One thing that has struck "other people than myself is. the Williamson's odd manner in which tbo seasons are arranged. Hero is the fun and frolic show, "The Bing Boys," given ii ten nights' season in Wellington,' whilst the MaeDanell-Waldron Company has to jam four plays into a .seven nights' season, and all tlio plays arc accredited successes. Richard Sheldon'? play, "Romance," completed a 1000 nights' run in London in May last. The only two plays to exceed thnt record since the w have been "A Little Bit of Flull" and "Peg o' M.y Heart." Miss Doris Keane played the' role of Cavallini, the operatie' artist, in London, and before Miss MacDonell mine on the scene it was nlayed in Australia by Miss Madge Fabian (who could not be persuaded to visit New Zealand). This was unfortunate, as Miss Fabian was credited with n very fine performance. Miss MacDonell. who hn.s only recently assumed l.hc role, has all the requisite 'qualities for sucli a. part. "The Cinderella Man," which has a fairy-tale sentiment, waived on Ilii! fabric of a very humane little comedy-drama, was a pronounced success in America, siiicl "The Rainbow" appeared in "electrics" for several months on "Broadway," so that whatever be (he Wfii-ib of the new play.i they rwno to New Zealand hall-marked with the approval of New York. The revival of "Daddy Long Lfgs" i? bnuiid to attract big business.

"Katinka." The sixtv-fiflh performance of "Kalinka" will Ijo given at tfia Majesty's Theatre, Melbourne, to-night. So tar there is not the slightest indication of any fall inn away in the business. AVheii this liiilit opera was originally produced in Australasia—the first performance look place in Wellinston—The Dominion- said: "Tn poirrf- of intrinsic merit, the wwiagcmerit has reserved the best, till the last, ami such is tlio music and the sparkle of its action, that, onn may fair'y congratulate the producer, Ifr. Geo. Highland, on hi* painstaking and resourceful work, the company on a spirited and always interesting performance, and the inamvemeut of having secured a suit. winner. Indeed, such are Hih f(iialities of 'Katinka' Hint it may not be impertinent to (inery why so maiiy musical plays with little or nni-liins; to commend- jliein arc staged' at all when Mich, works (as 'Katinkii') are procurable?"

Mr Ceo. Stevenson, manager of Fuller's ■Opera House. .House at Auckland, is reported to bo seriously unwell again.