JOHN F. SHERIDAN COMPANY.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1020, 13 October 1903, Page 2

JOHN F. SHERIDAN COMPANY.

“ THE LADY SLAVEY,

Last night, at the Theatre .Royal, the Sheridan Company commenced their Gisborne season by producing “ The Lady Slavey ” for the first time in Gisborne, before a very large and enthusiastic audience. From start to finish the comedy is ono of much refined music, wit, and humor, although, like other comic operatical comedies, it does not depend upon the plot for its success. It is just the sort of play for one to go to see to enjoy a good hearty laugh, and merriment reigned supreme in the crowded house last evening. Miss Celia Mavis made a decided hit as the Lady Slavey, and her bright and fascinating manner immediately established her as a favorite. Both in her singing and dancing she captivated the audience, who demanded an encore to her overy song. Perhaps her best item was the song “ Love, Love,” which suited her flexible soprano voice. In the duets wish Mr Thomas Curran, who impersonated an American millionaire, Miss Mavis appeared to distinct advantage, the numbers “ Why Wuo in Secret ?” and “ As Friends Wo Meet ” being charmingly rendered. As Flo Honeydew, from the Empire, Miss Hfcba Barlow placed in a chic and dashing style, her vocal items being well rendered. “ Gertie on the Go-Go ” was suug with much vim, whilst the item “ The Girl that Leads the Baud ” proved ono of Che chief items of the evening. Misses Stella Tiiebaud and Katie Courtrice made much of their small parts as the Major’s daughters, their siuging aud dancing being much admired. Mr J. F. Sheridan is cue mostpopularcumediau whobas visited here and he was the reeepionc of a tremendous ovation upon his first appearance last night. He is world-renowned as the Widow O'Brien, and in his triple role lust night he, as usual, proved himself a comedian of superb degreo, his every movement provoking much amusement, j Of his three fold cast ho was unequalled as the millionaire in the pourtrayal of which he never missed a point. Mr J. E. Neeharn gave a splendid interpretation of the Irish Landowner, his brogue being perfection. The tonor of the company, Mr Thomas Curram, had a congenial part as Vincent A. Eveleyn, an American millionaire, which suited him admirably, his singing being a musical treat. Mr Fred Wentworth as Captain Fitzmaurice (once a toff—now a bailiff) scored a great success, as also did Mr Sydney C. Carden as Lord Lavender. The appearance of Little Gulliver was eagerly looked forward to, and the anticipations of the audience were more than roalised when the pocketcomedian made his appearance. A yard of humanity, as he appeared on the stage, he fairly brought the house to a climax by the marvellous agility that he displayed in his dancing. He sang a descriptive song, 11 Love, Marriage, and Divorce,” in a manner that gained for him an imperative encore, the. midget artist responding with a parody on “ Home Sweet Home,” which was excruciatingly funny. All the minor parts were ably impersonated. A feature of the company is the artistic dancing of the Criterion ballerinas, who performed three graceful ballets with charming effect, displaying a handsome and elaborate wardrobe. The management aro to bo congratulated upon the staging of tho comedy, the very best use being made of the crude facilities which the Theatre Eoyal affords. _The

music was under the direction of Mr Fred W. Weierter, and was of excellent cjualjty, The company is a first-class one, and the

show throughout is of a very refined nature.

“ A TRIP TO CHICAGO ” TO-NIGHT

To-night the Sheridan carnival will be continued and a change of programme is announced. Musical eomedy will still hold sway, and Mr Sheridan in the role of “ Johanna Murphy,” the Irish mother-in-law, with a glib tongue, prophecies considerable hihrity while in the company of the son-in-law. Mr Sheridan wears some startling frocks in this imitation, and is said to make the weaker sex jealous and envious of their follow petticoat revival for fashion. It is said “ the play is so much the part that to say that Mr Sheridan scores in it is to say that the play itself is a great success. Mr Sheridan, in the role of “ Johanna Murphy,” revels in the characteristics of the part, and is as full of humor as an egg is of meat. A great part of the second act is devoted to a musical “ at home” when the company will be seen to advantage in song and dance, A olover skit on “ Borneo and Juliet ” will be given with Mr Sheridan as the budding gushing Juliet, The play can only be given one night’s production, as for the following evening (Wednesday) “ Naughty Nauey ” is announced. Little Gulliver in new eccentricities and the Criterion Lady Dancers will again form prominent features of the programme.