MR. J. C. WILLIAMSON’S NEW COMEDY COMPANY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2002, 11 February 1907, Page 2

MR. J. C. WILLIAMSON’S NEW COMEDY COMPANY.

No plays of American life fuller of keen human interest have been presented in the last decade than 'yJ'Le Squaw Man” by Mr Edward Milton Royle and “The Virginian.” The former was first presented in Australia at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne, where it proved to be the dramatic sensation of the year, and those who have seen it declare that it is the best of all dramas dealing with AVestern ranch life. In his play the author had been careful to observe the verities at all times, with the result that his work thrills, and throbs with real humanity. His hero is real flesh and blood, and Mr Waldron impersonate him in such a way as to make an actuality in the minds of the audience. The story which is that of an expatriated Englishman who becomes a “Squaw Man,” that is, marries an Indian woman and who finally comes into his own property and titles again, is full of dramatic interest. Its scenes are vividly and sharply contrasted and many of its situations are unique, while its language is of that simplicity and directness which is always so effective on the stage. Mr Williamson has spared no pains or expense to make the production complete, and the stage settings are calculated to excite the admiration even of a generation surfeited with elaborate stage spectacles. The cast is a fine one, each member being selected with particular care for his or her adaptabilities to the character to be presented. Miss Ola Humphrey, and actress of great talent, is the leader, while other in important roles are Messrs Hardy Kirdland, Raploy Holmes, F. Cambollo, Geo. Bryant, Dwight Danforth, Utah AVliite, and Cyril Mackay, all of. whom have been specially brought to appear in their original characters. In addition to these tho following Australian favorites will appear— Miss Hope Mayne, Mrs G. B. Lewis, Miss Florrie Gleeson, Mr G. Carey, and many other well-known artists. “The A r irginian” tt’as first produced in Australia during the Sydney season, where its immediate success established it as a rival of “Tho Squaw Man,” and it ran for an equal period to the same packed houses nightly. The Sydney verdict has been fully endorsed in Wellington, Dunedin, and Christchurch, where it lias been received with enthusiastic approval and attracted record audiences. It would be hard to select any two plays more perfectly suited to the talent of tho company specially selected by Mr Williamson for their presentation. The third, attraction will show Mr Chas. AValdron, Miss Ola Humphrey, and tho full strength of the supporting company in widely diverse characters. A dramatisation of “Under Two Flags” is the final production of the season, and it will be most interesting to see the “ stars ” and company in such a complete change of scene as that of Ouida’s, charming and romantic story. Box plans for the three performances are now on view at Mr AVm. Miller’s.