MR. ANDREW MACK

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2090, 27 May 1907, Page 2

MR. ANDREW MACK

The famous Irish Comedian and singer, of whom we have heard so much and so favorably of late, will commence his Gisborne season to-night at His Majesty’s Theatre, under the direction of Mr. J. C. Williamson, with the production of “Tom Moore,” a play from the pen of Mr. Theodore B. Sayre, an American playwright who has taken Moore’s early years as the foundation of his piece—the time when the poet was making his name hi London and winning his much-be-loved wife, Bessie Dyke, a young Irish actress—an episode which constituted one of the few romances full of real poetry in actual human experiences. Surely it! is clear that such a theme should make a charming play, even if those who saw it in Australia two years ago had not told us of its groat fascination. Only two years have elapsed since his last tour of Australia, and the fact of Mr. AVilliamson re-engaging a “star” after so short an interval, fully confirms the glowing accounts heard at the time of his sensational success.

The Melbourne Age, commenting upon Mr. Mack’s opening performance in that city says:—“A clever comedian, knowing exactly how far to go in creating laughter, and a winning lover. He has a fine stage presence, a face that is typically Irish, mobile and expressive—witli a wellmodulated elocution, and above all a most musical voice of light tenor quality. The Celtic character, to which the Sassenach has ever fallen a victim, comes across the footlights in such force, that no audience could resist' it long. In his representations there is the playful fancy, the alternate heights of joy and depths of despair, the light-hearted geniality, the unexpected turns of thought, the jovial good fellowship, the gay and festive outlook, the optimism which refuses to be dashed by reverses for more than five minutes; the tenderness, the sympathy and the manliness of the true Irish characteT.

To-morrow night “The Way to Kenmare” will be staged, a play of no less interest than “Tom Moore,” which has rivalled it in popularity with.the public throughout Australia and during the recent'-Wellington and Auckland seasons.

The company’s farewell appearance will be in a delightful Irish romance, “Jack Shannons-’'*