ENTERTAINMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2227, 2 November 1907, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

WILLOUGHBY-WARD COMPANY. There was again a very large attendance at His Majesty s Theatre last night on the occasion of the ■third and concluding presentation by tlie above company. The piece chosen was the farcical comedy Ihe Man from Mexico,” and from the rise of tlie curtain' interest was welt sustained, and indeed it proved itself to be one of the most enjoyable productions yet presented to a Gmbome audience. .Tlie plot mainly consists of the amusing adventures of ono Ben!-.min Fitzhugli, who, with his frier.a, on the occasion of making a n’g’.it of it,” !a ir.to conflict with the police, and is eventually .senteinn d i3O liys’ imprisonment. To make excuses for his enforced absence, bis friend suggests that tie should announce tho tact ” ,s ing compelled to make a trip to Mexico. This is subsequently done, and everything goes well w' • • < body, of course with the exception of poor Fitzhugli. ‘Many ar e tue exciting moments when the secret is nearly lot out, and eventually on the completion of liis term he arruves home in full Mexican costume, only to be met -by a. fresh series of awkward complications, which eventually bring down tlie curtain on a confession by the unhappy man. as to his real whereabouts. Mr. Ward was undoubtedly the bright particular star of the evening, in the character of Fitzhugli, and Jiis ability to wriggle out of uncomfortable positions evoked great applause. Has song, “Nobody,” sung when in the prison, fairly brought down the house. Mr. Willoughby in the part of FitzJiugh’s best friend, a gentleman with a penchant for “fixing tilings up,” also was seen to advantage, and was particularly happy in his song “Simple Life,” also in several catchy iittle songs and dances with Mr. Ward. Miss Palotta, who received, a warm welcome, was in excellent form, and made the most of her rather dull part as the wife of Fitz■hugli. Her dancing was again much admired, both ill tlie Mexican dance with. Mr. Ward and again in the Indian song and dance, in which she appeared with Mr. Willoughby and Mr. Ward. This item was loudly applauded, and with the costumes of ■the principles presented a picturesque scene. The minor characters were ablv filled by the other members of the company, and the staging was excellent. The character of the three'performances of the company has caused Gisborne playgoers to look forward with pleasurable anticipation to a return visit from this talented combination.