ENTERTAINMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2371, 11 December 1908, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

“MRS. AVIGGS OF THE CABBAGE

PATCH.”

Home-made philosophy, like homemade cakes, is*.always the sweetest and the most wholesome, and the story of the trials of ‘.‘Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch,” as told by Miss Ada Dwyer and the members of Mr. J. O. Williamson’s Dramatic Company last evening was as full of freshness and sparkling humor as a bottle of sod a water is full of effervescence, and the audience that crowded His Majesty’s Theatre was moved alternately from laughter to tears as the simple life of the happy-tompered woman, whoso smiles and kind words were ever ready to soothe trouble, or remove discontent, was unfolded. The dramatic stage of to-day has presented so few plays that are new in conception that a play of the type of “Mrs. Wiggs” is refreshing, not only because of its uniqueness in construction, but because of its new atmosphere, its studies in contrast of temperament, of light and shade in human character, and of the wisdom, in the words of Mrs. Wiggs, “of never getting sour.” “Mrs Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch” is a play that must be seen to be understood. It is essentially a comedy-drama, dealing -with home life among people whose surroundings are of the simplest, who have learned the true meaning of the word contentment. One charm of the play is its entire absence of melodramatic sta gi ness, . and so much is told in the plot without effort, and without the usual oratory. Mrs. Wiggs does not only speak kindly, her deeds are deeds of kindness, patience and forgiveness,, and her character is an eloquent sermon that turns every day into Sunday. The dialogue is distinctive of the States, the jokes are crisp, the witticisms are natural, and the distorted words used are so well suited to the situation they express that the audience roars with laughter. The types of character presented are entirely new to New Zealand audiences. For stage purposes they are perhaps rather strongly drawn ; hut there is no doubt the people who circle around Mrs. Wiggs are real characters on the other side of the Pacific, and the American atmosphere—always present—is full of the energy and freshness of the people pourtraved. The play contains a pathetic story; a story that is not only told in words, but in action, and the central figure is the ever smiling open-hearted Mrs. Wiggs. As Mrs. Wiggs, iMiss Adx Dwyer is vividly human, and at once captures her audience with her infectious laugh, her natural sympathy, and the over-ready cheerfulness with which she combats poverty and adversity,, not only in her own life, but in the lives of others. IMiss Dwyer’s interpretation of the-* kind'-natured woman stood out in strong contrast against the dour, fretful natures of her neighbors, and the performance of IMiss Dwyer was not only convincing, it was refreshing and instructive. At times Miss Dwyer was sad, her pathos took hold of the audience, and true sympathy ran between stage and auditorium. Rut “Mrs. Wiggs” quickly saw the bright side of trouble and Miss Dwyer smiled. The audience saw the silver lining to the cloud, and the theatre shook with laughter. The company supporting Miss Dwyer is a strong one, and the characters presented are distinctive of their type. Miss Helen Lowell's creation of “Miss Hazy,” the elderly, weakcliaractered lady, who is united in the bonds of matrimony through a bureau, was a clever part, never overdone. yet ludicrous and droll in the extreme. Miss Helene Raymond and Miss (Justine Armstrong presented two contrary characters in “Mrs. Eichorn” and “Mrs. Schultz” respectively, yet the very charm of the characters was in their contrariness and opposite features; for “Mis. Eicliorn” was a woman of formidable height and slimness, while “Airs. Schultz” possessed considerable proportions of rotundity, and their voices and dispositions exactly suited their figures. Aliss Lottie. Alter presented a charming study of “Lovey Alary,” a simple, tender girl whose heart was filled with tenderness and sympathy, and A*iss Alter was at once on the most friendly terms with the' audience. Air. John F. Webber’s work as “Air. Stubbins” stood out as an entirely new American character type, and the part was richly humorous and quaintly original. His method of captivating the bashful “Aliss Hazy” sent the audience into hysterical laughter, and vet when the time conies for a humanly action, “Air. iStubbins” rose, to the occasion, and Air. Webber received rounds of applause for his work. Air. Argyle Campbell made a good “Billy AViggs,” and parts deserving of mention are Air. Eugene Shakespeare as “Chris Hazy,” a oneiegged boy; Air. J. W. Smiley as “Air Wiggs” ; and Air. IT. Cam as the matrimonial agent “Jones.” A feature of the cast was the large number of children who go to fill up Airs. Wiggs’ household, and tend to give reality to the stage sotting. Airs. Wiggs collects around her not only her own five children, but the neighbors’ children, and a less iortuuately situated child as well. The stage setting is homely, simple, and yet complete. The first scene shows “Airs. Wiggs’ ” kitchen, with all its strange untidiness as the result of a houseful of unruly juveniles., and the scene of the first and the second act shows the Cabbage Patch. The costumes are in keeping with the rest of the play, and the incidental music also fits into the story. “Mrs Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch will bo staged for the last time this evening, and the merits of the play warrant a crowded house.

TURANGA MUSICAL SOCIETY.

CONCERT AT PATUTAHI

The final of the Turauga Musical Society was held last night in the Patutfalu Public Hall, and the conductor (Mr. Alick Gray, of Gisborne), officers, and, members of tho Society have reason to feel proud of the high standard of efficiency attained in regard to chorus work. With the -assistance of a number of Gisborne musicians a first-class programme was presented to a large and appreciative audince. Amongst the visitors were Messrs Harold Piper and It. N. McKay, the former gentleman contributing two pianoforte solos (for which popular items he received encores), whilst Mr. McKay led the orchestra and played in very fine style

a violin solo, an arrangement'of favorite Scottish airs, for which he received a well-deserved encore. The programme was to a great extent a repetition of that given on Monday night* when the weather was unfavorable. At the conclusion of the concert Mr. J. C. Woodward, in a happy speech,, tendered-the society’s warmest thanks to, first of all, the public who had so generously supported the musical movement, and to Airs. Falkner, who had so generously given almost all of her time to making the concerts such a success. The speaker pointed out that in a very great measure that society’s success was due to her efforts. ' Air. Woodward also took the opportunity to express regret at Air AlcKay’s projected departure from the district. . They all knew how this gentleman had put forth his best endeavors for the society, and he would be greatly missed. Mr. Woodward’s remarks were received with hearty applause. The visitors, members, and their friends partook of supper, and a dance was held after the concert.