ENTERTAINMENTS.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 23 February 1911, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"ROMEO AND JULIET." "JULIUS RATTLE'S HONEY. MOON TROUBLES." Despite the many attractions which Levin lias been provided within the past few days, the enthusiastic house that crowded tihte Town Hall last evening was .striking evidence of the popularity of the Lovin Amateur Dramatic Society. On the present occasion, the society resolved on a ratiher ambitions step, for Mr Charles Archer decided to stage the balcony scene from "Romeo and Juliet." Some premature criticism had boen passed upon tin's departure, but the step proved an unqualified success—a fact upon which the society can .cordially congraulate itself.' After last evening's performance it is to he hoped that Mr Archer will .see his way at a. later date to stage another scene from the works of tine immortal bnrd. Mr Archer, as Romeo, gave proof of unquestionable talent as a Shakespearean, actor, and his enunciation —so important a factor—was perfectly clear and' distinct. Mrs Charles Banks made a charming Juliet, and imparted just tihe necessary pleasing naivete into .her piece. Both artistes, indeed, gave evidenco that Levin can produce actors capable of interpreting a Shakespearian scene with the intelligent resourcefulness that is generally associated with societies whose more immediate work is the staging of Shakespearean pieces. Tho audience witnessed the performance with rapt attention, n'id w:i»mly applauded Mr A roller and Mrs Banks at the close. , The company then staged the comedy "Julius Rattle's Honeymoon Troubles," and from first to last the audience, was kept in the best of humours. Briefly the plot is based upon the fact that a scapegrace captain in the British ir.y (retired _ from-the service up>on [halfpay, being over head and' ears an. debt and financial difficulties) contracts a marriage with n rich "but elderly spinster, for the sake of flier money. He (Julius Rattle—played by Mr Charles Archer) decides to live a. virtuous and sober life until Lavinia, his elderly wife (Mr Charles Banks), has paid all his debts. The old lady is gushing, fastidious and iealous, and gets upon Rattle's nerves, so that be "breaks out," and meeting with an old acquaintance, a dancing opera girl, named Z<oo Zephyr, llie becomes entangled with her, gives her a promisory note for 21000, and) still further increases his difficulties. Finally he is arrested nnd placed in a. dobVr.-s' 'fw. While tihere he meets with a. lot of voung bloods of tho period, and gets intoxicated. He escapes from the debtors' cells and returns home to his dear Lavinia. "royally and riotously tipsy," turns tho tables on ibis wife, upsets the whole household, horeswihips tho servants, and generilly plays the dense. ! o •> ;ikc "iai. ters more complicated, and add to the fun, there is a pretty niece, in Battle's house who is in love with Osmond, a, young lieutenant frieind of Rattle's (played by Mr Geo. Gardener). Mrs Rattle, wtiio thinks that her husband Julius is making too free with her niece Clara (Miss M. Sutherland) decides t:> '.y J . l.er married, to an old fossil, Sir Simon Slack)—an old dreamer who instead of marrying Clara is finally caught in the toils of a. merry widow, Mrs General Dartmouth (Miss Maud Gurr). To make a long story short, between tihe machinations of Mrs General Dartmouth, Clara and Mrs Rattle. Sir Simon Slack is brought to the altar of matrimony like a lamb, and the wild, mad, harumscarum Julius R.attle is subdued and helped out of all 'his difficulties. Lieutenant Osmond becomes united to Clara, and the honeymoon of Rattle's is brought to a happy end. Mr Charles Archer (Julius Rattle) played his part well, more parti- - '•ularly in the second act, in which lie kept the audience in roans of laughter. 3lrs Charles Banks (Lavinia Rattle) was in ilier element. Her part was a difficult one to sustain, being of the "nagging" order and quickly changing to the meek and mild lovuble creature. Mrs Banks is to be romplimeintod on her pourtrayal of fclio part. Mr Arthur Grover (Sir Simon was excellent. His distraction at- being called 1 "an old cock" ivas immense* and deservedly brought low.il the house. He could, ■ perhaps, make more of his scene prior to Mrs Dartmouth's acceptance of lis .band. But, apart from this slight drop in his acting, his part ivas excellently done. Mrs General Dartmouth (Miss aurr) was taken fairly well, but we prefer to- see this lady in a more pathetic part.

Tjic.ntc-n.ant Osmond (Mr George Gardener) was fair. He appeared at the start to be nervous and not quite sure, but pulled .himself together as the piece proceeded. Clara (Miss Sutherland) was a very small part. It was taken to advantage, however, which made more of the part than was expected. John and Barnes (Mr G. Signal) were minor parts, but Mr Signal .showed that he is capable of doing justice to a 'bettor 'part. The company is hilled to stage the piece at Otaki on Wednesday next. Mr J. Phillips, who for so many years lias been the backbone of the society, heartily co-operated wibhl Mr Archer in arranging and giving effect to the various details, andi a tribute of praise is duo to him for his capable help. Mrs Fairs presided at the piano, and Mr Kahn (late of Ada Crossley Company) played a violin solo. The whole orchestra, was under the skilful direction of Mr J. Kearsley, awl needless to say it acquitted itself most successfully.

It. is not often that the Levin public lias swell a treat afforded Mem as occurred last night when Herr Kahn (late (of Ada Crossley Concert Co.), between tho acts gave a violin solo, to, which there was an inevi-

table encore. The solo consisted 1 of Wiom'aweki's "Legcnde." It was interpreted perfectly, the bowing and intonation being very prettily done, and full justice was also done to the expression of this pathetic and weird music. Herr Kailm as a.n encore gave a Polish mazurka, which was most intricate and full-of double and trelble stopping with, such freedom and skill that "tlve amateur violinist would imagine is was easy, by simply looking on at the performance.