The Dobson-Kennedy Company

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 22 September 1891, Page 2

The Dobson-Kennedy Company

The hall was well filled on Saturday night last to witness the performance by the above company in their musical comedy drama of "My Sweetheart." It is needless to say the piece wont well, the acting of Messrs C. J. S. Palmer (Tony Faust), Mr Collett-Dobson as Doctor' Oliver, Miss Idrene Thornton (TinaHatzell), and Miss Lily Hill as Mrs Fleeter, called for special mention, ably assisted by other members of the company. Mr Palmer had to respond to his singing of " There's no one like mother to me," and " When I was a whistling boy," and his duets with Miss Thornton were much appreciated. The performers were called before the curtain several times, showing in a distinct manner the gratification of the audience. LITTLE LORD FAUXTLEBOY. This charming play was performed last night by the Dobson-Kennedy Company before a large and appreciative audience. Little Ruby Kennedy acted the part of Cedric Errol in a remarkably clever manner, the scenes of affection between mother and son, and the little fellow's implicit reliance on "dearest" (his mother) were to the life. The part where Cedric breaks the news of his having become, unfortunately, a lord, to his old friend Hobbs, a gentleman whose occupation was that of a grocer, and whose politics were those of a radical, was very amusing. " I thought you would be ' jiggered ' Hobbs, when you heard of it," was capitally brought out. The way in which this young man softened and petted, and sat upon his old grandfather the earl, was also well worked up. Without doubt little Buby Kennedy has a most appreciative sense of the part, and her acting evidences the most utter enjoyment of it. Miss Idrene Thornton, as the widow of Cedric Errol's father, made a most charming character, and in the pathetic portions carried the feelings of the audience entirely with her. Her statement to the lawyer, that she was prepared to sever herself from her son, tor his good, though till then they had never been parted all their lives, betokened the mother's utter abandonment of self. Ths great struggle she pourtrayed when impressing on the litt'e one's mind, the greatness of his family, the goodness of the father, and indirectly the love of his grandfather, the irritable old earl, who had forbidden that she should darken his doors, made a scene which was perfect in its rendering, and discovered the power that this actress possessed. Minna, the American adventuress, was not a pleasing part, but Miss Lily Hill obtained all the credit she deserved for her efforts. The Americanisms were brought out sharp and

prompt, and her abase, when finally bowled out, of the lawyer and earl, were given with emphatic clearness. Mr Collet-Dobson showed the art of the actor, in the character of the old earl, suffering from gout. His actions Jbeing circumscribed he4iad to make his part s&tt* greao>eiai effects, and from his fuvlt appearanoe as an irritable old man, to the final when he allowed his love for the boy, his grandson, to take full possession of his feelings, and his humble and hearty acknowledgements of the value of Mrs Errol, were all brought about I in a most natural manner. Mr Hobbs, the grooer, must not be overlooked for the capital fun he introduced. His make up was grand, and his denunciations of the aristocracy emphatic. Mr Hobbs had his part to do in the scene where little Errol breaks the sad news to him that; he had become a little lord. The grocer fears something has gone wrong and invites him to take a bite of an apple. The tale is still being told, when he prescribes another bite. As it is nearly concluded, Mr Hobbs' feelings are too much, and he rushes with a pressing to take even further bites to steady his young mind. Mr Hobbs' declaration of his intention, to the earl, to stand by the grandson, during the period of the claims made by the adventuress, was also very amusing. The company have fairly gained the excellent name they possess for their artistic representation of this very pretty piece, and their reappearance will be heartily welcomed.