Adelphl Dramatic Company.

Manawatu Herald, 9 August 1900, Page 2

Adelphi Dramatic Company.

« IN THE* RANKS." A crowded and enthusiastic audience witnessed the first production of the Adelphi Dramatic Company in the sensational military drama " In the Ranks " at the Public HaII last evening. The company is indeed a powerful one, many of its members having appeared here on previous occasions with the Henry Dramatic Company. The plot of " In the Ranks " is constructed, as the name infers, upon startling military incidents, and has been skilfully worked out by those masters of modern dramatic fiction — Messrs Sims and Pettitt. The leading parts were taken by the energetic young managers, Messrs Hodge andHarpur — the* latter supplying the comedy element

in the character of Mr Thomas Bean, a war correspondent, keeping the audience in a simmer of laughter whenever he appeared, and also added greatly to his reputation by the introduction of his songs, for which he received an ovation. Mr Andrew Hodge, already favorably known, gave an intense and spirited portrayal of the spy, Lieutenant Gordon Hayne; his elocutionary powers in the second act, when he proclaims himself a spy, being a well-considered piece of acting, and received a marked call from the audience. As the hero, Colonel Prescott, Mr Gus Neville gave a finished performance, his voice and stage presence suiting the part admirably. Mr E. Humphries, another old favorite, played the arduous l - character of the stern disciplinarian, Surgeon Feilding, his introduced song being well appreciated. The " Rufus " of Mr Ben. Little was also an interesting performance, and the other parts were all satisfactorily fulfilled. Of the ladies Miss Louie Hartley appeared to advantage as "Racheal McCreery," and Miss Ethel Gibson as " Susie " infused a lot of life into the character. Miss Doris Elwood, as the aunt, was also another admirable character well sustained. Taking the company as a whole it is one of the best yet seen here, and a bumper house is assured to-night for the production of Dion Boucicault's Irish drama "Arrah-na-Pogue," which is said to be the company's strongest card. Mr Geo. Harpur as " Shaun, the Post," will sing "The Same Old Tale," and " The Wearin' o* the Green." Other songs and dances will be introduced, and new scenery, from the brush of the company's artist, Mr Alf IngleBon, will be mounted. Shannon, Levin and Otaki are to be visited next.