“ DADDIES ”

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10607, 4 June 1920, Page 2

“ DADDIES ”

AT THE GRAND OPERA HOUSE. A completely welcome revival of the four-act comedy, “Daddies," by the J. and N. Tait Company, headed by Miss Etnita Lascelloa, entertained a large assemblage at the Grand Opera House last evening. This company will bo long remembered for its pleasing presentation of John L. .Hobble’s play. Tho piece itself is mainly a propaganda work—an appeal to the idle and childless rich of the United States to adopt, or, at least, evince useful interest in the welfare of the orphan victims of the late war of which there are tens of thousands available for emigration to America. The spirit of childhood haunts tha theme throughout, but the ’childinierost, whilst predominant, i s a vehicle for the delicate portrayal of somo ot the manifold sides of ‘human nature among tho elders. A New Aork society hostess is infixed with compassion for the tiny, parentless war-victim children, induces her son, a member of a bachelor's club, to adopt a war orphan. Ho in turn cajoles his bachelor club-mates into adopting refugee children also, The oldest member of the club, a crusty old worldly bachelor, unwillingly accepts his responsibility, and affirms that bo will let his-adopted son grow up as ho likes. The child duly ‘arrives, and, to tho horror of tho old bachelor, proves to bo a girl. By degrees, however, the child on twines herself around the old man's heart, and eventually, when tho mother unexpectedly arrives to claim her little daughter, there is promise of a romantic sequel. -A second bachelor has French triplet boys assigned to him, and he accepts the burden with equanimity and oven pleasure. A third bachelor is entrusted with an. American kiddie orphan who proves a veritable gem. The magazinc author finds that his charge is not the Wnv tot he anticipated, and the dolls, Toddy hours, etc., which ho had provided for her seem rather -out of place when a charming young Miss, well on in her ’teens, arrives. It is around this young lady, Ruth Atkins, and her foster father that the main interest circles. Miss Ernita Lascolles gives , nn artistic interpretation of hho part ot Ruth Atkins, being particularly winsome and) blondly child-like in the scenes in which her love for her guardian is awakened. Excellent also' are the impersonations by Mr Herbert Ransom, Mr George Bryant (as tho veteran bachelor) Mr Harold Moran, Mr Charles Lawrence, and Mr Louis Mao Hilton. Miss Georgia Harvey, in tho mother roie, and Miss Hilda AVilhanis as her daughter arc also well cast. Among the juveniles particular mention is duo to little Misses Elva Powie, Florence Hayworth (as Little Sammy), and the Quinns. "Daddies" will be repeated to-night and to-morrow night.