AMUSEMENTS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 100, 28 August 1915, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

'4, D. WlLLt*UviSON'i» iirtAMATiim ' COMPANY. ! THE ivSAN WHO Si"A*.i:D «» ! HOME." ! ihis evening, at 6 o'clock, at the jlowu Hull, J. U Williamson, Ltd., I will present lor the hrst and onl.\ 'time here the enthralling, humorous, •iuid record-breaking patriotic drama, j'The Man Who Stayed at Home,' (which, it is said, electrified playgoer* oi Lngland, created a sensation in America, and has inspired a feeling ol strong patriotism in every Australian and New Zealauder who witnessed it. Mr Frank Harvey, the dashing young London actor, lias scored a great triumph as Christopher Brent, the man who stayed at homo. Miss Violet Paget, who will make her re-appear-fence here as Miriam Leigh, is unquestionably on« oi the best and most 'popular actresses the New Zealand 'stage has known. The port oi Carl ■Sanderson will bo in the hands oi Mr iAustin Milroy, an English actor ol {note, who is making las debut here. IMr Arthur Cornell is said to be very (humorous as the fussy John Preston, lj.l\, and that sterling actor, Mr Lesllie Victor, at Ins best as Fritz, a Ger'nian waiter. Miss Uauuia Temple has scored one of her best successes as Mrs •Sanderson, and Miss Florence Gieeson 'lias a most strenuous part as Frauleiu ISchroeder, a German spy. Miss DoroJthy Gumming has a dainty role to •handle in Molly Preston, and Mr ! Kenneth Brampton as Fercival FenniIcuik. A teatuie oi the production is the mounting. Miss Violet Paget and iliss Dorothy Gumming wear some charming dresses during the progross ol the play. i>ox plan at Grubb's.

THE MAORI OPERA COMPANY. Mr Frederick Beuuett's Maori Opera. Company, will open a, one night sei'.- i son at fclie Town Hull, Stratford, on Friday evening, bid September, in a Maori musieal play, entitled "liiueuioa," written and composed by Mr Percy Flynn. The company comes direct irom His Majesty's Theatre, Auckland, where the play received an overw helming reception. Ihe Press and j public eulogised the production, and the reception it received there was remarkable, ior never before has the public seen Maori actors, who' are an unique contribution in the Thespian world. The music of "Biuemoa" is of a most inspirational character, whilst the elaborate scenery ifl bewitching. The native costumes worn in the production are beyond description j many of them are traditional heirlooms, and are of high value. One costume is made out oi the skin ol the extinct Maori dog. There are many other attractions introduced into the production, such as hakas and unique poi dances, and ior their equal in merit they are unparalleled. The hue music, the unlimited fund of humour, ieusatioii blended with sentimentality, together with vivid novelties, constitute a very unique and charming entertainment, which have made the play the outstanding success that it is to-day. The company comprises 40 clever Maori performers, each one claimed to be an artist, and a full and efficient orchestra, under the baton of the composer, Mr Percy Flynn, travels with the company. Miss Tirita Butt will appear as "Hinemoa," the maid who was forbidden to many. Miss Butt, though only a girl of 10 summers, is possessed of a beautiful rich voiee, and is endowed with histrionic ability. Ardent playgoers should not miss the opportunity ol witnessing this novel attraction. The box plan is now open at Grubb's music shop. Prices, 4a, 3s, 2s.