“THE PATSY”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 623, 27 March 1929, Page 15

“THE PATSY”

COMING TO HIS MAJESTY'S There was a large demand for seats when the plans were opened this morning for the season of “The Patsy,’' the delightful Cinderella type of play which is to be produced for the first time here under the direction of the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., management on Saturday next. Cinderella is still the favourite stage story of many theatregoers, so “The Patsy,” with plenty to laugh at and a share of sentiments and pathos, has installed itself in the affections of playgoers in England (where it is at present being staged by the J. C. Williamson, L.td., management), America and Australia, and it is likely to become just as popular in New Zealand. Most of the characters in “The Patsy” are members of the Harrington family—the parents and their daughters Grace and Patricia. The others are two “young men in love” —both smitten at first sight with the handsome imperious Grace. Then the fairy-tale element is introduced to the extent that Patricia, the despised “Patsy” or Cinderella of the household, becomes the success of the family. Her achievements are simple and effective, and when she finds they make an impression, she gains courage to challenge the sister who sneers at her insignificance in looks and in the only other qualities of appeal of which Grace knows anything. Much of the amusement is provided by Patricia’s efforts to be brilliant, as she cannot be beautiful. Everything is arranged for in the play to invite sympathy for the Cinderella of the occasion, and to withdraw it from her oppressors, who, in this case, are a mother and sister without any inclination to be motherly or sisterly. But though such a part as that of Patsy is “sympathetic,” it has to be well played to received the expected sympathy in full measure. Miss Irene Homer is said to present her Patsy brilliantly as a quaint, appealing little person who expresses her aspirations with a homely accent, which cannot fail to create the desired effect on her audience. Patricia is a character with affinities to those which became widely known in “Peg o’ My Heart” and “Irene,” and the success won by “The Patsy” in Australia is due, to an etxent, to Miss Homer’s splendid portrayal of the heroine. The other artists were all specially engaged for their respective parts. They include Mr. A. S. Byron. Brandon Peters, Sam Wren, Eileen Sparks and Vera Gerald. “Desert Nights” will be the title of John Gilbert’s new Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer starring vehicle. which was tentatively known as “Thirst.” The new picture is a story of African adventure, and was directed by William Nigh, who made “Across to Singapore” and “Four Walls.” Mary Nolan plays the leading feminine role and Ernest Torrence has an important part