AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 24, 22 February 1909, Page 4

AMUSEMENTS.

MR. J. C. WILLIAMSON'S STAR DRAMATIC COMI'ANY. As aj theatrical event the first and only appearance of ,Jlr. J. C. Williamson's S'tar Dramatic Combination at the Theatre Royal to-night is being anticipated with far more than ordinary in terest. X'ot alone is this due to the 'reputation of "The Thief" as a play. 'Frutin Eiig.uuhl, America, and more recently ifrom Australia and Wellington We 'hear jiikthiag but enthusiastic praise, pronouncing it one of the most powerful dramas* of the day. It is also due 'to the faat that prominent among the members of the company is Mr. George Titheradge, one of the greatest favorites that has ever appeared on the Australian stage; Mr. Henry Kolker, who, it is said, is .the beau ideal leading man of America and is credited with being a powerful and virile actor; and .Miss Ola Humphrey, who is leading lady oi ithis excellent company. The support of the -three "stars" is superb; Mr. Dion Titheradge, a young and accomplished Iplayer, Mr. Sydney. Stirling, Mr. Cyril packay, Miss Alma Vaughan, anil a. sumber of other people well known in •theatrical circles complete a. cast the striking feature of which is the quality of the »ames o! the performers. Of the play, it pan only be said that, judging by the opinions of contemporaries, a great dramatic treat should be In tftore. The author, iMr. Henri Bernsteia, is said to have invented a clever and unique theme- the story of a wife Stealing her friend's money for dress, In order .to keep her husband's adm.ii-u----"tiojii and cement his love, with the result 'thai her friend's son is unjustly accused oi .the crime, -which he acknowledges for the sake of his hopeless and unrequited love. The discovery of the theft by her own husband (Mr. Itairy Kolker), -the awful remorse of the erring 'wife (Jffiss Ola Humphrey), and the impressive acting of their friend (Mr. George Titheradge) is said to be of a nature that compels the keenest interest. The stage dressing is said to ■be in 'Mr. Williamson's most lavish styles and Miss jHutaphrey's gowns arc unusually handsome. The box iplun for this evening's performance is now open at the Collier andi Colonial 'Piano Company's rooms. As there is every indication of a record house, intending jatrons are advised to. 'book their seats in advance. Tickets for tlhe stalls and pit may foe secured during the day at the !box office.