ENTERTAINMENTS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 247, 18 April 1912, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

"KVERYWOMAN." The box plans will he opened at Collier'* to-morrow morning at 8 o'clock for the first arid only production in New Plymouth of •"Kverywoinati." the great spectacular modoriil morality drama, which will re-introduce to local playgoers the famous actress, iMiss Hilda Sprong, who will take the title role, and of Mr. William Desmond, who will appear as "Nobody." Anticipating a large demand for seats, the management will have a staff of ushers in attendance from an early hour to form a queue, which will ensure that the earliest arrivals shall have first choice of seats. An idea of the wonderful success enjoyed in Australia by "Everywoman" can lie gauged when it is known that it thrilled playgoers of Melbourne and Sydney for over five months. In the last-mentioned city, it was taken off in the zenith of its success in order that playgoers of New Zealand should receive an early opportunity of witnessing it, and up to date the Dominion theatres are proving too small to accommodate the numbers which are, being attracted to witness a play which is described as being in a class absolutely by itself. The reason for its phenomenal drawing power is attributed to an extent to three essential factors: The first is that the story makes a strong appeal to human nature, the second that it is elaborately staged, the dresses being described as magnificent, whilst it is Interpreted by the strongest combination of dramatic artists which has yet been sent on tour by the J. C. Williamson man-, agement. 'Miss Hilda Spong, in the days of her youth, which, were spent in Australia and New Zealand, gave promise of becoming a great actress, and that that promise has materialised is without doubt, as although it is over six months since she left America, the leading papers of New York still speak of her as one of the 'best artists in the States, and they further- assert that playgoers will 'be glad to welcome her back again. Mr. William Desmond, who will take the part of "Nobody," proved during his tour as "leading man" with Miss Katherine Grey that he was an actor of exceptional ability. Mr. George Miller, a noted American comedy artist, will make his debut here in the role of 'TBluff," and another new arrival, Miss Elsie Clarens, will appear as "louth." Playgoers are always glad to extend a welcome to that line character, Miss Emma Temple. It is said she has added to her gallery of successful interpretations in the part of "Truth." The company numbers fifty artists, all of whom were specially selected for their various roles. A big feature in the performance is the grand opera music composed by George Whitefield Chadwick, which will be played .by a lull operatic orchestra.