ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 February 1922, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

“THE LILAC DOMINO.” ANOTHER BRIGHT COMEDY. The reputation whioh had preceded “The Lilac Domino,” on account of its successful city performances, ensured Tor Mr. D. B. O’Connor’s company a large and expectant audience at the Empire Theatre last night, when the musical comedy was presented to New Plymouth ■theatre-goers for the first time. It is safe to say that realisation exceeded even the most sanguine expectations, for the piece went with a delightful swiag from the orchestral overture to the final curtain. The plot of the “Lilac Domino” was not so intricate as that of “Going Up,” presented the previous evening, but it suffered not one whit in consequents. The musical items played an Important part, many captivating airs, new to the audience, being presented and enthusiastically received. The staging and setting were again very effective. Mr. D. B. O’Connor, who proved so popular on the previous evening, wa* again irresistible in the role of a “stony broke” gambler, a part which lent itself admirably to many humorous scenes which Mr. O’Connor knows so well how to enact. His companion iu distress, Mr. Joseph Scales, was also a decided favorite. A rather arduous role was undertaken by Mr. William v ? r " ard, who acted the part of an Engbsh gentleman who came to the assistance of the two “down-and-out” gamblers by endeavoring to win the heart of an heiress to millions of money in order to settle their gambling debts. His part required that he should be on the stage most of the time, and his interpretation of the role was distinctly creditable. Mr. Chas. Villiers, the leader of a Gipsy orchestra, was very successful. The title

role of “The Lilac Domino” was entrusted to Miss Ida Leggett, who also proved to be the occupier of another r O le “T that of the heiress. Her acting and singing were alike splendid. Other parts were sustained by Mr. Henry Morrison, an old colonel, yet not too old for love-making; Miss Althea Hyde, as animperious .baroness; Miss Mercia Kl* liott, as Leonia; whilst the part of guests was played by some eight young ladies. Special mention must be made of the speciality dance by Mis* Ella Hudson in the last act. To-night for the farewell performance of the season Mr. D. B. O’Connor will present his talented company in another famous J. C. Williamson comic opera, “Katinka.” “Katinka” is by the same author as the recent Wellington success, “Firefly.” Mr. O’Connor will appear as Thaddeus T. Hopper, Mise Ida Leggatt in the title role “Katinka,” and Mr. Will Everard as "Ivan Dimitri,’’ supported by the full company. New dances, complete change of scenery and . wardrobe will also be made. Box plane are at Collier’s, where seats may |i«rv<sd witbout «xtra chargt.