THE SHERIDAN COMPANY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8103, 24 March 1906, Page 5

THE SHERIDAN COMPANY.

"THE EARL AND THE GIRL." !?A return visit to Masterton will be paid by Mr John F. Sheridan and his Musical Comedy Company on Monday. The opening bill will be one of London's latest successes, "The Earl and the Girl." In com- , menting on this production at the • Opera House, Wellington, the New Zealand Times says:—"This Is thebrightest, most sparkling, and attractive programme of its kind that Mr J. F. Sheridan has yet presented-: to his patrons. He brings with him ■ on this occasion a very powerful musical comedy ppmpany that isgiven admirable scope in the orisp drolleries|%et,ty taking ohpruses, and effective ballets with whioh; "The Earl and the Girl" abounds. It possesses considerably more merit than most of thb musical comedies whioh have been placed before theatregoers of recent times, for there is a distinct theme, humorous to]a degree, that oan be recognised from the > mass of "incidentals" interwoven,. and it can be recommended as a thoroughly healthy, laughter-raising' performance of a nature well oaloulated to please the tastes of those I who love bright music, wedded to witty story and brilliant dressing and scenio effects. In Jim Oheeze around whom centres most of the. fun, and impersonated by Mr Sheridan, one soaroely recognises the Widdy O'Brien, a character in whioh he so amused theatregoers years ago. The talented comedian this time is oast in a part very different to that of the hilarious widow. Versatility is his forte, and in the new role he. finds ample opportunity for practising his art with excellent advantage. He is a strange customer, is Jim. Oheeze, who promises to secure asrauoh popularity for the comedian as. did bis earlier successful effort in "Fun on the Bristol." He has< surrounded himself with a hoßt of olever performers, who give him adequate assistance in the many mirth-provoking situations of the pieoe. Miss Heba .Barlow has a rare gift ,or low comedy, whioh she gives, full play as Liza Shodham, a part in thorough keeping with the eccentricities of those of Jim Oheeze, her sweetheart. "The Earl and the Girl"' is mounted and dressed on a scale* of great splendour. Tbe ballets form a very pleasing feature of the performance. The orchestra work is of a highly meritorious order* throughout."