THE ANDREW MACK SEASON.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8407, 23 April 1907, Page 5

THE ANDREW MACK SEASON.

"TOM MOORE."

So much has been heard of the famous Andrew Mack that from the first intimation that he was to visit New Zealand, playgoers were seized with a desire to make his acquaintance. Masterton, too, was fortunate enough in not having to exercise patience in waiting to hear him, as the initial bow to New Zealand was made in Wellington, and the next honour fell to this town. The which Mr Andrew Mack introduced to the crowded audience, last night, under the auspices of Mr J. C. Williamson, was Theodore Burt Sayre's "Tom Moore," which is a play founded on certain romantic happenings in the life of Ireland's favourits poet. To say that the audience were satisfied wuuld be putting it mildly—they were delighted and fascinated, and before the play had anywhere near reached the final stages, their anticipations were more than realised. The charm of Mr Andrew Mack's acting lies in his complete naturalness, his sincerity, and his depth of sympathy, which go straight to the heart. In song his voice is rich, clear, and appealing, and in speech soft, melodious, and nicely modulated. In action the hero was graceful, easy and natural, and his bright, witty sayings, especially in the love-making scenes, won him many admirers. In choosing the life of Tom Moore, the author had a quaint subject to work on, with plenty of historical matter to make it interesting, and round the central figure are powerful dramatic situations interwoven with h love story rich in romantic quality. The play opens in],"Bessie Dyke's" school-room. Here the poet is courtnig Bessie, right before the gaze of an unruly class. As is natural, he is successful in his love, but owing to a scheming plot, the fruits of victory are take from him and for a long time he is in despair. "Sir Percival Lovelace," a gay comrade of the "Prince of Wales," is, also, seized with a desire to win Bessie's affections. Plotting then follows, which results in Bessie believing that her lover is faithless, and at anjinvitation from Sir Percival, she removes to London, with the object of becoming an actress at the Drury Lane Theatre. Possessed of considerable histrionic ability, she easily plays her way into eminence, but through it alljshe loves "Tom" as faithfully as ever. In the meantime things have not prospered with the unfortunate Tom, whose worldly possessions consist mainly of some piles of manuscript. All difficulties, howevei\ are overcome, for, by the assistance of an aristocratic friend, in the person of Lord Moira, Tom upsets the plans of Lovelace, and the lovers are united. The most fascinating of Mr Mack's pongs were "Love's Young Dream," "Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms," and "The Last Rose of Summer." Not only was Mr Mack assisted by a company of true merit, but all details, and scenic effects were most perfect. Miss Jane Kelton, who took the role of Bessie Dyke, the heroine, has a natural grace and charming way that are very fascinating, and she won golden opinions from the audience. Miss Annie Mack Berlein, as Moore's landlady, played her part withg reat credit. Mr Martin Alsop interpreted very cleverly the part of Sir Percival Lovelace, and Mr W. Townshend took the part of Lord Moira. One of the best interpretations was that by Mr Fred Cambourne, of "Buster," servant to Tom Moore.

TO-NIGHT. "The Way to Kenmaro," which will be staged for the first time in Masterton, to-night, is a comedydrama, written expressly for Mr Mack by Mr Edward E. Rose. Out of the piece is evolved a drama full of incident, which, as played by MiMack and his company, has perhaps proved even more popularly effective than "Tom Moore." In it the "star" sings many gi'aceful and captivating songs which have won unqualified and enthusiastic applause; while of his interpretation of the part it has been said, "he would delight the soul of Lover or Lever."