"A BACHELOR'S HONEYMOON."

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9627, 20 October 1909, Page 5

"A BACHELOR'S HONEYMOON."

A packed house greeted Pdr Hugh J. Ward's Comedy Comany at the Town Hail, Masterton, last night, when "A Bachelor's Honeymoon," which has already created a name throughout the Domini™ because of its humorous character, was staged or the first time The originality of the expressions combined with the distinctly embarassing situations which were made apparent from time to time, could not but result in convulsive laughter. The plot Mf there is such) is of the usual farcical character, but so admirably were the connecting threads manipulated, despite their flimsy character, that the audience had little difficulty in at ones apprehending the ridiculous nature of the various incidents, and the whole production was characterised by clever acting by decidedly clever > artists. Of course, of the lady members. Miss Grace Palotta stands out pre-eminent, and her grace ox movement, combined with an admirable stage presence, at once captivated the large audience. Her lines were clearly and distinctly spoken, her "points" being delivered with due precision. Regarding her voice, it is of licjuid nature, and her vocal numbers were pleasing in every way. In conjunction with Mr Ward she sang "The Boy who Lisped," besides contributing as solos "Fishing," "Over the Hills," and a dainty little French song. Miss Rose Mqsgrove as Marianne was a huge success. It was an excellent performance in character acting, and extremely clever. Her "make up" was life-like, while the persistent manner in saturated herself with the detective "penny dreadful" and how she had a burden upon her mind ("or in her 'ead") displayed exceptional talent. Her songs were also well received—"Afraid to Come Home in the Dark," and "My Boy Bill." As "Minerva," the spinster sister uf uncertain age, Miss Ceila Ghiloni showed great versatility, the character being admirably impersonated. "Find the Man." her only vocal effort, or "talk," met with due appreciation. The "Twins" were impersonated by Misses Redf-n and Baxter, who acted well, although their talk was light. Of Mr Ward, as Benjamin Bachebr, it must at once be said that he was ex cellent, and was immediately at home with the house. His wonderful I ingenuity in extricating himself] from incongruous positions, and his perfectly natural methods, stamps him as a comedian of the first rank. His singing and dancing with Miss Palctta, more particularly in "Harrigan," were delivered with due effect, and met with continued applause. Mr Eldred as "Dr Schwartz," Mr Wykeham as "Stephen "Houston," and Mr Greig as "Anthony Gumbug," contributed no small share to the success of the production; while Mr H, Wallace pourtrayed the character of "Joe" (a servant) faithfully and well. Mr John W. Rehauser, who was responsible for the incidental music, had an arduous task, single banded, and contributed much to the general success of the comedy. It must be said, however, that complaints were general at the management not supplying a more complete orchestra for a production of such a general excellence, and having to be content with a piano alone It was really the only flaw in the whole thing—"the fly in the ointment," so to speak.