ALLEN DOONE SEASON

New Zealand Tablet, 8 May 1913, Page 31

ALLEN DOONE SEASON

Considerable interest was attached to the visit of Mr. Allen Doone and his talented company, who,appeared at His Majesty's Theatre oh Friday night in the opening production of the season, ' The Wearing of the Green.' Mr. Doone is pleasantly remembered in Dunedin after his previous appearance here some twelve months ago, and his return with several new pieces, characteristic of Irish patriotic drama, was looked forward to with pleasant - anticipation. The large and enthusiastic.audience which filled the theatre was not disappointed, and the success which the company has met during the season is an indication of the merit of the performances. Mr. Doone. is admirably equipped to fill the parts in which he appears, being gifted with a splendid stage appearance, a clear and pleasant voice, and a natural and unaffected stage deportment. His singing of the several Irish ballads introduced is exceptionally good, particularly the rendering of The wearing of the green,' with which, in the piece under mention, he quells the hostile demonstration, incited by the villain, inUhe Hall of Harmony. Tvfr. Doone has totally eliminated the ' stage Irishman' with his absurd brogue, his blustering and low comedy, and in place of him presents a natural character, bright, witty, and sparkling, the epitome of the national characteristics. The piece leaves nothing to be desired in the matter of staging, and many of the scenes are exceptional examples of stage art. The rest of the company are fully qualified to support Mr. Doone, and too much praise cannot be given the bright and clever acting of Miss Edna Keely, who played her prominent part gracefully and pleasingly. On Monday evening the second production of the season, Sweet County Kerry,' was staged before a large and appreciative audience. ' Sweet County Kerry ' was presented during Mr. Doone's previous visit to Dunedin, and the warmth of the reception which Was accorded it on Monday evening, must have been exceedingly gratifying to Mr. Doone and his talented company. The piece itself is eminently bright and pleasing, while there is sufficient dramatic element to keep the audience interested to the end. The dressing is particularly good, and the scenery is beautiful and natural, especially the farmyard scene.' But tho charm of Mr. Doone's acting compels one's attention and forces a full and deep interest in the fortunes of the irrepressible, easy-going, light-hearted Dan O'Hara. Mr. Doone is full of a quiet natural humor, and he rises to the occasions as they demand it with a fine dramatic power, His singing as usual is a feature of the production, and the Irish ballads- contributed by him were greeted with warm applause.. ;';•■-■■•".-'■ The.lnvercargill season will open on Monday evening next, and our southern readers are recommended to patronise a comedian whose Irish is of the. Irish, and who has done so much in removing from the stage that detestable caricaturist, the / stage Irishman.' •