The Janet Waldorf Season.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 332, 4 February 1902, Page 2

The Janet Waldorf Season.

“ CAMILLE.” At the Theatre Royal last evening Miss Janet Waldorf and her company gave Dumas’s drama “ Camille,” or “ The Lady of the Camellias,” to a large house. Most people know the story running through this powerful drama. They know, for instance, that Camille is a notorious Parisian beauty, who fascinates Armand Duval, and by whose love she becomes transformed from a creature living only for pleasure to a woman with a wholesouled devotion for the honorable Armand, But true love does not run smooth ; thereare misunderstandings which bring about sensational scenes and scenes of deep emotion, and finally the much misunderstood Camille dies in the arms of Armand, her noble self-sacrifice only becoming manifest to Armand at the finish. The 'chief part was of course taken by the clever actress Miss Janet Waldorf, while Mr Norval Macgregor took the character of Armand Duval. Those who had previously seen the piece played anticipated with great interest a view of how the part-would-be impersonated by the famous young American actress, and the most critical were warm in their appreciation of tho splendid impersonation. In every

t phase of the play Miss Waldorf achieved a 1 success, the counterpart being given in artistic style by Mr Norval Maegregor r : who is an actor of rare merit. With the two leading characters taken so well the play could not have failed to be a greatsuccess, but while the leading charactersi were so good they were backed up in capital style by those representing the other characters in the striking drama. Miss Waldorf gave a most artistic interpretation of the trying character of Camille, and made the most of her opportunities. From first to last, she held the close attention of her audience, and was frequently applauded. Mr Norval Macgregor scored a distinct success as* Armand Duval, and was specially brilliantin the fourth act in the scene in the gambling saloon. He gave a most careful and studied impersonation of the partand won the good opinion of the audience 7

by his clever acting. Mr William Fitchett created a good impression as Gaston Rieux, whilst Mr Vivian Edwards played well as Count de Varville. Miss Marie D’Alton made an excellent Madame ‘ Prudence, and Miss Alice St. John appeared to advantage as Nichette. MissFiorence Bartlett, as Nanine, and Miss Fanny Kendrick, as Olympe, made the most of their respective parts, whilst Messrs Paul Scardon, Joe Devon, and: Vincent St. George were most successful m their parts. The drama was splendidly staged, the limited aecommodation being made the best use of. c

f “ROMEO AND JULIET” TO-NIGHT, J To-night, Shakespeare s love romancs | and tragedy “ Romeo aod Juliet ” is to [be produced, and is bound to draw a " crowded house. Miss W’aldorf’s impersonation of the character of Juliet has won the highest praise from the colonial press, and a rare treat should be in storefor those attending. The piece is one of the most popular of the works of William Shakespeare, and in the hands of such a strong Company should he well wonfa seeing. **