The Janet Waldorf Season

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, 5 February 1902, Page 3

The Janet Waldorf Season

“ ROMEO AND JULIET.” I The Janet Waldorf Dramatic Company 1 were greeted with a good house last evening, when they staged Skakespeare's great love romance and tragedy “ Romeo and Juliet.” The overshadowing feature of the production was the splendid acting of the clever young American lady whose Camille and Parthenia had already won for her the sincerest admiration. In all the various phases of the romance and tragedy that surrounded the distraught loves of Romeo and Juliet, Miss Waldorf’s acting was full of force, and her impersonation of Juliet was marked by the display of a rare depth of feeling, and indicated a very fine conception of the character, while her grace ol manner and appearance added materially to her acting of tho part. She was perhaps at her Dest in the potion scene, the impressiveness of which is more than transitory. The charm and grace which she infused into the appearance of Juliet in the beautiful balcony scene, in which she looked as bewitching in truth as the tongue of the most gallant of Romeos could make his fair Capulet, was entirely captivating, her acting being really very fine. Her pourtrayal of the emotional girl was thoroughly artistic, and in the scene with her nurse, as well as in that with her father and mother, she proved herself an actress of no mean ability. The whole study was one of conspicuous artistic merit. As Romeo, Mr Norval Macgregor was also highly successful, giving a splendid interpretation of the part. The passion and tenderness that his role demanded were not wanting, and the distraction of the ill-fated scion of the house of Montague was even a better feature of his performance. The principals were very creditably supported by those who were associated with them in the cast of characters. Mr Lawrence I Hanray displayed marked ability in his impersonation of the gay and witty Mercutio, and Mr Paul Scardon, as Benvolio, I also acquitted himself with credit. Mr ' Vivian Edward, in his appearance as the fiery Tybalt, and who is slain in a duel, maintained his part excellently. Miss Marie D’Alton drew a very pleasing picture of Juliet s nurse, and a clever little sketch was presented by Mr William Fitchett, who was Peter. Mr Fred Patey filled the character of Friar Lawrence, and in the scene in his cell with Romeo ] he displayed very considerable power. Mr j Harry Douglas was the sternest of Capulets. Miss Alice St. John as Lady Capulet, Mr L. E. Cathgart as Montague, Mr Gus Neville as Paris, and Mr George Devon as the Apothecary, were also decidedly successful, and the minor characters were all well sustained. The play was well staged, tho scenery was good, and the dresses excellent. There were 1 many recalls, and Miss Waldorf was the recipient of a handsome bouquet. Tho fino exposition by the Company of the immortal love tragedy of Shakespeare ■ adds another success to the triumphs that have marked the Company’s season. ; “ the merchant of Venice.”

To-night, “ The Merchant of Venice” will be staged, when Miss Waldorf will appear as Portia, and Macgregor as Shylock. There should be a full house to witness the production of the piece.