The Majeroni Company.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 69, 19 November 1887, Page 2

The Majeroni Company.

EVeE since the first intimation that the Majeroni Company would call at Gisborne on their return trip North, and play a short season, there had been a wish expressed by all lovers of the histrionic art that satisfactory arrangements might be made whereby we would have the opportunity of witnessing this splendid. Company. The glowing criticisms of both the northern and southern Press only stimulated us in our desire, and the appearance of Liddy, the popular advance agent, was hailed with satisfaction. Of course, in a small town such as ours, where the expenses of landing, etc., are to be taken into consideration, a large Company has always got to consider whether the result would be such as to justify the expenditure which mustnaturally follow, but Liddy has on more than one occasion proved that Gisborne will support anything good. It was from the support that was accorded to Miss Ward aud Mr Vernon that we had the splendid acting of Miss Kate Bishop and Mr Kignold. Until these large companies risked the trial Gisborne was considered too small to support any combination carrying with it large expenses. It may now, however, be taken for granted that we have shown that any really good company can always reckon on being well patronised. McFarlane’s hall on Thursday night was full to witness the production of " Fedora,” and Signora and Signor Majeroni can congratulate themselves upon having created a favorable impression upon all present —a sort of longing to see more. The interest in the piece begins at the commencement of the first act, and is worked up to a high pitch as the plot draws to a conclusion Of course the principal characters are taken by Signora and Signor Majeroni, the fortner-as Fedora and the latter as Count Ipanoff. The other noticeable characters are Do Biriex (Mr H. li. Jewett), Countess Olga Soukareff (Miss Lucia Harwood, although those who took the minor parts acted with a correctness which nelped to make the pieoe pass off without the slightest fault, Signora Majeroni shows her wonderful abilities of portrayal in the personation of the loving woman, who, when she finds her intended (Count Viadiner) assassinated, pours forth her anguish with wonderful faithfulness to nature. Suspicion falling on Count Ipanoff, she devotes herself to his downfall, but in pursuing her object the pair become mutually attached, and while wishing to bring him to justice would fain believe him innocent. Ultimately, by an avowal of love, she draws from him a confession that he had shot Count Viadimer, and forcing any tender feeling away from her, she deliberately sets herself to work to procure his arrest. The scenes through which the audience are led in this act are intensely thrilling, and nothing better than the acting of Fedora could well be imagined. Love for the assassinated, hatefortheassassinator (at the same time a professed reciprocal feeling towards the latter) is surely a difficult part to depict, but the wonderful fidelity of the portrayal of it must be seen to be appreciated. Ipanoff,’ however, proves that his murder of Fedora’s lover was justifiable, and Fedora herself (who has learnt to love the one she has sworn to destroy) marries him, only to find, shortly after her marriage, that her previous work of revenge has had the effect of causing the death of her husband’s mother and brother. Ipanoff, finding that a woman has been at the bottom of the dreadful affair, swears to avenge himself, and at this juncture it is that he guesses, through his wife’s supplications for the unknown woman, that she it is who has been the cause of the calamity which falls upon him. Then follows au exciting scene between husband and wife, and the latter, seeing no chance of forgiveness, poisons herself. So ends the play. As Count Ipanoff, Signor Majeroni is perfect. Mr Jewett proved himself to be a firstclass actor, aad Miss Harwood was at times loudly applauded for the manner in which she took her part. As we have before said, the oth'fir parts . were small, but were well taken. Last night “ The Foundry Master was produced, and although the weather I was against a large attendance, the hall was well filled To-night, by request, “ Jealousy ” will be played, and i there is sure to be a crowded house. I