THEATRE ROYAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIV, Issue XXIV, 24 February 1902, Page 2

THEATRE ROYAL.

" THE JBWKBB." For the second night of Miss Janet Waldorf's season at tbe Theatre Royal "The Jewess" wrs staged, and although Satuiday night is proverbially unfavourable to a large attendance, it speaks well for tbe popularity of this firs' -rate company that tbe attendance was so good. Those who wore absent missed a grant treat. The drama is one that lends itself to the display of •ll that is best in tho artistic powers of the performers, while it makes special demands on the leading characters. It is not too iTiiich to say that judged from a very high s'aodpoint the acting of Mis* WaMorF in the part of Leah whs a triumph of artistic skill, excellent t.iis'.», Knd intellectual refinement. In suah tiying scenes as what msy be termed the accusation, the denunciation, and the death scenes the dramatic power of this gifted artiste was exerted with a forca that thrilled every fibre of one's miod and body. Had the hoase been as crowded »s it ought to have been, ttere would have bean felt that electric wave whieh a weeps over large audiences wben woiked up to a high pitch of ?xcitem*nt and tension, resulting in that furo e of applause by whicb alene their pent up fesliags cm give vent. As it was applause was again and again bestowed mo*t heartily, ond Miss Waldorf should have been highly gratijfied at the spontaneous warmth of ap(iivcittiou of her efforts shown by those pros nt. Jior was Mr Norvsl Mac(irogui one whit below the high standard of art exhibited by Miss Waldorf. Hia " Rudolf" in many respects bore '■bo impress of his own interpretation. This is as it should be when tho so tor ;s capable, gifted, and well versed in the ruling principles of his art. Mr 'MacGregor is to hj« congratulated on tho succrsa of his impersonation, as from first to last, eepecielly in ' the most trying parts, ho presented as nearly as possible the Rudolf whom Che author meant to sat before the public. As "Father Herman," Mr Edwards was particularly good, end although the chsracter is not much in evidence in the play, yet it is one of tho*e parts which when well filled help

materially the sur-oess of a pieoe. As the villain " Nathan," Mr Hanray was so realistio thit not a few of tha audience felt at time* a powerful dsaira to mete out sunimaiy justice to him—a very flattering testimony to hie histrionic ability, Miss Bartlett at Madnlena filled her pars T - ith muoh credit, acd the tame may be said »f all the other members of the oompaoy. Tbe rcenery »a« exce'lent, especially itbat of the forest by night, and tkt | special effects, such as the storm ud [the ball of fire were very cleverly managed. Priiae must ako be acoerdsd to the orchestra for the music, bolh during tha play and between the acts. It is rarely that such appropriate selections are heard, or are gives with such good eff ot, i TO-NIGHT | In selecting " The Lady of Lyons " j the final pity of the season the ! management has, like the good matter of the feast, k*pt the beat ti'l the last. < TL'Oie who ha e »e»n this magnificent drama, even many times, will gladly renew their acquaintance with it, especially under such favourable cireunfltwceg aa those under which it is produoed this evening. No one should miss tbe treat of hearing this play, which tiever fails to attract crowded houses ' wherever it is staged. Bomance, drama and tragedy axe all blended in this stirring piece, and a* the heroine Miss Waldorf has a park that should not only exactly sait her oultured histrionio powers, but also tu that her finely strung temperament should display to the greatest ad vantag*. Moreover, there is no fear but that Mr MacGrtgor will impersonate the hero in the same perfect manner that he has filled his other parts* and as the company is one of all-round excellence, one of the beet entertainments of the season should attract a crowded hous<\