THE WALDORF SEASON.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 330, 3 February 1902, Page 2

THE WALDORF SEASON.

“ INGOMAR.” At the Theatre Royal on Saturday night the charming and clever young American actress, Miss Janet Waldorf. and her company commenced their Gisborne season of four nights’ with the production of “ Ingomar.” Though the night was an awkward one for business people there was a very large attendance, and the drama was very much appreciated. It is out of the ordinary run of dramas in that the star actress comes on to the scene at the beginning of the play, and is- in strong evidence all through. The drama is new to Gisborne, and is by Marie Lovell. As explained in our issue of Saturday, the play opens with the news being brought to the Grecian village of the capture by the barbarians of Myron, an armourer of Messillia, and his detention fn their mountain stronghold until the ransom money be paid. Parthenia, the poor but beautiful daughter of Myron, is distracted at the ill-news, and begs her fatiier’s frietids to raise the money —but all are in needy circumstances, and cannot comply, -except one, Polydore, a despicable miser whom Parthenia had just previously refused to marry. Polydore now refuses monetary aid, and in snarling malevolency bids her go and beg her father’s liberty from the barbarians themselves. This is an inspiration to Parthenia, who at once sets out to the brigands’ retreat While thus wandering in search of tlie particular band that has her father in custody, some of the barbarians come across her and bring her before their chief, Ingomar, the pride of his tribe and the terror of the country side. Parthenia, in a pitiful appeal, oilers herself as hostage for her aged father, but is laughed to scorn, but still she persists, and after convincing the rough men how it will be their advantage to allow her father to return and work out his own redemption while she remains as surety, is eventually accepted, and Myron is allowed his liberty. Then ensues a series of very pretty scenes. Gradually the sweet influence of Parthenia effects a great change in Ingomar, who neglects his duties as chieftain to be in the presence of the beautiful maiden, who has by this time completely bewitched him. After a fiery scene with his men, Ingomar resigns his position, and says he will take the girl as his part of the booty. After due consideration the oiler is accepted, they part company, and Ingomar leads Partheni,a back to her home in safety. In his love for Parthenia, he becomes a Greek citizen. The miser Polydore is again thrusting his loathsome'attentions on to Parthenia, and so as to force iter to marry him has bought up all her father’s debts so as to foreclose in case of a second refusal, and so irretrievably ruin the family. This plot is frustrated by Ingomar, and for services rendered in saving his city from an attack by his old comrades is made Timarch of Messilia, and given Parthenia in marriage. The acting of Miss Waldorf (as Parthenia) was a great treat to witness, and through all the phases of the beautiful story she sustained her part in a manner that won the greatest admiration. Whether in the sweet and simple ways that bewitched the barbarian, in the brave defiance, or the cries for “ Ingomar ” in the hour of danger, Miss Waldorf showed that she was the true artist, witti that gift for acting that enables the fullest effect to be given to a scene without its being in any way overdone. Mr Norval Macgregor made a splendid Ingomar, the chieftain of course being in strong favor all through the piece. Mr Macgregor’s commanding presence, clear voice, and masterly style of acting, whether as the rugged barbarian, or as the subdued citizen of Greece, was capital, and with Miss Waldorf he shared much applause. The part of Myron was well taken by Mr Fred Patey, and that of Actia by Miss Marie D’Alton. A strong feature was made of the part of Polydore by Mr Lawrence Hanray, and Mr Henry

Douglas was first-class as Timarch Other characters were taken as fol lows Alastor, Mr Vivian Edwards Ambivar, Mr T. W. Lloyd ; Novio, Mi Paul Scardon ; Samo, Mr Geo. Bent lev; Trynabantus, Mr L. E. Gath gart ; Neocles, Mr Gus Neville ; Amy' tus, Mr Joe Devon, “ CAMILLE—TO-NIGHT, This evening Miss and her company \yiil appear in Dumas s powerful drama, “ Camille," or •' The Lady of the Camelias," one of the greatest dramatic works of the present era. The story is that of Armad Duval’s love for Camille, a notorious Parisian beauty. Hitherto this fascinating woman has led a life of pleasure, but Armand’s_ love effects a great change, and she forsakes all her old ways to become the true and devoted lover of the handsome young man who seeks to save her from utter degradation. Their love-making proceeds blissfully enough until Arrnand hears that his son is about to contract a mesalliance with Camille. M. Duval hastens to her, and insists that

[or the nonor oi ms isumj must be broken ofl, lor the tact oi Armand’s love affair lias almost been the cause oi his sister losing her fiancee. In a heart-breaking scene /she pleads her great love Tor Armand, and that to lose him will kill her. The father is relentless, and all unknown to Armand Camille is persuaded to make this great sacrifice. Armand, who has not heard oi his father’s meeting with Camille, mis- i construes her conduct towards him, and thinks that she is utterly false and heartless. He meets her subseI quently in a Parisian gaming saloon, and in his frenzied state insults hep before the whole room, and at the end of a sensational scene is challenged by M. Darville, whom Armand supposes Camille to be with. The real pur-

I port of her noble sacrifice and undying love for Arrnand is not known to the latter until the end of the play, when he in.-.s' her a hopeless consumptive, and aiter an intensely pathetic parting, dies in his arms. Miss Waldorf’s impersonation oi Camille is said to lie tlip finest ever given in the colonies, the role of the ill-starred heroine suiting her admirably. Mr Norval Macgregoi' will be the Ami and Duval, and other characters will be in suitable hands. The hos plan at Miller’s is filliac rapidly,