HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2084, 20 May 1907, Page 2

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE.

“THE FATAL WEEDING.” For many a lout? (lay it has been a popular belief in Gi.sborno that a Saturday evening is a bad “show; night” tor any theatrical company to appear.before a local audionco, but those who attended His Majesty’s on Saturday evening last had that belief rudely shattered, for a crowded assemblage had gathered tlioro to witnoss the second performance in Gisborne of “The Fatal Wedding, as produced by Messrs. Moynell and Gunn’s famous organisation now touring tho colony. It has been argued many a time by “tho man in the street” that ally play, however good, could not bo producod twice during the same season in Gisborne otherwise than with disastrous effects, it being contended that Gisborne was not largo enough for a play to run a season. This fallacy it had boon loft for tho “Fatal Wedding” Company to disprove, which they did most thoroughly on Saturday evening. As on the opening night tho piece prosontod was elaborately staged and enthusiastically received, tlio cast of characters boing excellently sustained. Mr. Conway Wingfield, as Howard Wilson, a wealthy clubman, acted his part to the life—the injured husband, who bolieves his wife guilty of a great wrong, divorces her, but still loves her. As Mabel Wilson, tho deeply-wronged divorced wife of Howard‘Wilson, Miss May- Congdon gave a true onterpretation of tho part. She had tho deep, sympathy of the audionco in her troubles, and all were pleased at her re-union with her husband, thus showing she had faithfully pourtrayod tho author’s ideas. IV:' Dina Cooper, in tho plotting character of Cora Williams, whose conspiring led to the separation of the Wilsons, earned for, herself a great victor- in lior acting, for in fulfilling such a part she earned the deep detestation of her audience—a true criterion of her splendid acting. Mr. Jas. Lindsay, as Robert Curtis, who assists Cora Williams in her plotting, earned first tho hatred and then the pity of his audionco—hatred at; the part he took in it and pity at the condition to which ho had fallen—high encomiums of his acting. Little Miss Maisio Posner, as Jessie (tho Little Mother), is an actress to tho manner born. Her pourtrayal of Jessie, the daughter of tho divorced Mrs. Wilson, would have done credit to an actress of far more advanced years. She was at home in every part, act and scone. Her famous tincan band in the children’s scone was a feature of tho performance. Led by Mr. C. It. Stanford, as Peter Schawrtz, the German janitor, who was capital in his part, the band paraded in a characteristic march, little Miss Queenio Williams taking the song. Little. Maggie Dickinson, with a characteristic dance, sang “The Kids from the Alley,” earning much appreciation. “Josephine Thy Jo.” Jb.V Daisy Mendoza, and “Pansy” by Maggie Dickinson, were also sung and warmly received. A cakewalk by Maggie Dickinson and Beroyl Jackson earned an * encore, . while Florrie Dickinson excelled herself in the dance “Madcap.” This band, of juveniles, attired in all costumes pertaining to a New York alley, secured hearty approbation form the audience in their clever dancing and chorusing. Their hy-play was immense, and raised many a hearty laugh, and undoubtedly this little band comprises some of the cleverest juvenile talent that has visited Gisborne. The other characters in the play itself who introduced comedy into tragedy, were those sustained by Mr. Tom Cannam (Toto, a French butler), Mr. Rutland Beckett (O’Reilly, a policeman), and Miss Amy Singleton (Bridget, tho Lady Cook). These characters were splendidly represented, and earned warm plaudits. As Rev. Dr. Lancoford (Episcopal clergyman), Mr. Leopold Stacli had an easy part to fulfil, and did it every justice. Each and every actor did his part faithfully, and with the splendid scenery everything harmonised towards a successful production of the play.

THE MIDNIGHT WEDDING. As some confusion is sure to exist in the names of the “Midnight Wedding” and its equally successful predecessor, the “Fatal Wedding,” it should bo understood that the production of “The Midnight Wedding” at His Majesty’s Theatre, is entirely different in theme, plot and atmosphere. Instinct with a charm of dramatic fervour, “The Midnight Wedding” is claimed to tell a story of rich romantic interest and military excitement. It has proved popular and gained more in favour as the weeks went by during the run in Sydney, where it was produced for the first time in the States.- “The new play came ouito as a revelation to the public;’” says one writer, “a public who for 12 months had been used to seeing the sterling artists of the company in the purely melodramatic ‘Fatal Wedding.’ ” If for nothing else, it is said to show those favorites, Miss May Congdon and Mr. James Lindsay, in roles which have proved in every way congenial to their abilities. Particular interest, however, attaches to the re-appear-ance of a favorite actor, whose name has long been a household word in Australasia by reason of his masterful performance with Miss Nellie Stewart and Mr. George Musgrove’s “Sweet Nell” Company. Gisborne theatregoers will welcome Mr. Harcourt Beatty in a part which is said to suit him in every detail. His performance of Paul Valmar in “The Midnight Wedding” has been generally referred to as an excellent presentment. The company has been considerably augmented since its last season here, and includes several new English artists, besides all the old favourites.