ENTERTAINMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2427, 16 February 1909, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE FACE AT THE AY IN 00 AY.”

The sensational in almost any form always has a great deal of fascination for the general public, and the sensational in drama as presented to a Gisborne audience last night in the shape of “The Face at the AA indow” was highly appreciated by the large audience present. The play centres around the machinations of one Lucio Delgado (alias “Le Loup”), an unscrupulous villain of the deepest dye, who. to accomplish his nefarious schemes, stops not even -at- murder. He attempts to win -the affections of Alarie de Brisson. a- wealthy banker's daughter. Her father falls a victim to Delgado, his approaching death being apprised by a ghastly, death-like face appearing at the window. Lucien Cortier, Alarie’s lover, is accused of the crime, but Paul Gouffet, the cleverest detective in Paris, who has been engaged in solving previous murders committed by an unknown baud, prevents the ar-_ rest of Cortier. Finally, however, Delgardo murders the detective as lie. sleeps, but Gouffet leaves a document partly signed. This is completed after dcatli with the aid of Le Blanc, known as the “Afad Doctor.” who charges the corpse wit-h a high voltage of electricity. The dead man's hand traces on -paper the - name of Lucia Delgado. The murderer. who is present, becomes enraged at being'thus discovered, and in an endeavor to choke the electrified detective, he meets a well-: deserved end. The mystery of the murders is solved, the hero is cleared of suspicion, the villain dies, and all ends happily. Aliss Florence Richter, as Alarie Do Brisson had a trying part, and she filled it in an admirable manner. 'As Delgado, Air. Herbert Linden was thoroughly convincing, and his representation of the murderous villain was first-class. Air. Crosbie AYard. as Paul Gouffet, acted with ease and naturalness, liis work being of a high order. Air. Onslow Edgeworth appeared as Lucien Cortier, and the minor characters were adequately sustained. The comedy work was in the hands of Alia; Hilda Fraser and Air. Frank Crossley, and their efforts met with the- hearty appreciation of the audience. . This evening the season will conclude with the presentation of Airs. Henry AA'ood’s well-known play “East Lynne.”

“THE BIRTH OF THE EMPIRE.”! | There was only a moderate audience j at- the Garrison Hall last night to j witness the second last performance j of “The Birth of the Empire” dis- j play. The various dances, marches, j and tableaux were again artistically j executed, and called forth applause at < the conclusion of each Item. The;’ display of physical drill hv members j of tlie Gisborne Biiles was again; greatly enjoyed. To-night, will be the last perform-) auce, and~wi.ll be made the occasion] of a benefit tendered to Signor Bor-ii /,oni. The programme will be gone! through in its entirety, and in addi~ t.ion there will be an ex;tra item , end titled “The Blushing Alaidens;” gfyere hv eight favorite pupils of Signori Borzoni. This turn is being antiel| ■ .pa ted witlu pleasure, as it i» : saidgtj be unique in character, and mpsUarJ List ic in effect. A crowded housed! expected to witness the final perform! ance. . ‘“#l