HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 165, 12 July 1907, Page 3

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE.

■ That exquisite gem, "Monsieur Beaiicaire/' set in the pure gold of Mr Julius Knight's acting, was revived at His Majesty's Theatre last night as a fitting close to a"' season" which '-playgoers Will long remember. . The comedy is one of great charm and vitality, and, though on its third revival, was witnessed by a crowded house. If there is one role in Mr Knight's repertoire which stands out in hold relief it is that of the due d'Orleans, generalissimo of tiie armjlof devil may-care, whose fate is written when, fled to England- in the disguise of a Jbarber, he meets the proud Beauty of Bath, Lady Mary Carlisle. In every phase, courtly gallant, cureless "gamb"list," brilliant swordsman, and humble suitor, his work is wonderfully fine, and, 'although he is scarcely off the stage during the whole production, not once does he descend from his high level. f Miss El-bert-Ortbn was seen for the first time in Auckland in the role of Lady Mary Carlisle, and though called upon to provide the complement <to the masterpiece of a splendid actor, and to follow one of the queens of the English stage, she achieved a very decided artistic success. In .the first two acts she is merely called upon to look pretty,- and she makes a winsome and charming picture as the cold impassive grande dame, whose outlook upon life is confined by a coronet and a book of heraldry. But in the third act, when love enters her frozen heart, she is called upon in a situation which requires deli.cate acting. In the final scene, where the woman .triumphs over the beauty and she consents to flee with the nameless man, who is in truth a prince of" the blood royal, Miss Orton's work reaches a level indeed. Mr Harry Plimmer filled the thankless role of the Duke of Winterset in .a manner in keeping with the reputation which he is building up as a forceful and versatile actor, his pourtrayal of the vicious and vengeful Duke being an-excellent one.. Mr Rege Rede, as Mr Bicksett, and Mr Herbert Willis as Beau Nasij were well cast. One of the triumphs of the play, from .the ladies point of view, and their aspect must not be overlooked, was the magnificent dressing. The period lends scope for beauty of costuming, and full advantage has been taken of the opportunity. Mr Gaorge Leopold's orchestra lent effective aid to a comedy which was a thorough artistic triumph. "Monsieur Beaucaire" will be repeated to-night and again to-morrow, the closing night of the season.