AMUSEMENTS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 955, 20 June 1890, Page 12

AMUSEMENTS.

The Theatre. MR MILN AS HAMLET. Of all Shakespeare’s famous plays “Hamlet” is preeminent in popularity and, from some points of view, in greatness. Since the time when Shakespeare himself played the ghost to Burbage’s Hamlet, vast changes have taken place both in the drama and the tastes of its patrons, but still “ Hamlet ” remains firm in the public memory, and almost a recognised standard by which all actors of pretension are judged. Indeed, it would be difficult to name any actor of note who has not at some time essayed the part of the melancholy Prinoe of Denmark. Stage traditions have been built up round “ Hamlet,” and an enormous amount of energy and mental power has been devoted to the study of the most remarkable character on the Btage. Does he think Hamlet was mad ? is the portentous question usually asked about the latest or most eminent of tragedians, for nearly every man has some new method, some novel business, or perchance an original conception. Mr Miln, who played the part at the Opera House last Friday night, might be styled the human Hamlet. He does not play the part as one would who strove unwanantedly to attain a greatness he was not born to, or ns a character which is moat

notably to be sought after because it give l * .the player a number of very fine set speeches; en the contrary, he is the personification of a wonderful creation, appreciating and giving due prominence to all the philosophy of which Hamlet was such a master, and faithfully depicting all the freaks of mind end manners which have puzzled the world. But all through his impersonation is pervaded with the fascinating charm of reality and humanity. Jn the loudest parts of the play, where elocution runs riot for the moment, there is not even a temporary lapse into staginess or affectation. For the time being Hamlet lives and walks and talks. The effect of such a devoutly to be wished consummation may easily be imagined by those—whose name is legion—who have seen Hamlet mouthed and bellowed and gesticulated beyond the semblance of earthly truth ; it is that the speotator has presented to him in life-like form a great poem whose equal the world does not know. As to the most notable features of the performance, we should especially commend Mr Miln’s delivery of the “ To be or not to be ” soliloquy, and the advice to the players. Than in his acting in the scene with Ophelia nothing finer could be wished, and the bantering of Polonius in methodical madness was beautifully done. Taken as a whole, Mr Miln’s “Hamlet” is something that people should see, not only as a great dramatic study, but also as a lossou in life. The members of his company have supported Mr Miln very ably in all his productions here, and last night’s performance was not an exception, for everything was well done. Miss Kate Douglas is not naturally an Ophelia, but she played the part with her invariable taste and attention, and did exceedingly well with it. Mr H. N. Douglas was a good Laertes, and was seen to considerable advantage in the fight with Hamlet. Mr Collet Dobson as the King, and Miss Ruby Brown as the Queen, each did satisfactorily what was required of them, Mr Dobson especially so. Mr Nunn is to be commended for representing the ghost in scholarly fashion, and thus adding another to the proofs of his ability. Mr Cosgrove’s First Gravedigger was quite atreat as an exhibition of character-acting, and deserves all the praise that can be bestowed upon it. Polonius was rather unevenly represented by Mr Holmau, who was weak in the first act, but very Btrong in the later Beenes ; and the small but important part of Horatio was admirably played fcy Mr Montgomery. The scenic effects and stage management generally were excellent, and the graveyard scene was mounted as it seldom has been in Wellington. Thus the representation was in all respects a success. There was a fairly large audience on Saturday night ait the Opera House for the second performance of “Hamlet.” Mr Miln’s representation of Hamlet was again an unqualified success, and he was rewarded by enthusiastic applause. In the play scene he was particularly strong, and fairly carried his audience away by the power of his acting. At the Opera House on Monday evening Tom Taylor’s play “The Fool’s Revenge” was produced by Mr G. Milu and his capable company. There was a fairly good attendance. The play was performed with marked success, and Mr Miln’s performance of Bertuecio was a most powerful piece of acting, particularly in the last act. Miss Kate Douglas played the character of Francesca with her usual care, and Mr Montgomery gave another proof of his ability as the Poet. The other characters were all well fille 1. The play'was well staged. At the Opera on Tuesday night, House Mr G. C. Miln appeared as Othello, and gave a most honest representation of the swarthy Moor. His reading of the character differs in many respects from the orthodox stage traditions, and he invests the part with much that is charmingly pleasing. His delivery of the famous speech before the judges, “ Most potent, grave, and reverend seignors,” was a masterpiece of elocution, clear, distinct, and full of verve, and was listened t) with breathless silenoe by the audience. Mr Collet Dobson was a stately Duke of Venice, and Mr H. N. Douglas made a capital lago. The Brabantio of Mr W. Holman was a careful piece of Btudy, though somewhat lacking intensity. Miss Kate Douglas made a charming Desdemona. The other parts were all fairly well filled. The piece was splendidly mounted, some of the scenes being warmly reoeived by the audience. The Governor and his private secretary were present. At the Opera House on Wednesday night Mr G. C. Miln gave a somewhat new interpretation of the character of Armand Jean dn Plessis Cardinal Richelieu. The orafty, intriguing, and unscrupulous dignitary was perhaps hardly so full of fire as presented by Mr Miln. The character last might slightly lacked that repose of power characteristic of the Cardinal, but withal Mr Miln gave what may be termed a traditional rendering ot the piece, and in many of the scenes brought down the house by his declamatory powers. TheCountdeßaradoßof Mr Collet Dobson was a careful piece of acting —a rdle very suited to the actor’s dramatic power. The imbecile King of France was well represented by Mr W. J. Montgomery, whose by-play was remarkably good. Mr H. N. Douglas played exceedingly well as the Chevalier de Mauprat. The other characters were creditably played, and the piece was thoroughly well mounted. THEATRICAL NOTES. Mr J. L. Toole concluded his Melbourne season on the 6th inst., with a performance of * Paul Pry ’ and ‘ Off the Line.’ On the following Saturday he was to open with * A Fool and His Money ’ and ‘ Ici Un Parle Francais ’ at Sydney, where he was to be opposed by Mr G. W. Anson and a strong company. Miss Nellie Stewart’s Opera. Company were to supersede 1 Paul Jones ’ (which has had one of the best runs ever known in Melbourne) with ‘Boccaccio’ last Saturday night. The last-mentioned opera was to be followed by Mr William Rignold. Miss Maggie Moore (Mrs J. C. Williamson) has returned to Australia from America. Interviewed, Mrs Williamson said she did not think Mrs Langtry would come to the colonies. This is what she says about American stock actors ; — '%■ saw Booth—that is, his

picture, he gave it to me before I came away—and Barrett at the California Theatre. They are very good, as, of course, every one knows, but I never saw stars so poorly supported nor plays so carelessly mounted. They have not an aetos there like Titheradge. If I were to begin comparing them, I could pick a dozen who are better than the best stock actors I saw in California, and scores as good.’ Mr George Darrell is talking of a visit to Europe. The Melbourne representation of a dramatisation of Fielding’s novel ‘Joseph Andrews’ has been very successful. It was produced under the management of Brough and Boucicault with Cecil Ward as Joseph, Mr Brough as Parson Adams, Miss Romer as Lady Slipslop, and Mrs Brough as Lady Booby. Wirth’s circus is doing a big business in Auckland. Williamson. Garner, and Musgro\e’s Opera Company had a most successlul season in Napier. The Company opened in Auckland in ‘Dorothy,’ which seems to have been a greater success than it was in Wellington, ‘ Chums,’ Christie Murray’s new play, is to be produced by the St. Maur Dramatic Company in Christchurch on Tuesday next. The Theatre Royal, Palmerston North, was reopened last week by the Vivian Dramatic Company. The Company, which is still touring in the Mannwatu District, intend playing a short season in Wellington at the Opera House. * Bill Rignold brother of Handsome George, is fetching them in Sydney in ‘Old Tom’ in Boncieault’s ' After Dark.’ Mrs Brown Potter, and Mr ICyrle Belle w commence another season in Melbourne on Saturday. ---* Romeo and Juliet’ is fixed for the opening night. Autolycus.