AUCKLAND THEATRICAL NOTES.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1747, 30 August 1905, Page 27

AUCKLAND THEATRICAL NOTES.

(From Our Own Correspondent.!

The Tittell Brune season at Hi« Majesty's continues its triumphant course-. “L'Aiglon'' which attracted enormous audiences' during its five n .ght's run, gave place to Shakespeare's immortal “R>meo and Juliet,” which ran for four nights to record business. Enthusiastic patrons commenced to gather at the early door entrances as soon as 5 p.m. in order that a desirable coign of vantage might be obtained, and the family c.rcle was crowded within a few minutes of the opening of the doors each evening. This is ample testimony, not only that the work of Avon's bard remains as popular as ever, but that the presentment of “Romeo and Juliet” by Mr J. C. Williamson's capable company gave considerable satisfaction to the disciples of classical drama. In Juliet, Miss Brune had a role which was the opposite of “L’Aiglon.” From the moment of her entry on the stage in the character of the ill-fated heroine, Miss Brune ceased to exist for the nonce, her identity becoming completely merged into that of Juliet. Until the curtain finally descended upon the tomb and its unfortunate occupants, Miss Brune played upon the feelings of her audience at will. In the enforced absence of Mr A. B. Greenaway, through an injury to his foot, the part of Romeo was taken by Mr Harry Bweeney. On the first night of the production he had only a few hours notice to prepare for' his arduous task, and under the circumstances, Mr Sweeney’s enactment of Romeo is entitled to rank with the better Romeos we have seen. In the balcony scene he was splendid, while his work in the closing scenes of the drama reflected the highest credit. Mr Roy Redgrave’s “Mercutio” was a well thought out impersonation, and thoroughly merited the applause it won, while Mr Albert Gran scored heavily in his portrayal of “Capulet.” Good as was Mr Gran in “L'Aiglon” hie opportunities were not so considerable as in “Romeo and Julidt,” and in the latter play, particularly when in Juliet’s chamber he insists upon her marriage with Paris, his efforts were worthy of undiluted praiee. Air J. B. Atholwood, was well cast as Friar Laurence, and his impereonation was quite up to this actor’s high standard. Mr Walpole's “Paris,” and Mr T. W. Lloyd's “Tybalt” were likewise ‘ outstanding representations, while the “Nurse” of Miss Clara Stevenson was an evenly meritorious portrayal, and eminently satisfying. The pieoe was staged in Mir J. O. Williamson's best

style, which is saying a good deal. As I write, Rac ©ward's American play,is drawing crowded audiences. This dramatic idyll of the Far West has served to show to the full, Miss Tittell Brune’s remarkable versatility.'. Her role of the miners’ protege was the antipodes of L'Aiglon or Juliet. Admirably • conceived was Miss .Brune’s conception of its possibilities, and the interest in her impersonation never flagged. Sunday’s friends “The Boys” were responsible for much sterling comedy and Messrs W. Dudley, J. B. Atholwood, Mr F. Harcourt and Mr T. W. Lloyd made the most of their opportunities. the latter gentleman in particular. Mr Roy Redgrave’s Colonel Brinthorpe was impressive and a popular characterisation, while Mr R. Stavely’s Tom Oxley was capably done. The lesser parts were well cast. The scenery—particulary the “Brinthorpe Abbey” set —was most artistically done. “Sunday” is certainly a very fine effort on the part of Miss Brune and her company, and its production on such a' complete scale will remain one of the pleasant memories of a most enjoyable season. Sardou’s great play ‘'Theodora, Empress of the Bast” will be the next production. Mr Harold Ashton, the genial and courteous “avant courier” of Mr J. C. Williamson’s Dramatic Company has left Auckland for Brisbane, where a fortnight's season is to be played prior to the company's re-opening in the Southern Australian centres.

The personnel of Fullers' Entertainers at the Opera House has not undergone any material change during the past week. Good business is reported, and the present programme is a highly popular one. Among outstanding “turns” mention may be made of Ethel’s remarkable muscular posturing, and the skilful instrumental items by the tw> dk inutive Bernards. Several new artists are to appear during the next week.

Mr Henry Hayward, “advance'’ for West’s animated pictures and the talented Brescians has arrived in Auckland, to make arrangements for the forthcoming ■seesen, which is to be inaugurated at His Majesty's Theatre, on September4th. Glowing accounts of these entertainers have reached Auckland from time to time, and it goes without saying that the Company’s Southern successes will be repeated here.