Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1881-11-04
aU9EM EN- rs
MAYO ~ .thMLEr LAST NITHr

MAYO ~ .fhMkhl LAST NIIHl.
Bad weather and multiplicity ri
gmusements recently, combined 70 make
the audience at the Opera House, last
night, a small one. The fame Of Frank
Navo, as an exponent OF the Shaksper-
can drama, is not sufficiently widespread
10 ill theatre in the face OF an unseas-
enable snow storm, in any event. The
bill was "Hamlet."
1t would be as difficult AS it would be
manifestly unfair to attempt criticism
of the impersonation. Mr.. Mayo had
not only the obstacle OF disabling cold
TO encounter, but also that OF small! as
well as chilly, unenthusiastiC audience.
His voice was in very poor condl-
tion and, without this important
adiunct-a strong, clear enunciation-
the best tragedian is at fault. Hamlet,
we take it, is one Of the most difficult
roles OF Shakespeare creation. 1t
Lacks the excitement OF frequent stirring
situations, and must be made interest
ing simply 10y the finished performance
of the actor. 1t abounds in long dla'
logues and soliloquies, which, il not
rendered in fine evolutionary style, are
apt to pail on an audience. 1t will
therefore be readily appreciated when
we say Mr.. Mayo had a difficult task
before him.
A critic is at loss just where to be.
gin in attempting criticism. One has
certain preconceived ideas OF how
Hamlet" should be interpreted,
or ideas which result from
by the more prominent ira
gedians. But Mr.. MayO's Hamlet
is exclusively and peculiarly his own.
In his study of the melancholy prince
he mas pictured man different from
any other "Hamlet" you perhaps ever
saw; and the difference is so mar ed
that it is difficult to determine Just
where to draw 4 parallel. 1t is evident
to the careful observer that the tragedlan
did not, last night, on account OF the
cold mentioned, do himself full justice
and due allowance should be made. We
believe he endeavOrs to follow the pre-
cepts he lays down TO the players, IN
his part, and reirains from tearing 4
passion into tatterS," while he faithfully
strives to make "the action suit the
word" In several scenes he came out
very powerfully and at such times the
audience would rouse up and vigorously
applaud.
The support, as whole, was unusual
" good. 4 point is made by the com
panv, that it has no supers, dummies or
makeshiits, Uut carries an actor or act
ress for every part. 1t seems this Is
correct The company is uniformity
lar above the average AMI goes great
distance to make the play success:
Discrimination would be unfair as well
as useless The costumes were very rich
and appropriate, and the stage settings
quite acceptable.
This is as far as We will 20 with MIR,
Mayo. We would like to see him re-
turn, and believe that with his voice in
good trim and inspired by the presence
OF large audience, he would make Il
very favorable impression.
"oUE GoBLISS."
This evening VIM. MtchelL's Pleasure
Party will present the above named
comedy at the Opera House. Our
readers will remember with much
pleasure the occasion OF the last visit oil
this splendid company here, and We
feel sure their second advent will be
greeted with the houses that companies
Of suck merit deserve Tucre will be a
Saturday matinee, and the engagement
will clos" to morrow night. Tickets
now on sale at Wilson x Banners.
THE CHANlRAUS.
Mr.. and Mrs Chanfrau are booked to
appear at the Opera House on Monday
ami tuesday evenings, November l4th
and 18th, in their successful PLAYS. The
opening attraction will be the Sara
Bernhardt version OF "Camille," " in which
Mrs. Chanfrau will sustain the title role,
Manager Reister has arranged for q
special ladies matinee Tuesday, when
Mrs. Chanirau will be seen in her
greatest performance, that OF Lady
Isabel" in Clifton W. Tayleure's "New
East Lynne" On Tuesday evening MIR.
Chauirau will make his reappearance
here in his successful play, Kit, the
Arkansas Traveller