San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1888-03-05
THE GLADIATOR.
San Antonio Gives Her FaVorite
TragedIan a Hearty We'll

San Antonio Gives Her Favorite
Tragedian Hearty We'll
come.
Mr.. Frederick Warde, since the first
presentation Of tragedy by him In this
city, at Casino hall, some years ago, has
on each recurrence Of his annual visit,
drawn around him and toward him new
friends by the hundreds, and has at last
come to be acknowledged the favorite
Of San Antonio. He has justly won this
high position, by careful and painstaking
study and work, and when In San Anto-
MO plays with that zest which the
lavishly expressed appreciation of audi
ences always gives a thorough actor.
Last night the tragedisn presented his
new play, "Galba. the Gladiator"
taking the title role. After bowling and
acknowledging the ovation which was
given him upon his appearance on the
stage, he began his lines as no other
tragedian but Fred Wsrde can. At the
drop Of the curtain In the first act he
was so rapturously called for, that he
was compelled TO make his appearance
on the stage, again and respond. After
the curtain in act two, he was again
called before the curtain, and at the end
OF the third act. In which lie the grand
climax when Galba recognizes In the
Christian girl he Is about to slay In the
arena, his own lost daughter and refuses
TO thrust his blade, defying the Roman
pOpulace assembled, Mr.. Warde was
called four times before the curtain and
If then he had not responded 10 q neat
speech, he would have been called for
until he did respond. In his
remarks Mr.. Warde thanked his audi
ence for the appreciation they had
evinced during the evening for his new
play, and complimented them highly for
the possession OF such q fine opera
house, which he declared was one OF the
best In which he had ever had the pleas
ure Of playing. His remarks were
warmly received by the audience, and
Indeed the ovation was one of which
either Booth or Barrett might have felt
proud, though from San Antonio, and in
deed from audiences all through their
present seasons trip, such ovstiCns
have been woefully lacking and muir
murs, instead, have greeted them.
In Mr.. Warde's support there are sew
eral good actors and actresses. Mr.. Clar-
ence Handyside, as the young lover,
'Flavian," acquitted himself well, and
his young love, "Neodsmia," BY Miss
Eugene Blair, was very faithfully por-
trayed both in word and action. Though
the lady is not beautiful, she has q
charming voice and good stage pres
ence.
"Faustina. "empress OF Rome, was well
taken by Mrs. Augusta Foster, whose
physique sad admirable stage presence
is well adapted to this difficult role.
Had not Mrs. Foster been a consum mate
actress and thoroughly schooled student
she could not have essayed the deep
passion of some of her lines or the
cruel Effectiveness and glowering hate OF
| other parts Of the lines.
The remainder OF the company, which
was augmented by the presence Of sew
eral extra "supers," was very good and
gave some very creditable work.
Tonight the play is "Gaston, Ca
dol, Son Of the Soil," which is a
pretty and romantic play specially
suited to Mr.. Warde's calibre and In
which, 1t is predicted, he will create an
other good impression.