The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1892-03-30
MR.. HENNIG'S OTHELLO
Fairly Wins Hearty Appreciation
from O Critical Audience.
STRONG, INTELLIGENT, FINISHED,
Is tho star's Chnractc rization Of tho
Moor OF Vcnice...Hc Shows Decided
Advancement In his Art...A Good
Support helps to make the Engage.
mcnt Notable. 9g

.
It was q crucial test to which Mr.,
Frank Hcnnig's art as an actor was
put last night. His first appearance
in his native town q largo audience,
colby critical at tho start; tho second
performance OF a tour in which much
is at stako-this combination was
enough'to mako almost any man ner-
vous.
Before tho performance was well nd.
vanced the audience had passed from
curiosity through approval to On.
thusiasm. iNaa
Mr.. Hennig showed decided advance
ment in his art since no was last seen
hero as Ohello, several years ago. His
rendition last night was manly and rea.
sonable. His conception was intclli-
gent, his reading charming and his act
ing finished and natural His OtheRO Is
not servile embodiment OF tradition
it differs from the conventional Moor
where mir. llcnnig's native good judg.
mont ard ripe study dictate that ii
should differ.
In the scene with. 1ago. where the
crafty william insinuatcs suspicion into
his soul, in the scene with Desdemona
where he accuses her, and in tho bed
chamber scene, Mr.. Hennig rose 10
greatness. In the scene before the
duke the finish OF his elocution was
shown to advantage, and throughout he
gives 10 the little details which pre-.
serve tho illusion commendable atten.
ton not always seen in performances
by tragedians OF greater experience and
fame. The fall at tho close is the most
artistic ever seen. All in all, Mr.. Hen.
nig's friends had every reason to feel
proud OF him. 3'.sg ~
The cast was good throughout, unus-
ually good in part. Mr.. Matthews as
Iago, showed himself capable and in
telligent actor. His most difficult scenes
were adequately portrayed, and he Just.
ly shared the honors with the star. Mr..
Ahrendt, Mr.. Phillips, Mr. Andrews
and the others added muchto the pleas.
ure Of the audience by their acting.
Miss Maude Dudley's Desdemona was O
revelation to those who knew that she
had made her professional debut only
the night before. She is in beauty. Of
face and grace OF person the ideal OIL
the part, and her acting betrayed moth.
ing Of the novice. In tho scene where
OthelIO accuses her OF infdelity she ac-
quilted herself especially well, and in
all respects her role was borne in q
manner which would have done credit
to IN actress OF vastly greater expert.
ence.
Miss Vaders was never seen to greater
advantage than as Emelia. She won
enthusiastic, plaudits at almost every
appearance. o''' u, e''o thH
Mr.. Hennig was twice called BE-
fore the curtain. "Com parsons are
odious," but it suggests itself that Mr..
Mantell's late "Othello" was much in
ferior to that enjoyed by q large and re.
fined audience last night.
This afternoon at the matinee g Am
let" will DO the play, and this evening
Orchard ILL.," Both performances will
be worthy OF a crowded house on the
merits OF the star and tho company,
besides which, it should be borne in
mind that Mr.. Hennig is playing for the
Wheeling Press Club. The memb ers Of
the press are always called on to forward
and aid any charitable or other move
ment, and the general public may now
show its appreciation, and respond m
kind. Reserved seats are on sale at C.
A. Houses, and good houses, are assur.
cd. yry.,-..T'; ~.