Birmingham state herald., 1895-12-26
THINGS DRAMATIC.

The local management could offer but few greater inducements to our play goers than in announcing the engagement of Alexander Salvini in Hamlet" and "The Three Guardsmen," the play with which his name has been more popularly associated than any other. If Salvini has not obliterated memories of other TO- mantle characterizations, he certainly has that of the many D'Artagnans that may be recalled by the theater-goer of today. In this role he is, in the first place, thoroughly original, and he has succeeded in reviving the very atmos- phere of the Richelieu era, which makes one easily forget the impossible nature of the drama. Ready to fight in a moment, he accepts three challenges, one after the other and yet Is as far removed from the murderous or clumsy Swashbuckler as possible. He offers mortal combat and undying love in the same breath, and both with a charming gaiety that is as fascinating as it appears spontaneous Before this gleeful, graceful unquench- able adventurer, with nothing on earth but his sword and his artless effrontery, the darkest melancholy must fly away. Of course there are other characters in this stirring drama which have an ab- sorbing interest enough. There Is the WHY CdTulndl HOrInOS, AtnOS and Aramis, and the fair Constance, for whom D'Artagnan so often risks life and limb. and these may be expected to be In the hands of competent artists. The play will be mounted with that regard for scenic effect and for artistic detail for which MT. Salvini has such an enviable reputation. Interest in Salvini's appear ance on this occasion, however, will of course center in his much talked-of pro- duction of Hamlet" which is to be given on the opening night, Friday. ''The Three Guardsmen" being reserved for the second night
 Minnie Maddern Fiske.
 Minnie Maddern Fiske, who this sea- son. which marked her return to the stage, has been received everywhere as one of the greatest emotional actresses, is apparently fortunate in the new play she has made known. It is strongly en- titled "The Queen of Liars" It is by Alphonse Daudet. the famous French writer, and is said to be characteristic of that authors genius and originality Mrs Fiske will also be seen in this city in Ibsen's "A Dolls House." play which, although it has tested the artistic abilities of some of the most noted act resses in the world. is declared by critics who are familiar with the work of the European personators of it's leading char acter, Nora, to be more faithfully and
 
 by any other actress.
 Mrs. Fiske was born in New Orleans, the daughter of Thomas Davey and Liz zie Maddern. Her father was prominent in the south as theatrical manager Her mother was a daughter of Richard Maddern, an English musician, who came to this country with a large family and organized travelling concert company composed of his own children. Mrs. Fiske went on the stage at the age of 3, and was continuously before the public until her retirement, when she was %, five years ago. She has shown such re- markable artistic development since she retired that her return to the stage is regarded by those who have seen her this season as one of the most happily significant theatrical events of the year.
 Minnie Maddern Fiske will present both of her latest successes at O'Brien's opera house Monday and Tuesday even- ings December 30 and 31