The herald., 1896-10-27
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| ionable folk filled this theater last night
| to see dramatizatlon of Anthony
| HOPES remarkable story, the Prisoner of
! Zenda. 1t is trite to say that such pro-
, ductions are generally invested with ele-
ments of disappointment, but 1t Is
| equally true that it requires dramatist
| equally as great as the novelist to ade-
| quately picture in action the spell of good
| fiction on the imagination.
The Prisoner of Zenda, most elabor-
ately and sumptuously staged, does not
realize the charm and witchery of
Hope's curious story. At times there are
trenchant touches, but they merely serve
to relieve the darker shadows. The art
of the story lies in it's matchless tell
ing, it's simplicity, its superb counter
felt of the real in realm of dreams
and the happy combination of that re-
alism with the fantastic. So deftly is
this done and the same potential inl-
preston and harmony exists between
these incongruous elements that exists
in the mind of child when it turns
from it's toys and listens to tale of the
fairies.
The dramatic version given last nigl\
does not give, save in but scenes.
proper or just idea of the beauties of the
story. The prologue is full of intensity
and action. the diction is virile and the
pulses bound with the spirit of dramatic
instinct deftly applied. The first act,
however, follows closely with barren
stretch of insipidity and pettiness that
is tiresome. The second act in the pal
ace at Strelsau Is the best in the play,
saving one or two in the third act,
but the last act is a transmogrified
nightmare, in which there is much sick
ly twaddle, that even the most artful
and impressive accessories in the mat
ter tof tolling bells and a conc ,aled choir
singing an impressive requiem, did not
conceal You can run the gamut of dra-
episodes to the most direful degrees of
mental vacuity and ineffectiveneSs.
1t is rare indeed in local productions
that so much artistic attention has been
given to the scenic effects as in this
play. They are beautiful and make
framework worthy of better picture,
Intellectually. AS to the company, it
comprises some good actors. We beg
to call their attention to the fact that it
is gross discourtesy and a flagrant
breach of court etiquette to turn their
backs on royalty in making their exits.
They should bow themselves out of the
presence of the king. A notable excep-
tion to this rule was Col Sapt, imper-
sonated by that fine actor. Charles Wal
cot. We recall him as the best Mercu-
ito of modern times, and there can be no
question but what his work last night
was the most artistic, the most coher-
ent and thoroughly sustained in the
true. sterling art, assumed overshad-
owing proportions. Mr., Hackett as
Prince Rudolph in the prologue and
Rassendyll in the play proper, gave us
noble and dignified Characterization
He climbed the heights of merit with
facile step in the second act, and made
noble lover in the third act, giving a
flavor of subtlety that bespeaks the
possession of rare talent for his art.
In the last act the restrictions of the
dramatist make Of the role sentiment
tai nonentity. What we have said of
Mr.. Hackett applies with equal force
to Miss Isabel Irving. She reached her
zenith in the palace scene, and in the
love episode in Tarlenheim castle in the
third act. There was a charm and sem
suous forcefulness in her love-makinc
there that captivated the fancy and en-
chained the sympathies. In the last
act her love-making was colorless, un-
real and artificial. Miss Irving is withal
beautiful woman, and adorned her
queenly garniture. Mr.. Walter Hale de-
serves strong commendation for the
striking personality with which he in
vested the role of Hentzau 1t was a
scholarly example of sterling stage
work; Mr. Gould made his strongest
and best impression as Gilbert in the
prologue. Miss Odell, too must come
IN fer much high praise for her Antoi-
nette. She is full of dramatic power.
and gave to the role qualities that an.
pealed most directly to all who appre-
crate genuine histrionic capabilities.
The remainder of the cast ACQUITTED
themselves in an acceptable fashion.
ORPHEUM.-Nothin seems to de-
tract from the attendance at this pon
uiar house and despite the political ex-
citement and counter attractions. the
crowd was as big as ever last night The
snow thls week is Longtime acts maxi
ing up the bill, but it is all the better
1t is last weeks bill and half a show
OF new attractions besides, altogether
the best vaudeville entertainment the
Orpheum has ever given.
Chlc little Anna Suits started the fun
with whirl of lively dances and merry
songs. This Is the third week Of her en-
gagement, but as proof that people do
not tire of such clever specialties as hers
she received hearty greeting and was
recalled for repeated encores. Anna is
chic and charming and so pretty and
captivating withal that she can not help
being favorite.
Master Walter Leon. the next to an
pear, is 10-year-old lad, with more as
surance than an old actor and nearly
as much genius. He Is a handsome.
winning little fellow and he takes Off
d1fferent actors and actresses with a
great zeal OF cleVerneSS and no end of
fun The youthful Walter is a veritable
young genius. He is the darling of the
show as he will might be for he gives
one OF the most diverting performances
ever seen at the hands of child.
The armless wonder Unthan, went
through his marvellous act in the most
skillful manner, playing the cornet and
violin, shuffiing cards, executing diff
cult feats of craftsmanship and doing
other equally astonishing things with
no other aid than his feet. Almost any,
thing that the ordinary individual does
with his hands, Uthan does with his
feet, to the great wonder of all behold.
ers. His is novel turn and it Caught
on immensely.
There was a general stirring up of
mirth all over the house when the Jolly
black face comedians, Riley and
Hughes, came on. One could not help
roaring at their drollery or admiring
their splendid dancing. They are the
best imitation "niggers' we have seen
and there is tone about them that sa-
vors distinctly of the plantation Two
hot "niggers," as they are billed aptly
describes them. They are breezy, bounc-
ing, funny fellows, with faculty for ex-
citing the risibilities of an audience tha.
is possessed by few of the leading COM
edians of the country Their new turn
is fully as good as the excellent one with
which they captivated everyone last
week.
The most wonderful part of the entire
show was the exhibition of memory DOW
er given by the dainty little prodigy,
Gertie Cochran. She Is a psychological