Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1897-04-20
MUSIC AND THE DRAMA,
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Whatever the facts CIR fancies as 10 the
final decline or the perpetual endurance of
the Shakespearean plays. it will doubtless
be very generally conceded that those who
profess interesting acquaintance with the
stage and its offerings must have at least
passing knowledge of the character. as
sociations and history of the leading clas-
sizes of the drama.
In the light of this concession the public
owes debt of gratitude TO those who still
pin their faith to the historic standards
rather than center their ambitions on the
more modish and apparently more proiita-
BILE innovations of recurrent periods
Especial credit is due those who risk
large outlays of money in the revival of
those Shakespearean plays that have lain
dormant for time. and, but for courag-
eous spirit, would be lost TO a generation
so far as actual illustration is concerned
Such reflections are natural attendants up
on witnessing of a production like that
seen at the Auditorium last night when
Margaret Mather's beautiful revival of
"Cymbeline' was given.
This play, which embodies some of the
most beautiful of Shakespeare's poetic fan
cies. has been seen but little in recent years.
1t has never been given the prominence
that, in poetic justice, it deserves, because
1t has never been Il profitable repertory
bill. Its story is not one that appeals
strongly to the public. Its purpose is
vague, its action disconnected and its in
terest broken. 1t includes many beautiful
fragments, however, and its central char
acter is not infrequcntly mentioned as the
most beautiful among Shakespearean wom-
en-. Indeed, no other Shakespearean char
acter that is so rarely embodied is so well
understood. Students love to dwell upon
It's gentle qualities, particularly its surpass-
ing fidelity.
revive and retain the character of Imogen
on the stage. 1t has since been essayed by
Mcdjeska. Miss Marlowe and several 9TH
ers, but not often enough to bring il into
lasting association with these names. Miss
MatEer, who has gwen the play such a
magnificent production as to necessarily
preclude all idea of repertory employment,
Is likely to make herself long and favor
ably remembered Imogen. IL she succeeds
IN IN doing this she will have made herself
an achievement that many more arduous
plodder and more gifted actress has failed
u make.
The scenes of this play are strikingly
varied, going back nearly 1000 years, and
ranging from the primitive courts and semi
urieS of Rome under Augustus Caesar.
Miss Mather presents the play in siN acts
and more than dozen different scenes.
The staging and coStuming are picturesque
AMI Instructive. They are more faithful to
history than such revivals usually are. The
result is one of the most magnificent exam
pies of pictorial drama yet given the Amer
lean stage
Miss Mather has improved as an actress.
1t is not often that one may reasonably eN-
pect better work from an artist after long
period of retirement. Miss Mathers Juliet
was carefully studied. definitely outlined
eAternalS ii was generally satisfactory. al
though it would now be regarded as eNtray-
agant in the dramatic scenes if given as 1t
was several years ago. Hers was not 4
great Juliet. although it will be long re-
mcmbered because of its lavish environ
ments. Her Imogen will live in like man
ner if appreciation for the ornate produc-
tion continues as it has begun.
Eut her Imogen has something more than
correct externals. even though 1t lacks
something in poetic feeling. misjudges the
cen edy bits-and falls short of the desired
blending of womanly strength with slri'sh
iEgenuouSneSS.
MISS Mather has engaged n supporting
company of general excellence. Mr +. J.
Honley gives to Iachimo all the sinister IN
teliectuality. the dramatic intensity and IN
cisive expression for which this actor Is
famous. He has not been seen in this city
since he appeared with Mrs; Garter IN
The Ugly Duckling," and while his voice
il not vet entirely recovered from its re-
cen; affection, his acting still has the dom
mating force that was noted on the occa-
sion of his last visit. Mr. Courtleign-s
none of which count for their ,fuli SalGe'
however because of the actors oVer-de-
liberation and lack of drectness. Mr.. Red
mend makes much of the faithful Pisanlo.
The thankless part of Cloten Is well nam
died by Mr.. Albert Bruning, and Cymbehne
and Belarius, typical ShakespseIarean psIa,n ond o,d
Mr. Weaver. respectively. Guiderius ana
Arvlragus are interesting in the hnnds OF
Mr.. KolEer and MIR. Stuart. yMrs. Inonias @
Barry plays the necessary but disagree
able part of the queen enectlfely Inc pay
will run the entire week with malinees
Wednesday and Saturday. Popuiar prices
will prevail at the "Wednesday matinee
AUSTIN LATCHAW.
A beautiful woman of fine talent. Such
was the impression made on the large au-
dience at the Academy of Music last night
when Mrs Mary Calhoun Dixon appeared
in Kansas City for the first time.
For two hours she moved, and glanced,
and wooed and threatened, first in the
mellow tones of the Spanish senorlta, ana
then the warlike accents of veteran COM
mandant, then mincing in minuet; plead
ing with the dying outlaw. mimicking the
songs of beautiful birds. laughing, weep
ing, coquetting-a bewilderinS succession OF
gown after gown. jeweled and Laced. In
themselves complimented the audience.
During the waits between each imper-
sonation, musical numbers We're given by
Miss Ada Bennett in masterly perform
ance on the piano; Miss Cora Nelson. who
sang charmingly, and Professor Osiier,
with his violin accompanied by Miss Bee
mer. the two forming an artistic and de-
lightful duet. Mrs. Dixon is surprise and
4 treat.
Louis James new comedy. My Lord and
w
duction on Friday night. is from all reports
one of the ceverest romantic plays seen in
many years. 1t Is adapted from comedy
by Eugene Scribe the premier French writ
er of comedies. Its subject is taken from
English history; the period being that of
good Queen Anne. The central figure is
Lord Boiingbroke. the famous wit cour
tier and statesman of her court. In Mr..
James he is droll, unctuous fellow. carry
ing everything before him by his genial
good humor. resourcefulness and ready wit.
He brings confusion upon the schemng. in
ceeds in winning for himself the prime min
istership. The telling OF the story abounds
in action and is bright with clean dialogue.
Tonight Mr.. james will present his mag
niffcent scenic production of "Spartacus."
The reduced prices inaugurated at the
Ninth Street this week have attracted IA
vorable attention and told on the attend
ance. The attraction, Julia Stuart in
Woman Against Woman is good one.
Reserved seats for to-night's entertain
ment to be given at Music hall by the East
Side Literary Society may be secured at
Osborne & Pitrat's. on Main street. The
event will partake largely of a social func-
ton The feature will he John kendrick
Bangs comedy, THE Fatal Message.
DEATHS AND FUNERALS.
The funeral services of Frederick c.
ShTueCier. the veteran grain merchant, who
died suddenly Saturday morning at his
home. l4li Brooklyn avenue, We're held from
the residence yesterday afternoon at >
O'Clock. Rural lodge No. 3l6, a. F. and A.
NJ conducted the services, Mr.. Shredder
having been a. member of Excelsior lodge
OF Milwaukee. Wis. There was a large at
tendance of Masons and business friends of
chn nF