The age-herald., 1900-11-23
She NaN..

The most elaborate production of Shakespearean play ever witnessed in Bir- mingham was the presentation yesterday afternoon and last night at the Jefferson Theatre of "A Midsummer Nights Dream" by the James -Kidder combination. a company fully equal to the difficult task.
 The production was an artistic success and the presentation rare dramtic treat, for playgoers are seldom given an opportu- nity of seeing such wonderful delineation of Shakespeares wonderful genius.
 The play itself suggests combination of modern day comedy, tragedy, buffoonery, opera and spectacular and even traces of the vaudeville stage are discernable, which only goes to prove, as Bob 1ngersoll has truthfully said, that Shakespeare is an intellectual ocean, whose waves touch all the shores of time" and that the modern stage is but a reflection of his remarkable intellect. The company, which is headed by Louis James and Kathryn Kidder, is one of the most evenly balanced that has vis- ited Birmingham, and every role was ad- mirably filled.
 MT James as Nick Bottom, the weaver, who essays the role of Pyramus the lover in the interlude, was at his best; one Is half inclined to prefer his comedy to his tragedy, although he is great in both.
 Miss Kidder as Helena was most pleas ing, her charming grace and excellent stage presence serving her to good purpose.
 Although not billed as stars, it Is doubt ful if the work of Miss Oaker, as Hernia and of MT. Hackett Lysander, was ex- celled by any member of the company. Miss Oaker is a young actress and her inteIpre- tation of the role clearly indicates that she has d bright future. Mir. Hackett at all times displays true dramatic ability, and his Lysander was all that the most exact ing critic could call for.
 The Demetrius of MT. Ryan was good, but his acting is lacking in force. MT. Cooke, as Peter Quince, the carpenter, who delivered the prologue In the interlude, gave perfect satisfaction and merited the liberal applause bestowed upon him.
 The fairy roles were all well essayed. Ethel Browning as Puck or Robin Good fellow took the part most admirably, as did MT Miller as Oberon King of Fairy land, and Ina Brooks as Titania, his queen. The little Burrough sisters and little Etta Bryan as the tiny fairies were cute, and carried their parts remarkably well.
 The special scenery carried by the com- pany is beautiful, and is strictly in keeping with the elaborateness of the production, the mechanical effects being especially telling.
 A very important feature of the play is the music. There Is the stage music-cho- ruses and concerted parts-and the incl dental music for the orchestra In the per formance yesterday this feature proved most delightful in every respect Maxim De GroSz occupied the directors position, and he was well supported by the local orchestra. The incidental music was made up of selections from Mendelssohns Mid summer Nights Dream suite, including the familiar wedding march, orchestrated by A-r. De Grosz and good dead of new music written for the play by De Grosz, while all of the vocal numbers were composed by him. Particularly beautiful was the song, 'I know a bank where the wild thyme blows," sung by MT. Miller, and the song in the second act, ''The Moon, Methinks." The duets and female choruses were also beautiful and the ballet music was artistic and full of sensuous charm. MT. De Grosz has certainly caught the spirit of the comedy and his music greatly heightenS the effect of the performance.