The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-12-22

peka theater- goers. He. has been seen
here repeatedly as the leading support
of Louis James, Thomas keene and
others He was here last season as a
star with Louis James and Kathryn
kidder-
His tour as an individual star is re-
ported to be a success
The Asheville. N. c.. Citizen said OF
the performance mo that place:
Tt would be difficult to specify the
especially good points of a play that
abounded with so many good features
IS did Private John Allen given at the
Grand last evening by Charles B. Han
ford and company The engagement al
fracted a large audience, which Included
a number of those not in the habit OF
attending unless they expect a play out
Of the ordinary in the way of excellence
Mr. Hanford did not disappOint those
who have seen him in Shakespearian
roles in the guise of a hero OF modern
comedy Crana=Something new to MIN
this season. The action of the play, OF
which Mr. Hanford had the title part,
is supposed to take place in louisiana.
Politics and love form its theme 1t
abounds in strong scenes, brave speeches
and the other features usually pres
ent where intensity is the main chaTac-
tsristic and in the hands of a less capa-
bic company these scenes would have
produced anything but the desired
effect.
Mr.. Hanford's strongest points were
his extreme naturalness and freedom
from ranting; at the same time ne
thrilled his hearers by the passionate m
tensitv Of his utterances. No amount Of
defamation could have produced the
thrillingly effective result that occurred
where John Allen stood in his room qul-
city smoking his pipe. without eXhloll-f
ing trace of excitement while a MOB
was threatening his life It was at this
roint that there occurred what was pro-
baby the plays best scene. The mob
contended that the adventures, Bessie
Stokes. was in Aliens house in GER
tain room. and on the truth of the
charge depended the mOb's action. AL
len asserted that it was his daughter
and not the woman who was present. He
was mistaken. but he did not know it.
They agreed to search the ROOM and as
the door was about to be opened the au-
dience looked to see Aliens downfall.
Just then Aliens daughter was seen EN-
eTging from room on the opposite side
OF the hail. unnoticed by the mob. At
that instant old Uncle ST the negro SER
want, extinguished the light, accidental
~ he declared After a few seconds when 4
Z, light was made Aliens daughter was
sean emerging from the room, and her
father was saved While the darkness
was on she had crossed the hall and en-
tered the room, the heroine meanwhile
escaping by the window. The scene was
perfectly carried out
Miss Drofnah was of course the fem
mine star, but Miss Elsa Won Braham
was a close second in the favor of the
audience Her acting was truly that of
n talented. artist, and the part Of her
role which showed her to be a true
hearted woman in spite of her faults
quickly won the sympathy of the au-
oiience.
THE supporting players as whole
were very capable Of appearing to adj
vantage in company with the distin-
guished star"
PRISONER OF zENDA
This popular play has added interest
this year owing to the fact that William
n Wadsworth will be seen in the part
of Pertram Bertrand Mr. Wadsworth is
a Topeka young man but has not been
seea here since he had a part in Ala
bama'
He has received many aattering no