The Minneapolis journal., 1901-11-12
Robert ManteH at the BfjOu in
NHamIet''

The problem suggested by Robert Mantens
Hamlet is just this Is an actor, present
ing Shaksperean and classical roles In pop
ular-priced playhouse, to be adversely crit
cized for humoring his audience? If not,
then the Hamlet of Robert Mantell is worthy
of much praise. From the viewpoint of
those who paid their money to see it last
night, the Characterization is admirable. Mr..
Mantell's Hamlet is essentially melodramatic,
and the very scenes in which this trait is
most noticeable were received with the most
enthusiastic expressions of approval by the
audience. In the opening act, where Hamlet
first sees his fathers ghost, Mr.. Mantells
acting was melodramatio in the extreme and
he was rewarded with tumultuous burst of
applause from all over the house. Again,
in the graveyard scene, Hamlet's speech to
Laertes, closing, ''I'll rant as well as thou"
and delivered accordingly, was the signal for
another prolonged outburst. If the player is
to be blamed for this, SO, too should be the
audience; but If 1t is conceded that popular
priced Hamlet should also be popular Ham
let then Mr.. Mantell's Interpretation is not
difficult to understand, and its faults easy to
palliate.
Apart from this, however there Is much in
Mr. Mantells acting Of the Dane that is ad-
mirable from whatever standpoint. His read
ing of the soliloquy, 80, what a rogue and
peasant slave am |" though lacking in intro
spective quality, was very we'll done; and
throughout the play the less sombre passages
were handled with good effect. In deport-
ment and bearing. his Hamlet is the best
role he has yet assumed during the present
engagement.
Th Ophelia Of Miss Marie Booth Russell is
a disappointment. There is apparently no
excuse for the terrifying shrek with which
she rushes from the stage in the mad scene,
and at no time did she succeed in persuading
the audience that she had more than a pass
ing interest in Hamlet himself despite the
concern Of her brother and father lest she
err through her love for him.
The king Of Mark Price Is worthy Of all
praise. Mr.. Price read the speech beginning
20, my offense is rank" with admirable en-
phass and excellent expression. Through
out he played with nice understanding Of
his role. His achievement should do much
to increase his already established reputa-
tlon for scholarly and artistic work
The Laertes of w. j. Bowen is commenda-
Bile, as is also the Polonius Of Alfred H
Hastings John V. Daley won the favor of
MS audience as the first grave-digger. Miss
Minnie Monk Is not acceptable as Queen Ger
trude In the closet scene she committed the
error Of striking aloud at the appearance Of
the ghost, although the vision Is supposed
to be invisible to her eyes. Elsewhere the
characterization lacked sincerity, and indi-
Gated an unfamilarity with the traditional
business" Of the part.
The scenes In which the ghost makes his
appearance, both in the first and third acts
We're marred by inexcusable laundering with
the lights. The production Is we'll costumed
and Is mounted as we'll as could be expected
when 1t is remembered that Mr.. Manteu is
carrying this year scenery for no fewer than
half dozen plays. j. S. Lawrence.