Durango semi-weekly herald., 1901-12-16

abandon the professional stage AMI
settle in our midst for climatic ad-
vantages. presents rare oppor-
tunity for such an organization.
The performance last night, though
not beyond criticism, illustrates
Mr.. Handlers ability as . director,
and his appearance In the minor role
of Higgins. the tenant, should be 4
lesson to aspiring amateurs who
think they can do nothing but leads.
Though he had but few lines to ray
recognized the work of the finished
artist with loud applause
The personality of Mrs. Henderson
as the mother OF Lord Fauntleroy.
was well suited to the part
| Though her movements were some
| times uncertain. they were always
graceful. but her lines which should
have ben given in natural conversa-
tional style were delivered too much
In reading tone. This Is not to be
marveled at. as 1t was her first ap-
pearance In dramatic role, and the
wonder is that she did so we'll
There were few dry eyes in the house
when she was putting the little lord
to sleep on the eve OF their separa-
ton.
MISS Bovee, in the double role OF
maid and Minna, the imposter, play
ed like professional, with the ex-
ception of having to be prompted once
or twice. Her facial expression was
particularly praiseworthy. and her
voice carries well. Her brogue was
not uniformly good in the part of the
maid, but she does remarkable work
on the whole for an amateur
Mr. Henderson, as the irrascibIe
and gouty old Earl of Dorincourt.
would defy criticism had he not sew
eral times forgotten his lines In the
last act Mr.. Henderson has deserv-
edly become a favorite to theatre
goers. which the frequent applause
bestowed upon him last night
evinced.
Mr.. Ed Biggs, as Hobbs. the gro
ceryman. was more acceptable than
the villainous roles he has heretofore
essayed. Mr.. Biggs has one serious
fault to overcome, and that Is imper-
feet articulation. 1t Is with great
EFFORT the audience follows him. In
many respects, however. he displays
unusual talent.
Mr.. Clyde Knobs. as Havisham, the
lawyer ran over his lines too rapidly.
All amateurs are prone to forget that
Dauses are effective. and render their
lines in Il manner which impresses
theiI listeners with the fear they
have of forgetting them. He should
have been more fiinty. calculating and
deliberate. and yet his personality
was pleasing and his work much ap-
preciated by the audience.
Mr.. Gartin. as the servant, should
have been more like q wooden man,
with arms pasted to his sides, and
moving only like jumpingja
when the string is drawn. 1t Ia hard
for an American to grasp the mechan-
ical movements of the English menial.
Yet he was easy and at home on the
stage.
Mr.. Mermet. as Dick, the bootblack,
did the work Of trained artist. In
| contrast with his work in the sub
| lime role of Eugene in the entre-act
va. he proved himself endowed
with dramatic talent of high order
| and remarkable versatility. In the
latter piece he made too many ges-
| lures of similar character. Ges-
ture should never be made unless 1t
| accentuates or illustrates a thought
expressed.
Mrs. James, as the author of "a
Midnight Dream" has every reason
to be congratulated upon her work IS
an author and in her part Of Irene
did some very artistic work. The
picture as the curtain rose was
beautiful one, and showed the touch
of the master hand back of 1t. Mrs.
James has a sweet voice. but through
nervousness pitched 1t too high.
Low. distinct tones carry better.
On the whole, the play was far bet
ter than those usually produced by
travelling companies who come here.
and it is hoped that Mr.. Handler. who
is the only legitimate actor Durango
has ever had the honor to entertain.
may be encouraged to stay and or
ganize permanent company. for the
city is In dire need of some respect
able place of amusement
LILLIAN HARTMAN JOHNSON.