Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-09-20

Nothing" Benedick is a character which
offers almost as many temptations to the
actor who cares to develop the intellectual
side Of his art as Hamlet" 1t presents
a psychologist study Of cynical humor that
is almost as profound as is the analysis of
sensitive melancholy which the immortal
tragedy offers. The public of today loves
to laugh, and Mr.. Hanford has determined
to present Shakespeare, the wit and hui
morist, for a time, rather than Shakespeare
the somber analyst Of majestic moods.
1t IS just ten years ago that preparations
were being made in this city for Mr.. Han
ford's initial tour Shakespearean star.
He had possessed himself of the famous
Booth-Barrett production of Julius Gaze
sar," which, splendid as 1t was for
that day, has been eclfpsed by prod actions
which Mr.. Hanford has since made. His
career has been an eventful one. His ar
tistic associations have been invariably Of
the most dignifed character. Every per-
Torrance with which he has been identified
has>been distinguished by richness Of scenic
equipment and by the eminence of his fell
low performers. The most important step
in his career was taken when he became a
member Of Edwin Booths company, later
he was conspicuously identified with the
well remembered Booth-Barrett produc-
lions.
He appeared with the Booth Modjeska
combination, played leads with Julia Mar
lowe, and among other important engage
ments appeared as joint star in the James
Kidder- Hanford and the McLean-Tyler-
Hanford productions. Mr.. Hanford also ap-
peared in the all-star cast Of 'Rosedale,"
and assisted Robson and Crane in their i'm
mense production of THE Comedy of Err
rors." Mr.. Hanford has made one or two
abrupt departures, but none of them in the
nature of a retrogression. His rise has been
so uniform and steady that today he is alb
solute monarch of all he surveys" SO far
as classic productions are concerned, in the
numerous cities which his tour from season
to season has included. His route is booked
solid n the middle of Marc . will
go through the southern states, including
Texas, and over the Northern Pacific to
California, making a comprehensive tour
of that state
Carpenters, scene painters and costumers
have been busily engaged; rehearsals have
been actively in progress, and taking the
big business Of last season as a criterion
Mr.. Hanford feels confident of the most
prosperous tour that he has ever made. The
company Is made up of twenty-three peo-
in the Interpretation of Shakespeare that
cover longer periods of time than his own.
For instance. Mr.. Frederick Hight played
Dogberry with some Of the most notable
Beatrices that the stage has ever known,
among them being Rhea, Mrs. Bowers and
Modjeska. P. ]. Duggan is famous in Aus
tralia actor, and a lecturer on
Shakespeare. Miss Marie Drofnah, who on
Tanning of the Shrew'' so brilliantly to
win instant and enthusiastic favor has
been permanently installed In that part
and will also enact Beatrice.
Mr.. F. Lawrence Walker, who has been
associated with Mr.. Hanford In some re-
sponsible capacity ever since he became a
star, is his manager this season, position
which his experience and acquaintance ad-
mirably equip him to fill.
The tour will open at Lynchburg Septem-
Der 90 Engagements in Richmond, Nor
folk, Newport News and other cities of the
south will closely follow.