The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1902-12-21
TIE TANNING
Of TIE SIR. Y"
Artistic Production Given by
Charles B. Hanford Here.
ITS SCENIC INVESTITURE
And His Interpretation Give
the Classic Atmosphere.

Mr.. Chas. B. Hanford appeared yester-
day and at night at the Crawford in
shakespearean drama. Mr.. Hanford has
been identified with shakespearean roles
Tor several years and has earned a repu-
tation for being a stickler for elaboration
adm thoroughness in artistic detail. That
reputation IS Wen deserved and the high
plane Wen sustained The scenery and
the costui-es We're rs pretty and complete
and as exact as It possible to make them
Everything is done to reproduce the at
mosphere Of the period portrayed Yes
y rday afternoon 8 production was no ex-
Ception to the rule
At the matinee was given THE Tanning
Of the Shrew," one of Mr. Hanford's
very best interpretations. The scenery
hiatt enters into the production of this
great play is resplendent i'm stately archi-
ture ana expansive landscape gardening
ii is even inner than that used in Much
Ado About Nothing and that is saying
q great deal
The costumes were elaborate and pre-
sented an ever varying feast to the eye.
The boast that these accessories were
strictly metropolitan was made good.
Mir. Hanfords "Petruchio- is the por-
trayal not Of clustering braggart. but
OF a gentleman. who by his own men
tally adapts himself 10 every emergency
and by the subtle briliancy of his own.
casts Katherine's wit into the shadow.
Ills success in preserving The more re-
fined aspect of Pelruchio's character
amid the rugged episodes of humor in
which his plot to secure a peaceful mar
ried life becomes involved, is nothing
less than marvellous.
In this play the principal male charac-
ter is at a sad disadvantage unless Kath-
crime be alert and competent to contribute
her share of the merrymaking Miss Drof-
nah may be welcomed without hesitation
a one of the most efficient actresses
who ever essayed this part Winsome.
and yet shrew, comely despite her
frowns. and womanly in the unreserved
warmth of her devotion once it is won
she made the character something more
than the mere mimic creation for an
evenings diversion and endowed il with 4
true and lovable humanity
One Of the best pieces Of action in the
erformance is that Of Robert Lee Allen
in the character of Grumio. Despite the
irresistible dronery with which he in
vests the character he keeps it entirely
within hounds. Miss Rose Curry is
charming as Blanca. and Miss Diana
Herrick makes picturesque beldame.
Much Ado About Nothing last night
was given a stage setting that was fair
~ dazzling in its brightness. There is
practically but one scene TO the play,
but thar is being constantly changed and
frightened 10y the aid of lights and
minor effects until the production pair
takes of the nature of Kaleidoscope
panorama. Mr.. Hanford makes SPLEEN
did Benedict His power of voice and
figure peculiarly ut him for the role His
lines are read clearly and distinctly and
the audience loses no whit Of the Wit
and wisdom of Shakespeare. His leading
lady. Miss Drofnah. is a very capable
actress and adds much 10 the success of
the play. She is AN intelligent actress.
and gave one Of the best interpretations
Of the Shakespearean female that has
ever been seen on the local stage
TIL performance OF The Old Guard
Is an opener IS a wonderful bit Of pa
hos 1t gives Mr.. Hanford an oppor-
unity to remind the audience that he is
lpable of the most exquisite pathos as
Veil as the broad humor in which he
'evels later on.
Il IS always a pleasure to welcome Mr.
lanfoId to this city and his offerings
lave always been of the highest artistic
quality and AT the same time presented
With Difference TO the popular demand.