The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-10-29
TWO GREAT COMEDIES
MR.. HANFoRp AND COMPANY AT
MONTGOMERY THEATRE.
"The Tanning Of The shrew" and
Much Ado About Nothing"
Produced Yesterday in an
Admirable Manner.

In sumptuous scenic productions OF The
Tanning of the Shrew" at matinee and Much
Ado About Nothing" at the night perform
ance at the Montgomery Theatre last night.
Charles B. Hartford. who has been seen here
In many roles, demonstrated that his greatest
success lies in ShakespeaTian comedy roles.
In the two great comedies Mr.. Hanford un-
deniably appeared TO better advantage than
ever before to a Montgomery audience. His
interpretations OF the Shakespearian poets were
characterized by an intelligent understanding
Of their possibilities and Q manifest sympathy
with their meaning and portrayal He made
Petruchio and Bsnedick thoroughly human and
thoroughly understandable. The roles In real
ity revealed new abilities Of Mr.. Hanford as
an actor even as his Interpretation Of them
brought out beauties in the parts unknown to
the average reader of the great dramatist. -.
The comparison of Mr.. Hanford's work In
comedy to his previous appearance In Shake
sperian tragedy is inevitable and the compare
son rebounds to the great advantage Of his
Petruchio and his Benedick. In comedy he 10
effectiye. self confident and always at home.
He convinces. He has about him in his COM
edy roles that mysterious attraction which
for want Of a better name is called the at
mosphere Of the play For his ability, his
Shakespearian sympathy and his convincing
methods he won the applause and gratitude OF
| the Montgomery lovers Of the works OF the
| Bard of Avon.
Both plays were splendidly staged. The seen
| cry was costly and handsome Mr.. Hanford
| has evidently spared no expense in arranging
| his stage settings. Their impressiveness In
| no little degree enhanced the value OF the per-
| Torrance.
The rich costumes were in entire accord with
| the expensive stage fittings.
Shake peare's nne comedy THE Tanning Of
| the Shrew'' was presented by Mr.. Hanford and
! his company at the matinee and was wit
| messed BY a thoroughly appreciative audience
| which evinced its enthusiasm at the excellence
| Of the entertainment by according Mr.. Han
| ford and Miss Drofnah several curtain calls.
AS a prelude to the comedy Mr. Hanford APP
| peared in 1.-The Old Guard" a one-act sketch,
| in which Mr. Hanford has been seen before
| The sketch portrays the pathetic ending Of
| one of Napoleons loyal old soldiers and Is a
| literary gem. The Haversack Of Mr.. Hanford
| is one of the best character sketches on the
American stage and 1t is pleasing TO observe
| that he continues 1t in his repertoire.
Mr. Hanford was assisted in the curtain
raiser by Miss Rose Curry as Melanie; Mr..
Duggan as Beauvilie Mr.. Beebe as Henry LIE
| Febre and Mr. McHenry Rawson. The face
| of Miss Curry is a new one in Mr.. Hanford's
company. She is a winsome young woman with
| a good voice and she made q decided impress
| sion Melanie. Mr.. Duggan insisted upon
remaining outside of the picture and MT
Beebe was acceptable
| 1.-The Tanning of the shrew'' was presented
| in an admirable manner. Mr.. Hanford con-
| WINGED those who had seen him In heavier
| shakespearean parts that he is better adapted
/ to the comedy roles. he Is well Sultcu u tiic
| rollicking Petruchia and he gives Shake
spetare's Verona young gentleman modern
| favor that is altogether pleasing. There Is not
| dull moment in The Shrew" and Mr..
| Hanford, due TO his keen Intelligence and
student mind. has grasped the true concep-
| tion of the comedy.
Miss Drofnah has greatly improved In her
| art since she was last here. A correct presen-
tation Of Katherine is the test OF artistic
| ability and Miss Drofnah was never disap-
pointing. Her reading was fauitiess ana ner
voice is full and resonant
Mr. Allen made the role Of Grumio stand
| apart from the other minor roles like
cameo. Perfect low comedy in Shakespeartan
plays is difficult and oftentimes thankiess' HIS
| Grumo was neither horsey nor STACEY, but 1t
was intelligently funny. He has the artistic
| sense and ne Is an actor.
| Certain members Of the cast Of THE Shrew'
| are not entirely effective but perfectly bal
anced company in Shakespeare's plays Is q
| thing no one expects in these strenuous times.
| In staging THE Shrew'' Mr.. Hanford has
! adhered to his usual custom OF lavishness and
| accuracy of detail.
| In much Ado About Nothing Mr. Hanford
| appeared in q shakespearian comedy remark
| able more for its bright and sparkling lines
| than for it's action and incidents. Tho comedy
\ from first to last curtain Is filled with re-
| partee and in the correct and Intelligent rem
dition of the lines the success Of Its presenta-
| ton is based. Mr.. Hanford's presentation Of
| much Ado About Nothing was altogether at
| tractive.
His reading Of the lines was SO sympathetic
| and Intelligent that II merited and received
generous applause. He was at all times DIS
tinct in his reading and clear In his portrayal.
| He put the brave and witty Benedick. the
| scornful and love-sick Benedick. before his au-
dience in all the shades in which the character
was drawn.
Miss Drofnah portrayed an admirable Beat
| rice. In the lighter scenes she was gay, witty
| and winning and In the chapel scene she rose
to dramatic heights. Her Beatrice was without
| affectaton.
In appreciation Of the ability Of Mr.. Han
| ford and Miss Drofnah the audience gave them
| several hearty curtain calls.
In the subordinate but quaint Dogberry and
| Verges Ferd Hight and Robert Lee Allen
| respectively won credit and applause They
| made the roles features Of the production.
Miss Rose Curry was pretty and winning
| Hero and Miss Violet Pierson made a viva
| cious and charming Margaret.