The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-12-04
ALEXANDER THE GREAT
SPLENDID PRODUCTION BY
 WARD AND JAMES.
An Excellent Drama by Rupert Hughes Presented With Lavish I-4H Investments at Montgomery t-' =. Theatre Last Night.

Frederick warde and Louis James have been coming to Montgomery many years but they have never Appeared here in a more nerfect stage creation than Alex ander the Great" under the management of Wagenhais and Kemper, which was produced at .he Theatre last night.
 From a literary viewpoint, "Aiexanoer the Great. is really great play It IS .eornpsehensives as drama, but the sub feet matter is of such wide scope thai there is a plethora of detail that Tn less skilIful hands would mar It's beauty. $ The work is by Rupert Hughes, pop 'ular modern writetr who has surpassed himself in literary excellence. The nopie lines of philosophy provided for Perolc- cas. the courageous, outspoken senti- mer,ts of Alexander bespeak the thought of d worthy master of his craft. Any thing else from these great characters or the ancient period would have been in- adeduate. If MT. Hughes had written nothing but Alexander the Great ne would have reputation
 The drama follows closely historical ln- cidents in the life of the great Macedo- nian but for the sake of stage exigen- cies departs from history in the final ch- max with the complete triumph Of the ln- triguing, designing Perdiccas, ana the simultaneous death of Alexander and Cie- opatra This is intensified by the sorrow of the faithful Roxanne just as her fdei- ity is rewarded.
 The play begins with the assassination of Philip. by Pasanias. an Athenian gem eral. and the resolve of the young Alex ander to go forth to the rising sun to conquer the world.
 There are six acts and Alexander is seen in the Temple of Ammon, in the tent of Perdiccas, on mountain tops of the Hin,aiayas, before the walls Of Nal fia and finally in his gorgeous surround ings at Babylonia.
 These scenes are faithfully portrayed, and are evidently managed by delft hands, as not one single defect. so often, wit messed in scenic productions, maIred the pictures,
 While Alexander (Mr. James), Is the foremost figure of the drama it gives Perdiccas (Mr., Warde) more scope. As the crafty Prime Minister MT. warde was seen at his best His fine intelligence, his resonant voice and his faultless reading assured conviction. It is the best thing he has done here.
 Fate is but opportunity channelled by the intellect" says Perdiccas to Cleo- patra, and this philosophy might we'll be applied to the success Mir. Warde has at- tained as an actor. In his quiet, thought full moods. MT. Warde made Perdiccas a, living creature. and this is all an actor can do. '1
 Mir. James is the antithesis of MT. warde. His commanding figure and his deep voice 6ts the heroic role. He is ag- ing and with age comes rotundity. 1t might correctly be said that MT. James would be more the ideal Alexander if he were of slighter. more youthful propor- tions. But he made an acceptable, fasci- hating Alexander and it must be said ap- peared to win more favor from the au- dience.
 Miss Margaret Bourne was happy sc- lection for Roxanne. She is to be treat ed as a third star in the galaxy. She may not be well known as an actress, but she gave an artistic finish to her portrayal of the love-stricken Egyptian Princess that made a deep impression.
 Her reading of the oracle to Alexander in the Temple of Ammon was nearly per- feet. The lines are difficult and deep, but Miss Bourne has a perfect understanding of the requirement..
 Certainly Messrs. warde and James are fortunate in having such finished lead- ing woman in their company. .,
 The supporting company is large and extraordinarily capable for such an ambi- tious venture. It includes Norman Hack ett. who made an excellent Clitus, Thom- as Coffin Cooke as Philotas, and Wads- worth Harris. most capable actor, first as Philip and later as the Egyptian priest.
 The audience was not as large as the meritorious entertainment deserved, but every bit of it was appreciated. the stars beirg repeatedly recalled at the, close of each act.
 Tonight Ward and vokes in "A Pa., of Pinks.''