The Waxahachie daily light. [volume] (Waxahachie, Tex.) 1894-current, 1903-11-26
THE TANNING OF THE SHREW
An Excellent Production OF
Shakespeare's Famous
Comedy.

I 1ne crown WHttn htte nGe0 tHAs.
b. Hanford S presentation of viii
liam Shakespeare immortal come
dy, "The Tanning OF the Shrew," at
the auditorium last night proves
conclusively that the people of
Waxahaehie will literally patronize
first-cIass attractions.
1t was without doubt the largest
! audience that ever attended a the
atrical attraction of any character
In Waxahachie, and was composed
chiefly of the most cultured people
OF the city. 1t was an audience that
knows how to appreciate a high
class performance and that the mas
| terful work of Mr.. Hanford in the
role of Petruchio gave entire salts
faction was attested by the gener-
GUS applause which was accorded
airn.
The Tanning Of the Shrew' is the
most popular of Shakespeare 5 com
edies and in the character of Petru-
chic Mr.. Hanford achieved the
greatest success OF his career. No
other living actor has scored so
many triumphs in the legitimate
field as Mr.. HanfOTd He is lust
the Petruthio one pictures in read
ing the play, the same r0llicking,
daredevil, lovabIe gallant that
alone could have tanned the famous
katherine, or whom it was said
From all such devils, Good Lord
4 deliver us" MIR. Hanford's por-
trayal OF the role Of PetruchIo is
artistic in every phase. He proves
that he is endowed with that rare
ability Of identifying himself thor
oughly with the character he is i'm
personating as to cause one 20 for
get that he is acting. His robust
appearance and admirable stage
presence, together with a pleasing
voice and a thorough knowledge Of
the character he portrays makes his
presentation of Petruchio all that
could ha desired.
On account OF the illness OF Miss
Drofnah, Nj. Hanford's leading
lady, the part OF Katherine was
taken by Miss Margaret Oswald,
and considering the fact that Miss
Oswald had had only one rehearsal
she gave this role a most pleasing
and intelligent impersouation.
She looks every hit the proud,
spoiled beauty that was a terror to
Baptista and Blanca and 20 all suit
ors alike Except he alone who could
tame her, the gallant Petruchio from
Verona. Her scenes with Mr.. Han
ford ia the first act wherein they In
dulged i'm a spirited verbal sparring
match were especially enjoyable.
The scene at Petruchto's country
home in the third act was ludIsrous
In the extreme. Here the shrew S
tanned 10 such degree Of subjuga-
fion that she takes refuge under a
table and the servants fly from the
room while Petruchio in1ulges in
the pleasant pasttime of smashing
dishes and upsetting the dining ta-
bic, because forsooth his mutton is
cooked too brown. In the portrayal
OF the role of the indomitable Kath-
crime, Miss Oswald brought out In a
most striking manner the varied
moods aud emotions Incidental to
her tanning. In the famou, lines on
the duty of wife Atthr close of the
play she proved her abilities as "a
reader.
There was not dull moment in
the presentation of this delightful
comedy. The supporting company
is entirely adequate and each iudi-
vidual handled his or her part In a
most capable manner. Mr.. Caryl
Gtllin made a BIT as Grumio, ser
want to Petruchio, and many Of the
laughs went to him. Mr. Fred
Hight as Baptista, father of Kath-
crime, played his part in most ad-
mirable manner.
The stage settings OF this play
were excellent and the costumes
were splendid representations OF the
times when Shakespeare wrote.
"The Old Guard" an episode of
the battle OF Waterloo, serves as IA
curtain raiser aud gives Mr.. Han
ford opportunity for delightful bit
Of character work radically different
from that in "A Shakespeare Dlav
His portrayal Of the feeble follower
OF Napoleon, living In his last days
on the memory OF his battles, aud
ever loyal to his fallen leader, is a
brilliant piece of acting aud was en-
Enthusiastically received.