The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-03-05
COMMENTS ON MEN AND
 MATTERS OF THE WORLD

one of the events of the season and the company was accorded an enthusiastic welcome by one of the largest audi ences of the season. While there were a few who were not altogether pleased l by Ada Rehans Katherine all reeog- nfzed the power of her acting and MT. Slinner's Petruchio was perfect Viola Allen in twelfth Night" was another oasis in the seasons theatrical desert. Up in New York carping critics tried to find fault with Miss Aliens performance but 1t was eminently pleasing to her Bir- mingham admirers and no one had any complaint to make.
 Mansfeld's "Old Heidelberg Is gener- ally recognized as the triumph or the season. Joe Jefferson is yet to come ana he will mark the last of the really great actors to appear here this season. Among the comedians Nat Goodwin and William H. Crane were prominent. MT. Goodwin's revival of his great success, "A Gilded Fool" was marred by the fact that Maxine Elliott did not play the leading womans part and Mir. Goodwin's choice of leading woman this year was ex- ceedingly unfortunate. John Drew pleas ed many with his performance in 'The Second in Command" This is one of the best parts he has ever played. William Faversham had an exceedingly clever comedy this year and in his ''Imprudence company was one of the best woman comedians who has ever appeared in Bir- mingham. "The Earl of Pawtucket" was
 
 contend that it was among the very best of the season.
 Among the plays that appealed to the gentler emotions was Howard Kyle's beautiful interpretation of Rosemary and Harry Beresford in "The Profes- sor's Love Story" which, by the way, will be seen here for a return engagement to- night. Both of these plays was exquis- itely beautiful and while Rosemary is rather old, it has lost none of it's charm. Amid the rol1ieking musical comedies and the heavier dramas these two plays proved an agreeable diversion and the only regret is that they were not greeted by largr audiences.
  plays this season. Ibsens gloomy dramas were much in evidence in various parts of the country and two were presented here. "Ghosts" stands out pre-eminent as the most powerful play that has ever been seen here. It's impression on peo- pie was lasting and the play will not soon be forgotten by those who saw AL berta Galatin present it at the Jefferson. Emotions of horror and disgust were called forth and yet we were held spell bound by the very intensity of it's tra gedy and the consummate acting of Miss Gal latin. Ghosts is one of the greatest of problem plays and as such is well worth seeing, although it is not advised for people who are in search of amusement. Another Ibsen play which was given a cold reception in Birmingham was ''Hedda Gabbler." played by Elita Proctor Otis. This was really one of the most finished performances of the season but the house was miserably small and the company was given scant appreciation. "Satania" attempted to be a problem play, but was something of farce. Iris" was made interesting by the personality of Virginia Harmed although such plays are viewed somewhat suspicously by the straight laced. Fay Davis In Lady Roses Daugh- ter was very good but she was handi- capped by a rather weak play. Talk ing everything into consideration, Bir- mingham does not appreciate problem plays very highly and a good house was the exception rather than the rule This is strictly a musical comedy town and where a powerful drama was greeted by a mere handful of people such produc- tions as Happy Hooligan' drew large houses. P. c.