The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-03-17
Cbe CbedtreS
Miss Allen fin sSrhe Winters Taie.v


 There have been those who question: ed the right of Miss Viola Allen to be called a great artist. No more may they scoff. In series of moving pictures at the Montgomery Theatre last night she compelled a great audi ence to fairly worship at the shrine of her genius.
 In The Winters Tale" Miss Allen, by her masterly portrayal of the dual parts. Hermione and Perdito, reached the zenith of fine art and proved her self beyond question one of the most intelligent. one of the most refined and one of the most capable women on the American stage
 Her viola" of last year was artistic, but not altogether satisfying. It was dainty and acceptable, but one turned to her Glory Quayle as a better effort and with 1t was the thought that Miss Allen made her Shakespeare successful by artificial methods
 There was no trickery last night. Two of Shakespeare's noblest women lived and breathed in Viola Allen and they impressed themselves on the audi ence-one of the most representative that has been in the playhouse this season--in a most striking manner.
 "The Winters Tale" is less familiar, perhaps. than any of the plays of the great poet and yet 1t is a beautiful story of heart interest. It has not been popular with the player-folk be- cause of its intricate detail and its demands upon the ability of actors.
 These facts heighten the triumph of Miss Allen and her excellent company of players
 The play of last night may be called the old English version or adap- tation of The Winters Tale" There was not a great deal of trifling with the text and the incidental music gave it an artistic finesse that was admira- ble. The four acts and eleven scenes drew 1t into greater length than the usual stage entertainment and this 1t would seem Is the only defect.
 The successive pictures were beau- tiful to the eye. No scene more per feet than that of tho forest in Bohemia near the Shepherds cot has ever been shown here.
 The successful interpretation of the dignified, reposeful queen mother. Her mione, and later the vivacious, happy hearted Perdita, were tasks that Miss Allen accepted with a full reliance up on her remarkable versatility in which she appears to excel almost all other women of the stage.
 In the accusation by Leontes, her king, before the bar of Justice Miss Allen was superb. Her lengthy, noble speech was delivered with fine under standing and at its climax, the death of Hermione, she reached the highest form of dramatic expression.
 It was hard to realize that this was the same woman who at the close or the third act appeared as the youth ful. graceful and gracious Perdita, bup- bling over with girlishness as she par ticipated in the flower dance.
 Throughout Miss Allen appealed 10 inc mind and gave her audience full measure of mental refreshment that will be long remembered
 The company was of the character or men and women which should be se- lected to support such talented Wo man. MT. Jewett as Leontes, and MT: Putnam, as Polixenes, were men or kingly stature and both possess res onant voices, although MT. Jewett ue- claimed at intervals. In the higher emotional shades he showed Virility anu exceptional skill.
 Mir. Young was delightful as Flortzei. This young man knows his Shakespeare and whatever he essays is sure to DC enjoyable.
 The women of the company, as n whole, were not as acceptable as the men.
 Throughout the progress of the play there was little rustling of programs, little confusion. The audience was held by the passing show of beauty. and 1t paid immeasurable tribute to Miss Allen.
 Great actors may not find compensa- tion In Shakespearian roles, but Viola Allen Is far more than a fad-she is a genius. May she continue to give us Shakespearian productions.