Arizona republican., 1906-03-27
MERCHANT OF VENICE
 SEEMINGLY PORTRAYED
Nr. HanfOrd and Hiss DrOfnah at the
 Doris Last Night.

Charles B. Hanford and his most excellent company have again visited Phoenix and again are they entitled Ia write the word success across thp scroll of their achievements. The con, ing of MT. Hanford and Marie DroF- nah has been looked forward to for many months for each of their former visits has assured them of a. welcome on their return. Few of the really gre;is actors of the day journey across the sands of the southwest. except on through tickets, and the few worthy ones who take the trouble and the business chance of the side trips to this city are always met with warm appreciation.
 The advance sale for last nights performance of "The Merchant of Ven ice" was so fattering that at a late hour arrangements were made for q matinee performance yesterday. The train from the south was late and the company did not reach the city until the advertised hour for the matinee Knowledge of the delayed train led many to believe there would be no matinee and the inclemency of the weather also kept many at home who had planned an afternoon of pleasure Nevertheless there was an appreciative though not g large audience at the presentation of that pleasing little comedy, "The Tanning of the Shrew."
 But last evening the Doris opera house was full. Practically every seat was sold and the dozen or so vacant ones were paid for by those who were kept at home by the threatened storm. The performance was entirely satisfac tory and the audience was responsive to every mood and passion depicted from the footlights. MT. Hanford has never appeared better in Phoenix and it can scarcely he conceived that he ever did anywhere else. or that any one else can better please in the interprc- tation of the character of the miserly and revengeful Jew. Though swayed at times by the emotions common t@ all mankind his overriding passions were pictured in all their hideous deV- iltry.
 Miss Drofnah as Portia is equally as deserving of recognition and the char acter she portrays naturally appeals more readily to the sentiments of her auditors. Of striking personal charms and attired in the lavishness of Nene- tian prosperity she is of queenly ap- pearance in her stately apartments. But more appealing is her manner and
 
 learned doctor. she pleads with the heartless Jew for mercy in behalf of Antonio. and still more effective when in the name Of justice and the law she interprets the bond to the Jews undoing. even by the technical provis- ions O.. which he he'd depended.
 Alexander Mackenzie and John NJ. Kline as Antonio and Lorenzo are Eoth well suited to the parts and in their friendly interest and heroic bear ing in the hour of diversity cannot b. denied the plaudits deserving for worf we'll done. while they are also graceful in the lighter scenes of love.
 The other parts are very well sus tained and the comedy features Were given their proper recognition. Espe- cially good were the mock manifesto tions of dignity and difference to the court. designed to lacerate the feelings of the crushed money lender. Miss Blanche Kendall as Jessica was par ticuIarly good in the scene of her fligh- from her fathers house. Altogether 1t was an entertainment that calls for praise, not criticism.