The daily sentinel., 1908-04-07

Each year for many years Charles
a. Hanford, easily one of the leading
eSsakespearean actors of the past
gsarter of a century, has been COM
scs to Grand Junction, and his long
sRsstes of annual engagements in this
IEky have been characterized by a
zznnilar series of magnificent audi
s1ees that have filled the old Park
Sgera house to the doors. The ever
keen interest dn the annual visit of
5ir- Hanford. the ever great demand
8rr seats, goes far toward proving
Eszt the lovers of the best there is
IN. theatricals never tire of Mr.. Han
Gsgd and recognize in him an actor
1f ability and brilliancy. That which
IS said of Grand functions relations
IN DIR. Hanford may be said of scores
NJ other cities relation to Mr.. Han
zsTh- Each successive season adds
Hsp strength to his triumphs and
seS legions to his admirers
last night there was not vacant
seat in the Park opera house and
sGany sought seats who were unable
To secure them. 1t was a truly rep
gesentative audience.
The curtain of the past was raised
ae Mr. Hanford and his company,
sns1 old Egypt and ancient Rome
.s<szre again into being as the players
zrlEoIded in all its details, beauty
asd strength that marvellous story
sf war and love related by the bard
NJ Avon.
During the five acts and many
more separate scenes of the mighty
tragedy, the audience was most at
seltive and responsive. Apprecia-
sSon of the very excellent portrayal
r0& delineation of Antony and Gle
vpatra" was at all times in evil
Sence.
While many did not regard Mr..
Anuford at his best last night. as
rrmpared with his work in some of
the other Shakespearean plays he
a1s brought to the city in the past,
rshers believed that he reached su-
pczfor heights din some of the situa-
lions last night. All agree that It
Nas mastery portrayal of the
great warrior and passionate lover,
Marc Antony. Some did not like
Ais Marc Antony of last night as
xeiI as they liked his Marc Antony
m his production of Julius Caesar
ass season. 1t was the same Marc
Antony; but perhaps the possiblli-
ties are a little stronger In Julius
Caesar" However, it was Hanford
al old. His delivery was almost per-
feet as usual. He gave the role a
noble Interpretation, as he gives all
roles he assumes. In every one of
.ne great scenes he was worthy of
shskespeare's noble Roman. He
melted his personality into the part.
Rsnford is always natural In his
work, and he gives his roles ideal in
expectations. There is never any
Esmblance of ranting when he reads
the lines and undue affectation he
pats aside. Hanford has long de-
served his reputation as brilliant
L successful Shakespearean actor.
Miss Alice Wilson, starring with
Slr- Hanford this season, was seen
Acre for the first time last night, II
II was Miss Wilson who assumed the
role. She is a beautiful young wom-
en- and really clever actress, but
there was one or two things lacking
fu make her the ideal Cleopatra, the
queen of the Nile, for whose love
Antony had sacrificed his ambitions
and his great power. She was hard
" tall and commanding or voluptu-
avs enough for Cleopatra. as Shakes
eeare pictures her. and her natural
sweetness of disposition and gentle
acss of bearing at times gave the
cleopatra of last night gentleness
Is some of the stormy scenes that the
Cleopatra of history, from all ac-
sounts, did not possess. However,
these things are more or mere ply
sieaI nature and the young lady
sOyIiness of personality, her queenly
soaring, her perfect grace and her