The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-06

New York, February 5.-(Special.)-
twelfth Night" Shakespeare's most de-
lightful comedy was the second produe-
ton of that ancient bard to be attempt
ed at the New theatre, New Yorks $1,000
600 playhouse. AS whole, the perform
ance was a good one-far better than
the production of Antony and Cleo
patra," which marked the opening OK this
theatre. The principals, of course, shaped
up poorly when compared with some of
the histrionic giants who have essayed
the roles of Viola and the l0ve-sick Nal
volio. But the cast was on the whole,
excellent. and In magnihcence of the
stage settings. E. Hamilton Bell the arr
director, excelled all his previous efforts
Annie Russell made her first appearance
as Viola, and while she has met with
considerable success in several Shakes
pearian roles, this character was Who'll
ly unsuited to her Temperament. She
is, above all things, womanly, and this
fact was only too clearly emphasized
When she appeared as the masquerading
Chesario. Oswald Yorke played Malvolio,
and by so doing proved conclusively that
he Is entirely too small for the part He
gave a studied performance, but there
was very little of the Elizabethan quail
ty to 1t.
Two delightful assets. however, were
Louis Calvert and Ferdinand Gottschald,
who essayed the roles of Sir Toby Belch
and Andrew Aguecheek, respectively. Mr.
Calvert gave a masterful Interpretation
of the genuine Elizabethan brawler and
in the duel scene and the drinking bout
lie and MIR. Cottschalk were exceedingly
funny and evoked genuine applause.
Matheson Lang was the handsome duke
and while his reading of the poets verse
possessed certain dignity, it lacked
eloauence. Miss Jessie Busley made q
sprightly and mischevous Maria, but as
Olivia, Miss Leah Bateman-Hunter was
not a success. This is no doubt due
LARGELY to her age, as she is probably the
youngest actress who ever attempted thlS
rather difficult role.
Youth is acknowledged to be the most
enviable period of our existence and its
toys have been sung by the poets from
time !mmeinorial Few there are who
would not exchange their wisdom
wrinkles and gray hairs for the raven
tDcks and glowing cheeks, even though
they go hand in hand with folly
But we must admit that even youth has
Its disadvantages and Miss Billie
Burke, that charming little comedlenne
should have realized before she attempt
ed to essay the role of 35-year-old
widow In W. Somerset Maughan's COM
edy, Mrs. Dot" which Is being pro
duced at the Lyceum theatre Miss
Burke made beautiful and charming
heroine, but she lacked that most import
Init quality-experience- make her per
Torrance success.
The vehicle itself was amusing but
lacked strength, and its long run on the
other side of the water was no doubt duo
10 the charming personality OF Miss Marie
tempest who played the title role.
Mrs. Dot is the widow Of wealthy
London brewer, whose real name Is
Morthley; the nickname having beer
kiven her by her intimate friends, owing
10 the comfortable fortune that she in
herited at her husbands death. She is &
popular society lady, and has reputa'
ton for being outspoken. Consequently
when she falls in love with Gerald Hal
ttane he hastens matters by proposing
% him, but is Mortified to learn that the
object of her affections is already engaged