The Salt Lake herald-Republican. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1909-1918, 1910-02-02
SALT LAKE THEATRE.

The second night of the present sea-
son of Shakespearean drama saw an
unrivaled production of Louis XII" by
Robert Mantell ana his superb company
of players. That all of Salt Lake did
not crowd the theatre TO the doors is
an unfavorable commentary on the
taste of playgoers in this city. There
is the explanation that the genius OF
the man in our midst is not fully real
lied. Witnessing one of his mastery
delineaIions aWakenS the spectator 10
a knowledge of his greatness, but since
as many think the public taste has been
corrupted by everyday theatrlcaIs,
there are those who Will not venture
the first performance. 1t is early In
the week, six performances remain OF
the series, and no doubt TO the credlt
OF the city there will be shown heart
lest appreciation of the prodlgal rich
ness of these presentations. Convinced
that genius, combined with an unspar-
ing expenditure OF money and art are
offered, there will be nothing lacking
tn the warmth of the response, for II
must be true that the best is none too
good for the people of Salt Lake.
Only the cOnsummate perfection of
his art could so have altered the man
who appeared as the great Macbeth
that he could portray the lean, under
sized, decrepit king of last nights pro-
duction. The change was startling, and
even those wholly familiar with his
marvellous powers failed TO recognize
Mr.. Manten in his first appearance as
Louis XII Feeble, shaking as with
palsy, bent and broken, there would
seem to be little enough LETT OF the
king to make q great character STUDY,
but il is the indOmitable will of this
wicked old monarch, with his firm
grasp on the reinS of government, even
IN his death agony, that gives scope
for the actors art. Mr.. Manteu real
ICES for his audience the character OF
this king, as told in the drama and IN
history, TO the utmost. Whatever or
UnTeality the lesser representations
conveyed there was the living presence
of the old king, out of whose influence
the spectators did not arouse them
selves until the final fall OF the cur
tain. Tomorrow and tomorrow night
there Will be the youth Romeo and mad
Lear and all OF the great dramatic
creations. but no stronger contrast will
be seen than that afforded by the TWO
smDersOnatiOns already seen OF Mac
pbeth and King Louis.
Louis III" is an historical drama
by Cashier Delavigne. It was written
IN 1892, and is said to have been
founded on Sir Walter Scotts novel
Quentin Durward. The story is that
of the last days Of Louis. 1t is con-
Cerned remotely, with the wars OF
Louis of France and Charles the Bold
of Burgundy. The Due de NemOurs,
political exile, braves the dangers OF
a return 10 France for purposes or re-
Nenge and to see his sweetheart, lady
of the court. Louis attempts to cor
rupt the envoy, but by trick learns
OF his identity from the lhuE anu OIuSl ,
his death. NemOurs COrceals himself
in the kings bedChamber and attempts
his assassination, but lacks heart for
the deed. The king falls into a con-
VulsiOn which is the fOrerunner Of
death. The last act, the death of Louis,
IS one of the most impressive ever pre-
scented on any stage. Out OF character,
perhaps. was the death bed repentance,
but wholly in keeping with it is the
dauntless determination of the dying
king to live for a final revenge.
Fritz Leiber came out. strong in the
character of NemOurs. He is Mr.. Man
tells leading man, and firmly estab-
lished himself in favor by his superior
Interpretation of the character of the
noble duke. With Miss Russell, who
again appeared to excellent advantage,
Mr. Leiber shared in the curtain calls
given Mr. Mantell, and the three were
many times forced to bow their ac-
knowled gements Of the warm appre-
citation of the audience.
There is a charming dance Of peas
ants in the second act that affords a
delightful touch Of relief TO the more
serious episodes Of the play. There Is
q magnificent setting for each act, and
there is a large company of skilltUl
PLAYERS, all of which combine TO make
this play superior from every point OF
view.