Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-04-08
Belasco.

The appeal of Louis XII is concen-
trated in single character in the title
role It's selection for the opening nights
performance was in effect an announce
ment that the presentations by Mr.. Man
tell will depend on the exploitation OF
some favorite and especial role in each
of the various classic plays listed for the
week. He eentralizes interest in his par
ticular characterization with spotlight in
tensity. This he succeeds in accomplish
ing without undue resort to mechanical
artiice and without subordinating the
work of some very competent players in
his organization beyond their natura
plane. Mr.. Mantelrs portrayals are al
ways strongly marked. This one Is bio
graphical: close study of an eccentric
type. He takes advantage of the fact
that the incidents of the play are TO a
large degree embellishments. rather than
essentials and holds interest firmly and
completely to the one truly sisnihcan'
parsonage of the story. The audience
assembled in the Belasco Theater last
night was representative one whose
manifest appreciation was compliment
to the art of the star and to the finish
of the presentation as whole
Mr. Mantelrs Interpretation of Louis is
bold yet thoughtful. 1T is grotesque, and
at some moments, even when tragedy
and terror are in the air, it invites a
smile by some faint subtle, but unmis.
taxable touch of comedy. This Louis
is not the suave. sardonic and embit.
tered figure that the more poetic and
imaginative might present.
In this interpretation. as IN all MS
others, ii is the strain of common human
ity that Mr.. Mantell seeks to reveal most
clearly. His portrayal shows no moments
of royal dignity or gentle impulse. IL TINS
conception lacks convincing force in any
part ii must be because of the doubt
arising as to whether man of such
small nature in it's every manifestation
could have welded so much power in
statecraft. In emphas sizing the grotesque
to an improbable degree the traits of force
and authority which even so despicable a
monarch must have possessed.
The creation is one OF fascinating in
terest, and the skillful delineation of a
character type stands out like a piece of
modern art in a setting of classical de-
sign.
OF the company, that robust and at
tractive young actor, MIR. Fritz Leiber,
has the most prominent place next to that
of the star. His rendition of the role of
,Nemours had vitality and energy. The
element opposite to him In the love in
terest, supplied by the character of Marie,
was endowed with the charm of youthful
grace by Miss Geneveve Hamper. Other
supporting characters were taken with re-
liable effect. The pictorial element is es-
pecially well taken care Of The cos
tunes are evidentaly of careful historic
design and handsome In material Zach
makeup is study in itself, and every
now and then some figure steps unex-
pectedly from the group and adds a flash
of brief but especial interest.
The scenic equipment for Louis XI is
remarkably liberal. 1t undoubtedly re-
fleets Mr. Mantells declared intention to
give Shakespeare the benefit of all the
stage devices which he would, as q mas
ter of his craft, employ were he a TWEEN
tieth century writer instead of an EliZ-
abethan poet Tonight Macbeth will be
given, followed by Richeiieu tomorrow
afternoon and Othello tomorrow night.