The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1918-02-08
ADJUSTMENTS
Mantell as King Lear


Lear, King of England. MIR. Mantell
Earl sof Gloster. Mr.. Frank Peters
Earl of Kent 80. Mr., Albert Barrett
luke of Cornwall... Mr.. John Wray
Edmund. bastard son to Gloster..
Mr.. John Burke
Duke of Albany. Mr.. John Alexander
Curan, courtier. .................. IN
.......... Mr.. Franklin Salisbury
Duke of Burgundy Mr.. Abraham Ivory
King of France. Mr.. John Fritz
Edgar, son to Gloster. Mr.. Fritz Leiber
Oswald, steward to Goneril. ...-...
................M Mr.. Edward Levers
A Fool ........ Mr. Guy Lindsey
An Old Man, Gloster's Tenant.
Mr.. Edwin Foos
A Physician ...- Mr.. Charles Warfield
Herald ....5... Mr.. George Westlake
Lear's Daughters:
Goneril. Miss Genevieve Reynolds
Regan. Miss Virginia Bronson
Cordelia. Miss Genevieve Hamper
Robert Mantell and his excellent
company presented the tragedy of
king Lear" at the Jefferson theatre
last night before another large au-
dicnce which was enthralled by the
stars graphic portrayal of the grief
stricken and outraged monarch,
spurned by his daughters to whom he
had given his kingdom and turned out
to face the elements with forlorn
companions whose state was as sorry
as his own.
Mr.. Mantel1 is superb as Lear The
role is conceded to be one of the
greatest in his repertoire and one
which has added materially to his
fame as the foremost Shakespearean
actor OF his time. There is no one
living who can equal him in this char
acter and 1t is doubtful il he ever
had peer who could give SO power
full and moving a presentment Of sor-
rows that shatter reason and break a
stalwart soul
Lear affords Mr. Mantell opportu-
mites to reveal his Intellectual grasp
OF Shakespeare, his remarkable ner-
vous energy and his mastery of the
histrionic art. He sounds the very
depths of woe and runs the gamut
OF human emotions, from buffoonerv
tc maniacal grief and profound des-
pair. His curse on Goneril was deliv-
cred with splendid effect, his attach
mcnt to his loyal fool was touching
in the extreme and in his utter
wretchedness, with no shelter from
the storm that beat upon his e.rav
hairs, he was the Embodiment Of great
ness fallen from the highest station
to the lowest. His performance was
in all respects tremendously impress
sive and infused with pathos.
The company, as usual, gave adj
mirable support. Miss Genevieve Rev
nolds as Goneril was particularly well
cast. She impersonated with rare per-
suasiveness the evil daughter who is
chiefly responsible for Lear's misfor
tune Miss Virginia Bronson played the
less forceful but equally culpable Re-
gan with ability. while Miss Genevieva
Hampers youth and beauty combined
with her gifts as an actress made OF
Cordelia an appealing figure in the
play. Guy Lindsey deserves especial,
" to be praised for his notable Inn
personation of the fool. 1t was finely
done. Fritz Leiber as Edgar, and John
Burke as Edmund, sons to the Duke
Of Gloster. acquitted themselves well
III these parts. Mr.. Leiber, who has
been member of Mr.. ManteIls COM
pany for years. Is an actor OF unusual
attachments and shines, no matter
what role he essays.
Edward Levers was the offfcious
but cowardly Oswald. Gonerirs stew
ard who fares i'll at the hands Of
rugged Kent, and Albert Barrett gave
to that character the distinction il
merits.
At the matinee yesterday Mr.. Man
tell presented "RicheIieu,'' another
drama in which he has won lasting
fame. The performance was worthy 81
the star and his associates.
The offering tonight will be Mac
BETH.
Twin Beds
Salisbury Field and Margaret Mayo's
brilliant comedy. Twin Beds" apply
described as sMirth's Marathon WIN
ner.'' win come to che Jefferson Mon
day and Wednesday. matinees both