THE CRIMSON PLAYGOER

It would be a distinct oversight if no mention of Robert Mantell's production of "Richelieu" appeared in these columns. With the possible exception of Mr. Hampden's "Hamlet," we venture to say that no more artistic performance has been seen in Boston this season. And, wonderful to relate, Mr. Mantell and his company played to an adequate audience!

It is unfortunate that Mr. Mantell has given only two performances of this remarkable play during his present engagement. It is still more unfortunate that the last performance has already been given. It is the triumph of his extensive repertoire; a part in which he, personally, equals the greatest of our classical actors. He looks the part to perfection and his acting is remarkable for the quiet dignity and pathetic grandeur with which he so vividly portrays Bulwer-Lytton's conception of the greatest prime minister of history.

Mr. Mantell's support is unusually talented. The beauty and charming simplicity of Miss Hamper are no less delightful than the restraint and delicacy of her acting. For a repertory company, the scenery, too, is extraordinary, both for its freshness and the artistic conception of the settings.

Mr. Mantell and his company are inestimably valuable in the American theatre. If we are inclined to criticise rather severely some of his Shakespearean performances, there can be nothing but praise for his "Richelieu." We can only hope that he will return to Boston in the fall, and that on his next engagement he will give us more than two nights when we may forget so completely the age in which we live.