Friday, February 3, 2012

The News For Parrots ~ Guess Who's Crazy For Dinner


"The System of Dr. Tarr," a humorous treatment of Poe's story (a more gruesome version of which terrified Parisian audiences last season) scored an immediate success. Some of the critics deplored the fact that the misfortunes of the mentally afflicted should be made an occasion for mirth, but it. was generally conceded that the laughter-compelling qualities of the piece far outweighed its objectionable features. The truth is that the audience was amused less by the queer actions of Dr. Tarr and his eccentric associates as by the panicky terror of the investigating Senator who is compelled to sup with the lunatics against his will. As Dr. Tarr, the leader of the lunatics, Mr. Keenan presented a masterly characterization, studied and complete in every little detail. The part will be remembered as among the best this actor has essayed. He had capital support from George Richards, who impersonated the visiting Senator with delightful unction and humor and from Wright Kramer, who scored a well deserved hit as the eccentric Professor Fether. Miss Fontaine filled with intelligence and ingenuous charm the role of Miss Salasette.


Andre Antoine founder of  Theatre Antoine in Paris just as he appeared recently in the role of King Lear.

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