Los Angeles herald., 1891-10-02
ADJUSTMENTS.
PEACEFUL VALLEY.

n
PHYLLIS Howe............. Mr.. Marion Lester
Martha Howe .......... Miss Lillian Chaniore
Mrs. Ferris. Mrs. George Stevens
Dotty Ferris .. ...... Llule Haze Chapple
Maid 49,. ..............M Miss Kate Reynolds
Mr.. Kidder would probably be sngered
and Mr.. Hoyt would be amused to hear
it said that Peaceful Valley was in any
way suggestive OF A Hole in the Ground
or A Tin Soldier, yet such is the case in
one feature, and that the distinguishing
feature in the works of both men-a
dotting of a series of conventionaliy
dramatic incidents with bits of everyday
life, Photographic in the impression
they make of realism. 1t is not intend
ed to convey any idea that Mr.. Russel's
play has any ong-and-dance-black- stock
inged girls in it, for it is a most
delightful legitimate comedy; but in its
development of character its author
treats its subject rather from the point
of view of the close observer of nature,
than from that of the playwright tied
down to close observance of old-time
stage traditions. ~
The motif of the play is far from new,
the characters are all old acquaintance
from the utility man to the lead, but the
methods and manners used are refresh
ing.
Mr.. Russell, in his work in this play,
establishes his position as belonging
among the greater actors OF the day; he
properly can be rated with Mr.. Jefferson
or Mr.. Florence. The role OF Hosea
Howe is similar to Mr.. Russell's part in
A Poor Relation-that OF gentle ma
tured, unsophisticated, quaint man, en-
bowed with an extraordinary amount OF
benevolence and sympathy, but by no
means stupid, unmanly or oppress-
lively goody-goodv. He has the
faculty of apparently making himself
for the time the character he plays, SO
easy, smooth and naturally does he use
his art.
In very witty little speech he made
last evening in response to call, Mr..
Russell said be was glad that methods
characterized by simplicity were being
appreciated, as against the more violent
success of ''shock and sensation" To
the eye of the spectator, nothing easier,
more simple than Mr.. Russell's work
can be imagined, and it is true that it is
entirely devoid of sensationalism or the
dramatic dynamic force of shock, but it
is equally true that to one at all familiar
with the requirements of the actors
art, Mr.. Russell's work has the perfec-
ton of simplicity because he has mas
tered, and plays with, all the compile
Gated, elusive, almost intangible details
of his art as only master can.
The play sparkles with glistening tear
drops and dazzling smiles throughout.
1t warns the cookies of the coolest,
most world-worn hearts. AS the cur
tain falls and you pass out from the
unreal of the stage to the real of every-
day life your sensibilities will be soft
ened, you will feel better for having
been there, and your charity for poor hu-
mainly will be broadened and strength
ened.
The supporting company is we'll
chosen, as a rule. In some instances
there is a decided deficiency, which is
accumulated by some awkward situa-
tions in the play. What faults there
are can, however, be lightly touched on.
They are not obtrusively apparent to
the general theater-goer, and the per-
Torrance as a whole is SO satisfactory
so high in effect and in excellence, that
fault-fnding in regard to details would
be inexcusable except from dyspeptic
point OF view.
NV
On Sunday, October 4th, German
dramatic season will be opened at the
Los Angeles theater. 1t will consist OF
eighteen standard German plays, the
first of the series being Mein Leopold
a drama, with musical parts, which in
its different versions has become known
to all the world. Thus, in its English
translation, Bearer Than Life, the drama
was played over 1900 nights in London,
where its run extended over three years,
The selection for the inaugural produc.
ton is very happy one.
In Mein Leopold is portrayed ques-
ton which is of interest to every family.
namely, the education of children, A
shoemaker, who has gained considerable
wealth, devotes his every aim in life to
the education of his son. He gives the
latter every educational advantage, but
at the same time carelessly overlooks
the designations of the young man,
whom he thereby encourages in ali
kinds of excuses. Thus the fortune
which was boarded by great economy
and hard work is wasted by the old
mans selfish progeny.
Yet, the father is SO devoted to
the spoiled son, that he neglects his
noble minded daughter, and eventually
banishes her from home because she
has deigned to accept the attentions Of
an honest working man. The conse-
quence of all these influences is that
Leopold, the son, deteriorates in his
character. ends with forging q chenue