Telegram-herald., 1891-08-15
AnUsEaEyfS.

sAThe President" the new comedy
presented at Powers Grand last night,
has nothing 10 do with the President
OF the United States, or politics, as
some might infer from the title. The
title Is as appropriate as any that
could have beea suggested, for the
action principally involves the ambi-
ton OF a weil rounded parsonage TO
become president OF a mining company.
This iustifies the title, but il gives no
suggestion OF the innocent mirth the
bristling humor and the pure and spon-
taneous comedy which prevails rhss
play In every character and situation.
Ii Is indeed high comedy, for the reason
isms which are becoming almost a
nauseating plague upon the stage to-
day. II bubbles with complications
that follow fast and quick. and the
SAINT merriment from the rise Of the
curtain TO the fall. 1t has
the virtue OF being dainty and
delicate and entirely free from
anything that IL strained or bolster
GUS. The situations are numerous in
which tho identity Of the characters
become confused, but 1t is all brought
about naturally and smoothly and
nothing Is forced. The result or ef-
feet upon the auditors Is therefore one
Of delight, and the offerings OF laugh
ter and applause which filled the thea
ter last night must have certainly
stirred the hopes and expectations
Of Mrs. Maraquita Hewitt, the
authoress, who witnessed the play
from box. This comedy Is sure
OF success and IL Is dis
agreeable circumstance that
enforces consideration OF IL at this
writing to be brief. The company
In par excellence. Frank David plays
Christopher Crockett with the unct-
uousness and eass that Comedian
Crane would, and reminds not lit
tile Of that favorite player. Rita Bu-
chanan seemed to perceive every re-
uuirement OF Helen, and Miss Mamie
Iewald found the role OF Rose Paget,
with airy spirity and congenlality.
Frank Lane could not have done bet
ter as Jack Innet the drummer,
though placed in many entaglements
which demanded alcrtness and quick
perception. O. test on the conscicness
OF any actor. To mention the other
characters would necessitate but the
hamsns, OF the players with words OF
coual praise. The comedy Is truly OF
an excellent order OF merit, not only
In it's construction but in its motive
and act. on and depends upon its life
without the introduction OF extran-
eous incidents and concerts to bolster
II up. 1t IL refined and legitimate,
worthy indeed OF the consideration
and Adoption OF Dr.Augustine DAILY
andy his players. But they even couid
not get any more out OF II than did
the company fast evening. 1t VIII be
repeated this afternoon and evening.
The many admirers and hosts OF
personal friends in this city OF Fred
Pe-ger and Sol Smith Russell will DC
pleased when they read the subjoined
telegram which Manager Berger sent
to the Telegram Herald from Minnea-
polls yesterday: "Onr new play A
Peaceful Valley an emphatic success.
The greatest hit OF Russells career
as a star. It is a beauty. House
packed. All sold ont for balance OF
the engagement"
The play as was stated q few days
ago deals with New England life and
scenes. In IL Mr.. Russell assumes the
character of Hosea Howe, the man OF
the mountains who says what he
means and means what he says. AT the
opening OF the play he Is seen as a
waiter in hotel in the White Noun
tains, earning enough money to pay
his way through college. He meets
there a city girl polished ana opposite
in temperament, whom he falls In love
with. and, Of course, eventually
marries. The villain makes his ap-
pcarance and Hosea Howe's sister be-
comes fascinated with him and Is In
duced to elopc with him. To prove
this marriage and to find his lost sis
ter. supply the play with powerful
dramatic interest. Throughout the
three nets Hosea devotes himself to
the discovery OF his sister, the betrayal
of the villain, besides finding time to
give some attention In mis- quaint droll
way 70 the girl who won his heart at
the hotel In the mountains.
There never was a season In the
history OF American theatrical enter
priscs when so much attention was
given to newspaper work as given at
the present time, and the fact Is gem
orally conceded that theater-goers are
governed moro by the announcements
made in the newspapers than by all
the billboard and photographic work
cmployed.-Dunlop's Stage News.
Nevertheless though this statement
be eminently true, there are managers
here in Michigan so short-sighted as
To feel that they patronize the papers
under compulsion and merely rs n mat
ter OF policy.
The box office at Redmond's Is open
ang seats may BE- ordeed for any OF
the Reilly performances mex tweek.
Those who intend to attend the open
ing Monday evening viii be wise II
they reserve their seats early.
II is now reported that f. ID. Price
will again try TO manage that I'M
govsrnable crank. Richard Mansfield.
No suaslon, policy or argument can
manage this bumptious aud arrogent
player. The only way TO gain vantage
oi hIs obstinacy is to knock him sense
less with club.
W. J. Florence. who has been spend
ing the summer abroad with his Vile.