The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-12-25

ISccnc IN "Ine frOulgnl rHtntr.
demned in a mild vanilla and cream sort OF
way by some Of the critics nearly oil seemed
TO be Of the opinion that the engagement
would be successful. Now several OF these
samo critics slate THE Prodigal Father" at
present running at the Broadway theater.
These facts and several others have caused
me to consider the criticisms Of the New
York press as lacking either In ability, sin
cerity or freedom from bias.
1t seemed to me beyond the possibilities
that Little Miss Million" "A Test Case"
or Mrs. Bernard Beere could succeed. a
tyro could have seen that just as plainly as
a dramatic critic, and yet men who receive
good salaries, presumably for their special
knowledge of theatricals, either did not or
would not see it.
On the other hand, 1.-THE Prodigal Fa-
Their" which has been so roundly abused
and so sneerinely alluded to, | found to ne
a particularly clever farce, and it is almost
impossible to believed that it is, IA announced,
the first effort at dramatic writing OF the
author, Mr.. Mac Donough. There are OF
course some defects in the play, just as there
are ia all dramatic compositions, but the
general fun plot is far ahead Of the average
Bisson-Carre farce, for which certain Amer
lean managers uucomplainingly pay high
prices.
Had Mr.. John Drew made his debut as a
star in a farce as funny US 1.-The Prodigal
Father a great many people would have
been attracted by the play who have only
gone to the theater to see Mr.. Drew. Even
il Mr.. Mac DonOugh's lines were not bright
throughout, which they are, his play would
still be very funny, for the humor is legiti
mately brought about, as it should be in
farce, by situation and suggestion. In most
cases after the plot develops the mere en-
trance Of a character brings a laugh before
a word has been spoken. The plot OF THE
Prodigal Father" has already been given.
Mr.. Mac Donough's future work will be
worth watching. | shall be greatly mis-
taken if his name be not found high up on
| the roll of American dramatists before the
ushering in of the Twentieth century, seven
years hence.
Mr.. +. S. Willard has made secure his
place in the affections Of the New York
public. He has been seen here In heavy
melodramatic roles, and his venture int
comedy and semicomedy, as represented by
my Wife's Dentist" a curtain raiser. and
"a Fools Paradise" alias The Mouse
trap" an ex-failure, demonstrates that he
possesses great versatility.
1t is alleged hat Mr.. Willard's portrayal
Of the principal role in MY Wife's Den
| tist' appeared TO be wanting in sincerity.
The art was perfect, there was plenty of ear
nestness, but there was noneof that floss OF
self" which is an actors greatest charm.
In "A FOOLS Paradise" however, 1t was
different. In that he was practically per
feet, and the applause which he received
was in the nature of genuine enthusiasm.
Miss Marie Burroughs was seen To better
advantage than in any role she has had
since she Joined Mr.. Willard. This charm
ing actress, who has been fayorably known
to American thester goers for several years,
has lost none of her naturalness, while she
has improved in method decidedly. Miss
Burroughs is undoubtedly one Of the most
competent leading women on the American
stage.
The novelties Of the week nave been few.
At Herrmann's theater Marion Manola, the
lady who once objected to having her pho