The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-09-29
For The S1tilrdnu Trib nne.

For the Saturday Tribune,
From all accounts Roland Reed has
never before had a play with such
good opportunities for the display of
his peculiar abilities as an actor as are
supplied in his new comedy, "The Poll
tician," produced for the first time in
Detroit few days ago. The play is
from the expert pen Of Sydney Rosen-
field, who frankly Acknowledges his in
debtedness to the late David d. Lloyd's
inimitable political comedy, "For
Congress-" made notable by the late
John II. Raymond. Raymond and
Reed have frequently been compared;
and in "The Politician" Reed reaches
q plane of comedy which not only
fully establishes him as the peer of
his distinguished predecessor, but also
justities his being ranked among the
very foremost Of English speaking,
living comedians. Concerning Mr..
Reeds "Grst night the Detroit Even
ing News says: "trhe play proved an
immediate and unmistakable success.
Mr.. Reed and other members Of the
company were repeatedly called before
the curtain, and at the end of the first
and third acts Mr.. Reed was obliged
to make speeches before the audience
were satisfied.
"The story deals with the machina-
tions of General Josiah Timber, a
scheming politician, who hits upon
Peter Wooley as compromise candi-
date for congress. Wooley is anything
but politician. He is rich, satisfied
with his manner Of life, thoroughly
domestic, and loves his home and his
garden patch. But Timber gets the
women on his side, and fully persuades
Wooley to let his name be used 1t
is used in the most lurid and band
wagon style. The interest eliminates
in the third act, which represents the
ante-room of the convention hall.
Timber works like a horse and carries
the day, Wooley being declared the
nominee. The lover of Wooleys
daughter is nominated by the other
side, which causes their engagement
broken, and Timber falls in love with
WOoley's neice, while her aunt sets
her cap for Timber. All these compli-
cations are Strengthened out in the last
act, which takes place in the dining
room in Wooley's residence, where
election returns are received. 'The
Politician has strong flavor of John
II. Raymond's For Congress- but a
good deal of original material has been
introduced by Mr.. Rosenfeld and the
performance goes with a rush-indeed,
literally so, for charming Miss Isadore
Rush is Mr.. Reeds leading support
and has very entertaining character
in Wooley's strong minded niece.
Same bill all the week."
The part assumed by Miss Rush is q
travesty upon emancipated woman.
She costumes herself after the fashion
of the Twentieth century woman of
advanced views, and in this role has
opportunities for daring and original
comedy work not surpassed in any
role with which Scranton playgoers are
familiar. In addition to the fact that
Roland Reed is prime favorite in this
city, and that Miss Rush, u former
resident of Wilkes-Barre, has always
the active interest and sympathy of
Scranton audiences, their presentation
of "The Politician at the Academy
of Music next Wednesday night will
prove dOubly attractive because'it is
for the benefit Of the Scranton Lodge
of Elks. After the performance, Mr..
Reed and company will be properly
entertained at the Elks' club rooms on
Franklin avenue and gala dramatic
and social occasion may be confidently
anticipated.
Owen D. Jones arrived in Wilkes
Barre last week. He is to go out un.
der the management of H. B. Mann,
of the Arch Street theater Philadel-
phia, and he and Miss Fairbrother,
who was recently seen here in erich
ard III,n will be jointly starred.
They will have repertoire of Shakes
pearean plays, and will probably play
the Observation-Disclosures circuit in Oc-
tober. Mr.. Jones will put in the next
two weeks in study at his home in
Wilkes-Barre.
Joseph Ransome, Frank Harrington
and Thomas l.. Diggens have organ
lied a strong company in New York,
which, as soon as it can be thoroughly
rehearsed and printing provided, will
take the road. 1t will play only three
night and week stands. The roper
toire will include "Monte Cristo,n LA
Belle Russo" ""Woman's Temptation, p
celebrated Case,p Lied Astrayn and
one or two others which have not yet
been decided upon. Mr. Ransome will
be pleasantly remembered in connec-
ton with the recent performances of
"Richard IN in this city and Pitts
ton, and Mr.. Harrington was leading
man in d. l.. Hart's "Underground,n y
appearing in the character of Tom
Dawson. His abilities are too well
known to need further recommends
tion. The company is to play the Wy
oming and Lackawanna valleys Mr..
Diggens will be general manager.
The company secured for the pro-
duction of Bronson Howard's greatest
success, "Young Mrs. Winthrop" in
cludes Collin Kemper, late of Au.
gustin Daly's New York and London
company; Miss Lansing Rowan, for
merly with the original "Dr. Bill"
company and with Charles Dickson
Miss Lillian Schovelin, an attractive
and interesting young actress who
starred last year in repertoire Of old
English comedies; Miss Una Abel,
for five years leading lady with Mile.
Rhea; the veteran Robert McWade,
Enrol Dunbar, William Hunt and
Mrs. Annie Mortimer, wife Of Gus
Mortimer.
Willard Sponsors great comic opera
| pOmpanv (nrohahly tho mnSt avnan