Waterbury evening Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1887-1895, 1894-01-19

MISS KATHERINE FLORENCE.
"Our Country Cousins" Would be a success
It is true that the piece may be compare
lively good money winner. although that is
excessively doubtfu&, but even if it should
be, it cannot fail to affect Mr.. Potter's rep
utation injuriously. A great many shrewd
managers who saw David Belasco's play,
1.-THE Younger Son." were of the opinion
that it would make money, but both the
manager Of the Empire theater and the au-
thor, David Belasco, realized that the
longer the play might live the more harm
it would do them eventually, and SO they
withdrew it.
This policy, of course, may not be adopt
ed in the case of ''Our Country Cousins
more's the pity. Paul Potter is apt to sur
prise US all some day with the much talked
of and long looked for great American
play" His Sheridan" showed that hiscon-
structive talent is as great as his literary
ability, and it seems too bad that we shall
always be obliged to have with us the night
marish recollection of this great big black
blot on his playwriting career.
The plot of ''Our Country Cousins" is un-
important. The main theme is of will
left by an Australian, by which the income
of all his vast estate is bequeathed to a rel
alive as long as he shall remain happily
married. In case he and his wife should
separate, however. the property is to go to
certain other relatives. The play starts
somewhat promisingly, but there is quick
letdown. Mr.. Potter has made the very
great and also unusual mistake of having
too many complications. In most plays
there are not enough. The interest of the
auditor is not held by Our Country Cous-
ins3 for mora than few moments af n
time. The little side issues distracb one
horribly and detract from whatever merit
the main incidents might possess. Then,
too, there are many absurdly exaggerated
speeches and situations so very improbable
that it is impossible for them to carry con-
viction even on the stage. There are lots
of good lines in Our Country Cousins" and
one comedy character, Page Leroy, a young
man who is constantly taking medicine and
exercise, is particularly good. Jerome Lee
roy, his father, Virginian, is very hui
morous character who is very fond of his
ancestry and good liquor, but, is bur-
lesque. Perhaps it may even rise to the dig
nifty of satire. Under no circumstances,
however, could it be considered a type. Mr..
Potter has taken too many liberties with
it. He has gone too far. This is also the
case with the character of Mrs. Captain
wilkins, sort of female Captain Cutie,
who might be possible in light comic opera,
but not in serious play.
Georgia Cayvan of course played the
part of the heroine, Garda Leroy. Her
work does not change much. She is the
same Georgia Cayvan who used to disport
herself on the stage of the Madison Square
theater during its paimy days. Strange to
say, Herbert Kelley was not her husband
in "Our Country Cousins" That role was
assigned to e. j. Radcliffe. w. J. LIE
Moyne, as the aristocratic old Virginian,
contributed an excellent bit of character
acting, but the hits of the piece were made
by Fritz Williams and Katherine Florence,
the former as Page Leroy, the man who
has the penchant for medicine and exercise,
and the latter as Vivian Grey, the niece of
the female Cape Colder. These are two
young actors who are certain to get to the
top of the ladder if they live and keep on
as they have begun. Mr.. Williams work
Is well known throughout the whole coun-
try as one of the principal members of the
Lyceum theater stock company, but Miss
Florence's name is not familiar to most
theater goers, and but little is known of
her career except in the Electrically satu-
rated circles.
Katherine Florence Rogers is sweet,
spirituelle looking girl who is not yet near
ly out of her teens. She was born in Eng
land, but has been in this country since
she was years old. She comes of a well
known theatrical family, and it is there
fore not surprising that she should be pos
sessed of marked histrionic ability. The
first prediction for her future success was
made by prominent Boston writer while
she was member of Charles Matthews
H.. rl,S 1eI, bod
a sort of friendly rival that excellent in
genue, Jane Stuart. Miss Florences next
Important engagement was with Charles
Frohman's stock company, in which she
created the character of Fawn, the Indian
maiden. This was a beautiful piece of
work and so strongly impressed the man.
ager of the Lyceum theater that he imme-
diately offered her contract. She accepted
and since then has made rapid strides and
has already become q warm fayorite in this
city.
Miss Florcnce's only professional sister is
Eleanor Moretti. There are also two girls
who arc not on the stage-Lily and Violet
the former older and the latter younger
than Katherine. These are the housekeep-
ers Of the happy little family. Perhaps the
role of which Miss Florence was most fond
was Mabel Denmau in 1.-THE Senator" in
which she won praise from the dramatic
critics as we'll as that keen judge Of good
acting and excellent player. William 81.
Crane.
The charm of Miss Florence's method
lies In its absolute naturalness Every
thing she does seems to have soul In it, and
in her hands a character, II it be not too
greatly overdrawn, becomes q living,
breathing being. She will easily be recog
nized as one of the very best ingenues in
America within q very short time.
Signor Perugini. who In private life Is
John Chatterton, and who about the mid
die of March will become Lillian Russelrs
third husband, is charming fellow of
the stage. He Is man of particularly cor
rect habits, too, the only serious offense
which he has ever committed, so far as
know, being that he was the original Co
lumbus In Barnett g. Pfueger's monstros-
ity. 's1493." Chatterton is said to be rather
deaf. and many interesting stories, most OF
which are perhaps untrue. are told OF the
ludicrous mistakes brought about by his
infrmity. He Is fine looking man not
yet past the prime OF life-he is about A.
and 10 said to possess good deal OF the
business acumen which has made his
brother, Charlie Chatterton, an invaluable
aid to that Brialrus OF theatrical mana
gers, Henry e. Abbey. JOHN has n good
voice and In really an excellent actor.
combination which,. though particularly
asaizable IL phsasnasnally rare RswadAyR,