Birmingham age-herald., 1895-03-05
THINGS DRAMATIC.

James A. Herne's 'sShore Acres,' one of the purest and most beautiful of Amer. ican dramas, which was presented at O'Brien's opera house at matinee yester- day and last night, was rapturously re- ceived by most enthusiastic audiences. While the size of both houses was not what it should have been, the produc- ton was received with more applause and appreciation than any play of the kind during the present season. No play of this type has ever made better impression upon Birmingham audience, "The Old Homestead'' not excepted.
 MT. Herne has drawn his characters true to American life, and has placed them so carefully that defect can hardly. be found. The play is perfect, and, besides, is grand, and the story, while simple, is none the less effective. Its characters are all clear, and while quaint, are ingenious, as well as commanding, while the climaxes are magnificent to say the least. It has moral that is as pure as the sweetest thought of a vestal virgin. Everything is so realistic and natural that an audience of laughter is turned to one of tears. Ludi- crous scenes are followed by pathetic ones that are almost irresistible, because they are so true and real.
 Besides the play itself being one grand piece of mortal man's work, 1t was pre- seuted by cast of able performers. Charles G. Craig's Nathaniel Berry was as true and real as ever the author intended, and many times did he receive hearty applause from rapturous audience. James Lackaye as Martin Berry showed well his ability as an actor and received plenty of well-merited applause, W hile Ed J. ConnalIy made ludicrous Joel Gates.
 Miss Caroline Franklin as Helen Berry, tn heroine, played well her part and made several hits, while the others were well adapted to their respective parts.
 h addition it may be said that If a return date were played O'Brien's opera house would be packed 10 it's utmost capacity.
 SALvINI.
 Alexander Salviui and the old, fascinat- ing, exhilarating drama of action, sturdy heroes and romantic heroines, will once more be in evidence tomorrow night. Dur ing his short season local theater- goers will have a welcome rest from the rather morbid trend ofsthe modern drama; real ism and commonplace will alike be tabooed, and in place thereof they will be able to live for awhile in that intense life of imagination, of golden fiction, presided over by such literary giants as D'Ennery and Dumas. Whether this department of the drama has greater power for good or usefulness may possibly be open to dIscus- sion, but that 1t contains the more crys- talized clements of entertainment and di- version will be questioned by none.
 Salvini is among the very few who can infuse any naturalism Into these seemingly preposterous characters, and there are those who can readily conceive from his convincing earnestness and native enthusi. asm that there really was time when men fought like fends, yet bragged like cowards when they feared the scorn of woman's eyes more than the tortures of the inquIsition. It is different world in which 5alvini has proved himself so able guide-a world where human motives are very similar, though very differently ex- pressed. The clash of swords in mimic fray, the shouting of manly voices and the wooing of passionate lovers, though per haps out of tune with the materialism of the hour, has a sufficient charm for the play-goer to make him muffle his ears for the nonce against the snort of the steam engine and the rumble of the electric car.