The herald., 1896-06-14

several likely people. Among those who
predicted its ultimate success were Man
ayers Augustus Harty and Augustus
Pitou and actors Robert Hilliard and
Nat Goodwin.
"The original title was Christopher.
Jr. Then the Junior Partner was SUBJ
stituted. Mr.. Charles Frohman, how
ever, produced a play under this title,
and this necessitated going back to the
old name. About two years ago Mr..
Daniel Frohman again sent for the MS,
saying that he thought he could place it
with his brother. Once more arrange
ments were made by which the play
could be held for another year. The con-
tract signed, I went to London, and had
scarcely arrived when I received the
startling intelligence that the piece had
actually been put on for trial in Wilkes
barre. Both Mr.. Daniel and Mr.. Charles
Frohman saw me later in London and
their reports were not particularly en-
couraging.
"T cannot describe 1t as a success
said Mr.. Dan. 1T will have to be entire
ly changed before will submit to New
York audience said Mr.. Charles Froh-
man. You see, it is trifle old fash
ioned,' he added.
II reminded him that lying in their
safes it had had time to mellow; also I
had to confess that it was so long since
L Aod ACetd tiiC PiCCC tilebl L llelo 0lilOSI
forgotten its salient points.
Then go home and read it, and you'll
find that in its present shape it's no
good This from Mr.. Charles. The
heart interest isn't strong enough he
continued, it is too strong with the sis
ter and too weak with the sweetheart.
Then, your minor people are too promi-
nent; they divert the attention from the
main story
ssThe ypshot of o11r copferapoe Uo G tho
I almost rewrote the play, putting ac
ton in place of dialogue, condensing
speeches and generally giving the piece
the benefit of my added experience. My
new MS. was dispatched to San Fran
cisco, where the first real production of
Christopher, Jr, took place. On my re-
turn from Europe saw the play for the
first time in Brooklyn. was much dis
satisfied with it; it appeared scrappy
and slovenly.
II suggested working on 1T again. This
was agreed ito, and 1 did a few days
writing before helped to put the play
on in Boston last spring. I watched the
play carefully the first night in
Boston, and when I left the theater
1 was as we'll satisfied as am ever likely
to be with anything do. I am very Sc
we're upon my own work. I've nothing
but the seams, and if the critics knew
the trials and tribulations this early
effort called Christopher, Jr., has cost
me they would not begrude me the satis-
faction Of having at last gained the at
tenion Of he public.
"Mr. Bronson Howard, to whom
poured out my sorrow some six years
ago, said: Listen, my girl was three
years inducing manager to read play
and six years in getting him to produce
it. If you do as well as that you'll be
lucky
HE is prophet, and what is more, he
is a prophet in his own country, bless
his gentle, kindly heart
The comedy in which John Drew will
open his engagement at the Los Angeles
theater Is Christopher, Jr., which crowd
ed the Empire theater for fifteen weeks
and had to leave that modish house to
make way for Olga Nethersole and her
amora borealis kiss in Carmen. Christie
pher, Jr., was written by Miss Madeline
Lucette Ryley, wife Of the well known
comedian, ]. H. Ryley, and it's success
was a tremendous surprise to all con-
cerned, as 1t had been kicking around"
in Charles Frohman's collection of plays
purchased from John Drew for some time
before it was produced. 1t is beautiful
little love story, and John Drew never
acted better in his life than he does in
this comedy. John Drew's leading lady,
Maud Adams. who Is said to have made
the hit Of her career in Christopher. Jr.
Madeline Lucette Ryley's comedy, in
which Mr. Drew plays his engagement