The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-12-20
nUsIc AND DRArlA


One Of the really fine attractions thai
has appeared al the Crawford Grand Is
The Hoosier Doctor by Digioy Bell and
MS admirable company. Il rs the oeSl
thing that has been IN Wichita tais sea-
son or Tor several seasons, and those VINO
old not see IL Saturday night missed one
of the most artistic productions that has
ever appeared on the boards here
Dlgby Ben and his talented wife. Laura
Joyce Bel. are the joint stars and while
all who are up in theatrical matters knew
that they would see a god show. yet
the production was an agreeable surprise
in exceeding in merit anything tllat was
anticipated. One mus see the Play TO
appreciate IT, and II IS almost possible 20
do justice TO tsh play. % Mr.. Bell aud the
company in notice of limited space The
audience was more than delighted win
the charming sinpzcity OF the play. wSsh
the subtitle wit the remarkable and arts
tic blending OF the sad and the humor-
Gus. the many beautiful lines and situ-
atfons. touching and moving che audience
10 tears and instant merriment az the
will OF the PLAYERS VINO are all admirably
and remarkably well selected for their
respective paris. Mr.. Dlgby Bell. as the
Hoosier Doctor Willow. represents beau
tfful character and mis- polished portrayal
of this role is highly artistic. The play
held the audience intensely interested
and there is Just enough of the pathetic
10 make il good. one forgets IN seeing
the play that IL is a play; Il is so real
and lifelike. Not a character is over
drawn or a single movement, word or ac-
ton, that was not natural TO life The
quiet spirit OF arT1nlEe comedy superbably
portrayed by Mr.. Bell can not he excell-
ed
Laura joyce Bell makes a wonderfully
clever character woman. Both Mr.. Bell
and his excellent supporting company de-
serve the highest commendations IN every
way Each character was admirably pOr-
trayed and every member o. the cas-; IS
an artist. There is absolutely nothing
left 90 wish for in the presentation Of the
play and it is a matter OF regret 5hat
the house was not packed. Tt is very
seldom that Wichita theatre goers have
an opportunity OF seeing play OF this
kind so ably presented.
"A Contented Woman" was in Kansas
City recently and the World OF that place
says:
Kansas City was one OF the first 70
witness the production Of "a COntented
Woman" and Il was under cvlrcuIn>
stances that gave considerable prestige.
Chas. II. Hoyt had written the play for
wife. the lamenfed Caroline Miskss Hoyt.
They mad Just been married, and it was
their wedding tour. so the curiosity 70
see the new play, the BRIDE and her hand
some costumes proved an attraction that
few theatre goers resisted. That was
years ago, and the play which was then
an experiment and was undergoing The
pruning process. Is now on iss third VISIT
az the Grand opera house. Il has had
It's New York Endorsement and has proven
one o fine greatest Of Hoyt's numerous
successes. Grace Holme is played by
Belle Archer. an actress as well suited 20
the part as II It had been created for
her She Is a beautifui woman. and j.
| charmingly p5quant in this satire upon
woman suffrage. The company IS a strong
one. Miss Henrietta Lee is sun Mrs. Fra
| Smith. Fannie Denham Pause Is an excel
1 lent Aunt Jim. Charles p. Morrison a.
! the sarcastic 0bro;her. Arthur Gregory a.
Uncle Tody. Arthur Buchanan as Benton
Home are all equal TO requirements, while
Bonnie Loutie's graceful dancing and the
songs OF Miss Lee and Mr.. Morrison are
very taking epecialties. The engagement
is for the week. Yesterdays houses we're
! large and enthusiastic.
"a Contented Woman" Is coming 70 the
I Crawford Grand.