The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1898-05-13

1T THE TAEATER


LOS ANGELES THEATER.-"The
Purser," described as a nautical, farcical
comedy In three acts by John T. Day, was
presented last night to a good-sized au-
dience, and served the purpose for which
1t was evidently constructed, that of ar
fording enough amusement to pass the al
lotted time pleasantly. The slight story
which serves as the thread to interest an
audience is hardly sufficient, but the action
is pieced out by the introduction OF several
songs, which were all well received.
The entire scene is on board an alleged
p. and o. steamer on her voyage from
London to Australia. The painting shows
some perspective that is both novel and
wonderful, and the behavior OF the officers
of the boat is OF the kind only to be found
In farcical comedy Nevertheless there is
an attempt to preserve an idea of cunsis-
tency in much that happens, and il this
were followed out with closer attention
the result would be great improvement.
The details of life on board big steamer
are exhibited, the costumes are good. even
| IL the swells do not wear the "pajamas''
, that are spoken of as being In evidence.
There is a commendable absence OF horse
play in the action, and the humor of the
L
sort of way, with the exception Of the ex
hibtion made by the purser and his un-
acknowledged wife, who make a holy show
of themselves in billing and cooling pub
licly on deck, in sight of the passengers
| and officers, at the time when they are
supposed to be nothing to each other, a
| state of. things that suggests queer ideas
Of the social amenities that are allowed to
| ho. "a pVif ctanR
this exception the piece works along the
line Of genuine comedy, not Of the highest
kind. but yet far removed from the buff
foonery that is commonly made to pass
current for wit and humor. The fun is all
clean enough and the farcical situations
that arise as the captain, the doctor and the
passenger severally want to marry the
pursers wife, not knowing that she is al
ready married, are extremely ludicrous.
| The members of the company are more
|. than equal in ability to the moderate de-
! mands made upon their energies. Ferris
Hartman as the prosecuted purser was
highly amusing. the more so as his methods
are quiet and exhibit more se1f-restraint
than might have been expected from the
school In which he has gained his expert
ence. His manner is rejected in the acting
OF the entire company in its absence Of that
kind of extravaganza without which it is
usually taken for granted that farcical
comedy cannot be made success.
| H. D. Blakemore, an old favorite here,
made all that was possible out of the part
of the captain, and Edward Emery was i'm
pressively natural as the swell passenger
with the glass window in his eye.
| Alice Johnson, formerly here with the
Grau opera company, made a stately look
| ing and altogether charming wife for the
purser, and she sang with much sweet
ness. Lena Melville as Mrs. Stanley had
a great deal to do and did 1t capitally,
while the little 12-year-old girl, Gertie
Carlisle, made hit as the cabin boy. She
sings with a remarkably clear and pene-
trating voice and articulates we'll. The
child has much promise of future ex-
cellence. Her makeup is defective and in
jures the, general attempt at realism IN
the production, The songs are all good,
but the American patriotic ditty about
| taking sweet revenge for the Maine Is
dragged in by the heels as 1t were, and is
ridiculously out Of place when 1t Is rep
resented as being sung by British officers
on board British commercial steamer.
1.-THE Purser'' will be the attraction at
this house tonight and tomorrow, with
matinee. 1t Is piece well worth seeing, as
being up to the advertised claims made on
its behalf.
Next week Hoyt's farce, IA Texas
Steer" will be played for three nights, be-
ginning Thursday.