The times., 1898-11-27
y,,i,r,,so, Smith Rr.seIi.

An attraction of rather more than ordl-
nary interest viii be presented tomorrow
night at the National Theater in the first
local appearance of Sol Smith Russell
with his new play. Hon. John Grigsby.' -
The production was given its premiere
last Monday in Philadelphia and evoked
the most general praise, especially from
the press In speaking of the play and
PLAYERS the Philadelphia Public Ledger
had to say:
Sol Smith Russell has his best character in
Zion John Crigsby.' the new play by CaaTies
Klein presented ut the Broad St.oet Thsater last
evening His amiabe personality has heretofore
been exploited by dramatists in such an exag-
cerated way as to deprive it of the ono element
natura iuess-Whici his art l. so well htted TO
represent As the Hon. John Grigshy he Is anna
BE and humorous. hut man OF force as well.
Sol Smith Russell disappears. In ms place We
have i character modeied, it may have been,
after that OF Abraham Lincoln, and made up by
Mr. Russell in 4 way TO remind one of Henry
ClIv. The period Of the play is the early sos,
the scene Illinois and the theme the slavery
question before the war in a border state Even
the story is interesting, and 1t is developed
through the presentation Of characters that have
been drawn fxm life. From first to last the au-
dience is interested in the tale and warmly
sympathzes with the principal characters
The play was remarkably well presented for a
first perfornanca Mr. Russell was at his best,
and exhibited force and intensity illuminating
the amiabiiity of his disposition. He has never
appeared to greater advantage, nor 90 we'll sue
cceded in Disgusting his personality Fanny Ad-
olson Pitt gave excellent support in trying
part that of Mrs. Marsen. Florence Rockwell,
as Meg Ronads: James Lackaye, as James Og.
den; William Fsrnum, as John Grigsby, jr., and
Lila Converse as Nellie Ogden, also efficient
characters in the development of the story.
Minor comedy characters were well presented by
Alfred Hudson. William Sampson, jacques Mar
tin, William CullingtOn and Lionel Barrymore
and, though they amused the audience they were
little TOO obviously used as specialists, and In
terrupted the story, which in this play is the
main point OF interest.
John Grigsby is an amiable Illinois lawyer
he seeks TO obtain Justice. Meg Ronalds, who
has offended the politicians by teaching negrc
children, is prosecuted by them, and JohI
Grigsby undertakes TO defend her. Mrs. Marsen
a widow. with designs upon him, pays SlO,cT
to have him nominated for judge OF the suprem,
court. He is proud OF the honor which hi
thinks has come TO him unsolicited, but afte
his election fnds himself in the power of TIN
politicians who nominated him for 4 considera
ton Chance reveals to him that Meg Ronald
Is the child of his chief enemy. James Ogden
the political ruler of Saginaw county, and witt
the power in his hands crush the latter, h,
dispenses even handed justice, maTries the per
secuted girl and pairs off the other lovers.
The play is filled with human interest, ant
| with changes That may be made with a blu
pencil should become Mr.. Russelps chief attrac
tion for this season, at least. 1t was realisti
cally presented in single scene and great at
| tention was given to the minutest details of tn
costumes Of the period. 1t never be mad
| spectacular but the stage presentation woul,
/ by improved by transferring the scene of tn
second act to some other place than John Grigs
by's Office.
Such praise from so conservative a pa
per argues much, and the likelihood il
that Mr.. Russell will do q banner busi
ness during his week here.