Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1898-02-22
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The versatility of Madeline Lucette Ry-
ley has been pretty well demonstrated i'll
this city. The first, of her comedies seen
here was Christopher. r." played by
Mr.. john Drew and Miss Maude Adams.
Then came AN American Citizen,'' which
has been immensely popular as presented
by Mr.. Nat Goodwin. A few weeks ago
We We're shown "a Coat of Many Colors.'
Will Mr.. Kelley and Miss Shannon in the
Leading roles. and last night at the Coates
Mr.. Alfred Bradley's company. headed by
Mr.. Joseph Holland. introduced THE Mys-
ferrous Mr.. Bugle.' There is no similarity
among these four comedies, except that
they are all distinctively feminine. That
is TO say. there are many touches that
only a woman could give. and it is not
strange that of Mrs. Ryley's character
creations her women are superior TO her
men. artistically, at least.
When Mr.. Bnsle. was first produced
some added distinction was given to it
by the presence in the cast of Miss Annie
Russell, one of the most winsome as well
as one of the most popular of Americas
leading women Much was made, in both
paragraph and gossip. of the fact thai
gentle Annie was called upon. in order
10 make good one OF Betty. Fondacre's
little fhs: to smoke a long, black cigar.
The play had a successful run in New
York. and was well received elsewhere.
For this season Manager Bradley has
eiSdStu ali ACtIIcl COIHpdHS but uE-
fortunately for Kansas City theatergoers,
one of his most responsible actors is i'll
and will not be able to appear until about
sentee is Mr.. Edgar Norton, who has
been playing Chickwell the man servant.
in Mr.: Bugle." and DR.. Jacks in "Old
parts were taken last night. by under
studies. AS Chickwel is much more i'm
portant dramatically than socially. the alb
sence of Mr.. Norton. who is said to give
admirable imnarSnnafi0nS of both nartC
was keenly felt. 1t is certain that last
nights performance was not what it was
expected to be Or what SO excellent a
company should give, and undoubtedly na,
been giving. The pressing of the stage
manager into several small parts was re
spcnsible for longer waits than a comedy
circumstances seem to have affected even
some of those who were not directly con-
cerned with the changes in the cast:
well written. although ii is not SO ambi-
tious an effort as several other of Mrs.
REfey's plays. Although the story calls
be regarded as sufficiently probable for
farcical purposes. 1t is, Complicated and
yet it is invariably clear to the audience.
1t has a number of original and very anus
Jug situations. and it's fun is clean and
wholesome. 80 I
Mr.. Holland has not been seen in Kan
sas City as often as his admirers would
have liked. his last engagement here be-
ing some six years ago. when he was in
the first SHENANDOAH cast. He is a thor
oughly genuine artist. He has no fads.
frills or mannerisms. and there is a verify
and a ncturalness about his work that one
rarely finds in light comedy. Miss Gretch-
en- Lyons. who has succeeded Miss Russell
in. the role of Betty. il, making good the
talented stock from which she comes. She
is a daughter of Mr.. T. D. Lyons. who
was recently seen here as the old Scotch
man in "A Coat of Many Colors." When
last here Miss Lyons played a small part
in Friends" but since that time she has
advanced rapidly and has justly earned
considerable distinction She has an en-
gazing personality and intelligent. midi
vidual methods. She handled the smoking
scene with nice discrimination. Mr.. JOSEPH
kilgour. with most comforting ease and
self-possession. a commanding presence and
a hearty. natural style. did more than
anyone else last night to conceal the TEN.
porary embarrassments of the company
Others who did commendable work are Miss
Winona Shannon, Mr.. Charles Collins. Miss
Agnes Finlay, Master Michaelson and even
Mr.. Alfred ]. Edwards. the understudy for
Chickwell, who might. have done worse
under the circumstances.
"Old ChumS'' is a quaint and novel little
sketch. well played by Mr.. Henry Phillips
and Mr.. Collins. The engagement is fol
the week. with Saturday matinee.
LATCHAW.