The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-02-26
THE WORCESTER THEATRE,

Mr.. Herne's new play REV. Griffith
Davenport" leaves the Herald Square
theatre, New York, where it has been
running since Jan. 81, to make its first
appearance on the road here Monday.
AS has been announced, it is founded
upon Helen H. Gardeners novel An
Unofficial Patriot" Mr.. Herne person
ally directs the production ana assumes
the title role. As the author of Shore
Acres, and creator Of that most lovable
OF stage characters, Uncle Nathaniel
Berry, Mr. Herne'e new work is re-
ceiVed with earnest attention on the
part of the lover of pure drama.
At the outset ii is well TO explain that
this is not war play, but a domestic
drama that treats of the social condi-
lions that existed in the South in the
early sixties. Heretofore Mr. Herne
has been generally recognized as the
master and delineator of New England
types. Many years ago, however, he
lived in the south, and he is familiar
with the idiOm of that land as he has
shown himself to be with the nasal
twang Of Maine and Vermont AS a
clergyman, Mr. Herne is credited with a
brilliant success and in his appearance
he is said to greatly resemble Wash
1ngton. The most stirring scene occurs
preservation of the Union is said to
have created a profound sensation in
the capital city.
:. Ihere is an unusually large company,
and 1t is said the scenery and stage an
pointments have never been surpassed.
MRS. Herne, who makes her appearance
after many years of retirement. Julie
Herne. Sydney Booth, Newton CHS
nell, Logan Paul, Robert Fisher Fl. G
Carleton, E. P. Sullivan and Sadie
Stringham are leaders in the cast,
which numbers nearly 100.
speaking of the play, John Clark Rid
path. the celebrated historian, SAYS:
Il have been delighted with the
drama Of The Rev. Griffith Daven-
port; To ms the play possesses all
most every kind of interest. I think
that the public does not yet clearly
apprehend the historic character of this
play The scenes delineated actually
occurred, almost as Helen II. Gardner
has reproduced them in her thrilling
p war story, AN Unofficial Patriot" and
as James A. Herne, the WELL beloved
or American playgoers has 80 ffttingly
modified into visible action in the five
parts of the drama.
g The Rev. Griffith Davenport once
lived, He was Methodist circuit rid
er. first in Virginia and then in In
diana. In the latter state l knew him
We'll as strong and venerable man
Who commanded universal respect in
the Eel river country OF my native
state. | knew others Of the characters
l knew Catherine, the Wife, and | think
| betTay no family artistic secret when
say that the charming baby girl Mar
garet, who appears in the first and
second acts, is no other than Helen H
Gardener herself.
OF course, the family name was not
davenport as here given, but the
Griihth' part of the title is correct
me group of slaves belonged to the
circuit rider in Virginia, and the manu-
mission, under the given circumstances
was an historical fact. also the virtual
exile of the family My own home. at
Greencastle, Ind, covers the ground
where Griffith Davenport found a lodg-
meni and where he lived after his ex-
odus from his native state His grave
ana that Of his wife are in the cemetery
OF our town, and there old Aunt Judy
is buried at his feet.
MT. Herne has done well in the
production of this great play. not lin
the form OF a battle drama, but rather
IN the form of a social, domestic and
ciVll dellneation of the greatest period
IN our national life. l venture to saw
mat IN no other Grammatical production
nave the merits and the dement's Of
African slavery-the CLEANS of sun
shine and the shadows Of horror which
covered that appalling fact in our his
tofE-been so faithfully and powerfully
depicted as in this play. It's freedom
from rancor and prejudice and its
sympathetic presentation Of the most
STRIKING scenes in negro life, as that