Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1899-03-21
MUSIC AND THE RAMA.

ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR TODAY.
~coATEs-sol Smith Russell in Hon. John GriEs-
AGbi;IroRliiua:-.Nor,hen Lights" Sis p. m.
and Dollis Mobiles and other
GKASR,.ASEan,s Alley" SIS p m.
COMING NEXT EEL
coATEs--Monday night. DIR. Watson. Ian Mac
Aapp%1,ToR!TM-Al, week: Charley. Aunt"
week, Papinta, and other vaude willie
GiLLiss-Ail week. Coon Hollow.
Hon. John Grigsby.'' by MIR. Charles
Klein. is one of the best of the various
plays that have been written for Mr.. Sol
Smith Russell. II furnishes Mr.. Russell
with the best character he has had since
he quit playing Noah Vale in "A Poor Re
lation.' The new play represents life in
Illinois in the year 1850. and this period and
environment furnish a complete setting Of
quaintness. thus harmonizing the necessary
Russell character with the other parsonage
Of the play and with the surroundings.
There Is. therefore, more consistency of
story, more truthfulness of character;za-
ton and more fidelity to art than we are
accustomed to find in the workmanship
OF those who have endeavOred to tit this
eccentric comedian. There is. still. how
ever. the element OF romance attached to
the Russell role, and this is almost newt
ably false; for there can be no spontaneous
association of the tender passion with the
strange and awkward heroes created by
this popular comedian. One can bring in
Cupid by the ears. hut he Is likely to have
"A wry face. Mr.. Klein just missed writing
failed through his effort to supply Mr.. Rus
sell with a romance. The character OF
John Grigsby. intended to suggest the IN
and the personal appearance of Henry
Clay, could have been developed -nto II
splendid type of the political epoch that
witnessed the approach of abolition. But
there was not room for both dramatic de-
velopment and romantic Indulgence in the
same play. and Mr.. Klein chose the full
tillment of the latter. The author must
sentimenrnlity that has stuck like treacle
to most of the Russell plays. John Grigsby
tntiously y%irtuous than most Of his prede,
cessors. In fact. ii is worthy of cecord
that he lights II cigar. says darn and
justities y deliberate untruth. This y sim.
pl. ,devilish in the light of the Russell
code. and yet no one seemed to be shocked
by the Innovation. Who knows but Mr..
Russell may yet lead his LOYAL admire,
Mr.. Klein's play is we'll constructed and
1t is told in good language. In addition IL
the title character. which Mr.. Russell plays
there are some strong parts. several If
them ~distinc, character bits o; more than
ordinary interest. OF these the hest IS the
veteran of 1sls. played VERY nrtis'iraly by
Mr.. William Sampson. .lr. James Iackaye
gives an interesting representation al the
wealthy politician. and MIR. William Far
mum makes an appropriated boyisli and
attractive part Of Grigsbr. Jr. Miss Flor
enc.. Rockwell does not strike the plGintive
note nor suit the peculiar personality the
author evidently had in mind when he drew
Meg ROnaids. a part that might employ
The best talents Of Viola Allen. \ very
charming little woman is Miss Lila Com
we're. whose. sweet voice. II expressive face
and intelligent small play combine to make
a. minor part a conspicuous feature. Mrs.
Fannie Addison Pitt who il an artist in
all she does. has a GOOD role in the senti-
mental Mrs. Mars.n. NJ. Alfred Hudson.
Mr.. Jacques Martin, Alr. William Cullington
mention. The ment ia for the entire
week with matinee Saturday only.
AUSTIN I.ATCHAW.
Lloyd Brown. who has been the trea su-er
OF the Orrneum since the beginning OF the
present season. has resigned his position.
He. il succeeded in the box office oil the
fheat.r by Lew Rnsenthal. who Is a brother
of Jake Rosenti.al. manager OF the Crelgh-
ton-Orpheum in Omaha. Mr.. ROs4.,thal
has had much experience in all branches Of
the theatrical business Earlier In the sea.
son. under the stage name Of Lew Rose,
he appeared on the Orpheum stage as q
singer of parodies.
INDIANAPOLIS. IND. March 2O.-oiea
Netherso.e produced Carmen" for the tirs,
time in this city Tonight to a large and
fashionable audience.
Miss NethersOle was asked As to tn, re-
port that she y contemplating the mani
agement OF . thater In New York city.