The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-02-08
ADJUSTMENTS.
"Why Smith Left Home" at EngIfsh's
Opera House Last Night.

Two fair-sized crowds of people donned
mackintoshes and grasped umbrellas yes
terday afternoon and last night to GO
through a wretched drizziing rain to see
the bright Broadhurst farce, why Smith
Left Home" thereby paying the sincerest
possible compliment to one of the best
laughing plays of the season. 1t is no ex-
aggeration to say that ''why Smith Left
Home" is more pleasing even than it's de-
Hghtful predecessor, What Happened to
Jones'" There Is not quite so much confu-
sion and considerably less excitement and
tearing about the stage, but this later
Broadhurst production displays considera-
bly, more brilIiance OF dialogue, which goes
q long ways towards making up for abb
sence OF noise and hustle. There is little
excitement before the end of the piece, and
the fIn wakes fast and furious for time
near the close OF the second act. II this
were not true no one woild believe George
Broadhurst wrote the farce.
The same excellent cast of last season,
and practically the same as that employed
In the New York run, interprets the play
at its present engagement. A farce is rare
ly dign!fied BY company of such unvary-
ing merit Mr.. Maclyn Arbuckie. who is to
be seen in a new starring venture next
season. portrays John Smith, the husband
who really adores his young wife, in spite
of appearances so strongly against him.
He plays the part as IL IL had been written
specially for him. Like George Boniface
5r-, Mr.. Arbuckle seldom elevates his voice
above the conversational pitch, but there
all resemblance ceases. Miss Brandon
Douglass Is uncommonly pretty and pos
sesses an attractive form and graceful stage
presence In addition she is a capable ac-
tress and does some highly effective work
In the role of Mrs. Smith. Mrs f. A
Eberle Is satisfying in the character of
Smiths maiden sister, except. perhaps as
TO makeup One cannot fail to note the
inconsistency OF her being repulsive to the
German count and irresisibly charming to
the major. Miss Anita Bridger imperson-
ates Julia, a maid whom the exigencies of
strongly OF blackmail. yet her sweet face.
agreeable voice and delicate art dispel any
unpleasant thoughts excited by the harsh
lines put into her mouth. Elsie Is a maid
or another type, who has little to do be-
yond answer the bell and look innocent and
pretty, and this Blanche Carlyle is amply
able TO do. One would suppose that after
nifty years upon the stage Mrs. Annie Yea
mans might betray signs OF falling powers,
yet her work In the character part of La
vfnia DAILY. a modern cook, is so fresh and
spontaneous as 70 cause suspicion of the
accuracy OF the figures. Mrs. Yeamans Is
mere character role so dominates a play.
Another character actor OF great ability is
Dan Mason, whose Count Won Guggen-
helm is overwhelmingly funny. even il a
trife overdrawn. Fred w. Peters Is the
General Billetdoux, and makes OF him a
gay old dog" lone OF the Old Guard" as
the play requires. NJ. b. Snyder Is not
greatly burdened by the role OF Major Dun
combe. yet manages TO make very pleas
ing impression. Rose Snyder. as Mrs Ril-
letdoux, the massive, domineering spouse
OF the general. displays marked ability.
Miss Gertrude Roosevelt, who imperson-
ates Rose Walton. Roberts bride of day,
is another of the good-looking women OF
the company and lends considerable
sprightliness and vivacity to the perform
ance. II. r. Robert, as Robert Walton
her husband. is well suited to the part he
assumes.
Not the least agreeable feature of .Why
Smith Left Home Is the handsome seem
cry with which IL Is invested. The two
sets displayed are not merely adequate
but they have an air OF freshness and new
ness about them that Is surprising in view
of this being the second season the piece
has been on the road.
The final presentation will take place to-
night.