The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-11-10

ances yesterday. Both were Shakespe-
rean productions and the plays were
of quite different character.
The Merchant Of Venice" was the
matinee bill and was witnessed and
enjoyed by a large audience. Mr..
James was seen in the role of Shylock,
one of Shakespeare's most difficult
Characterization. Shylock is not par
ticularly suited to Mr.. James capabili-
ties, but he gave a splendid portrayal
of the famous role.
Nine. Modjeska gave a very pleas
ing and excellent impersonation of
Portia and won the admiration of the
audience.
Mr.. James was seen to much better
advantage in Henry VIII" In the
role of Cardinal Wolsey he had more
scope for his vigor and fine abilities,
and his work was splendid. Nine. Mod
ieska was, of course, Queen Rather
inc. She acted the role with charm
and finesse. Both productions were
splendidly put on and are worthy OF
much commentator. The support IS
strong, including Mr.. Norman Hackett,
Coffin Cooke, Mr.. Wadsworth Harris,
The opening event of the week will
be the presentation of "Way Down
East" for the first time here tomorrow
and Tuesday nights and Tuesday matt
nee. The play for over two years
crowded the Manhattan Theater and
Academy of Music, in New York. IL
was written by Lottie Blair Parker,
revised and staged by Joseph r. Girls
Yner, and will be presented here under
the direction of Mr.. William A. Brady.
It has been said of the play that it
makes the heart beat faster, that 1t
contains more than one touch of ma
ture, and it's appeal is aimed straight
at the heart of the healthy, right
minded man or woman. The best evil
dence of this is the fact that it has re-
ceived the Endorsement of hundreds OF
clergymen, school tea chers, and indeed
thousands who are not usually classed
as theater-goers.
In "Way Down East" the same peo-
pie are found as in other New Eng
land plays, but their motives are
changed. The story is simple.
A young woman has been betrayed
by means of a mock marriage, finds a
refuge in the house of an honest old
New Hampshire farmer. Her child is
dead and so are all the hopes of life.
Nevertheless she wins at once the love
of the old farmers only son. The latter
is engaged to be married to his cousin,
his fathers pet. Neither of them cares
for the other, and the unhappy waif
who has been taken into the family
circle seems likely to find husband
and happiness in fact until a village
busy body reveals her notified past.
Then the father with some justifica-
ton sets his foot down and turns the
girl out of the house on a winter 5
night Before she goes. however, she
denounces the author of her wrongs
no is counting the very girl the old
farmer is intent upon marrying TO his
son. This Is the climax OF the play, and
we see the heroine going out into the
storm pursued by the son. The last act
brings the father 10 full realization
II the situation. the unhappy girl IS
TRANSFORMED into a happy bride, and
her enemy IL kicked cut
The story IL graphically told, ration
ally developed, and the ciinaXes thrill
we and strong. IN every line the play
Eas for wh1lesomeuess and genuinely
ru sentiment. There are few plays
.nY Down East" and no 0ppOr-
sDopld be missed 70 witness
A