The Washington times., 1901-10-22

| ministers wooing-a wooing so gradual
that even he himself is almost uncon-
| scious of the attack of the little god
| cupid Rev Thomas Singleton has de-
| voted his life to the upbuilding Of the
! village church. housing the homeless, and
| caring Tor the orphans and the village
| poor. HIS advanced ideas regarding the
| absence OF "A lake of burning fire and
| brinstone his advocacy of innocent
amusement for the young men Of the
town. and his friendship for "a divorcee''
turn against him the congregation. and
| his resignation is given rather than his
promise to tread the path his church ad-
Nlsers have laid fer him
And new element enters into the min
iSters life at this crucial period. for in
the person of young woman. who seeks
ms aid In uniting her to an unworthy fcI-
low. he finds the bit of femininity that
causes his heart to accelerate its rhythm.
However true to his promise to this un-
worthy nan, who Is striving to reform,
thC minister seeks to bring about the
union. although one of the orphans whom
ne mas taken from an asylum tells him
most pathetically that she wants to mar
ry MN herself. In the end the separated
wife and husband are united the minis
ter Weds his lassie. the bell ringer and
the recruit from the pOorhouse are bound
ana satisfactory Solace, and The final cur
tain finds numerous happy unions behind
the footlights and a delighted audience
In front.
A story so simple so sweet, so forceful
and true to life, deserves and demands
an exceptional company to interpret It.
This has been supplied by Manager Brady
for without exception the east is above
the ordinary. Ernest Hastings competent
and versatile, gives the comedy touches
TO his characterization without in the
least impairing the broad. digniiied strokes
with which he draws the soberer ard more
crucial lines of the part of the minis
ter A role more arduous and less thank
tul is that assumed by Franklyn Roberts,
although il is played with rare taste
and effect. Charles French has a COM
edy study which shines by reason of ex-
cellent Interpretation, and Arthur Sanders
IN tiny though essential bit is one of
the things-the term Is used advisedly-
which will give Lovers Lane" long
Hfe- Frank Hartwell and Julien Barton
are artistic in roles apt to be overdone
II not carefully handled, and Florence
Nebster gives a touch Of pathos to the
lacking in the hands of most actresses
Agnes Findlay is earnest and forceful in
the part of a scold. while Emily Wakeman
again impreSses Il careful observer of the
stage by conscientious work in a role GER
tainly uncongenial and inclined to be far
cial. The straight parts by Blanch Hall
ana Norah Lamison are generally well
done. Lizzie Ronway also deserves notice
for fine work.
But running a glance over the list
Of players mentioned and unmentioned.
the eye fastens upon the name of Millie |
James as the little woman to whom "Lov- !
ers Lane" owes most of its success Miss
James is Simplicity" and did one not |
remember her stock work locally, her ex-
cellent role in the Inflated "Missfit Mar |
riage" and her wonderfully clever part in |
Catherine with Annie Russell, her age |
would be placed below the teens without |
doubt. The Simplicity of Millie James |
is wonderful characterization. She Is |
always the little tomboy, the village dis |
grace, the off-cast of orphan asylums, the |
minister's mingled pride and sorrow AL |
though suffering from a manifest diff |
Guilty in arttculating. she last evening |
won a decided personal triumph and |
Washington will take pride In the fact |
that Miss James was once a resident of |
the Capital City. No better work in a |
similar line has ever been seen on the |
local stage. There is stellar timber in |
this daughter of tragedIan James. and |
only opportunity, hard work. freedom |
from elephantiasis capitis and a proper |
vehicle are needful to bring 1t to pub |
lie and critical notice.
Manager Brady has mounted Lovers /
Lane" with an excellent investiture, the |
orchard scene being really notable In |
addition the accessories and costumes are |
true to the life. Matinees will be given /
and Saturday.