The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1902-11-07
MISS eRANTLVs SUCCESS.
Brilliant Production Of Her New Play,
Lord and Master


A good example of what first-class
actors and actresses can do with a
mediocre play was given at the opera
house last night The author of Her
Lord and Master" has nothing to be
proud Of in that play, and In the hands
of others than those who presented II
last night It would be almost a fall
ure. but in their hands II Is developed
into one of the most enjoyable affairs
that has been seen in the local play
house in a long tlme-a genuine dra-
matte treat It Is simply a case OF
players instead Of play The lines are
neither witty nor wise, nor is the
theme one that suits the average
American taste. It's humor and its
pathos come from action instead OF
words. It is modern version OF
Tanning Of the Shrew" with a mild
hammered but stubborn Englishman
substituted for Petruchio, and a sweet
typical American girl substituted for
Catherine There Is another differ
ence. too in that the Shakespearean
play has the advantage of Witness
and crispness of dialogue, while the
play presented last night was neither
TO any appreciable extent. It depends
entirely on its situations and leaves
itself absolutely In the hands of the
Interpreting cast But Il would be diff
hcult 70 improve upon that cast,
hence the supreme satisfaction with
which everybody views the play and
the favorable impression that II Gre
ates. It seems almost supernuous to
discuss or descant upon the ability of
Miss Helen Grantly. Those who
have seen her act know what her abil
ity Is, and those who haven't have
missed an opportunity Of seeing one
of the best ana prettiest actresses on
the American stage today. It is al
most impossible to estimate the young
lady's future If she is but properly
handled and given plays suited to hei
temperament. Her actions on the
stage are the embodiment of grace
and her face literally beams with The
Intelligence of the part that she is in
ible, well modulated and well trained
although at times II appears that sh,
is straining for effect. Her imperson
alton of the role of Indiana Stillwate
last night was almost the acme of tn
actress art, complete histrionic trI
uhph. SO naturally and beautifull
was Il done that in the act wherei
she is locked out of her own home
majority of the audience felt like e
ing upon the stage and opening tn
door for her. She enlisted the syn
= pathies of the big audience in the frs
: act, and kept them long after the lai
2 curtain had fallen, Her triumph wa
! complete and lasting.
= The support given Miss Grantly
= excellent-indeed, In one or two Il
= stances IL is superb. Especially is tn
: true of Mr.. Lionel Adams, who playe
= the lord and MASTER and William
Shea, who took the part of Jenning
the old butler Mr. Adams had bee
seen here before but never to quite 5
l. good advantage as he appeared la
e night. His part was that of a ster
- stubborn husband a part that cou
easily have been made very william!
l. and disgusting, but he handled II
l. easily, gracefully and, withal, so vel
artistically, as TO make OF the chara
f; ter almost a hero. Mr., Adams is
,f very talented and accomplished acto
J. one who Is destined to become qui
favorite in the starry" firmamer
should he enter that sphere. NJ
Shea's Interpretation of the role
- /, the old butler was very delicately al
- artistlcally done and he at all tim
l. had the thorough sympathy of the a
dience. The remainder of the ca
while not very brilliant, performed
' perfunctory duties in quite sat
factory manner.
The audience was the largest al
- most brilliant OF the season and d
ii performance was the recherche thei
rical event of the year.-Dallas Tim,
II Herald