The daily morning journal and courier., 1902-04-04
Grand Opera House.

| A most interesting play is "The
 American Girl" which is the present attract at the Grand Opera House,
 opening last night to a large and appre-
 ciative audience There is a happy mix ture of sentiment and comedy that claims an audience. It is the story of a l trusting wife, persecuted by the inevi-
 table villain separated from her hus- band, but struggling bravely with her l two children against diversity and false report, meeting with timely | friends in Colonel Bolter, the American hustler. and Sir John Ralfour, the EnE- fish gentleman, and eventually tri-
 umphing and finding home and husband again. The action is extremely smooth,
 the situations and denouement dramat- ic, but natural and easy, and in the hands of the company present it the play is a genuine treat throughout. Its
 aim is to be true to nature and at the
 same time to bring forward startling
 situat tions which are constant surprises.
 MT Donnely has put his materials in
 form to give some occasional pathetic
 situations From the start the dialogue,
 speeches which touch upon sentiment,
 sympathy and patriotic pride, excites
 the interest of the audience.
 The cast is a good one and is headed
 by that well known and popular come
 dian George F. Hall, who is one of the
 best that has been seen at the Grand Opera House this season. The remain
 der of the supporting company is good throughout Particularly interesting o 4Nuo chi t;cts Russell and little Daisy Stampe. Miss Mae Phelps as Saratoga, the flashing American soubrette does a clever bit of work. Frank H. La Rue was good as the artist, Harry Hamill was well re- ceived as Sampson Craft. Neil Barrett was excellent as Sir John, and Oscar c. Apfel was good as the servant. Miss Olive North was excellent as the Amer ican girl. Others deserving of special mention were Millie Stevens, Frank Wilson and Addie Johnson.
 During the action of the play the fol- lowing specialtes were introduced "Ten Minutes Away from the Libret- to-" George F, Hall and Mae Phelps Dance DuGi'ale,' Mae Phelps inita- tions of prominent actors, George F. Hall; vocal selections, Mae Phelps; up- to-date songs and dances, Oracle Rus sell and Daisy Stampe.
 The piece will be repeated this and tomorrow nights and at the matinee tomorrow. It is very pretty comedy drama and it is presented by first class company
 The third act Of "The Night Before Christmas" in which the father is sit ting in Judgment on his son, and pre- siding at his trial for murder, is prob- ably the only court room on the stage which is not q farce. Lawyers who have witnessed the play say that it is a most marvellous bit of stage realism and as stirring as it is pathetic. The in the jury and the keenness and wit of the attorneys relieve the n- tense dramatic strain so that completed, the audience is thoroughly entertained. 1 The play comes to the Grand opera | house Monday, Tuesday and Wednes- day with matinee Wednesday.
 "On the Suwanee River" which will | be the attraction at the Grand opera , house on Thursday, Friday and Satur day April 10, II and t2, with Saturday | is a good, wholesome play. scenic investiture, complete for the en- tire four acts, is carried by the com nany. Capable people are announced | IS employed in the several roles and a nd ietayr