The Savannah morning news., 1903-01-07
AT THE THEATER
@TSsS@~Seee@A

An extremely large and very fortu-
nate audience attended the presentation
last night of Sherlock Holmes" as
written and dramatised by Conan
Doyle and William Gillette.
The book is termed "A hitherto un-
published episode in the life of the
great detective. showing his connec-
ton with the strange case Of Alice
Faulkner"
While the authors narration of the
episode is Of the most absorbing in
terest, it can hardly compare with the
intense and exciting interest surround
ing it's dramatic presentation, and es-
pecially when produced by such ex-
cellent players as Mr.. Herbert Kelley
and Miss Effie Shannon have selected
for their support. There are twenty
characters in the cast necessary to
produce the play, and each of these
are handled in the most acceptable
and pleasing manner. The stage set
tings were very effective, carried out
in the smallest detail and quickly
handled. The electrical effects, upon
which most of the scenic effects rely,
were skilfully> worked.
The impersonation of Mr.. Kelley of
the detective, Sherlock Holmes. ex-
hibiting the wonderful shrewdness,
discernment, composure, and other
combined qualities of Conan Doyle's
greatest hero, was all that one could
desire. He rises to the many strong
scenes of the piece in the most pleas
ing and intelligent manner, quickly
bringing his audience to a realization
of his splendid qualities as an actor
of these roles.
Miss Shannon's acting of the role of
Alice Faulkner. the sweet faced
young girl, who falls into the hands of
a pair of London rogues, was of I'M
usual excellence. She seems, physf-
cally, particularly well suited to the
part, her pale, innocent face and pa
thetic voice lending to the character
an ideal portrayal.
AS Prof. Moriarty, king of the thieves
of London. David Davies was very
clever. His impersonation was an in
telligent one of this shrewd and de-
signing old man who is one of the prin-
cipal characters of the story.
Charles Garfield, as James Laribee,
Chas. A. Morgan as Sidney Prince,
Frank l.. Davies as Benjamin Forman,
Walter McArdle as Billy, Miss Atwood
as Madge LARA bee, and Winona Shan
non as Terese, are all worthy of the
same commentator for their several
portrayals-good.
Otis Skinner will be seen tomorrow
night in "Lazarre. The new play
made from Mary Hartwell Gather
woods romance, is said to permit Mr.
Skinner to divulge the fun scope of his
talents as romantic actor. In the
sombre role of Lanciotto last season,
in the revival of Francesca Da Ri
MIMI" Mr.. SINNERS abilities along this
line were submerged. although they
were given full play in other directions.
But as the hero of the Lazarre legend
he has all the opportunities denied him
last season, and he is said to make the
best of them from every standpoint.
The theme itself-that of an Amer
lean pretender to the throne of France
is of a romantic charm which lends
itself readily to the dramatist and
when it is known that Mr.. Skinner and
Aubrey Boucicault were the co-labor-
ers who fitted it for the stage, 1t is
within reason to expect more than an
ordinarily artistic and entertaining
play. That it is different from most
plays made from books, and that the
difference is vastly in it's favor. is the
verdict of nearly everyone who has seen
it,,
Years before, Mrs. Catherwood
thought of putting the story of Eleazar
Williams between the covers of a book.
Mr.. Skinner contemplated the prepa-
ration of play founded on the life
and pretensions of the Wisconsin mis-
sionary. 1t was more or less a labor
of love, therefore, to dramatize the tale.
ana to provide for it an adequate en-
ylronment of scenery and costumes
"Lazarre,' it is said, is. by far the
handsomest thing in the way of a pro-
ductlon that has come from Mr.. Skim
ner's hands-a statement which means
much when the excellence of the Fran
eesca investiture is recalled. There is
one scene in "Lazarre," which, If re-
port be true. approaches the perfection
OF stage illusions. This Is a. forest
scene by moonlight on the shores of
Lake George, where Lazarre, at the
door or his tepee has the revelation of
his royal birth. and declares himself
to be the king. Another scene about
which much has been said in praise. Is
that which represents a levee at the
Tuileries during the time of NAPOLEON
seats are now on sale. The prices
are: Orchestra, 81. 50; balcony, 81 90
and 7Sc, reserved; SOC admission to the
balcony.
The sale of seats for the "Village
Postmaster" Creators, and Mile de
Lussan. win open Friday morning at
9 o'clock.
WERE 0EMLER'S OYSTERS