The Wichita daily eagle., 1903-05-03
Music and Drama
Coming Attractions for
Wichita Amusement Lovers.
At the ToIer.
At the Crawford.
HENRIETTA CRoSsMAN.

HENRIETTA CROSSMAN-
Mere announcement OF the fact that
Miss Henrietta Crossman is to appear
in this city is sufficient TO arouse general
interest among patrons of the drama, but
her appearance at the Crawford theater
next Saturday evening, May 9. wills be the
more gladly welcomed from the knowl-
edge that she will be seen in Ronald
Macdonalds new comedy. The Sword of
the King" In the series of striking sue
cesses which Miss Crossman has had
since she became u celebrated star, her
most pronounced triumph has been at
tained in "The Sword of the King" 1t
was in this comedy that she received the
most lavish praise from the New York
critics that had ever been bestowed upon
an actress by the Metropolitan press.
and in the long run at Wallack's theater
made n record for big audiences. Phil
adelphia had never been awakened 10
such enthusiasm over any dramatic event
as market Miss Crossman's engagement
in that city this season. Boston con-
tributed an equal share TO her triumph.
and so it has been in every city where
she has appeared this season. II has
been said that The Sword OF the King
is the best play Miss Crossman has ever
had and that the character of Philippa
Drayton fits her better than any part she
as ever played. THE Sword of the King"
is full of interest from start to finish. Its
narrative is far better than that of most
plays. the action is quicker and more alb
sorbing. The situations are skilifully
constructed, the episodes cIeverly evolved,
the characters unusually well drawn.
The Sword of the King is bright, brisk.
strong and dramatic. Comedy is the
dominating element and it is effectively
accentuated by passages of deeper shade.
There is mastery admixture Of love and
adventure. of tenderness and peril. The
several characters call for skilled treat
ment which they receive from the ex-
cellent company which Miss Crossman
has organized. Miss Crossman herself
has full opportunity TO display her tai
ents in 1.-The Sword OF the King" She
is versatile 10 an uncommon degree. and
great as is the fame she has earned in
comedy, she has won wide praise for her
range and her power to depict the varied
human emotions. All of her skill and
breadth is called into play in THE
Sword of the King" Persons who see
Miss Crossman as Philippa Drayton viii
see her at her best.
Few If any, attractions that visit this
section are so warmly welcomed by
lovers of good. clean comedy. as are Fred
RAYMOND shows Year after year. he
has contributed TO the joys of Kansas
people by an evening or two of clean-cut
refined comedy. until the coming Of his
attractions have come TO be looked for
ward to. His company, presenting "Old
Arkansas" did not intend to visit this
section this spring, but the theatre man
ayers were so anxious for it. that a
special spring tour is being made in which
twenty-five towns and cities are being
visited This city is included in the itir.-
eracy of the company and "Old Arkan-
sas" will be seen here at the Crawford.
Friday, May s.
The best of all book plays" is the crit
icsm OF the St Louis Globe-Democrat
upon Winston Churchin's dramatization
of his novel. THE Crisis" in which Jas
X Hackett, one of Americas foremost
actor managers. will appear at the Craw-
ford theatre soon.
St Louis is the locale of Mr. Churchilr 8
story Of the Civil War. and not only every
incident but every character and mode
of speech, was therefore there laid open
to the severest criticism from the audi
ences who were so familiar with the
real localities. personalities and senti-
ments of their city for forty years ago.
That the production was entirely salts
factory to them was proven, not only
| by the published endorsement of the en-
tire press of that city, but even more so
| by the large attendance which nightly
filled the great Olympic theatre during
the week, and brought the financial re-
ceipt sto the astonishing figures of nearly
$4,000 in that comparatively short time.
Another proof of the success Of the play
and comedy there is that return Wis
was practically insisted upon for the
present season. and will be the only one
| played this yea ranywhere. although the
same request occurred with all the dates
played in the very limited spring tour
which included only Pittsburg. ST. Louis
New Orleans. Louisville. Nashville. At
lanta and Indianapolis; New York. Bos-
ton and Philadelphia have joined In this
request for q second engagement. which
may in this case be considered. Mr..
HacKett Is here for one night only and
will not be able 10 arrange for any other
visits here In this play