The Indianapolis journal., 1903-11-11

PARh--"Why Women Sin," and p. m.
EMPlRE-Burlesque, and p. n.
UNIQUE-Vaudeville, 8 and d. m.
1t was gratifying to see at Englshs last
night an audience OF good proportions-the
best, in point of size. that has ever greeted
]. II. Stoddart in this city since that grand
old veteran became a star. But although
the audience was larger than those that
have assembled at Mr.. Stoddart's perform
ances here in past seasons, 1t was not as
large as 1t should have been. The sterling
merit OF the attraction deserves crowded
houses. 1t Is hard TO understand why In
dianapolis has never accorded to Mr.. Stod-
dart the support that is due him. Here is
one of the finest old actors that ever graced
the American stage presenting a wonderful
ly strong portrayal of character In a
play that is at once intensely interesting,
straightforward, heart-touching and alto
gether well worth while. THE Bonnie Brier
Bush" as prepared by Mr.. James MacAr-
thur for stage purposes, Is a most admirable
rearrangement of Ian MacLaren's delight
full sketches of Scotch country life and, as
acted by Mr.. Stoddart and his splendid sup
treats OF this season, Just as II was to be
counted among the best dramatic offerings
at Engiish's last year.
This Is Mr.. Stoddart's third engagement
IN indianapolis in this play. and 1t is time
theatergoers are awakening to the fact that
they cannot afford to remain away from
such a thoroughly excellent performance.
The piece has been reviewed at length in
these columns before, and so far as the
play Itself Is concerned IL Is only necessary
to add at this time that 1t Is still tue same
beautiful, appealing comedy drama, with
nothing that Is forced or unnatural about Ii.
The story IL tells Is not a new one, it is
tender pathos and refined humor, that the
most unimpressionable theatergoer cannot
help but enjoy it's many delicious comedy
passages and feel sincerely touched during
its stressful emotional moments.
Although an old man, Mr.. Stoddart is a
powerful actor, and nothing finer than his
rendition OF the role OF Lachlan Campbell,
the venerable Scotch shepherd and narrow
minded father. is to be seen on the stage to-
Gay. Who can sit through his performance
and not fall under the spell of his wonderful
comprehension OF parental affection, and
who witness with undmmed eyes the
poor old fathers tragic sorrow when he be-
mated by Mr.. Stoddart with his subtle and
poignant mastery OF wounded love, and the
spectator at the play, losing sight in an
attitude toward his child, bestows heart
felt sympathy upon the poor lonely old man
who has just turned his beloved daughter
And IL Mr. Stoddart is a master OF emo
tional acting. Reuben Fax, so long asso-
of comedy playing. Mr.. Fax's characteriza-
ton OF Postey is the work of a comedian
of the first rank. He extracts a perfect
wealth OF humor from the role, but every
thing he does and says seems wholly nat
ural. The supporting company is entirely
capable. Mabel Brownell gives sweet and
sympathetic Interpretation OF the part of
Flora. Robert V. Ferguson makes an excel
lent DR.. MacLure and the other roles of i'm
portance are adequately filled by Julius
McVicker, Damon Lyon, Wallace Jackson,
Helen Holmes and Adelaide Cumming The
two Juvenile parts are exceptionally well
played by pair of clever children-Georgia
Clark and Queenie Phillips AS I'm the past
the play is staged in careful and pictur-
esque way. and every attention is given TO
the smallest detail. THE Bonnie Brier
Bush" will be repeated this afternoon and
tonight.