The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1904-09-08
AT THE THEATER


There is probably no actor who Wis
its Savannah during the year whose
work is more artistic and genuine than
Tim Murphy, and his appearance last
night at the opening of the season was
a delight to lovers of pure and whole
some comedy of the class that is often
crowded out in the later rush of must
cal farces and extraganzas.
The play, 1.-TWO Men and a Girl"
was a most entertaining one, excep-
tionally clever and unexpected in sit
uation, rising at times to quite dra-
matte point, and both witty and re-
Elective in dialogue. The company was
spirited and capable, and carried off
the piece with much humor. Mr.. Muir
ply himself achieved a success even
more marked than his ''Old Innocence"
in a part more romantic and equally
quality that gives depth to
his work was as strong
ly evident. The play had the advant-
age over "Old Innocence, with which
Mr.. Murphy is identified, of not being
monologue, and in diversity of char
acters and incidents, and quick action,
gave opportunity for something be-
sides character delineation, in which
Mr.. Murphy eXcels.
There was just a suggestion of 1.-The
Professors Love Story" no more than
pleasant reminder, in the piece and
its Interpretation, and it is impossible
not to comment once more upon Mr..
Murphy'S resemblance, affinity might
be a better word, to Sol. Smith Russell,
without detracting. in either instance,
from his originality. The emotion of
the play and its dramatic episodes de-
pend upon the love of John Crosby, n
bachelor of considerable age (Mr.
Murphy, for young girl who has be-
come engaged to him shortly after
breaking her engagement to his young
er brother a worthless scoundrel. The
situation is full of unpleasant possi-
bilities, which the younger brother
makes the most of, to the discontinue
of his generous-mined senior The
character. of John Crosby, frank, de-
voted, humorous and simple, is quite
an unusual one for the stage and it's
development by Mr.. Murphy, very
touching and convincing.
The love scenes with Emily Allis-
ford were absolutely unaffected, and
formed the best portion of a perform
ance altogether good. The part of
Emily was taken by Miss Gertrude
Dalton, who, besides looking exceed
ingiy attractive, was Dor the most
part natural and responsive. Miss
Dorothy Sherrod as Julia Remington
whitney, A B., A. M, was more than
unusually clever, in fact entirely de-
lightful. The comedy of the piece.
which was of the most spontaneous
sort, was brought about by her hearts
less flirtations, and the resulting eff
forts of a faithful lover to capture her
by making love to a vivacious school
girl, with a love affair of her own
The plot between these two to excite
the jealousy of the Indifferent ones
was sustained until the close of the
play with great anima ton and offered
some most entertaining episodes. Miss
Louise Whitfield did the schoolgirl
cleverly, and Mr.. Richard Underwood
was excellent as the recalcitrant lover
There was some very good humor
too, in the scenes between the old
doctor, Mr.. Wilbur NJ. Roe, and his
arbitrary valet Piper, Mr.. Olney
Griffin. Mr.. Robert Ober did boy
ish role well, as Bud" of Yale. 'O4.
Another clever member of the cast
was Mr.. Christie Miller
The staging of the piece was pic
turesque and elaborate, and distinct
advance over Mn Murphy's former
productions, which depended more up-
on the excellence of the star than
upon external accessories. The unusu-
ally well-balanced company, too. was
decidedly improved over that of last
year. In this case not only the star.
but the company, and the stage set
ting as well, furnish all that could
be desired by the most critical and
oner what will, without doubt, prove
10 have been one of the best produce
lions of the season just opening.
Mr.. Murphy and his company will
be seen again tonight in satirlcal
three-act comedy, When a Man Mar
ries,' by A. c. Bishop. 1t is staged
under the personal direction of Fred
erick Paulding, who wrote and staged
the play OF last night Mr.. Murphy
Will be seen as Dick Lighter. and Miss
Sherrod as Lillian Norton Lighter. his
wife. Miss Dalton will appear as vi
olet Leasing a dancer.
Mason & Mason i'm their new musical
comedy success. Fritz &, Snitz." nm
der the direction of Messrs. Broadhurst
a Currie, will be seen here Monday
night with special cast. The
advance sale Of seats will onion
on Friday morning. Prices. or
chestra, $l.00: balcony, rs and so cents.
gallery, 25 cents.
-e-s-s---
Hest Route to Austin.
Special excursion rates to Austl,