The San Francisco call., 1905-04-25

Undoubtedly the strongest of all those
in the play now on at the Central deal
ing with the tragic history of the
revered Irish patriot, who, after his
escape from Dublin to the Wickloff
Mountains upon the failure of his plan
TO free Ireland, sacrificed his life by
returning for one more look at his
sweetheart. the beautiful daughter of
Barrister Curran.
The presentation of the play, Charles
E Verner's version of Robert En-
met, given under the personal super
vision of George p. Webster. opened
auspiciously the Irish Festival at the
Central, half Of the proceeds of which
are to go to the Gaelic League here,
which in turn is to send half of what
II receives to the president of the
league in Dublin to further the Irish
cause
Though full of tragedy and thrilling
situations that give ample opportun-
ity for encores, there is plenty of
chance for comedy and catchy sing
ing and dancing specialties, of which
advantage is taken. Some clever To-
cal people appear in the specialties and
their friends were generous with en-
cores and flowers.
There are some ambitious scenic ef-
fects in the production. The perform
ance went off smoothly and the crowd
attending seemed thoroughly pleased
Mayan as Emmet and Juliet Crosby
as Sarah Curran have the leading
places in the play They do some
strong work George p. Webster has
a chance for some powerful acting as
Father Driscol. the faithful priest who
is with the hero until his execution.
While the trial scene is the most inn
pressive, that in the Dublin Jail where
the hero and the woman he loves have
their final parting. is little behind it
and its pathos left many a wet eve
among the ladies present Miss Crosby
gives the audience the best of her tai
ent in this scene.
Henry Shumer as the villain, Michael
Macalhin, has a difficult role that he
masters well; True Boardman and
James Corrigan also appear to special
advantage, and Miss Ellsmere as
Anna Devlin, receives the attention
that usually comes to her.
The specialties are introduced mainly
in the second act, at the home of
Father Driscol where Emmet an
nounces Miss Curran as his future
wife. The room is full of gay young
Irish people in costume, and songs and
dances are rendered. J. p. Kelleher
and J. J. O'Connell and the Misses
Bessie and Hazel Allen performed some
Gaelic footwork that aroused the full
est approval of the audience, which
was not backward in attesting its ap-
probation Mrs. Daisy Keane-Gillog-
ley sang some Irish songs. which were
also applauded with fervor.
The closing scene, In which a touch
ing lament for the dead hero is sung.
is one of great pathos. The bereaved
Sarah Curran clings to the cross over a
newly made grave. while the mournful
song rings out Across green fields in
the dista hre is seen the city Of Dublin,
at whose university the patriot En-
met received his education with
Thomas Moore, the poet, and other
great Irishmen, and conceived the am
bition of freeing his country from the
oppressor.
From the enthusiasm it aroused 1t
seems that the play will do a big
weeks business. 1t will be followed by
that other beautiful Irish drama,
"Shamus O'Brien," in which there will
also be special singing and dancing
numbers by local talent.
T. J. Mellot and ]. J. Conniffe Of the
Gaelic League executive committee
were at the theater last night. and the
doorkeepers were assisted by J. P. Mo-
riarty, B. J. Silver and d. Harnedy,
also Of the league
The State officers Of the Gaelic
League are: President, Rev. Peter c.