The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-02-12


 evening in @Utah."
 The coming to Montgomery this week of Thomas Jefferson in Rip van Wrinkle" is notable because 1t will give Us opportunity to compare the artistic ability of the son of Joseph Jefferson with that of his distinguished father.
 It is perhaps well enough that Mont womery is this week to have somewhat of a period of rest from too many amusements. It will give our pocket books a chance to recover. The play houses, chock-full of good things the past three weeks, have given us merry pace.
 There is to be no let up at the Bijou Theatre, for every night this week is taken by the Payton Sisters who are said to be accompanied by an excellent company of repertoire actors.
 Manager Neal of the Bijou deserves much credit for the new house rule re- lating to vaudeville turns accompany ing repertoire shows. Hereafter all of the specialties will be put on be- fore the play begins instead of between the acts. The vaudeville will begin at s:15 o'clock at night and at 2:15 o'clock at matinees.
 The public will hail this new rule with delight. There Is no soil of com menseux in introducing songs and dances into the midst of a play of heart interest. One becomes interested in the story. for example, of a play like ''The Christian" He is ref1ecting between acts on the beauty of the story when the curtain ascends and 6 black face comedian comes on and screams something about Ma Honey" with a buck and wing dance. If the man in the audience has an artistic Temperament he feels like going after that black face comedian with an ax, no matter how clever the black face may be.
 By all means, Mir. Neal, stick to the rule. Let all vaudeville come together and give us the play without interrup. ton.
 We may expect a fine production of 'sRip Van Wrinkle" by Thomas Jeffer- son. He has played so long with his rather that he has developed into an actor of great ability. The younger Jefferson may not command the high prices of his father, but he will give better performance. The simple truth is Joe Jefferson in recent years by reason of his great age, has been more Of stage curiosity than an artist. We paid our money to see the man and not the actor.
 MR. Jefferson fin "Rip Van Winkle."
 "Rip Van Wrinkle" dear old vaga- bond. impersonated by Thomas Jeffer- son in a most fascinating manner, will come to the Montgomery Theatre next Saturday matinee and night break his temperance pledges, climb the rugged heights of the mimic Catskill noun tains, take his long nap to awake amog strangers in a strange world, tickle the disabilities of his hearers and bring forth a few sympathetic tears and signs.
 Thomas Jefferson long ago proved himself a worthy successor to his great sire, Joseph Jefferson, who has for generations been called the Grand old man. of the stage. Thomas is thoroughly well able to stand on his own merits as an actor of the first wa ter. apart from his relationship to his illustrious father. His performance of 'Rip Van Wrinkle" Is simply de- lightful. In the comedy scenes up to the point where he Is driven from home by his shrewish wife, his work is admirably done. Every trait of a reckless young Dutchman is brought out with finish and care of an artist. and that touch of pathos which he lends to the character as he is leaving