The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-11-24

All SAHiDlllOn OF the highest order OF
histrionic talent was witnessed by a
comparatively few local theater goers
at the New Grand opera house last
evening. Jane Remark as Mistress
Betty Singleton, the Duchess of Mains
bury, in Clyde Fitch's The Toast of
the Town." is as clever in her trying
emotional role as anyone who has been
seen on the local stage in many moons.
Miss Remarks appearance here last
evening is the more remarkable because
with row after row of empty chairs
staring her in the face. she gave the
few people who We're present the pleas
ure of witnessing a truly fine perform
ance, putting into. her work all the fire,
the enthusiasm, and energy that would
nave been called forth had she had the
stimulus of the response OF q large and
thoroughly appreciative audience.
1t is one OF the hardest tasks of the
player to go through the lines OF q play
cnaiacterizing the part as a real, living
thing, through sheer force of Will and
giving it the individuality which it re-
qulres. If the player is met by a chilly
auolence OF meagre proportions. When
player is found who becomes so alb
sorDed IN his work that he is, utterly
oblivious to the things that would most
detract from that Woik then is a really
capable and talented eplayer discovered.
Doubtless the small udience that saw
Jane Remark last evening may be ac-
counted for through the fact that prob
ably many people associate her name
with tho1 of the Woodward and Bur-
CESS Auditorium theater stock company
at Kansas City, and having never borne
witness to her ability to act, have ar
rived at the foregone conclusion that of
course she isn't equal to anything real
ly worth while.
s. It's a mistake. During the few years
that Miss Remark played in the KAN
sas City stock company. she was re-
garded by all classes of Kansas City
theater goers as being far above her
environment. She has been a-starring
on ner own, account for the past four
or five years, but never before in so
pretent1ous production as The Toast
of the Town"
Miss Remark has been seen In prac-
ttcaily all the one night stands in the
United states in Blanche Bates Under
Two Flags" She has earnestly and ar
IDENTIFY worked to gain for herself a place
among the recognized stars, and her
EFFORT this season should surely and
Without question give her that undis-
puted distinction, even if 1t has not been
given her in its fullest measure hereto
fore.
Miss Remark is using Viola Aliens
the most excellent stage settings
brought to Topeka this year, together
with the costuming and other stage
business of the New York production
which had a most successful run lii
fact the stage setting for the first act
which represented the green room of a
London theater is probably the best
thing of its kind ever seen here. It is
a. costly setting. the walls of the room
being covered by fully a dozen portrait
paintings done in oil, and by an artist
of ability.
Miss Remark has not been sur
rounded by a New York cast by any
means. but the players have all been
selected with especial regard to the
qualifications for the respective parts
which they assume, and taken alto
OF h. i
balanced All are sufficiently capable
to handle their lines without marring
the enjoyment Of the piece as a whole.
Clyde Fitch built the play around the
story Of Betty Singleton, stage favor
lite. and toast of the town used in
the sense of being the belle" of the
town, who marries into the nobility.
The Duke of Malmsbury who has |
spent his life as a rake hardly COM |
preh ended the meaning OF love when I!
he married the actress. and a years !
time brought about separation and /
to both. The heart in !
by Betty. Duchess of Malmsbury, to
regain her husbands love.
The piece is written in the Fitch !
vein, and is one continuous recitation |
Of interesting dialogue and soliloquies
Success to Jane Remark, and may she /
receive a more hearty reception when |
she visits US next year
The following is the cast in support /
Of Miss Remark:
Mr.. Mclaughlin Nat Leff1ngweIl I
An Author John Warren I
Call Boy. .LittIeton Magruderi
An Old Man Ledger Nat Leff1ngweI
A Footman-Walters Ralph Beales
Second Footman. Frank George
Betty Singleton, the Duchess
of Malmsbury. Miss Jane Remark
Mistress Roxana !. +. Miss Lila Vane /,
The Dowager Duchess of Malmsbury,
-. Miss Bertha Livingston
Tn Lady Charlotte Miss Calar Weldon
The Duke of Malmsbury Carl Anthony
Lord Phillips - z-ag Kendall Weston
Lord AIgernon Fairfax, the dukes
Younger brother Maurice ". Steuart
Nj Harry Bent Warren DahleY
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