New-York tribune., 1906-08-24
MADISON SQUARE THEATRE.
The Two Mr.. Wetherbys. Z"

Inc play in which New YoTl1ers had the pleasure
o. meeting William +. Hawtrey at the Madison
square Theatre last evening Is called bv fhe a,,-
thor ST. John Hankin "A Domestic Fact" Fact
may be stranger than fiction but IT is not always so
ehteFtaining-or dramatic In the domestic
scenes represented in the three acts OF the play
granted the situation, which offered no strain 10 tha
aihasination-the author was as realistic as vo,,
please We ALL at least some Of us know how
provocative OF conversation even OF argument ia
any little family misunderstanding The plot OF
Ahe Two Mr.. Wetherbys' is founded upon such
misunderstanding. two OF them, indeed and the
author has not neglected the opportunities afforded
il'm for engaging the characters in almost endless
discussions. The audience condOned the lack of
action IN the first act, which, by convention itas
fhs authors privilege TO reserve for purposes of
construction When. however, almost the entire
second act was found 10 be given over 20 a COM
uhuatloh and, at times, a repetition of the
arguments Of the first act the boredom OF friend
~ mouse was shown by the perfunctory and half
hearted applause that greeted the fall of the cur
tam IL was only in the third act that the people
IN the play got the chance TO do something by the
taray introduction OF little action into the piece
chance of which, 1t is pleasant say, they freely
and effectively awaited themselves
The story unfolded in the dialogue is that of a
fond husband. James Wetherby the good" one,
VINO is bored 10 extinction by the prosily solemn
relatives of his wife. After a few months OF con-
scientious effort TO live up to the sraitlaced
atty by which he finds himself surrounded he be-
gins 10 seek occasional diversion in harmless enough
amusements away from the home circle. in company
with his brother Richard the bad" Mr. Weth-
erD AS matter of fact. neither OF them is either
good or bad. Richard has allowed his wife 20 take
separation when she disapproved of his conduct
which he was TOO frank TO conceal, while James
seeks 10 preserve his reputation for goodness and
the regard of his wife by pretending 10 go 10 mis-
slonary meetings when he really has been playing
cards at the club. attending a music hall
performance Found out at last in one of his pecca-
ooes. he takes the advice OF his brother TO make
clean breast OF his offences and appeal to his wife
love Shocked by his disclosures. she threatens TO
leave him. The little comedy, in which the bad
brother. acted with admirable discretion and good
humor by Mr.. Hawtrey. effects a reconciliation be-
tween husband and wife, and incidentally brings
his own wife back TO him. is delightful 1t is all
within the third act. and will perhaps save the
play from the failure looked for at the end of the
second act. Certainly, it sends the audience home
in a pleasant mood.
The play was generally well acted in the few
scenes where any acting possible. Apart from
Mr.. Hawtrey, upon whom the burden Of the work
fell ST. Clair bayfield, deserves mention for his
excellent Interpretation OF solemn prs, and Mar
garet Cameron, the aggrieved wife of the good"
brother, made especially agreeable impression.
The cast:
JaHSs ENERGY 11a N1cAllster
ttfchafd Metnerby .Nllllan r 11aWIFey
Robert Carne- St Clair bayfield,
1argaret Mabel cameron
aunt kate Denim Wlls3n