The daily morning journal and courier., 1907-04-26
1.-THE LION AND THE MOUSE"


 Most Notable Dramatic Event of the
 Season in Three Nights Engagement at the New Haven Theater.
 In securing a three nights engage ment of "The Lion and the Mouse" for the New Haven theater Manager Bun nell is to be congratulated on offering to the local theatergoing public pro- duction which is by all odds the most notable dramatic event of the season. The engagement was opened last night before a house in which every seat was taken and the play, as presented by the original metropolitan caste, called forth boundless enthusiasm. "The Lion and the Mouse is play dealing with con- temporary conditions in the financial and political worlds, which abounds in climaxes of the greatest emotional DOW er It is a play to attract above all others the playgoers of educated taste, while the reception it received from last nights audience spoke volumes for dis crimination of those who attended.
 So well known is the theme of this play that to go into details here seems almost supertluous. Briefly, the story concerns John Burkett Ryder, known as Ready Money Ryder in the financial world, in which he is the acknowledged leader and Shirley Rossmore, the daughter of Judge Rossmore, who, in his official capacity has given ruling adverse to the interests of the financial coterie of which Ryder is the head In retaliation the magnates, with the aid of corrupt politicians, cause Judge Rossmore's temporary suspension from the bench. Under an assumed name Shirley Rossmore becomes an inmate of the house of John Burkett Ryder. In giving the writing of his biography as an excuse, she tries, with the aid of his own son, to free ethe man whom Ryder Is trying to impeach. When 1t is finally discovered that she herself is the daughter of this man, Ryder orders her from his house. The scene which fol- lows this is unanimously and justly conceded to be one of the greatest ever written in a drama. Charles Klein is a wonderful dramatics. He is a student of men and events. He does not look upon life cynlcally, but he studies peo- ple and conditions as they exist in the country at the present time. He has incorporated many types of ''The Lion and the Mousse and incidentally he has written drama that is model oi literature and dramatic effectiveness.
 The part of Shirley Rossmore was taken by Grace Elliston, the origina leading star who interpreted her lines with all the power which called fortl the many encomiums of the New Yorl critics during her long metropolitan en gagement John Burkett Ryder wa! rendered by Oliver Dowd Byron whose < study of this complex character was 9 remarkable manifestation of dramatic art William Levers gave an admirable presentation of Jefferson Ryder "Readyy Money's' son, while Mrs. Johr Ryder received a delightful rendition al the hands of Marguerite St. John. Reg. maid Darlington as Hon. Fitzroy Bag. ley, was an exquisite comedy character swhile all the minor parts were present hd more than competently.
 Such well balanced caste as wa' seen in "The Lion and the Mouse yas night has not appeared before a New Haven audience in many day. "Th, Lion and the Mouse" will be seen agaii at the New Haven theater on Frida. and Saturday evenings, and on Satur day matinee.