The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1907-01-08
ADJUSTMENTS

To consider seriously the solution of the
social problem advanced in "The Strength
OF the Weak, in which Florence Rob-
erts has returned to town, opening
four nights engagement at the Salt Lake
theatre last evening, would be to take is
sue with host of discussions along sim
liar lines emanating from those play
wrights of the Bernard Shaw cult who
have taken it upon themselves to create
a woman of the one, so-called unpardon-
able sin of the sex, unmask her. carry
her through alternate wretchedness and
happiness and in the end work out a sal
walton or doom best suited to their indi-
vidual ideas of societys demands, dramat-
ic effect or what they may deem the
public TASTE
Such a discussion is not the purpose of
this review. For those who like prob
lem plays dealing with the results of be-
trayed womanhood on society and indi-
Yiduals. The Strength of the Weak
viii doubtless appeal effectively 1t can
not be denied that the authors of the
work, Alice NJ Smith and Charlotte
Thompson, have evolved an Accordingly
interesting story; one that reaches dra-
matte c1maXeS at times and one in which
there is power Of sustained interest and
action. 1t Is one-character play, with
its lights and shadows playing upon a
background of situations, a most ingen-
tOus handling of which has failed to dis
pei the stigma of morbidness and the un-
wholesome atmosphere which generally
prevails in a play which depends for it's
central theme on woman's sin and its
consequences
Florence Roberts presentation of Paul
Inc Darcy the woman of THE Strength
of the Weak" last night proved by far
the most satisfying thing this talented
actress has done in years. Miss Roberts
present Interpretation of the character
eXCellS her first efforts in The Strength
of the Weak to a marked degree. Con-
tinued association with the role has
brought softening of its harsher points,
stronger effect when dramatic heights
are attempted. and in the lighter scenes
of the play, particularly her love scenes,
naturalneSS and freshness new to this
actress. Every character OF Miss Rob
erts' play has been made subservient to
her Pauline Darcy. Her men are weak
or harshly overdrawn; her women friV-
olous and petulant. The authors didn't
trouble to provide them with brains
They move in the wake of the woman of
the play, their lines accentuating her hap
plness or misery, as the case may be-
Miss Roberts is in appearance years
younger than on her last engagement
here, and her reception last night amount
ed TO an ovation. The realism of her pres
ent work throws into strong relief the
Inconsistencies of various lines and situa-
tons In her play that nfOrmer produc-
uons of the piece seemed permissible.
These defects, however. If such they
may be called, will be brushed aside in the
plea that in such a story as 1.-THE
Strength of the Weak" relates a woman is
a law unto herself and the unexpected
is to be looked for.
Miss Roberts is acceptably supported
this season. ThurlOW Bergen plays Rich
ard Adams as ably as the limited posi-
bilitieS of the part will permit, making
the most of character for whose inner
ent weakness its authors are responsible
Charles Kent does a most unsatisfactory
Mr.. Abbott, his absurd mannerisms hav-
ing grown on him apace with an I'M
natural reading of his lines. Adelaide
Manola is very pretty and chic as Kitty,
and G. j. Williams presents the Baron en-
tertainingly.
Mr. Cort has mounted the present pro-
duction of 1.-The Strength of the Weak in
excellent style and the gowns of Miss
Roberts and her associates must have
been the envy of every woman in last
nights audience. Altogether the engage
ment is one of the best OF the season,
locally.
Maria Rosa will be presented by Miss
Roberts at the Salt Lake theatre We'd
nesday and Thursday nights.
The four Lukens are worth seeing at
the Orpheum. And when you get to see
them you will need the lightning power of
something worth seeing, for not that
much can be said of any of the rest of the
bill. The aerial artists are about the
finest ever seen on the local boards, and
do some stunts never before Witnessed
here They are not only perfect in their
marvellous feats. but their acts are all of
high class and they are models of grace.
Edward Gray. the tall tale teller may
be said to be next. but he's not so funny
as his length would indicate. Belle Cor
don. the athletic girl is a wonder with
her fists-and incidentally with her feet
but her trick is not altogether pleasing
The rest-well. they must be seen TO be
appreciated The kinodrome is good
There is plenty of laughter, some tears
and some sensation i'm Railroad Jack,
the comedy drama now on at the Grand
The play will be seen this and tomorrow
evening with a family matinee on Wed
nesdav afternoon. On Thursday evening
John A. Wolfe and his most excellent
con1pany. who are well remembered IN
Salt Lake. will be seen for three nights
enga rement I'm the melodramatic success
"A Man of Mystery.
one of the most delightful hits in klaw
g. Frlanper's production of 1.-THE Ham
Tree" in which they are starring Mcln-
tyre and Heath this season. is the clever
work of Mr.. w G. Fields the tramp jug
,rler who nIays the role of Sherlock Baf-
fles'v He does the funniest tramp jug
Cling act on the stage, and introduces
his tricks throughout his part as the anna
tour detective He juggles everything in
sight. Mr.. Fields eXcels in comic make
up and his easy manner and laughable
pantomime greatly strengthen a most in
teresting character.