The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-12-12
ADJUSTMENTS

| Players who do not profess to be
! anything out of the ordinary or even of
that degree are entitled to be treated
| with a liberation that is not due to
| those who profess wonderful things and
are found wanting. So perhaps no
"A Thoroughbred Tramp" which was
presented at the Grand last night, for
their inability to do any satisfying
work. 1t must be said, however, that
| the acting was hardly up to the stand
ard set by many companies which play
to popular prices, but then the play
is an exceedingly poor medium for any
sort of theSpian efforts. This play has
been on the boards for six years. How
it has lasted that long is beyond com
prehension. There was just one redeem
ing feature to the production and that
was the singing of Miss Mamie Ken
nedy. She has an excellent voice and
a couple of solos by her were heartily
received by the audience, which was
not large one, and which for some
unknown reason became generally af
fected with the sneezes. 1t seemed that
about every one in the house took three
or four SneezeS or more and one time
when the epidemic was at it's height 1t
was impossible to hear what was be-
ing said on the stage, but then any
thing that might have been said was
not missed.
Walker Whiteside and a most COM
petent company will be at the Grand
tonight in 1.-THE Claim of Blood"
play of sterling merit. Mr.. Whiteside
is under the management this season
of Liebler & Co. This theatrical con-
Germ prides itself on it's reputation of
never handling a show or a company
of actors which is not of the best and
this reputation is well deserved. So If
Mr. Whiteside were an unknown guam
tity, which he is not by any means,
the mere announcement of the fact that
he was being starred by Liebler & Co.
would be a sufficient guarantee of the
fact tonight's production will be a most
distinctive one. This company has on
tour this year such stars as Miss Viola
Allen, Mrs. Patrick Campbell and Mr..
William F'aversham as well as many
other of the best theatrical attractions
travelling.
"The Claim of Blood" is a most in
teresting play and tells the story of
Helmar, a young German violinist.
whose genius the arrows and sings of
fortune have never been able to dis |
hearten. Compelled by poverty to earn |
his living by playing in cheap cafes, |
he never lets his mind wander away |
from the goal of his dream. OF an
emotional temperament he falls in love
with the ward of the richest fnancier
in America, but opposition bars the road
to their happiness for a time. In the
end all obstacles are surmounted and
the final curtain falls on the happy
lovers clasped in each others arms.
The role of Helmar affords splendid
to Mr.. Whiteside, for 1t is
q many-sided character. Notwithstand-
ing the seriousness of his life he pos
sesses a keen sense of humor. In addi-
ton, the youth has inherited from his
father an underlying stratum of good
hard business sense that proves to be
a saving factor In some of the crises of
his life. There are several dramatic
climaxes which call for the extreme
emotional power.
Two of the most interesting types in the
play are Mrs. Zellner, a one time fam
ous pianiste in Germany, who at the
time of the play is earning her living
by teaching music in the upper part
Of Manhattan Island, and Pietro Gianti |
A peddler of images, who in his day
was the greatest singer in Italy.
Mr.. Whiteside's company include
Herbert Seers, Leslie Kenyon, Hubert
WiIkie, Louis Grisel, Clara Blandick,
Martha George and Nora Lamison