The morning journal-courier., 1908-04-25
STORY OF THE PLAY
When Johnnie Comes March
 ing Home by the New Haven Grays.

Those who have been following the re- hearsals of the Grays' production, When Johnnie Comes Marching Home this year. predict that thls third effort of the local miitlamen along theatrical lines will prove by far the most successful as well as the ef- fort they have made. It seemed at first, even to some of the most ardent sup porters of the soldier boys that they
 had undertaken a too ambitious task when they decided upon thls piece as their offering for 1908 IL is a well known fact that no amateur company in the United States has ever attempt ed to give this piece before, their req son being that 1t was far too difficult for them. In all probability without the able direction of Director Frank D, Nelson, the Grays would have found
 1t too much for them, but if the last few rehearsals may be taken as an in- dlcation of what the performances are to be, the mIltiamen on April 30, May l and 2, will add more deserved laurels to their already unusual record
 The story of the play deals with the return of John Graham, known as Johnnie" to hs home as northern officer. Just previous to his arrival General Allen has received dispatches containing Information regarding the southern army. During the first act, these are stolen from his overcoat by Robert Graham, Il spy In turn they are confused with pocketbooS be- longing to Johnnie, but after shift is made by one, Jonathan Phoenix, and
 when the loss Is discovered an order Is given to search Phoenix, who Is sus- pected of being q spy they are found on the person of Johnnie. The usual complications follow and In the end the northern officer is freed from suspicion. "A very pretty love story concerning Johnnie and Miss Kate Pemherton runs
 through the piece, the young lady be-
 ing prominently connected with the
 mix-up of the pocketbook in which the
 dispatches are contained. The piece has vim and rollicking humor running
 throughout 1t and over twenty numbers
 with unusually good music. including one quintet of exceptional quality guar antee most pleasing evenings enter tainment.
 Owing to the character of the opera 4 the selection of the principals necessi- I tated a great deal of work on the part of Director Nelson and the Musical I Director Prof. William F. Haesche. ! Finally the following competent cast \ was selected;
 Kate Pemberton. Miss Anna Carroll ! Constance Pemberton, a widow .... II ............... Miss Bertha Hunle ]. Miss Graham Miss storm Miss Susan Graham ..................
 ,..........M Miss Bertha Lammlln < Robert Graham ...........L. F.. Moeller Jeffery .........Dr. George A. Lawton :; Cordella Allen, daughter of General Allen ..........,...M Mrs r. D. Nelson : John Graham, son of Felix w. P. Frost H Gen. William Allen ........S. c. Crabb E Jonathan Phoenix ....Jos. Southerto;, # Felix Graham ......,,..E. C. simpson ' Major Buckle ........... Joseph Weibel T Lieut.. Walker ........G George Hamilton ' Uncle Tom ...... William Semple. Jr. M There are several familiar names !. among the male members of the cast ' who have appeared in the previous ! productions of the Grays, namely "The I Mocking Bird" and the "Gesha,' and < the female sololsts are all young ladies we'll known In the New Haven musical