The Washington herald., 1908-01-12
The Old Homestead.

There IS probably no other play at pres
ent on the American stage holding the
high place in the affections Of the public
as that occupied by The Old Home
stead" Now that dear old RIP Van
Winkle" is no more. the most familiar
surviving figure Of the simpler class of
dramatic characters IS Uncle Joshua
Whitcomb, than whom no other person
age OF the stage now seems TO so ade-
quately convey a picture of homely real
ism.
This remarkable play is now in its
tWenty-secOnd year before the public. and
has charmed a generation of pIaygoers.
and Yet it continues TO hold its own
among the plays which come and go. and
which for a period at least may have
seemed to enjoy a high-water mark of
popularity. But none other has survived
for such long period, although most
plays Of this class are likely tn last
longer and be more pleasantly remem-
= tbered than problem plays. farces. musical
comedies, or vaudeville stunts. PeopIa
Ike plays that are close to nature ana
Denman Thompson, like the late James
d. Herne, knew the value Of the huudrad
and one little human touches thar vera
sure 10 meet response in the hearts of
their audiences. Although all dramatic
material is derived from some human ex-
perience, great deal is drawn from
sources foreign to the majority. In that
unlamented experiment, "The Fool and the
Girl, seen here earlier in the season the
hrst act might be used as an illustration
OF the kind Of realism that does not an
peal 10 the masses, although undoubtadlv
there can be found many who have seen
Just such phase of life.
Memories Of such experiences bou,o,,or
are apt to bring remorse. and those who
have had them would much rather he al
lowed 10 forget them than see tbar,
dragged into a theater where wives and
mothers are taken. But memories of a
childhood spent in the country. perbans
on just such farm and among lust such
people as are pictured In "The Old
Homestead" are bound to be sweet and
touch a chord of tender sentiment in al
most every heart. Even the CITY bred
Ike TO get into the country at times and
breathe the pure, fresh air. and these
country plays bring an atmosphere of
rest and simplicity into the city life that
many of us need, but do not stray far
enough afieId to get.
The Old Homestead" rests its case
upon that exquisite condition of mind
known as contentment Uncle Josh is a
simple SOUL and does not thirst for the
city, but what transpires while he is tbera
On his enforced visit only serves 10 ae-
centuate the beauty Of his life at home
And many Of us may have felt the same
as he, with the roar Of the metropolis in
our ears, and his genuine delight at being
back home" is not lost upon us.
Denman Thompson no longer appears
as Uncle Josh, save perhaps on extra oc-
casions. but he can well afford 10 rest
upon his laurels. To create at least one
really great character on the stage is the
aim Of every actor, and Thompson has in
delibly stamped the name of '"The Old
Homestead" and Uncle Joshua Whitcomb
upon theatrical annals. He prepared the
way for many rural dramas, and his ex-
ample may have Influenced James A
Herne in many of his productions
Shore Acres" IS a grateful memory now
and Sag Harbor" was a vigorous picture
Of real f'fa- over all this class of plays
THE Old Homestead" holds absolute
sway. The sentiment in 1t is true and goes
direct TO the heart; therefore it lives on.
Ignaee Paderewski has accepted the
AZ