New-York tribune., 1908-09-15
STAGE AFFAIRS
EMPIRE THEATRE.
John Dre5c's Success an the Laugh
able Comedy of Jack Stra7U."

Because he had been Tilted by a pretty POM
| eranan. renowned for her high kicking Sebastian,
archduke of Pomerania, quit his native country
and became a waiter: the story of Jack
Straw" N which John Drew began his season
last night at the Empire Theatre 1t need hardly
be recorded that Mr.. Drew was joyfuly received
by his numerous admirers. Leading men may come
and CO. but the public will have John Drew IL it
never has another; and while ii would rejoice to
see him get out of the rut. it is quite content to
view him In any character in which Charles
F'rohman sees fit to present him. In this new
comedy, made by William Somerset Maugham.
Mr.. Drew is a waiter. and his name is Jack Straw
Charles Hawtrey has been acting that part in
London for several months, and with considerable
popular
The action of the comedy occurs in England
the chief incidents at a hotel and the country
house OF wealthy family designing to marry
their daughter to nobleman In the first act
the Pomeranian is discovered at the Grand Bany-
Ion Hotel In the capacity of a waiter, ana MS
name Is Jack Straw. He had forgotten the dancer.
Before coming to the hotel he had been member
of travelling theatrical company, and became
friendly with a player named Holland. The actor
enters the hotel with attractive widow Lazy
Wanley. He greets Straw, but, of course, never
suspects his masquerade. Mr.. and Mrs Parker
Jennings guests OF the hotel They have
pretty daughter. Ethel. The father and mother
vulgar and conceited. They hope TO marry
Ethel TO a marquis.
| Lady WanIey is angered by the affected man
ners of Mrs Jennings. and conspires with Hoi-
land TO get a sweet revenge" Straw has come
to love Ethel and readily enters into their little
plot. He throws aside his wig, attires himself in
the garb and assumes the name of Sebastian. who
was reported "rnysteriousIy missing" Mr. and
Mrs. Jennings receive the newcomer with royal
cordality and look encouragingly upon his devo-
ton Ethel Lady Waney is deeply impressed
by the walters fine manners and his knowledge of
the world. She comes to have a secret love for
him. and is made sick heart when she beholds
| the depth Of his love for Ethel.
Mr.. and Mrs. Jennings suddenly announce
grand reception IN honor of the Archduke Sc
bastian. It is intimated that the forthcoming
marriage will be announced. Lady Waney is mad
! with jealousy. She takes him aside reminds him
that he is only Jack Straw and that if he does
not abandon Ethel she will expose him. But
Straw is inmovable. She pleads. she whines, she
laughs and cries betirnes; in fine, resorts to all
/ the clever devices Of a jealous woman, but with
favorable result In an outburst OF passion
she denounces him before the family and con-
fesses her part in the conspiracy Straw is then
| denounced by everybody but Ethel. He is still
unnoved When they all have done abusing him
he quietly proves his right 10 the title and renews
! his pledges TO Ethel.
Jack Straw is highly amusing comedy. There
is laugh nearly every line; not the boisterous
laugh but the hilarfty evoked by dry hUmor funny
situations and polished sentences. Mr. Drew has
achieved distinct success the chief character
in it. It is much better vehicle for him than was
| My Wife" The spectacle of John Drew in a
walters uniform, disporting a fine broad beard
is a sight worth going miles to In this dis
guise he is living image of popular purveyor
of beef and Mr. Drew had to share his success
with another well known player, Rose Coghlan
Her re-entrance the stage was the signal for
an outburst of applause that lasted several min
utes. The curtain not long up when by her
splendid personation of Mrs Parker Jennings, she
had earned a hearty commepdation Those in
quest of a night of wholesome pleasure will visit
John Drew and Rose Coghlan at the Empire