The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-01-07
An1uSen1enfs
"A oententea Woman.Y

Charles Hoyt's ability to wield the scalpel of satire and administer the anaesthetic of humor, has been the cure for many a desperate case of de- pression. His pictures of the idiosyn- cracies, exaggerated perhaps, have different light, and have taught les sons but too trite. In none of this fa- nous playwright's works has hs handled the delicate instrument with more consummate skill than in "A Com tented Woman" which was seen at The Grand last night, presented by an ex- cellent company, headed by Charles Morrison and Miss Henrietta Lee.
 It Is not always the price we pay that regulates the measure of our joys. 1t was not so in this case. This excel- lent attraction, with an exceptional company, was put on here at BiJou cir- cult prices. More equipment Is carried perhaps, than half of the shows that come here, and certainly more hand somely equipped in the matter of cos tunes than the average higher priced attraction. The price may have been one of the deterring forces responsi- ble for the small attendance.
 The excellence of this cast in such clean, entertaining play as "A Com tented Woman" at the prevailing prices, is made possible by the great
  performance by week stands, which has proven the solving of the Southern theatrical problem in many instances, and permitted the enjoyment of good plays in this section at small cost. This is the result of the long labors of Jake Wells to perfect cir cult large enough to guarantee con- tractinR with companies of merit in such a manner that they can play for 30 and 75 cents. Although none of these shows have made more than one night stands here this season. theatre Eoers here have had the beneht or the arrangement and have been permitted to witness excellent performances hor Bijou circuit prices.
 Hoyt wrote "A Contented Woman" with intsrpolations of musiSal features, and those offered last nigHt were ex- ceIlent in their entertaining quality.
 Miss Lee wore her gowns with ex- ceeding grace, and was well caste as the "contented woman" She might nave secured a more natural enect ny uh- hAndinr Just a little, and displaying little more enthusiasm in her scenes with her husband. The lines warrant it..
 Charley Morrison was finished in his portrayal of Cutting Hintz But Mor" rison Is expected to do clever things. He and Herbert Haywood divided the honors.
 Randolph Currie as the ambitious husband was pleasing. displaying ann ple enthusiasm. but a little awkward in his affectionate scene with his handsome wife.
 Helen Davidge, as the leader of WoS mems Rights. gave an excellent DOT trayal. Gertrude Daniels as Mrs. Ebo" smith, wore stunning gowns that caus. us ed some of the fairer members Of the audience little bangs of envy. Miss Daniels was in full sympathy with her part.
 Emmet o'Connor did the blackface in capital style. In his assignment as one of the musical entertainers, he rather spoiled the full enjoyment of his ex- celIent voice by singing coon song, which little suited him. His Moon song was highly Tneritorious.
 Cast in the inconspicuous part Of maid. was a little dansuese who has made an impression en tour before. This year she is known as Milo Rayo' A petite but exceedingly handsome figure, and a pair of exceedingly nim- ble toes she adds much to the en1oy- ment of the evening The other mcm> bers of the company were ample to convey the clever authors Idea.
 Madam Butterfly" the grand opera production of Puccini. will be- sung at The Grand tonight.
 Al inc MaientIc-AnOther Fine Bih.
 Indictment weather seems to mako but little difference to the patrons or the Majestic Theatre. They know the high standard which the management of the little playhouse have set TOT themselves, and yesterday evidenced the fact that the management are up to their part of the bargain.
 For several weeks past the shows
 N1 a hAVA seemed to be trying to outrank its predecessor in attracting powers, and this weeks b;ll more than keeps up the high standard set. After several encores had been responded to by each of the acts. the applause was stopped only by the stage managers whistle for the next turn.
 This weeks bill contains four acts. instead of the usual three. The first on the program is that of Kreotore, the mad musician" as he is styled. The name fits him perfectly. It Is