The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1909-01-08
Eugene Walkers Great American Play
Presented Last Evening to
Packed House by Most
Capable Company.
SUCCESS OF THE SEASON
Appreciation of the Strong Production
Was Most Marked Through
out-speciaI scentry
feature of Play.

The great American play, Paid in
Full' as presented at tae Grand last
evening, has left an impression upon
the memory of theatre goers that the
various productions of this and many
F; seasons yet to come, cannot hope to
succeed in effacing. The attitude of
the magnificent audience during the
| presentation. the significant quietude
with which it filed from the theatre
at the fall of the curtain, was one of
the highest compliments ever paid
a company at local theatre. None
who witnessed the presentation can
wonder that the play is entering upon
it's second year in New York City. The
! play is talked of everywhere and is
said to have received more personal in
dorsement than any play produced in
many seasons. AS far as known Wag-
enhals and Kemper have abided strict
| ly by their promise to place the pro-
duction only in the bands of the most
competent people. AS far IS the Keo-
kuk company was concerned, it would
seem an impossibility to improve upon
the magnificent presentation.
The theme of Paid in Full, is said
to have been taken from real life. Ger
tain it is that the characters breathe
! real life and the story is simply, yet
ILL fN1I tIn@ vi
phases, coupled with circumstances,
which gradually unfold a character,
be it weak or strong, is easily recogniz-
able.
Joseph Brooks, out of joint with the
world, irritable, impatient and incom-
petent, wholly selfish and egotistical
was faithfully portrayed by Thomas
Coffin Cooke. Whatever sympathy was
manifest for mis- condition as present
ed in the first act, was lost as the play
unfolded and the character of the man
was disclosed
Catherine Proctor was magnificent
! in the role of Emma Brooks Her
| cheerful acceptance of circumstances
! to which one reared in luxury is who'll
~ unused, her patience with, and
encouragement of her irritable hus-
| band, 1ler ready sympathy and tact in
embarrassing situations, presented
/ character most lovable indeed. But
/ In the final act was the ability of Miss
Proctor as an emotional actress dem
/ onstrated. and the many curtain calls
| the lady received during the evening
/ was significant of the appreciation of
I her ability and the ability of the sup
4 porting company.
Gruff Captain Williams, as portray
ed by Frank c. Burton was the cause
of much speculation on the part OF
those not familiar with the story of the
play. 1t was hard to place him, until
4 the last act when the gruff exterior
was found to conceal soul too large
for even his gigantic body. Not until
/ the climax of the scene in his rooms,
with Mrs. Brooks, was the lovable
! character appreciated and the storm of
applause that greeted The resogni-
! ton of his generosity was a pretty
compliment to the participants in this
scene.
James Smith, while a character with
which the audience is at all times in
the closest sympathy with as inter-
preted by Albert Andruss, could not
have been improved upon. In direct
relief was this character to that of
Joseph Brooks. Smith has met the
world. seen it from all its hardest sides,
and became its master through profic-
iency Throughout it all he had retain
ed the sweetness of his natural dispo-
sition. and the charity which is below
ed. but not often met with
Beth Harris. a most difficult part to
interpret was taken with conusmmate
skill by Viena Belten. The audience,
while not in sympathy with the char
acter. recognized the artistic ability
of the performer.
Much pleasure was taken in the sor-
did selfishness and worldliress of Mrs.
Harris. cleverly portrayed sby Agnes
Herndon.
The special scenery of the play is
almost beyond description. When the
truthful statement is made that four
hours are required to properly arrange
ii. this feature of the production
should receive such recognition. 1t
was perfection. Captain Williams
apartment represented the gathering
together of curior from many centul
les and the expenditure of no small
amount of capital
Eugene Walters play Paid in Full
has not as vet reached the climax of
! its possibilities. 1t has lasting hold
upon the people, and by the people it
will he cherished for its wonderful
.luman interest
The orchestral numbers We're espec-
tally pleasing, the following constitut-
ing the program: