The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-08-29
PLAYHOUSE GOSSIP.

No play that is to be presented in Bir- mingham this season has scored the un- qualified success that has attended the presentation of George Barr McCutcheon's heroic fiction,. "Graustark." This roman tic drama, which has the indorsement of the press and public, is far and away the cleanest, wholesomest and most agreeable play of it's kind presented in our city The pure atmosphere surrounding the play, the intense dramatic scenes and situa- tions, the delightful love stories and the delicious comedy are ever acceptable to theatre-goers, who aspire for better and cleaner theatrical offerings.
 One of the early offerings. at the Jeffer- son theatre will be the New York Lyric theatre success, ''The Wolf" by Flu gene Walter, author of Paid in Full" and ''The Easiest Way" It is a romantic play, depicting the adventurous life of the natives of the Canadian Hudson Bay country, whfther penetrates young en- gineer of some charm and no morals. He tries to throw the spell of his evil fas- cination over Hilda MacTavish, daughter of trapper, and the attempt in the end costs him his life The action tran spires in one day and the period is the present. An excellent cast, headed by Andrew Robson, is promised
 'The Land of Nod" comes to the Jeff ferson again this year, and promises to be one of the bright spots in the sea- sons bookings. The rare splendors of this stage spectacle are perfectly familiar to large proportion of our theatre-goers on account of its great success last sea- son. It is just the kind of entertain ment which most people delight in being full of rarely good comedy and jingling .catchy" music, and presented withs a vast equipment of beautiful scenery, cos- tunes and electrical effects Practically the same excellent cast which appeared last season will be seen, including Knox Wilson, who has always been the feat ured comedian of the performance. Two important new members are Neil McNeil and Anna McNabb, who return to tho cast after an absence of two years. They will play the same parts in 'sThe Land of Nod'' which first brought them fame. William w. Jefferson, the comedian now appearing in "The Henrietta" re- gently purchased pair of shoes a bit too small. He greatly admired the shoes-and persisted in wearing them despite the discomfort. He limped into his dressing room at the theatre, where Joseph Jefferson, his brother and CO., star, was preparing for the perform ance. Joe knew what caused Willie to limp-so he mischievously inquired, Whats the matter with your foot?" And Willie replied: "A fish stepped on it." Now Willie Is considered the most artistic prevaricator in the Jefferson company.
 - One of the most welcome announce ments of the new theatrical season is that Augusta J. Evans novel, "St. Elmo" has been dramatized, and will be seen in this city at the Jefferson this winter This particular fascinating story of southern life by southe ern author has for two generations been one of the most popular by a native writer, and for this section of the country above all other possesses ex- traordinary interest. The play is the work of Neil Twomey an able writer and master of stage technique under whose personal supervision the pro- duction is made. The scenic production is elaborate, and the cast has received particular care in It's selection.
 For the position of leading woman with Al w. Wilson in his new musical play, Metz fin Ireland" Manager Ellis has engaged Miss Irma La Pierre, who supported the late J. D. Stoddard In Beside the Bonnie Brier Bush,' and who later portrayed the character of Annie in Way Down East" and the Widow in The College Widow"
 There is a keen interest manifested by the local amusement lovers in the forth coming engagement of Joseph M. Weber's much -heralded comedy drama, "The Climax" by Edward Locke, which is announced as one of the important attractions of the season in this city.
 "Strongheart" has been the dramatic sensation of the past two seasons, and it's presentation here should prove one of the genuine dramatic treats of the season.
 To- will be not only one of the most delightful musical comedies which comes