The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-11-07

reforms this country has ever witnessed.
 The theme of the play deals with the modern American business man, of the strong, virile type, who, finding his asso- ciates interruptions In their race Tor wealth, adopts the same methods and de- fends his course by comparing his own methods with those of his fellow business associates
 MT Lawrence, unknown to his wire, Barbara Lawrence-played by Miss Meth ersole-is heavily interested in tenement property, and two days before Christmas Barbara discovers that one of the worst tenements which she Is endeavortng to have torn down, Is owned by her own insanitary and unsafe condition. even the unsanitary and unsafe condition, even the fire-escapes have been condemned Ear bara begs her husband to, at least, equip the building with new fire-escapes, and. to appease her, he agrees to do this, put in reality he orders the old ones painted over Barbara has arranged to give the tenement children a Christmas festival in this very building. On the day of the festival the nurse brings the Lawrence's only child-a little boy to the tenement; a terrible fire ensues, and the old hre-es- capes crash to the ground. leaving the in- mates helpless. Tn the great third act YOU hear the weird cries of the newsboys shouting, Extra, all about the great fire" It is only then that Barbara dis covers that her own little son is in the burning tenement. This Is one of the strongest acts ever witnessed upon the American stage, and one that will live In the memory forever. The play Is so writ ten that the interest is sustained to the final curtain, when the regeneration of Barbara's husband and his redemption by her love and devotion is tho finale of this really great drama
 Miss Nethersole has surrounded herself with an all American cast.
 "The Writing on the Walr' is pro duced under tho personal direction Of Miss Nethersole whose reputation as a stage director is quito canal to her fame as a great actress.
 Richard Carlo In ''Mary"s Lamb"
 Richard Carle, author, composer and comedian, comes to the Jefferson theatre next Saturday matinee and night He will appear as the hen-peoksd hero of "Mary's Lamb," the best of all his musi- cal comedies. 'Mary's Lamb' is the pisce that ran all summer at the New York theater and had two extended en- agreements in Chicago. MT. Carle also played 1t last winter on his first tour of the Pacific coast. He brings practically the original company, including large, active and pretty lot of chorus girls
 'sMary's Lamb' was originally French
 
 English stage as Mrs Ponderbury's Past" MT. Carie, however, adapted his play from the original French and mak- ing all the characters American.
 The principal character is Leander Lamb, hen-pecked husband of Mary Mi randa Lamb. This is the part played by Mr. Carle. After twenty years domina- tion by his shrewish wife. Leandsr finally grows restless and fiirts with . charming retired actress Then his troubles be- gin and they are many and varied. But he finally triumphs. The hen-pscked husband is the best part the comedian has ever played. He brings splendid company of principals. including Julia Ralph as the shrew, Adele Raftre as the charmer, Violet Seaton. prima donna. as debutante. Rita Stanwood as football girl, Helen Brandon as Dutch girl. Sylvian Langlois as a westerner, Joseph Coffrnan as a talkative darky servant. George Bogues as an artist Abbott Ad- ans as q judge, and many others.
 The chorus of "Mary-s Lamb, as in all the Carle plays, is a big feature. There are whole bevies of pretty young women who appear as cowgirls. Dutch girls, grisettes, models, Parislan dandies, de- butantes, soldier girls and shadowgraph girls. The latter pose in neshings behind a screen when Miss Rafter sings about '"The Modest Little Model"
 The music of ''Mary's Lamb" is all on the catchy order, the principal songs in cluding "Betsy's the Belle of Bathers." My Madagascar Maid' If No. | .'The Modest Little Model" If No. 1 Met No 2" Were Hollandaise," 'Ja- mais d' la Vie" and Never Borrow Trouble"
 Charley Grapewin In New Play.
 An old favorite, Charley Grapow1n. in n new play entitled Above the Limit will be the attraction at the Bijou the week beginning tomorrow night. He will be seen for the first time here following his raouk na,ccoaaful tour of neven aoasonn