The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-10-22
Attic l y

First of all, let us know, some of you
stylish folks who have friends among
the Stuyvesant Fishes and others IN
the Best Society in New York, is 1t
English, and therefore fashionable, to
say 1T is me?" 1 wouldn't be at all
surprised. Just as we learned, out here
in Kansas, not to say "ain't We heard
that it was done in the srlartest English
sets and that the Anglo-maniacS, in
New York had dragged it out of the
refuse. The lines of Miss Henrietta
Crosman's clever play, SHAM, III
which she returned to the Grand last
night after two seasons absence, makes
the actors say It's me-" more THAI
once. 1t was an awful shock, if they
and the playwright didn't know any
better. But if it's another example of
bad grammar becoming fashionable
we'll all try to bear up.
Sham" is called Miss Crosman'S
playe, advisedly. for it is not only her
vehicle but largely the product of her
pen. The play was written originally
by Miss Alma B. Harris, western
woman, unknown to fame, and when
produced in New York last season fall
ed to make good. The critics said it
had possibilities, and an interesting
theme, but was crude, amateurish, con-
ventional in it's situations-Oh you
know the things the Mean Old critics
say! And so after a short run it was
shelved temporarily, and Miss Crosman
was forced into vaudeville for few
weeks. Then she brought out Sham
for touring purposes went over 1t with
the author, largely re-wrote it and in
its present shape, has the best comedy
of her successful career, and a part
which suits her to T.
When Miss Crosman was last in To-
peka, in "All of Gudden Peggy" her
part that of a mere girl was too
youthful for her. No woman in the
neighborhood of forty can successfully
impersonate a girl of eighteen, but. for
the seasoned belle of thirty, or there
abouts, the role she essays in SHAN"
Miss Crosman is perfectly suited. She
was never more radiant than last night
Her flashes of coquetTy, her contagious
gaiety of spirits, her lightning changes
of mood. all her pretty characteristics
are employed to charming advantage in
the role of Katharine Van Ripper.
sham is not a great play, but It
has some remarkable points and it is
entertaining from start to finish. The
first act is particularly good. but there
is no failure of interest throughout the
dialogue is lively and natural, the sit
nations plausible, and the simple plot is
worked out with a regard for the prob
abilities all too rare in stage ptesenta-
tions. The play might very we'll pass
for characterization of The House of
Mirth, done according to the idea that
all plays must end happily. Katharine
Van Ripper and Lily Bart have many
points in common Both are beautiful
ana well porn, ana I'VE IN luxury on an
inadequate income the gifts of wealthy
friends and the indulgence of Their
much-abused creditors. IF you don't
pay your bills, the Grand was no place
for you last night, with your gown
builder sitting right behind you. and
your halter across the aisle.) BoNl
have been brought up at much expense
as to training and education in every
thing ornamental and nothing useful.
with the idea that their beauty will at
tract rich husbands. Both have posi-
bilities for better things, just enough
wit and sense to tire of their idle,
empty lives and to loathe the pose OF
society bootlick and CRATER necessary
to maintain them in the position &c
which they were born and in the ha bits
to which they have been accustomed
without the moral courage to break
away from their environment and live
q different life. Both have just enough
heart to rebel at the idea of a loveless
marriage and just enough independence
to refuse the offers of men whose only
recommendation is wealth, but botk
still daily with the idea of the conven-
tional brilliant match and confidently
expect, when they have amused them
selves long enough with improbable
but interesting fiIrtations, and car
screw up their courage to the point Of
overcoming their innate repugnance al
the sacrifice of their inclinations, tt
marry for money
But here the resemblance ends Fol
the man who awaken Lily Barts heart
the man who appeals to her better self