Omaha daily bee., 1910-03-15
At the Theaters

''The servant in the House" at the
Brandeis.
The Henry Miller Associate Players in
The Servant IN the House. a drama IN
five acts, by Charles Ram Kennedy. Inc
James Ponsonby Makeshift. D. D.. the
Most Reverend, the Lord Bishop OF
The Reverend whiiam smyt6s, Vicar.
Auntle, the Wears wife ...............;.;,.
. '.s................ Lizzie HUDSON SolneI
Mary. their niece ...... Miss Edith Speare
Mr.. Robert smith. a gentleman OF
necessary occupation .... Willis Granger
Rogers, page boy ......... Henry IraNeIs
Manson, a butler ............ Howard Kyle
Charles Ram Kennedys allegory, which
has been much debated since It was offered
first In America last season Is now being
expounded at the Brandeis by a capable
company The drama has changed none
since II was first seen here, although Miss
Lizzie Hudson Collier Is the only member
OF the cast that survives the progress of
timo in connection with THE Henry Miller
Associate Players" The argument of the
drama Is the familiar postulate that the
world would be a nice place to live in II
men and women would but realize their
| obligations to one another. 1t Is as old as
humanity, and UP to date has proven as
Z futile as humanity has been perverse. The
mere fact that in the present instance Mr..
Kennedy aims his shafts especially at the
church Itself, or. rather its condition Of
defective drainage" does not alter the
course Of the. plays indictment of man
kind. Maybe this is the whip that is to
stimulate us into such frenzy OF contrition
as will bring about the desired reformation;
1t has been a year since it was first pre-
sented here, and so far no sign Of any
| social t9 dOpgp'f lik
to be listed as a pessimlst; but surface in
dications favor the conclusion that Mr..
Kennedy's preaching is no more potent
than has been that of all the long line
| who have preceded him. 1t is not espe-
cially to the credit of man that this is so;
1t is as easy to live rightly as to live
wrongly, and only requires the subjuga-
tion of self to achieve the happy state
all at least pretend to wish for.
THE Servant in the House" shows how
the better condition may oe brought about
| and does II in way that Is interesting.
1t is not merely dry preaching one listens
to. but a mornings life Of an interesting
group of people, who are simply human.
1t is remarkable production from this
! standpoint alone, and deserves the careful
attention It has been given. The company
having 1t in hand is giving It very ef-
! leCtiNe interpretation. MIR. Kyle mas a
much more satisfying comprehension Of
the role Of Manson than Mr.. Creston Clarke
showed. Mr.. Clarke seemed to be under
the obsession that It was necessary to sug-
gest the Savior in every word and ges-
ture; and persisted in a frequent offense
against good taste and dramatic strength
by so doing. Mr.. Kyle gives his audience
credit with having some discerning ability,
and tactfully leaves TO the people in front
the matter OF assoclating the character
with the Son OF Man. Mr. Granger is not
so impressive as the Drainman as was Mr..
Clement, yet he gives the role a quality
Of sincerity that compensates in some
measure for any power 1t may lose. Miss
Collier is still giving the wife of the vicar
excellent care, and Mr. Irving is decidedly
convincing in the role of the minister
who wrestles nightly with his own doubts
and finally resolves them in favor of the
right The work of Mr.. Westley, Mr..
Travers and Miss spesre is good.