The Detroit times., 1910-02-08
x /; al,: PLAYHOUSES

pages, filling each chapter with a
small world OF characters and Incl
dents and description that proves
large task to crystalize into good
stage material. In The White Sister"
the noVelist-dramatist has been able.
happily TO accomplish this with eX-
ccllent results. the vital action resting
with four persons I'm an entire east OF
ten. The story has been reduced to
definite quick drama. with the central
Idea. that OF the struggle OF a woman
consecrated TO the church TO subdue
her natural human instinct OF a great
love FOR sweetheart whom she be-
lieFed dead before she took the veil
OF the white sisterhood. but who re-
turns after five years captivity suf-
fered i'm his vocation as soldier. De-
spite the eyer-present sound OF the
convent bells. the passing TO and fro
or the white-garbed nuns, the COM
handing figure OF the church in the
person OF the Monsignore. there is
less OF religious cant In the play than
might have been expected The sub
ject matter Is handled with no offense.
IL would seem to the ordinary OBJ
server and as honor and duty ana
things spiritual triumph there Is not
likely TO be any great discussion
created by church or state.
Miss Allen plays Sister Giovanni in
the accepted Miss Allen way, but with
a surprising skill in the difficult mo-
ments for even so well-tried a player
as she Is The garb OF the nun is
highly becoming TO her, and with II
she has clothed herself I'm commend
able dramatic repression. and there Is
less OF the Miss Allen overemphasis
OF voice and elocution than one has
been accustomed TO associate with her
in previous stage representations.
A highly capable company sur.
rounds Miss Allen. the most prominent
figure OF which is James O'Neill. who
plays the Monsignore. The role.
therefore. is finished study in dig
nifty. repose and masterful grasp or
It's intellectual and dramatic require
ments Mr. O'Neilrs entrance was
the occasion OF deserved tribute OF
hearty applause.
Miss Minna Gale, with beauty OF
person and the charm OF smart frocks,
brought To the part OF the Contesse
Chiaramonte so much feminine
villiany as TO receive the Kisses or
the gallery The gods and goddesses
especially the latter-fully appreci'
ated her diaboical actions and
poisoned speech and the deep impress
sion her work made could not have re-
ceved greater compliment than the
attitude the gallery showed toward
her.
William Farnum gave an excellent
account OF .lmself as the soldier lover.
/ He was good looking. impetuous and
I I'm the more intense moments acted
with discretion and considerable
power.
Fanny Addison Pitt, one of the de-
lightful elderly women OF the stage,
raAiated the only smiles in the vale
Of tears. I'm the role OF Nine. Bernard.
sister GiovannTs old governess. Mrs
/ Pitt is a finished and delightful ac.
! tress IN whatever she does. Richie
ing was the stalwart. handsome sol
dier-friend OF the unfortunate young
lover Dwight Dana made a brief APP.
pearance as the wounded brother,
Miss Belle Warner acted the role OF
the Fortress with proper regard for
the general fitness Of things, and
Joseph Carducci was Bresca, a ser
want
The play is staged with fidelity and
handsome investiture The engage
ment Is for the entire week with We'd
nesday and SATURDAY. matinees.
ELLA MAE HAWTHORNE.