The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-10-18

lection" of a Kansas reform law, was
not permitted to even step on the stage
and acknowledge the applause of the
audience Had she done so, the man
agement would have been arrested by
the Jealous protectors of youth, on
charge of permitting her to appear on
the stage
This little girls part in the play is
not difficult-to her. She would much
rather play it than to sit with the au-
dience. She is the pet of the company,
receives the best of treatment, and her
own mother is with her all the time
and has a part in the play.
The understudy who played the part
of Mary jane did more than could
be expected of a mature young woman
in the role of an 11-year-old child, but
her size did not go well with the pose
of childish innocence. As conse-
quence, scenes and passages which she
dominated were strained and awk-
ward.
This was Max F'igman's first appear
ance in Topeka since he brought The
Man on the Box about three years ago.
That his return was welcome and his
latest role acceptable. was demonstra-
ted by the audience, which forced him
to make a little speech at the end OF
the second act. In addressing the audi
ence, Mr.. Figman deplored the fact that
the Kansas laws had deprived him OF
his principal support.
IT do not depreciate the work of the
little lady who is playing the part to-
night" said Mr.. Figman, land there is
no occasion to apologize for her, but
I do wish you could have seen the real
Mary Jane in this part. 1t is unfort-
innate that your laws are such that she
cannot appear before you. 1 have trav-
eled all over the United States with this
production and this is the first place
and time that the law has seen fit to
rob me of my support in a production
which was almost built around this lit
tie girl"
Little Miss Mckay, who sat in box,
acknowledged the compliment with a
bow, but was not permitted to step
upon the stage
The play is adapted to Figman's style,
| and he had excellent support. From
Helene Lackayes ''Portia Perkins to
Edwin Chapman Jr.'s 'Lewellyn
Green" the printers devil, the sup
porting company delivered the goods.
The play is well staged, and the me-
| chanical effects in the printing Office
scene passable. The shifting around of
the parts marred the production. Mrs.
| Fieman playing the part of Lucille"
| and "Dorothy Phillips the regular
Lucille taking the part of Mary Jane"
Mary James Pa is the story of a
| lotus eating parent who deserted ms
| wife and babies to go out and see the
world. After IL years ne comes PACK
! at a time when he is least wanted, as
| his children think that he is dead, and
| his wife is on the verge of falling in
love with an honest lawyer and poll
tician of the district. The unwelcome
| father hangs around in the guise of a
"he hired girl to his wife, ana his
presence in the household gives vent TO
the ever-ready gossip of a rural COM
munity Everything comes out right In
the end without the aid of bloodshed
| or other cheapening melodramatfc eff
feet, and Perkins decides to stay Win
| his family where he belongs.
The play is enlivened by sufficient
| comedy, and taken all together, is one
of the best comedy dramas ever seen
on local stage.