The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-12-18

Al H. (Metz) Wilson


 Al H. Wilson. the German dialect come dian, who occupies prominent position fin the front ranks of Teutonic comedians, and who has built up a clientele that equals the proportions of that enjoyed by the elder Emmett of pleasant memory. will be the attraction at the Jefferson theatre Monday night, when he will pre- sent his great success, Metz in Ireland"
 MT. Wilson is possessed of a magnetic personality that has won him many friends during his previous engagements in Birmingham, and his always certain conquest of an audience Is aided and ac- ccntuated this season through an uncom- : nonly bright and interesting play, the mere title of which is suggestive of qaint ana picturesque scenes and beautiful sit nations. Add to that story that abounds In romance, tender pathos and pleasing drollery add to that again an able and magnetic actor a singer whose vocal abilities are of the kind that place him by himself in an undisputed class on the American stage; add furthermore the scenic effects that the subject allows, and which are provided in abundance by Man. ager Sidney R. Ellis, and company of unusual strength, and you can form good idea of the play which has the dis tinction of being the best in which this popular comedian has ever appeared.
 The story tells of the adventures of a German rover in the land of the Sham rock, where he becomes firm believer in the good little fairies made famous in Irish song and story. MT. Wilson DOT trays the character of Metz Klonikilty, the son of an Irish earl whose first wife was German and who always insisted on living in her own country where Metz vas raised and educated.
 Metz journeys to Ireland for the pur- pose of establishing his claim as the rightful neir to his fathers Irish estate, which, by the terms of the will reverts to niece of the earrs second wife if Metz does not make his appearance by the time he is 21 years of age. He ar rlves at Klonikility castle unknown, drv- ing jaunting car, to which is hitched a native donkey, and is mistaken for German wanderer, in which guse he con- cludes to appear until he has had the op- portunity to familiarize himself with To- cal conditions. He becomes acquainted with the steward of the estate. one Me Cune, who is under the impression that the German heir is dead and who has en- tered into a conspiracy with Lord Som rnerset, nephew of the lateb earl, to loot the estate Before Metz makes known his identity he makes friends of the ten ants of the estate. for whom he is ever ready to sing their native songs and the songs of his Fatherland.
 Of course, no description of a Wilson play would be complete were not men tion made of the musical part of the per formance. MT. Wilson can always be de- pended upon for a selection of new and entrancing songs and. his audience will not be disappointed this season. Included among the new musical numbers is My l,ueen of Dreams" which is said to rival any of the songs made famous by this comedian in the past. ge
 seThe Man on the BOX"
 "The Man on the Box" comes to the Jefferson theatre next Thursday. mati- nee and night, fully equipped for the road with the original New York city production. Bert Leigh, in the leading titular role, has been surrounded with all the accessories that helped make Henry E.. Dixey famous in this play. The supporting cast Is said to be of unusual excellence for road produc- tion, and a first-class performance Is promised the theatregoing public.
 "The Man on the Box" recently ap- peared in Pensacola In commenting on the performance the Journal said:
 Nearly everybody is supposed to have read Harold McGrath's splendid novel of Washington life entitled The Man on the Box" and this is very clever dramatization of the book by Grace Livingston Furniss. This was all 'everal years ago. but while the play las been on the road more or less, Pen