New-York tribune., 1911-02-21
THE DRAMA
"Seven Sisters" the New Farce
at the lyCeum Theatre.

al tne lyCeum Theatre.
~ Is reireshing TO find Mr Daniel Froh-
man producing play with his own COM
pany, in his own theatre. and tho hone is
aroused that he may be encouraged 70 re-
turn 10 his former habit II would he a
wholesome and invigorating change for
dramatic art In New York IL the Lyceum
Theatre IN West 18Th street were made TO
mean as much rs the old Lyceum In
Fourth avenue meant 10 plays and playing
al the hands OF this sagacious manager.
Not that the new piece at the new J,vceum
is a remarkable thing or calculated 10 stir
an exalted hope. But Il Is a merry piece.
n'errly acted, and probably none that saw
u Monday night regretted having faced in
clement weather TO witness its perform
ahce. The piece went with the CUSTOMARY
eVidences OF success. And il should sue
ceed' II for no other reason than Miss Lau-
rette Iaylor's presence in IT. This is said
not TO slight the star, Mr.. Charles Cherry.
out 10 give due credit 70 a comedienne OF
unusual gifts and unusual facility in using
them. Miss Laurette Taylor is a Joy from
the beginning Of the play till its ending.
The piece Is sheer farce A farce should
not be described in print Its essence can
not be transferred TO the column or the
page. a mere account Of what occurs IN
farce is likely 10 have dwelling look
and is pretty sure 10 prove that the writer
OF the account has the smallest sense Of
humor. Besides. this new farce at the
Lyceum Is Hungarian IN origin and scene,
and therefore complications arise which
might not be found in American or Eng
lish farce. Ono observer at least has a
notion that some complications may have
been omitted from the American version
which may have been conspicuous, or con-
spicuousy inferred. in the original But.
however that may he, the four acts fill an
evening with laughter. The play is clean
and merry. and 1t is acted as well as any
farce Is acted nowadays which means that
the ightness and sureness Of touch which
ought TO mark the acting OF farce is in
danger of becoming one Of the lost arts.
Seven Sisters" is the name Of the
Lyceum's new play Its Hungarian author
is Ference Herczegh, its translator Is
Ferike Boros, its sdapter is Edith Ellis. II
concerns the wooing Of four out OF seven
daughters. all young. OF the widow OF an
officer In the Hungarian army The GUS
toms Of the country give the author his
opportunity for farcical situations. And in
a play Of this kind much more depends
upon what the actors do and the spirit
and skill with which they DO ii than upon
the story that is unfolded.
Mr.. Charles Cherry plays a dashng lieu
tenant (all stage lieutenants are dashng)
who works up the matrimonial schemes by
which the three older sisters are married
off before he can capture the dear, delight
full fourth. The dear. delightful fourth is
Miss Laurette Taylor who has a gift of
girlishness which the goddesses, il there
are any goddesses left may envy. Mci is
the name OF the character she plays.
Mici is mischievous independent. lovable
and full Of fun. She il pretty, too. There
is witchery in her eyes. her voice her
movements The interest OF the play CEN
tres in her and her love affair with the
lieutenant
The play went well on he first night 1t
will go still better after one or two repeti-
tions. Then the players will be all readi
ness and full Of snap and move with ease.
There are some very funny moments. but
the best laughs come with the skilled de-
livery of lines rather than with ridiculous
situations. which some concocters of farce
think necessary for laughter. 1t is really
worth journey on a stormy night TO see
and hear Miss Laurette Taylor.
The play is admirably staged. The Hun
garian customs and ideas are interesting;
careful attention Is paid to detail. and the
minor characters are well acted. even
those of small children. that the general
effect is highly satisfactory.
Next 10 Mr.. Cherry and Miss Taylor, Mr..
Vilfred Draycott deserves communication.
lie plays 2 colonel Of hussars, the Baron
Radvanyi But Miss Laurette Taylor Is
the brightest jewel in all his picturesque
setting. Mr.. Daniel Fronmsn did well
when he selected her from the legion of
Young women who decorate our stage.
Most Of them do little else for II. or on it.
Miss TAYLOR will do great deal on II.
Let II be said again that she IS delight,
and that to her will he due much OF the
success Of Seven Sisters. 4. ".