The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1911-06-20
THE. STAGE


The fact that chap with tho cog
nomen OF w. II. Risque wrote the
farce Dear Old Billy" might lead he
sophisticated theatergoer into lhInk-
ing that the authors name was syn
onymous with the quality OF the farce.
but Tor once the nimble-wittSd will
find himself guessing wrong, and, In
q visit 10 the Detroit opera house
this week, will have the pleasure of
seeing one OF the cleanest and best
acted entertainments OF many sea-
sons. William Hawtrey. the Ehglish
comedian, and a brother Of Charles
Hawtrey, with whom Detroit thester-
geers are on friendly terms, and an
admirable company gave the first To-
cal performance of Dear Old Billy"
Monday evening, TO the constant
laughter and hearty applause OF q
large audience. The theater, after be-
ing closed for couple OF weeks, was
cool and pleasant and the farce Of
fered just the light and frothy sort
OF amusement craved by the summer
public.
Mr.. Hawtrey, In the character OF
William Smith, otherwise Dear Old
Billy, is living picture of Everett
True OF the Times famous cartoons.
While he looks exactly like Ever EFT,
he has not that obstreperous citizens
explosive methods. On the contrary.
as comedian, Mr.. Hawtrey 10 as
quiet as a lamb, and his best comedy
effects are secured when he seems to
be making the least effort. Lake the
majority of actors who have had
their schooling on the English stage,
Mr.. Hawtrey depends upon hncsse
and subtlety and Is entirely success
full In getting his fun over the foot
lights without the slap-stick. lie Is
a delightful farceur and capable OF
doing all things well connected with
the art OF acting II called upon TO do
SO, Judging from the manner In which
he presents Dear Old Billy"
The farce Is nothing remarkable
In plot or writing but In the hands of
Mr. Hawtrey and his highly ca
pable associates It's lines and situa-
tions are exceedingly droll and ito
three acts are complete laughing
success. Like most plays OF its Kind
almost the entire action is devoted
to getting the characters into mess
o. trouble and the last Ave minutes
ito extricating. them. Dear Dad Billy
Is suffering from case Of too much
nagging wife," and goes to The sea-
shore to rest. WHEY and a couple
OF friends determine to have holi-
day, also, and. OF course, find them
selves at the same wateringplaCe ns
Billy. The usual hide.and-se seek game
OF all well-regulated farces results,
and the fun wakes faster and more
complicated, until the authors IN.
genuity for stunts for his characters,
becoming exhausted and the physical
strength of the actors having about
reached the limit, matters are finally
Strengthened out and the curtain de-
scends on "happy-ever-after' pic
ture.
In the meantime, however. the audi
ence holds It's sides, aching from
laughter. The company Ia an excel
lent one as the following names
prove: Harry Redding. z. IL. Kelly,
George Christie, Richie Ling Frank
Shannon, Miss Jane Burby, Miss Mu-
riel Starr, Miss Laura Clement, Miss
Esther Bissett and Miss Cassie Jami-
son. II would be difficult to muster a
better acting. company. ~
Mr.. Hawtrey and his company will
present Dear Old Billy" In the De-
troit all week, with matinees on Wed.
nesday and Saturday.
ELLA MAE HAWTHORNE.