The Detroit times., 1911-07-18
THE STAGE
oARRtck.

That Miss Jessie Bonsteiie has
firmly established herself In the favor
OF Detroit theatergoers was given pos
tive proof Monday evening when that
pleasing and attractive actress, and
herocapable stock company, was greet
cd by a very large audience TO In.
augurate her second visit 70 this city.
The play chosen for the opening OF
the engagement was Love Watches"
a delightfully."- frothy and amusing
comedy from the French Of r. De
Flers and G. Caillayet. the adoption
having been made by Gladys Unger.
The comedy was given its first presen-
tation In this city two seasons ago, by
Miss Billie Burke and specially Sc
) lected Frohman company. The role
originally assumed by Miss Burke was
acted by Miss Bonstelle and the entire
representation lost nothing, In Its en-
actment, by the Bonstelle forces, AZ
compared with the Frohman company.
Miss Bonstelle has earned a we'll
deserved reputation for Offering her
public the best kind OF a stock COM
pany, new and interesting plays, and
productions that for all-around merit,
intelligence and care. stand out as
worthy OF the highest praise. She is
a very clever little lady. She adds to
undoubted and well-developed acting
. talent. the ability 10 stage and direct
her own productions and TO everything
she does, she brings brains, good
taste and excellent judgment. The
majority OF the Bonstelle clientele. In
Detroit recognized these qualities
during the engagement a year ago
and Miss Bonstelle at that time was
placed upon q pedestal of favoritism
through sheer merit and not only be-
cause she Ii charming and pretty
woman.
In the leading role Of Love
Watches" Miss Bonstelle Is called
upon to present wilful. gay and low
able little girl OF seventeen summers
who proposes to her cousin, Andre, be
cause she has adored him since child
hood and carries that sophisticated
young man OF many love affairs. on
under the very eyes Of his latest
charmer. a widowed cousin. Jacque-
line is this sprightly little girls name
and the four acts of the play are de-
voted to the telling OF her matrimonial
fluctuations following the entrance OF
the green-eyed monster, into the
honeymoon. The play Is filed with
kisses and much sentimentality and
would soon pail. because Of Its exces-
siye sugariness. were II not for the
comedy which the authors have con-
trived to make uppermost. The audi
ence is kept In state Of high good
humor and the individual and collec-
tive abilities of the Bonstelle company
carries the comedy along with just the
right touch OF lightness and rapidity.
Charles Balsar, who was a member
OF the New Theater Co. when II Wit
ed Detroit year ago and also played
the leading male role with Miss Emily
Stevens. in when All Has Been Said"
when that play was given its debut,
I'm Detroit, last fall. is ISIS Bonstelle's
leading support. Mr.. Balsar In Love
Watches" plays Andre. He embodies
all the qualities usually demanded OF
leading man"--good looks, grace
ful bearing, the skill to wear smart
clothes easily and acting talent far
above the ordinary. It Is safe TO
wager that not a feminine soul In the
audience, Monday evening. blamed
Jacqneline for her alteration OF her
handsome cousin-husband.
Hugh Dillman. who was with Miss
Bonstelle last year, provided his right
to high praise. In his characteristic
ofsEarnest Augarde. q queer young