The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1912-04-30
LATEST
 PLAY SCORES "The Milk Inspector P|eases Big Audience at Pon's Most of the Old Time FavOrites in Former Creations of Author Welcomed =
 Satire on StratfOrd

Theatregoers were transplanted to stratford town last night when Rob- ert M. Sperry's play, ""The Milk In- spector" was presented at Polls be- fore a crowded house. Playwright drama in the quaint adjoining town and there are many humorous touch es that appeal alike to Bridgeporters and Stratfordites. The references to the Stove club, Minor Smiths and the bottle of champagne that reposed in Bill Tuttle's drug store for 20 years. produced much laughter last night.
 There are many other Iaughable bits in the show and the performance as whole is very creditable both to the author and the cast At present the play is a trifle too long but 1t will no doubt be pruned before the week decorated with flags, bunting and special electric signs. In the boxes were Mayar Wilson. former Mayor Buckingham and other city officials. Mayor Wilson made a speech before congratulate Mir. Sperry on his suc- cess in the past.
 The comedy hits of the evening were scored by Charles E. Dickerson and Charles R. Jewett. Dickerson had the part of a dope fiend, modelled after
 
 Kelly in the old days of Ward & Vokes. He played the part to perfec- tion and kept the audience in an up- roar. Jewett was immense as Hiram Bee, the Mayor of Stratford. He was master of the situation at all times and was largely responsible for pro- ducing the mirth.
 Martha Hurd made her debut on the stage and acquitted herself with cred- it. She showed no evidence of stage fright although her numerous friends were grlnning at her from out in front. Miss Hurd showed herself songs "If Do, I Hope to Die" and Do It Now" Both were encored.
 Hattie L. Steinbach has always been good in these closing productions but she outdid herself last night in the herself to be comedienne of no mean ability.
 Charles E. Peck was a scream as January Jones, a colored citizen of Stratford and Lee Lownds did excel- lent work in the part of Billy Baxter. sion as Willie Flee, a loud talking theatrical manager. Clara Brill look ed pretty and acted cleverly in the part of Daisy Ellsom and Bernard Brill was good as Miles Hudson. Rob- ert M. Sperry did not take a very
 
 what he did was we'll taken care Of. Elsie Thrall and Grace Lownds were handsome Stratford belles who had good stage presence. Thomas Law ton, a Stratford baritone, got away with a solo in fine style and Jack London received applause for his mon ologue and imitation of Raymond Hitchcock
 One of the cleverest bits in the per- formance was the burlesque melo- drama. "The William Still Pursued Her. There was lots of good stuff in it. Lee Lownds as Joe Manly. the hero, was fine and Hattie L. Stein bach was a bloodthirsty villainess. Others in the cast were Clara Brill, Brill, and Grace Lownds.
 The performance was halted some what by the constant hoisting of bou- quets over the footlights. The play CTS are pretty popular judging by the floral tributes. Each member of the cast was remembered and some re- ceived two or three. The play will be for the remainder of the week with daily rnatinees.