New-York tribune., 1912-03-31
Tear Stained lucy Moore"
Exposes the Villany of a
Notorious Fruit.

Prune hating is a virtue Though this has
long been secretly believed by people OF
rastrononic discretion, the fact was finally
established by a company Of melodrama-
lists I'm a very secluded playhouse down
near Washington Square one memorable
night recently.
II the enthusiastic reviewer or TINS eA-
traordinary first night held in the artist
section Of our proud and varied city should
begin 10 refer to the celebrated artist
dramatist Of the occasion. Everett Shlnn,
as the white hope Of new and real ma
t.onal drama movement the reader must
be lenient. After all, enthusiasm, as long
as II is neither about the latest Tehgion
nor the most recent invention, nor about
books nor novels, nor modern progress, Is
harmless enough. And, honestly, nobody
who stood or sat in the back yard stuolo
theatre of Mr.. Shinn's house, at No. H2
Wayerley Place, 10 see the private dress
rehearsal Of Lucy Moore last Wednes-
day night among the little crowd OF people
who had laughed and clapped and shouted
I'll they were quite maudlin, could have
helped becoming enthusiastic.
1t all started last year, when the Shinns
had 10 give some kind OF party as their
contribution 10 the winters festivities. Mr.
Shinu wrote a play. We all write plays.
He had not escaped the infection, you see
even by living near Washington Square.
After that party nothing would do but
that the Shinns must write more plays
Last summer they gave one at Bellport for
charity and made peck of dollars out Of
II. II was called Hazel Weston; or, More
Sinned Against than Usual And what do
you think? prowlng vaudeville manager
saw II and bought tho rights. Now it is in
rehearsal. and will soon be offered here for
all New York to see.
No wonder Mr.. Shinn has copyrighted his
latest great American drama. Lucy
Moore. the Prune Hater's Daughter
Those who were whisperingIy invited 10
20 see the try-out Of this just inVectlVe
against the sloppy prune came away 'aIk-
ing about Waverley Place Go. I'D as the
cradle Of the drama. There were many
things they said. There were scenery mat
vas not too realistic, costumes that not
only revealed character, but were an In
spiration 10 the sketch artist, and there
was a charming lack OF taking themselves
seriously on the part Of the dramatic
artists concerned. So unselfconsclous a
spirit prevailed that one of the chief actors
and instigators Of the affair next morning
IN The course of her marketing actually
went to a certain well known dry grocery
store and ordered fresh supply Of prunes
MIR. shinn likes them. you know. in spite
sf what he said in his play" she confessed.
Another charming thing. The drsmatist
then wrote wholly for arts sake and not TO
air a petty dislike OF his own.
But 10 the play!
Imagine a pleasantly small one story
building erected behind Mr.. Shinn's dwell
ing house. with a short yard space in be
tween; inside the glass door NittIe panes ~
glass Ike a Colonial WINDOW
:eilinged studio. with It's walls c''
paintings, sketches and half-hn.s
Opposite as you enter, the prosce"'-"' ana
red curtains of a miniature siage' WIN
tootlights and ell appurtensnces AS many
camp chairs as possible are set in rows Dut
an eager audience is also perched about on
chests and boxes, and even clinging 10 the
side props Of the big easel In the corner.