New-York tribune., 1912-02-13
THE DRAMA
Elsie Ferguson as Dolly Madison
at the Fulton Theatre.
Margaret Anglin Revives Green
Stockings" at the Lyceum.

appreciative audiences Mr. Nirdlinger's s
play In which she appears, THE First Lady
lp the Land" Is one of the most delight
fuI comedies Of the season. II Is q comedy
that everybody can enjoy. II is bright in
nature and fine in tone; wholesome, inter-
esting in its action and it's story, In the
period which the story and action depict,
in the style of presentation-the turns from
wit and cheeriness to pathos, and then to
merriment again, and, for purposes of the
stage. sufficient fidelity 10 history. In
theme and treatment II is distinctly an
American comedy. and no better comedy
distinctly American. has OF late been writ
ten. One OF its scenes. that OF the diplo-
mats at the White House, soon after JEFF
fersons advent there, would be truer TO
comedy if It were less faithful to farce. but
for the rest the play is genuine comedy,
and In every instant Miss Ferguson's act
ing is high comedy Of the highest order.
Here is a play and here is acting which
every one should see. And, happily, every
one will have an opportunity to see Miss
Ferguson now that she IS acting in a
theatre controlled by her manager, for the
probability is that the public demand will
keep her at the Fulton until the end of the
season.
Elsie Ferguson has been highly praised
for her Dolly Madison, but the highest
praise she has received has not outrun her
conspicuous and increasing deserts. II
would be impossible to find an actress VINO
could equal her in this part, and 1t is I'M
probable that any actress has ever eXcelled
her In the portrayal OF such character
as this She conquers not only by her
radiant charm but by genuine dramatic
skill and power. How buoyantly. vivacious-
ly, and with what grace she touches the
loftiest points OF raillery. with what ten
derness and understanding she reveals tho
depths OF a woman's heart, and with wha'
womanly wisdom and intuition yet Win
what wounds of love, her Dolly Madison
makes choice between the daring and las-
cinating nature of Aaron Burr ana the
sturdler, more husbandly qualities OF James
Madison Burr may be her ideal as lover
hut Madison is the safer man for domestc
peace. Besides, he will retain the respect
OF all his countrymen. Burr will have the
heart OF Dolly Todd; Madison will have the
fidelity OF the woman who has pledged her
self To him; will have her aid and inspira-
Elsie Ferguson's Dolly Madison! Wen
might she illumine and exalt the spirlt VI
a statesman, even so "timid' man as
Madison; or fire the audacious soul OF BUTT
Well might she bring forth the best thd'
Law latent in statesman, soldier or poet
man OF action or man OF thought. AssuE-
adIv II the Dolly Madison of history were
not ike Elsie Ferguson's portrayal OF her.
she should have been so. HencetoTth' When
YOU think OF Dolly Madison, 1t VIII be Elsie
Ferguson's Dolly Madison that rises IN your
vision. This II is 10 create by the art OF
the stage living figure that VIII i've III
memory.
This Dolly Madison. lovely. lovabIe.
COURAGEOUS, witty; wise, as the best OF
women are wise; fine hammered Hhe
hhred. great hearted. delicious woman.
woman OF dreams and OF the world;
dancing Ouakeress: fascinating and faith-
,uI. this Dolly Madison with q great love
hurled In her heart, but with an uncon-
ouerabIe spirit as radiant as the sun; the
ideal helpmeet OF a man who worships her
and rules a nation and whom she inspires
even II she does control; this Dolly MAUI
son-yell. II is not every day the stage
presents q figure so Joyously, deeply ana
entirely alive, and 30 adorable. But this IL
the living woman that Elsie Ferguson pro
sents through her matchless SELF ana her
con and OF art No wonder Miss Fergu-
ca, has been summoned again TO New
York and that public appreciation or her
artistry grows with renewed acquaintance
IIs- performance does not dull with repe-
tIt,on hut acquires new delicacy, and
charm. and power.
The cast remains es before FREDERICK
Perry's Aaron Burr Is a study well con-
co,ved and admirably expressed. Lowell
she-man's Madison has acquired graft
fv,ne ease. ''The First Lady in tho Land"
which now enters upon It's ninth week In
New York, affords one OF the cleanest,
brightest and most delightful entertain
ments Of the year.
Margaret Anglin yesterday revived
"1reen Stockings" at the Lyceum Thea
ire. Hero again IL an enjoyable play IL
"a n pity that AR. A. L. w. Mason's
comedy, capitally acted as 1t Is by Mar
garet Angiin, II. Reeves-Smith and COM
petent company. cannot remain longer
than a fortnight. But tho Pinero piay'
preserving Mr. Panmure." which Charles
Frohman has arranged to produce on the
same stage, presses for its opportunity.
Miss Anglin in the Mason play Green
stockings" gives a performance well
worth adventuring for on February
night. Reeves-Smith, as the resurrected
Colonel of Celia Faraday's funny ro-
nance. IA better even than when he was
seen IN the same part some months ago,
and that Is saying good deal. MISS
AnRiin and Reeves-S Smith arc capitally
naired in this whimsical and diverting play.
There ia, however, a farcical scene which
makes the tudicious grieve while tho in
iudicious gufYaw, the scene In which the
chicago aunt becomes comically intoxi-
cated II is an improbable scene and II
tars on a comedy of this tone. 1t Is clever
Iv done, but It is out OF place. and could
easily enough be changed to At the comedy.
An,rt from this tho play IS one to heartily
applaud.
More than four months have passed since
"Creen Stockings' was first acted in New
York at another theatre and under another
management Now that Miss Anglin is her
own manager she may do as she pleascs,
as far as playerfolk can do 30 In world
., uncertainties II has pleased her TO re-
y,ve "Green Stockings" and for this favor
many playgoers are grateful Gould the
nav STAY longer on this neck Of land a
,ouphter-lovfng public would be still more
0ratsf,I Miss Anglin and Reeves-smith
IN ,,,se the piece with humor which makes
-..,,~-rhrance merry. A. w.
MARIE CAHIIL AGAIN
Anns,rs in 1.-THE Opera Ball at the