The Washington herald., 1913-02-04
POLI'S.
.sTbe Man from Home"

The spring stock season was inaugU-
rated last evening ae Polls, when a ca
pacity house of old and enthusiastic
friends greeted the return of the Poll
Players. 4 number OF new faces were
found among the cast. but practically
all Of last seasons favorites were back
with the company this year.
As one entered the lobby last even
aged TO advance a few feet at a time
through the thronE of admirers trying
their best TO enter, he peheld a lobby
draped with entwining vines and fes-
tOOned with Spanish moss. A string
orchestra hidden from view in this tan
gle of foliage played popular airs pre-
viOus to the raising of the curtain. 4
pretty effect was made by having a
number of lights of various colors glow
ing through the lacy hanging moss The
interior of the theater was appropriately
American flags.
The players as a whole Were ioyously
received. each and every one. Even Miss
BlOndhill, who is not in this weeks
play. was introduced from a stage box
by self-constituted chairman OF the in
PRODUCTION committee. Mr.. Van Buren,.
who had much trouble in making his
company make curtain speeches. A great
number of bouquets were received. and
every one Immediately made friends with
the newcomers in the company.
AS to the play, THE Man from Home"
the plot is well known to all, as this
play has been here several times before.
In a few words, it deals with the social
aspirations of a young lady who desires
to enter the nobility, even at the price
of her self-respect by marrying brain
less son OF a penniless earl. This is all
prevented by her guardian. Daniel Voor-
hees Pike, OF kokomo. Ind.
A. H Van Buren is happily cast as
Pike. and his conception of this role is
excellent. Those who have seen William
Hodge in this Tarkington-Wilson play
have no reason to criticise by way of
comparison Mr.. Van Buren's portrayal
OF the whole-souTed "Hoosier" lawyer.
He looses himself in this part, and his
dry humor and common sense make him
q character to be loved by all, just an
American who is dead in love with his
country and ward. This part affords Mr..
Van Buren, an opportunity to add to his
long list of artistic triumphs.
Maude Gilbert. the new leading lady
Of the players, gives a. realistic touch to
her delineation of Miss Granger Simp-
son. Pixies ward, who has unknowingly
become a snob in her ambition to become
one of the nobility. Miss Gilbert is a
prepossessing young lady, with much
personal magnetism and a striking stage
presence. There is a style both to her
acting and dress which places her far
above the average leading woman. II
II is as she said in her speech last even
ing that she would leave soon, it is to
be regretted. as she instantly endeared
herself to the whole audience
Graham Velsey plays the thankless
part. of Horace Simpson, and his i'm
of the type of a cad who
fawns on those of a supposed higher So
cial plane was entirely in keeping with
the spirit of the performance. He is to
be complimented on his work. The Rus
sian refugee, Ivanoff, as characterized
by Mark Kent, could not but appeal to
his auditors. Mr.. Kent can always be
relied upon TO present an artistic per-
Torrance of any part intrusted to him.
Dudley Hawley gives an amusing twist
to the character of Hon. Almerie ST.
Aubys, who is strong with the blueblood,
but very weak in the matter of brains.
cleverly handled and shows a careful
study of this character. Helen Tracey
makes a convincingly austere dowager
Dut of the part of Lady Creech. Lotta |
Linthicum as the COUNTESS is good. A |
new member, Robert NJ. Middleman, is |
1lgnifed as the grand duke, and plays |
his part intelligently. The rest of the |
which is well cast, comprises !
Cecil Bowser, Thomas Williams, Edward