The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-11-09

Gertrude Hoffman, who has attain ed
prominence as a dancer, will be seen
at the Jefferson theatre this month
with her own company. Miss Hoffman
made her start in Birmingham several
years ago and consequently has a fond
ness for this section.
1t Is claimed that no dramatic pro-
duction of recent years has received the
careful selection of players and earnest
thought that William A. Brady has
given Little Women" the dramatiza-
tion of Louisa M. Alcott's refreshing
story which ran all last season at the
Playhouse, New York. He has been most
careful in the selection, of types" 10
impersonate Meg, Beth, 10. Amy, Laurie,
Mr.. and Mrs. March, the Professor, Old
Hannah, Aunt March and all the others
over whose joys and struggles so many
millions of readers have wept. A test
will be made by William A. Brady by
sending Little Women" to Birmingham
for three nights and matinees daily If
the patronage Is profitable there will be
more attractions sent here for a longer
time than in the past.
Once in a gerat while there looms over
the horizon a master mind which creates
in some particular field of endeavor a
work of genius. The whole world ac-
knowledges its greatness and perfection.
Words of praise are but repetitions of that
which Is in every ones mind. Maurice
Maeterlinck, the author philosopher, has
done such thing for the stage in writ
ing the THE Blue Bird" The play is an
acknowledge masterpiece. Here, as well
as in half dozen foreign countries, the
drama holds a reverential place In the
esteem of thousands upon thousands. But
IN America 1t has been played oftener
.han IN any other country. Its popu-
larity Is unusual.
Birmingham will have an opportunity
OF witnessing this play of fantsy when
Messrs. Shubert present it at the Jeffcr-
son theatre in January, with the New
Theatre production and practically the
original cast. The play stands for happi-
ness-the blue bird typifies that. And
even II the two principal characters are
children, there's a moral involved in tbe
tale which tends to make everyone more
contended with their lot From a prod,,c-
tion standpoint, ''The Blue Bird" is one
OF the biggest attractions on tour.
In the announced engagement of ..Fine
Feathers" at the Jefferson theatre this
season. local playgoers will see what Is
said to be an original all-star cast intact
He Cdsl 10 Iedliy an all-Star affair be-
cause 1t Is composed of such plavers nc
Robert Edeson, Wilton Lackave Io,ita
Robertson. Lydia Dickson and othArs
who participated in it's seasons run al
the Astor theatre, New York. and the
Cort theatre. Chicago. After a rim n,
81 weeks 1t resumed its New Yorok season
late in August.
When Mrs. Fiske brings her current and
last seasons successful play. THE Hipt
Road to the Jefferson in January the,
atreeoers are to see her In a new line n,
work ana In a new type of play. Ed.
ward Sheldon's vital handiworl< Is a MIA
OF the moment. as modern as II well couIa
be and the lessons to be drawn frou
1t are such as when learned make 10,
the betterment of humanity. Mrs Fiske,,
role, while differing from any of its pred q
cessors In her repertoire. takes on som,
OF the combined characteristics of severa
or them The story concerns the strug
| giles of girl and woman who reache,
| different moral conclusions AT differe,
| periods of her life. The play carries ,
strong vein of psychology but 1t also car
ries remarkable vein of interest, tw,
elements that are not always found /,
] common. In ~ individual onDartunit4a,