The sun., 1916-01-19
MRS. FISKE BACK
IN A new COMEDY
Returns to New York Stage in
"Erstwhile Susan" at the
Gaiety Theatre.
GETS 4 WARM WELCOME

Mrs. Fiskc returned to the New York
stage last night. which IL always an
incident of importance In the world OF
the theatre. The most DISTINGUISHED
actress OF the American stage acted a,
the Gaiety Theatre in "Erstwhile susan.
an American comedy. Mw. Fiske has
not been seen here IN the lighter form
OF drama since she created the amusing
role of the eocial struggler In Mrs.
Bumpstead-Leirh." IL one except a brief
excursion into such British stage in
epitude as Rudolph Besier's Lady Pa
tricia." Her impe~onation OF Becky
sharp Ia OF course one of the Arm foun-
dations OF her fame. How suited she
IL to the portrayal OF native types her
success in Mrs BumpSead-Leigh
proved so well tina, there was keen
curiosity to see her in the piece pre-
sented last night
For. IN a measure, this rev comedy 10
composed OF the extravaganza and
naturalHess which made up the part OF
the social climber. Marion de Forest
made 'Erstwh.le Susan out OF a novel
II Is study OF life among the Penn
sylvania Dutch. which assures its sordid
and homely features to the exclusion OF
nearly every other trait. Into this en-
yironment there comes In the person Of
Mrs. Fiske an emanCipated woman OF
western origin, who from "A sense OF
motherhood decides 10 marry one of the
least sympathetic members of the New
Mennonite congregation. which fiourisnes
in this region. II is the pathetic condi-
ton Of the old mans daughter which
leads her TO accept the post OF his third
wife.
Then she sets out not only to reform
the old man but TO bring some of the
sunshine OF life into the household. IL
not the ne.ghborhood. II is not easy
and the husband dies rather than sur
render all his pet rudenesses But his
struggles with Mrs. Fiske. who repre-
sents the element of reform in the COM
munity. are very entertaining and make
UP, indeed. most OF the fun of the de-
lightful study Of character which this
new play In reality is. 1t is indeed its
human sense OF character throughout
the play that vitalizes all the humor and
sparkle of "Erstwhile Susan" which is
uncommonly fine in its appeal TO the
enjoyment of an intellectual public
Mrs. t'iske finds OF course excellent
opportunity for her altogether cerebral
comedy In the part of the woman Of
such varied Intellectual activities that
she had been an elocutionist in the past
an "energist" at all times. in the words
or one Of the characters. and a wholly
recognizable type OF emancipated Amer
lean feinininlty who thought that every
woman was entitled to AT least one child
and no questions asked II was In -a-
citing the story OF this past OF hers
that Mrs. Fiske reached the highes,
artistic point. perhaps, Of her acting al
though there was the perfect natural
ness of her method always evident. and
her exquisite sense Of comedy radiated
through every' line that she spoke The
audience welcomed her return with en-
thusiasm and with the uncomfortable
tribute of hearty laughte--whlch may
be no more genuine, but is at all events
less deliberate
The general representation was up to
the high level to which the actress has
accustomed her public. although In the
case OF the play last night a new firm OF
managers was introduced to the New
York public. This consists OF Madison
Corey. long associated with Henry W.
Savage: John u. Williams. formerly per-
sonal manager OF the late Charles Froh-
man. and well known as an author, and
Joseph Ritter OF Pittsburg. They make
up the new company which began its
career SO ausplciously last night.