New Britain herald., 1916-02-24
CAPACITY AUDIENCES
 IN VOGUE AT LYCEUM

l "Ktck-in'' has proved the most nopular play put on by the Alfred Cross players so far this season. It was thought by many that He Blindness of Virtue" had succeeded in reviving interest in the theater among New Britain playgoers; but this sensational play by Willard Mack has overturned all records. Ihere have been four performances so far and packed houses have been in or der at each one If the interest IS maintained throughout the week at the present rate all past performances will have been shattered by Saturday night.
 Next week will see on this same stage, An Outsider a play from the pen of Miss Julie Herne the popular leading lady of the Cross players. MISS Herne has consented to let New BTU ain Deople see her play even before New York audiences Originally II was intended to hold over the play until next year, as several Ne" l ork managers have options on It, put ar ter many pleas on the part of those connected with the Lyceum, MISS Herne finally gave in. Instead or putting the play on first in New 1Ork, metropolitan managers Will journey to the Lyceum next Monday night and see the performance here. Miss Herne is just as pleased that this is the case for she realizes the present company is fully capable of giving worthy rendition of her work. The company has been whipped into top notch shape during the past two weeks until to- day it stands as one of the best or ganizations that has ever played De- fore local audiences.
 With every play that has been pro duced since the first one at Christmas time the Cross players have increased in popularity and perfection of per fOrmanceS. Tn e return of Mrs. Ade- laide Hubbard has been wonderful gain in strength. As the company stands at present it is doubtful if any stock in the country could better them in their work in "Kick-in." Alfred Cross and Miss Herne are ideally adapted to their parts. Phillip Shef- ] field is making a grand success in his , part as the dope fiend, and the new ] ingenue, Miss Eveta Francis, has more than measured up to the stan
 dard. J. Irving White as the police | commissioner is ideal. William Ennis l the new man is playing Whip" Fo- ! garty, of the central office, portrays 8 | typical hardhearted policeman and l does it will.
 1 The characters and the situations l of 'kick-ins are both new to the l stage and are presented with a good l round measure of warm human sym l pathy. Here you see crooks struggle l ing for reform against a hard police l commissioner and a most damning l set of circumstances. Their attempts ] to keep straight and at the same time l prove faithful to their friends provide 1 the plot for the play.
 l 'Chick' Hewes once a crook is l leading respectable life. His wife
 is helping him to make good A pal 1 steals a diamond collar is wounded l escaping the police, and comes to l Chicks fiat for refuge. He is hidden ] in a room in the attic The police 1 commissioner begins badgering Chick, 1 Molly, the wounded mans sweetheart.
 and everyone likely to give informa- tion leading to the recovery of the collar.
 After the grilling is over, Chick and 1 Molly return to their flat and find that the wounded man has died while they ] were out While they are arranging
 plans for the secret disposal of the
 body, Molly'S brother morphine
 fiend. betrays the fact that he took l the diamond collar from the wounded
 crook while helping him into the
 house. While they are on the point
 of going to the district attorney's of
 flee to hand over the necklace and l clear themselves of any suspicion, in
 walks a central office detective. And
 then there is nothing but action. It is a play with a punch.