New Britain herald., 1916-04-18
THE IRON MASTER
 A POWERFUL PLAY
Alfred Cross Players Revive Famous Old French Drama
 . at the LyCeum

With the celebrated French play, "The Iron Master" as their vehicle, the Alfred Cross players started on the seventeenth week of their engagement at the Lyceum last evening, working on the motions of the discriminating first nighters'' until they moved hem to tears with brilliant interpretation of George Churt's melodramatic con- tributiOn to the stage so popular quarter of a century ago and now se- curing place among the classics as revival for the theatergoer of today. The sorrowful story conceived by the clever author, made so difficult to un- fold by it's swiftly changing lines and intricate dialogue, was admirably handled by MT. Cross, Miss Herne and their capable supporters and as the company gets more familiar with the lengthy speeches the piece should rrove as interesting and impressive as any of the plays they have essayed to present during their stay here.
 "The Iron Master is another big op- portunity for Mr. Cross and Miss ii IL. the leading man portraying the role of a self-made figure in the world of wealth, kindly and generous to a fault, and, be it said, very much in love, while Miss Herne delineates the char acter of a lovable and beautiful girl made unhappy by the unfaithfulness of her fiance and a subsequent misun- derstanding due to her impetuous rush tn r, their many scenes together the couple show consummate skill in emotional acting, Mr. Cross rising to heights of dramatic uoWer as the talented young actress. co-star with him, depicts the agonizing suffefings of the proud and unhappy victim of @ chain of circum- stances which burdens her with a load of sorrow and wretchedness. These scenes are touching and tear dimmed eyes could be noticed as the audience travelled with them over the dismal road which eventually led to their haven of happiness.
 Both MT. Cross and Miss Herne were letter perfect in their exceeding lv difficult lines and spurred on by their splendid acting, their supporters worked faithfully and well to give the piece a suitable presentation.
 J. Irving White began his farewell week bv again displaying his remark able versatility, assuming the role of the lovlv born and uneducated mil lionaire, who successfully buys en- trance into society for his daughter and bv the same methods secures title for her. He gave his usually careful interpretation of the part and
 inn ence through out the entire play.
 Phi1in Sheffield won the sympathy of the audience for Octave De Beau lieu and with Miss Winifred Yelling ton cast as Suzanne Derblay, his sweetheart. brought out the tender continent woven around the charac- ters bv the author with pronounced success. They acted their parts feel ingly and showed a nice cohceptloii oA the roles assigned to them.
 Miss Dorothy Moniglen, one Of the newcomers in the company, has more important part than usual thls week. She has a most pleasing stage nresence. her enunciation is excel lent and her mannerisms well sulteo to the mart she is playing. Her work dur ing the week should attract consloer-
 
 Showing a thorough understanding Of the many finely shaded lines gwen to her. Miss Dora Booth acts the dlHl- cult role of Athanais MOulinet in skillful manner and shares the honors with Mir. Cross and Miss Herne.
 Eugene Weber, William Ennis Thomas Sena and Mrs. Hubbard also contribute their mite toward the suc- cess of the piece. They gave an sn- telligent reading of their lines la- night and life little to be desired.
 Tn beautiful scenes in the second and third acts testified to the skill of Maurice Futile while the manner in which the play was produced showed the hand of Kendall Weston, the direc- tor. &'
 The play is of the "bool>ish' type. IL recalls the drama of a by-gone day and it impresses one by it's natural ness and logical progress. 'The Iron Master is worthy of a revival and last nights performance indicates that it will fare we'll at the hands of the Ily- ceum Players.