New Britain herald., 1917-03-20
PEGGY O'MOORE'
 DELIGHTFUL SHOW
Successful Week Predicted by
 .Lyceum First Nighters''

1 As little Peggy O'Moore in the four-act play of the same name at the Lyceum this week. Miss Doro- 1 thea Antel scores a personal triumph, materially aids in furnishing local l theatergoers with a delightful even- ing and graphically shows the in- l fiuence that true woman has in shaping the course of man along ! the pathway of honor and correct living despite the many temptations oe public and private life. Present ing vivid picture of politics in a big city there is heart-gripping love story woven into the production, not of the pathos type but such as drives home a lesson and emphasis the old, old adage that all the world loves a lover. The production is such as to allow the Walter Naylor Players an ideal opportunity to illustrate their ability, both as . stock company of more than ordinary strength and in- dividually.
 Barring uncalled for lengthy waits between tho acts, the vehicle is un- doubtedly the best yet presented by the Players, combining, as 1t does. sparklets of wit and humor with sit uations where drama of heavier type is necessary.
 Philip Quin, as Matt Hogan, po- litical ward boss, again adds to his reputation as one of the most popu- lar and capable players yet appearing before local audiences in stock. His interpretation of the role is realistic. natural and excellent in every re- spect. Hearty commendation is mer- ited and given, the first nighters" generously showed their appreciation.
 Ralph Murphy appears to advantage but his portrayal of the modern news! paper reporter is more along the lines of what fiction and the uninitiated public think of this representative of the human family rather than as he is actually to be found in real life. Nevertheless the little deception does not detract from the success of the production and affords Murphy an op- portunity to furnish no little comedy to a number of situations that other wise might lean towards tediousness. Misses Irene Antel, Margie Dow and Virginia Perry add materially to the general success of the production and ably support Little Peggy" in the development of the plot, the progress through trying situations until Cupid emerges from the chaos a victor, and makes two hearts beat as one in sev- eral instances. The old saying that public office, worldly honors and rich es amount to a mere nothing in conn parison with a clean conscience, win | ming the "one and only girl" and stick l ing to an honorable course is effec- lively emphasized.
 Smythe Wallace, as His Honor, the | Mayor, and Russell Clark his rival in the race for public office and shallow plaudits of the multitude, handle diff | ferent roles with realism and in such | a way as to furnish deep interest in
 the production from the initial rise of
 the curtain until its final drop.
 Lester Paul, Victor Beecroft and
 Harry K. Hamilton appear in roles
 that play an important part in the | general development of the plot and
 materially aid in holding the close at
 tention of the audience.
 The production is based on a politi-
 cal fight, such as often takes place in
 any modern municipality, with the
 machine. machine politics and profes-
 sional politicians literally interwoven
 in the progress of the campaign. As
 happens in real life, Daniel Murphy
 His Honor, the Mayor, has frequent
 opportunities to depart from the
 straight and narrow path. frequent opportunities to benefit financially
 socially and politically. if he will but give his approval to certain proceed. ings that will not survive the calcium
 glare of publicity. But Little Peggy
 has entered into his life, has won his
 heart and he loves her, both for her self and because she is a picture o1
 her long-dead mother, whom he loved in earlier years and lost to an.
 other In the end he loses the mere
 baubles of gain, as viewed by many o1 the cynical outer world, but wins
 what is to him, much more and the desire of his life, the love and respect
 of Peggy" Let Were shallow honors come to them who desire them but
 bluff honest Dan Murphy is satisfied. So is the audience for, after all, all the world loves lover. Mere man can-
 not fail to love ."Little Peggy The
 applause given her shows that her
 audience last night was no. exception