Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-11-10

BOTH SIDES
I.%he


portions Of the public usually averse 10
footlight entertainment. This doesn't mean
that the Kendals ever foisted sentimental
mush or preachy "sappydoodlcisms" upon
US. Their plays were usually the sane prod
ucts of tested dramatists They neither
stultifed the intellect nor preached n mes
sage"
nNCE It Is true. and greatly TO the
~ astonishment Of the public whose artis-
tic comprehension has since happily
broadened. the Kendals sounded what wa,
then called startling" dramatic note here
They were the first In Philadelphia to pre-
sent the Pinero masterpiece. The Second
Mrs. Tanqueray" Mr.. Kendall was the
Aubrey, Mrs. Kendall the Paula.
Astonishing 1t may appear today. the
public was shocked Paula Ray wasn't at
all the sort of heroine that Philadelphians
were used to connecting with Madge Ken
daTs wholesome" art Hers was a sterling
performance-her histrionic gifts outran her
husbands in scope--but timid audiences
felt they could not get accustomed to seeing
their beloved Mrs. Kendall present a per-
sonage of alleged dubious morals.
The Kendals experimental no more ano
re-entered the light comedy field. The
present writer recalls them with particular
pleasure In Hendrle and Woods THE Elder
Miss Blossom" In the adaptation of Sar-
dou's Les Pattes des Mouches," entitled a
Scrap of Paper" and In Sydney Grundys
"A White Lie" The last named play re.
vealed Mr.. Kendals art in its most con-
genial estate. His quizzical nonchalance
had its delightful traces of the familiar
comic methods Of John Drew.
TT is OF pertinent interest that mention of
L the Kendals' endeavors should como at
a time when the two theatres at which they
| generally played are undergoing radical
| metamorphoses The old Chestnut. scene
| of some of their most delectable efforts. is
| fast being demolished to make way for a
commercial skyscraper.
At the Chestnut Street Opera House the
| welcome spirit Of revival is installed. This
| theatre so rich in Philadelphia footlight
| traditions and ndissolubly associated with
| the names of Henry Irving, Richard Mans
| field Ada Rehan and other stage divinites,
| has been completely remodeled and Will be
| reopened to the public on November 26.
| with production of the Arthur Hammer
| stein operetta, You're In Love"
| Among the modern improvements ex-
| ecuted the removal Of nearly all the an
| noying old parquet circle posts will prob
| ably receive the heartiest popular tribute
| The seating arrangement has been entirely
| changed. new parquet floor has been
| laid improvements have been made to the
| recently as during the regime of the Keith
stock company. A tasteful new decorative
scheme has been developed No reconstruc-
tion Of the pleasing architectural exterior
| was necessary.
There should be no need to stimulate the
interest Of Phiadephians in the restora
tion Of this fine old playhouse to the first
| class category. If a theatre can possess a
| personality. the Chestnut Street Opera
House assuredly has one. 1t has been held
In sincere affection by true theatre-lover'
| for many year.
|MARGAREr ANGLrNs highly enjoy
AV1 able production of Lonely Soldiers
seems to have justified the Little Theatre
existence. Her engagement at this hous
has now been extended for four weeks. ano
part OF that time will be devoted to on
or more new productions. OF particua
| interest Is the announcement that Osca
Wides brilliant comedy, "a Woman of n,
Importance" will be a feature of the roper
tory. II. T. C.