The sun., 1919-04-01
Types Seen in Boarding House
Are Depicted-Youthful
Actors Shine.

Rachel Crothers has of late taken to
writing plays of character rather than
action and the latest OF them. "Ss
East" was seen last night at the Broad
hurst Theatre. The author gives her
men and women more latitude than they
enjoy in THE Little Journey" They
are not confined to the limits OF
sleeping car. They are allowed to range
through Mrs. de Maiily's boarding house.
They are indeed the inmates of her
establishment and the audience last
night saw them at various points in
their routine OF life on one May day. SO
Miss Crothers comedy of boarding house
life is not as-static as Its predecessor.
There were in this list n titled Italian
unfamiliar with the ways OF this coun-
try; an impenitent spinster who made
no secret of her Intentions; an
exuberantly fresh young man from the
Middle West, just learning his New
York: frivolous widow from the
South the too solicitous doctor and the
unattractive twins. This collection Is
seen at breakfast and then at night.
They are. however. but the background
for the romance Of two young lovers,
who find themselves in this unoongenial
u.
clergyman. who has made the journey
to New York that many before her
have travelled. She has come in search
of fame as singer, but has found
haven in the chorus. The city also
has done its share in robbing OF his
illusions of life, the wealthy young man
who meets her but Is soon enthusiastic
cally in love with her.
Love Interlude in Second Act.
The types that dwell in the boarding
house are amusingly introduced IN the
first act. They are all well played.
with hpnors possibly for Lucia Moore
who was the gigling widow. and Blanche
Friderici. the stern spinster. although
Victor Sutherland's ingenious vulgarity
as the westerner was laughable. These
characters faded away TO leave the
stage clear for the second act Then In
q nook Of Central Park, the two young
lovers met for their first talk alone.
There are not only the pathos of the
girls story. her poverty. her hopefulness
and the difficulties that surround her TO
make up this act !; there are episodes OF
such youthful delight as the informal
lunch In the summer house and the girfs
dance with the interruption of the park
policeman. Always there was the steady
protestation OF the young lovers devo-
ton, of his desire to be OF help to her
and keep her out OF the dangers that
threaten her In the theatre.
But the mood OF the act In OF the
thoughtless gayety of youth and love in
the springtime. Scarcely an interrupt
ton adds variety to this long duet be-
tween the boy and girl, but Its charm
prevails throughout. The scene ends on
a note of sorrow, since the girl, indig-
nant at the suggestion that she cannot
make her way alone in New York. runs
away from her protector. But that cloud
soon passes.
OF course there was in the two young
players OF the leading roles uncommon
assistance to the success Of the scenes
in the second act. Constance Birney, who
has been an actress for only two weeks
and had no other stage experience than
q brief career as a dancer, Is a young
woman OF charm and alluring PERSONAL
ity. Only an unusual talent could ac-
complish so much without training. Her
chubby prettiness. her cultivated man
rer of speech which Is plainly that OF
gentlewoman, and her keen intelligence
helped her through the long scene of the
second act, when her lack OF technical
resource was more than once apparent.
It was altogether a refreshingly nat
urai and ingratiating performance. IN
which the first night audience revened.
Henry Hull, another gifted youngster.
remembered from THE Man Who Came
Back" had the same delightful natural
ness and the same spontaneity of youth
that brought him success before; but he
was this time able to reveal in addition
a keen sense of humor.
"39 East" Is original and most divert
ing comedy at all times. Its passages be-
tween the young lovers. 50 irresistibly
acted, are a rare pleasure.