The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-12-21
''CLARENCE' ONE OF BEST COM ED|ES
 OF THE SEASON

After witnessing the opening perform ance of Booth Tarkington's comedy Clarence, at the Jefferson theatre last delightful play has won the unstinted praise of critics, as well as patrons of the theatre.
 It is unique in conception and admir- ably drawn. Juvenility has never been more faithfully or more humorously DOT trayed on the stage Nor would it be a simple matter to imagine more in teresting personality for dramatic pu-- poses than the mysterious Clarence. who makes his appearance as an awkward soldier and turns out to be remark ably adaptable person in wealthy man household, in the triple roles of a peace maker, "a lover and a scientist, The story of Clarence" is too good to be told here, because there must be a great many people in Birmingham who will want to see the play. It's en- joyment depends not a little on guessing the identity of Clarence, diversion in which every character in the play uses his or her wits to the best of their ability. but without success
 The lines are worthy of such a gifted novelist, playwright and humorist as Booth Tarkington, who is by no means a novice in writing pieces for the stage There is little of what may be called dramatic suspense, except so far as Clarence Is concerned, but the character drawing and the dialogue are done in masterly fashion.
 With so good a play a competent com psny is needed to do it full justice and this requirement. was admirably met last night. The entire cast is composed of players who make each character stand out with strong individuality. The role of Clarence is played by Robert Adams with delightful gusto The mild eccen- tricities of his profession are delincated with a skill that is immensely entertain
 ing; while both In appearance and in acting he reveals most engaging per sonality which explains the impression he creates in the household of the Wheelers. where he is an unknown handy man about the house, but becomes by easy stages almost member of the family.
 It is seldom that two juvenile roles have been so well presented on the local stage as those of Bobby Wheeler and Cora Wheeler, played respectively by Thomas Kelly and Ruth Metro. Both are vivid impersonations of the uncon- scious comedy of youth, with all it's cal lcwness, it's assumption of world knowl- edge and it's susceptibility to the grand passion" Bobby and Cora are the kind of youngsters everybody has seen or
 
 more frankly-that most of us have been ourselves.
 Florence Fair as the governess, made that young woman tribulations a mat ter of deep concern to the audience and Justified the early attachment of Clar- ence, not to mention the lovelorn Bobby 1 Beth Franklyn was good as Mrs. Wheeler and 10 Wallace made great deal out | of the part of Dslla, domestic, with whom Bobby imagined himself to be se- ricusly compromised because that ire pr essfbIe young rake had kissed her | Byron Beasley, as MT. Wheeler a | troubled man of affairs with an unruly | family on his hands, played the part well, but has evidently not yet familiar I ized himself with his lines. MT Beasley 1 is doubtless a recent addition to the com- 1 pany.
 1 The remaining members acquitted themselves quite creditably A better acted performance. or one more genuinely | entertaining. could not be asked for. i Clarence" is to be at the Jefferson | tonight and tomorrow night with a | matinee tomorrow afternoon. It is we'll worth while to interrupt ones Christ
 mas shopping and see this play.