The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-10-05
AT THE JEFFERSON

i"e liite artistfy or MrS. F1Ske is seen at it's best in Mis- Nelly of N'Orieans," q delightful comedy of Creole life in which she opened engagement at the Jefferson theatre last night
 Looking back on the gallery of stage types with which the name of this dis tingushed actress is associated, none ia more whimsical, exquisitely humorous and deftiy portrayed, perhaps, than 'Mis Nelly" It is as far apart from Salvation Nell'' and Tess as the poles, an artist who has no superior on the American stage.
 Mis- Nelly of N'Orleans' does not make any pretense of being an ambitious play. It does not by any means tax the abilities of Mrs Fiske, but it is charm ing study of manners, blending romance and moonlight madness" and capitaIiy acted throughout
 Laurence Eyre, who wrote the play, has caught the spirit of most fascinat- ing phase of New Orleans, that differ- entiates it sharply from all other cities in America The Creoles have inspired some of the best work in American literature. George w. Cable has done much to immortalize them, and Mr. Eyre's play shows what may be done with them on the stage.
 "Mis' Nelly is the eternally youthful woman. On her return to New Orleans after a long exile in, Paris, where she was driven by an unfortunate love af- fair, she finds the son of her wnilom lover betrothed to her niece-or, rather it wa sthe knowledge of this engagement which brought her back post haste to match her wits once more against the man who had doubted her in the old days.
 The fires q resentment are stii praz- ing merrily. the two youngsters are quite as impulsive and hot-headed as their elders ever were, but by series of amus- ing escapades, in which she lives over the scenes which made her the talk of the town years before, Mis- Nelly" brings the recalcitrant lover to her feet and speeds the romance of the young people who stand at the parting of the ways
 Mrs. Fiske's performance does not need any commendation here, In comedy or tragedy she is equally at home. Her company is all that could be desired, with the possible exception of the negro impersonations, which are nearly always caricatures on the stage. Edward Emery, as George Durand, gives an exceptionally good portrayal of the stubborn Creole father, who snarts over what he believes to have been "Mis' Nelly's" deception and would stop at nothing to prevent her niece from marrying his son, even to bribing young woman to pose as his wife
 Mr Emery's acting was one of the most agreeable features of an excellent performance, but Joseph Greene made Pere Andre Clement equally persuasive and realistic, playing the role of a priest with the quiet dignity associated with such characters, yet not without roucn of humor and flash now and then of the man he was when he. too, was a part of the madcap existence in which "Mis' Nelly was such conspicuous figure.
 Marion Berry as Delphine Falaise the niece, met all the requirements of that part in admirable fashion and Victor Benoit portrayed Felix Durand, her lover, with the impulsiveness and the wayward fancy of youth and Creole blood.
 Miss Melaine Gordon did a vivid piece of acting as Melane Cardanne, young Creole girl. posing as the wife of Felix. Miss Gordon is the daughter of well known and greatly beloved physician. who practiced most of his life in An niston, and died there. She has many friends throughout the state. She has been on the stage, in legitimate drama, but a short while, and it is regarded as quite a compliment for her to be mem Der of Mrs. F'iske's company. She shows talent of a high order and makes the most of her opportunity in this play
 ''Ms' Nellie of N'Orleans" will be presented at matinee this afternooa and again tonight. Mrs. Fiske received a cordial reception last night She ahd the members of her company were fe- peatedly encored "Mis' Nelly will rank as one of the most enjoyable plays oi the season.