Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1922-05-02
.
REAL THRILLER OFFERED
BY ACADEMY PLAYERS
"Heart of Wetona" Proves
Popular With Gallery, De.
spite Its Length.
BUCKsKIN SUITS MISS. LOWE
John Warner scores I'm MeIodrnmntic
Rois of Observation-Disclosures cstrn
Pla,r Work OF Lenders Compost
tion.
BUCKsKIN SUITS MISS, LOWE
By John George Harris.

In The Heart OF Wetona," a dra-
matte play OF Oklahoma and Indiana
reservation life. Isabelle Lowe and
the Academy Players held large
audience until long after the usual
hour of closing the local playhouse.
1t was tribute to tho art Of these
players that there was steady in
crease OF interest through the four
acts, tho last OF which was played
after IL o'clock.
The Heart OF wetona" is rather
OF thriller, in the parlance of the
stage 1t is play In which the
auditor Is momentarily expecting the
place to be shot up" Hence, a
popular play for the galleries. which,
by the way. was filled to the last
seat. The first night audience, how
ever. found much OF amusement I'm
Inc action where none was intended.
MANY OF the scenes which started out
with the Intention of being very tense
and serious. were greeted with many
smothered laughs which. 1 dare say,
Cid not greatly aid the players.
Without discussing the theme OF
The play. which space forbids. 1t may
be said that this Heart of Wetona"
Is more dramatic. more nearly an
~ '"''''S tic IMAM any
play which the Academy actors have
given. In this regard. 1t passes far
beyond ,rIIouses OF Glass which
wa on the bui two wcaks ago.
Miss Lowe. whether in blonde or
black tresscs. In silks or in burkskin.
is equally attractive. She played her
role last night in plaintive fashion
and In varying moods. Willard Fos-
ter, as tho Chief Quannah. brought
all the art and fire of which he ia
capable to the role. Mr.. Warner. as
John Hardin. tho Indian agent. had
role as melodramatic as he could
wish. with opportunity TO play the
self-sacrihcing hero. which he did to
the evident satisfaction of the Acad-
envy fans
Mr.. MILAN found himself in n
heavy role of type which, VEN
ture 10 say, the average actor does
not crave. but he played IL with
his customary skill and finish.
Miss Coaklcy. with Mr.. Love and
MT. Pawley. were habited and rouGhed
up as all Indians arc supposed u
be. Miss Coakley, by the way. was
an Indian boy to whom no exception
can be taken. though her dialogue
was extremely limited and OF no cs-
pcC'di consequence. Louis kracEe
varied his approximations by becom-
in6 mission priest for the nonce
role which he filled well as
noed be. Miss Fowler. as the mis-.
sionary. enjoyed brief appearance
before the audience In role which
was gracious one. She looked quite
happy In 1t. and would he an inspira
lion to any savage breast
| In summary Of tho -,,1ny Lat 10 -,
said that II is too long as IL stand,
and has marked tendency to drat
In spots. The fourth act might b,
elimination without serious loss. 4
some way were devised to make tn,
necessary revelation at the end o.
the third chapter. There arc those
however. who insist that any game
or Otherwise. be played through I,
the very end. and to these, tn,
fourth act Will be essential.
Last nights music was interesting