New Britain herald., 1930-10-14
ANH|ALTS' PLAYERS WELCOMED TO CITY
Drama Returns to New Britain
 at Capitol Theater

With Mayor George A. Quigley to como which was heartily seconded by an audience that filled the thea ter, Lawrence I. and Julian Anhalt opened the dramatic season in the Capitol last night when the New York Players presented Dorrance Davis'B Apron Strings" three-act comedy. Marking as It did the re- turn of the legitimate stage to this city for; the first time since the pre- war days, the company's offering was we'll received and last nights performance took on the aspect of a social function. ,
 In opening the dramatic season, Mayor Quigley referred to the plays formerly presented at the Lyceum theater and told how the players at that time took part in the social life of the community and were welcom- cd in the homes of New Britain resi- dents. He also extended a cordial in- Sitation to the players of the pres- ont company to do likewise. After recalling theatrical and operatic successes of former years the mayor &nnounced that through the cour- tesy of the Messrs Anhalt the man. agement was planning benefit per formance at which half of the pro- ceeds will be given to the mayors Christmas fund for poor families.
 The response to the mayors speech was made by Forrest Orr. director of the players, whose clever acting in Apron Strings" had al- ready won for him place in the heart of New Britain theater- goeEs. Orr read a sheaf of telegrams sent to the Messrs. .Anhalt by persons prominent in the theatrical world especially in New York city. Among those sending greetings and wishing the company artistic and financial success during their stay here were Florenz Ziegfeld, J. J. shubert, John Golden, Arthur Hopkins, Tess Gar della and Brock Pemberton.
 At the conclusion of Orr's address flowers were presented to members of the cast.
 The work done by the entire cast was commended by many in the audience and enthusiastic applause followed the fall of the curtain after each act.
 Seth Arnold as Barbaras father capably portrayed the type of mar ried man who dare not call his soul his own. There Is no other type, as the announcement of the farce dem- onstrates. Edna A. Crawford, mother of Barbara. developed healthy antagonism to the man her daughter was to wed until she read the sworn statement of his financial condition which he presented when asking for her daughters hand. Florence Coventry did efficient character work as a. maid who has been 50 long employed by a family that she feels she can treat them and their guests as intimates- Doris Dalton as friend of the family was assigned a minor role but dis played talent in her interpretation of the part. John Breedon, the young man, and Miss Isabel Jewell as Barbara. both did difficult job ex- ceptionally well. Breedon, in his portrayal of young man taking his first drink of liquor gave a realis- tic character study that, in less cap- able hands, might easily have be<n overdone.
 Forrest Orr as Uncle Ezra" head of a large law firm, was especially applauded for work that was far above average. His dry humor on wet subject was refreshing and he demonstrated revealing knowledge of women. poker and liuuor.