Life — December 15, 1904 — page 13: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

to this artist than is permitted to be shown in the character of John Maddox, He displays his usual technical excellence, but the lines and business allotted to him give small oppor- tunity for his powers as acomedian. Putting Mr, Goodwin into this part is sending a man where a boy would do quite as well. The other members of the cast are sufficient to the tasks provided for them, Ruth Mackay, the leading woman, is a new importation from England, buxom and agreeable to look upon, but not completely saturated with the artistic temperament. Georgie Mendum makes all she can of an American typewriter whose like does not exist in America, and who would hold her job in an American office just long enough to get on her wraps and get out. None of the other acting was remarkable, in which respect it matched the merits of the play. Mr. Goodwin seems to have a surprising amount of difficulty in finding a vehicle for his talents, ‘The Usurper "is certainly not it. * . . COEREDIE streak of Bowery melodrama i which runs through * Little Jobony {A Jones” gives that curious conglomeration a touch of virility which islacking in most of the musical plays with which it might be classed, if one were trying to accom- plish the difficult task of defining itsexact position among current stage attractions. It has a kidnapping, a turf conspiracy, a Chinese gambling den, and other strenu- ous things which are usually associated with lurid melodramas. It also has songs, girls,and some clever lines, Its main attraction, however, lies in its being off the beaten track Mr. George M. Cohan, who is the author of the piece and the worst actor in its cast, bas, thrown conventionality to the winds and put together a construction which in its breeziness, its lack of pretension and its very crudity is a relief rom the artificiality deemed so essen- tial when producers want to give us a little singing, dancing and fun. A really good piece of work, however, is done by Mr. Tom Lewis as a saturnine detective with a sense of humor all his own. “ Little Johnny Jones” hasn't much to rec- ommend it, judged by any elevated standards, but, taken as a slapdash effort to amuse those who are not over-exacting, it is successful. LY the monthly and weekly press seems O to have thecourageto tell thetruth about the Theatrical Trust. The daily newspapers are, for reasons best known to their owners and editors, silent on this topic. In the Cosmo- politan Magazine for December will be found a defence of the Theatrical Trust and its methods written by Mr, Marc Klaw, a partner in the highly-cultured and honorable firm of Klaw and Erlanger. It is worth reading, be- cause it describes clearly and in detail the Seweee MR. NAT C, GOODWIN IN ** THE USURPER.” lofty motives which inspire the Trust in its encouragement of dramatic art. . . * N unusual feeling of sadness comes to A New York theatre-goers with the news of the death of Mrs. G. H, Gilbert. It is not only that the American stage loses another of its too few thoroughly trained and educated artists. Mrs, Gilbert had more than the popu- larity which the public gives to those who en- tertain it well, There seemed to exist between her and her audiences a personal affection, which found expression in an appreciation 625 that had in it something of the quality of ten- derness. What great applause she gained was not alone for the artist, but as well for the womanliness which so strongly marked her. Her peaceful death at the very height of her honorable and successful career was a fitting end to work so well and faithfully done, Metcalfe. deademy of Music—The funny and musical “Wizard of Oz" continues to wiz. Belasco.—David Warfield, in “The Music Master,” keeps right on causing tears and laughter. ijou.—May Irwin,in “Mrs, Black Is Back," still working at her task of chasing away the blue devils, Broadway.—F ritzi Scheff, in Phe Two Roses, wasting her talents in an ‘operetta of not great merit. Casino.—"" The Baroness Fiddlesticks. commonplace comic opera. Criterion. —Louis Mann in “The Second Fid- dle.” Weak imitation of “The Music Master '* at the Belasco, Daly's.—Miss Nance O'Neil in repertory. See opposit. "mpire.—Last week but one of The Duke of Killicrankie," with John Drew and capable com- pany. Amusing light comedy. Garden.—"The College Widow.”” depiction of college life. Garrick.—Annie Russellin “ Brother Jacques.”* Hudson.— Ethel Barrymore in“ Sunday." Amet- ican ranch life through British spectacles, Knickerkecker—N. C. Goodwin in Usurper.”” See above. Lyceum.—Charles Wyndham and Mary Moore in Mrs, Gorringe’s Necklace.” English society comedy. Not remarkable, but diverting and well Played. Lyric-—James K. Hackett in “The Fortunes of the King.” Mankattan—Mrs. Fiske in“ Leah Kleschna."* New York.—“ Woodland." Dainty, unique, musical and funny. Agreeable for both adults and children. Princess.—Robert repertory. Very Laughable “The Mantell in Shakespearian “Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch.” -provoking character drawings. Wallack’s.—"* The Sho-Gun."” Comic opera like many other comic operas. Weber Music Hall-—" Higgledy-Piggledy."” A xood digestive after a hearty dinner. comicbooks.com