'THE NEW HENRIETTA'

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 65, 10 December 1917, Page 7

'THE NEW HENRIETTA'

AN ENTERTAINING DRAMATIC COMEDY

"The New Henrietta," a play "by Winchell Smith and Victor Mapes. Cast — Musgrave Maurice Dudley Uutuhens u Guo. Ohalmcrs Wateon Flint Gerald Harcourt Mark Turner Gaston Jlorvale litme Turner Gwon Doriso Uortio John Junior Nicholas Van Alfityno ... \f. p. Eichardson Agues Gates Lizette Parkes H«v. Murray Hilton Slapleton Kent Jlrs. Cornelia. Ondyko ... Gcrtiudo Summers Dr. }7ainwright Carlcton Stuart Hattie Fronceo Anderson Jidivard K. E. Lode

"The. Now Henrietta," the comedydrama submitted by tho J , , and N. Tait Company to a large audience at the Grand Opera House on Saturday evening, is a play a good deal abov6 the average American play, and ono that depends more on sound dramatio construction than tho assembling o f so many well-known hard-worked tricks of the trade. It is, for example, a much sounder comedy than "Turn to the Right," and in tho natural order of things should attract a greater proportion of the play-loving public. Tho play is announced as having been written by Winohell Smith and Victor Mapes, but as a matter of fact the gentlemen have with some adroitness brought Bronson Howard's old comedy, "The Henrietta," up to date. To mention that is only paying a proper tiibuto to ono of America's greatest dramatists of another ape. "The New Henrietta" is a well-built play_. It runs smoothly and everything is in the proper sequence. Tho serious and jontimoutal passages are nicely sandwiched bttween the more highly-coloured _ dramatio scenes, and there are a finish in tho dialogue and a completeness in the character drawing. "The New Henrietta'.' is the name of a rich copper mine in the West of America, a controlling interest in which has been secured by Nicholas Van Alstyne, a jolly ex-miner millionaire, who is taking life easy after his successful dash at fortune on the Stock Exchange. TLere is only one "fly in the ambor." He has a son, Bertie Van Alstyne, who is bcied to death in his asinine affectedness. and who, being writ down as a fool by the old man, cannot be entrusted with his affairs. So when old Nicholas goes West to revive memories of the days when he roughed it, he submits his financial affairs to Ms son-in-law, Mark Turner. Turner is a scoundrel. Instead of devoting himself to the improvement of the affairs of his trustful father-in-law, he "bears" tho market in order to ruin Van Alstyno and inrko a fortune for himself. This Wngs back Van Alstyne, and an exciting time ensues as the Van Alstyne "bulls" beat tho Tumor "bears" in ono of those desperate encounters on 'Change that are such an exciting part of financial life in America. In the middle of tho struggle old Nicholas becomes smitten with tho charms of a fascinating widow, and has to divide his time in tho most comical manner betwee'n the heady whirl of the Stock Exchange and philandering with his belated love. Finally, ■with the aid of the despised Bertie, Turner is "done to a frazzle," and tho Van Alstynes are landed once more on Easy Street, with every prospect of tuo family being perpetuated. The company that presents this very entertaining play is fully equal to its demands. Old Van Alstyno js the central figure round which tho play revolves, and as the shrewd, genial old fellow, Mr. Walter P. Richardson was remarkably good. When one knows that the actor is a young man, tho art with which he slips into the years and manners of a man woll on towards the "middle west" of life is good art. Old men studies on the stage aro not uncommon, but in so many cases they are obviously "young old men," and fail to retain the interest and confidence of the audience. That is not the cr.se with Mr. Richardson, who jiroulates with conviction and interests all the time. But his is not the only wellplayed part. Mr. Gaston Mervalo pjaVo a smooth, polished portrayal of MailTurner, and Mr. John Junior, as Bortie Van Alstyne, scored a big comedy success. Mr. Gerald Harcourt, as 'Watson Flint, a broker, and Mr. Maurico Dudley, as the millionaire's secretary, wcro alike excellent in those roles. ,A.r. Staplewn Kent, as a love-smitten a lot of healthy fun Miss Lizotte Parkes, aa dainty and eood to look at as ever, was charming as Apnes Gates, Van Alstyne's yard, and the nice shading in her work between the sentimental scenes with lier guardian, <""d the amusing encounters with Bertie showed commendable versatility. Miss Gertrude Summers, a newcomer, played the merry w.dow, Mrs. Opdyke, effectively, showing a pretty taste in jvivid costuming and using her nower over her antique lover as only widows of experience know now to do. Miss Gwon. Dorise was cool and effective as Eoso Turner, and Misa Francee Anderson, who .is gifted with a remarkably Rood speakinc voice, was good in the minor role of Hettie. "The Now Henrietta," which is ndmirablv produced, will hold the hoards until Thursday evening next.