Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 196, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 August 1912 — “THE TOWN FOOL” A BIG SUCCESS. [ARTICLE]

“THE TOWN FOOL” A BIG SUCCESS.

Capacity House Greeted Harry Green and Company in Initial Performance of His New Play.

Harry Green, the ever-popujar comedian, who for five seasons has delighted the theatre-going public of Rensselaer with his rippling, sidesplitting comedy “Eli & Jane,” was greeted last night at the Ellis Theatre by a capacity house, to witness him in the title role of “The Town Fool,” a three-act comedy-drama, in its initial performance. The play was written by Mr. Green and in its maiden voy-. age it weathered well Ihe storm of -fickle public sentiment. Within fifteen minutes after the doors were opened, the eager public was greeted by the “standing room only” sign at the box office. The play is full of vigorous action from beginning to end and the dialogue deviates from the oIA and hackneyed style that characterizes most -comedy-dramas. “The Town Fool” is the product of the -author’s paßt experienee and servesas a starring vehicle fqr his and Mrs. Green’s well known ability in the portrayal of “rube” parts. The first scene opens at the officers’ quarters at Fort .Baker, Cal. where Captain Howard Crowly, U. S. A., is awaiting his discharge from the service. His intended retirement is forgotten in the arrival of Kate Gordon and Lieut. Creighton, whose mutual love he determines ’ to thwart. Spurred by. his hatred of Lieutenant Creighton, and by personal ambition, he murders his superior in command, Colonel Gordon, father of Kate, and fixes the blame on his rival. However, being of exposure by Gabe Calhoun, the tow r n fool, he again resorts to violence and endeavors to put him out of tjie way. That his attempt was unsuccessful was well evidenced when Harry Green appeared before the curtain at the end of the act and shouted, “I’m all right.” The unexpected stunt and Green’s unobtrusive style brought down the house. After this second crime Crowly was forced to flee the country and is next found running the Broken Heart saloon in an Arizona gold camp. He is followed here by Kate, Lieutenant Creighton, Gabe and Hokey Truckloe, all variously disguised, where he is found out through a ruse of Kate’s, who avenges her father’s death by herself ending* the life of the unscrupulous officer. Kate and Lieutenant Creighton, whose love has been hampered by Capt. Crowly, and Gabe and Hokey, who in the progress of the story have developed symptoms of affection for each other, immediately returned to the coast, where they planned to have a double wedding. There is only one Harry Green and he was himself par excellence last night. As a rube comedian, he can’t be beat, and his crisp, incisive humor afforded a pleasing relief from the tense and melodramatic situations. Lizzie Esther (Mrs. Green) as Hokey Truckloe, proved a good second to Harry. Billy Bowmah played the juvenile lead very creditably and made a great hit with the musical numbers, “Till the Sands of the Desert Grow Cold,” and “The Westerner,” with piano accompaniment by Ralph Whiteaker, a musician of ability. Mr. LaMont, as Capt. Crowly, handled'the heavy roll in a masterful manner and ease of gesture characterized his portrayal throughout the rapid succession of events. Georgia Bessett, as Kate Gordon, and later as the half-breed, is possessed of a good stage presence. Rare grace of movement, enhanced by a natural beauty and elaborate costuming, especially as the half-breed, added interest to her part that was almost personal. Floyd Warner showed much versitality and his three characterizations were conductive of much mirth. The costumes were all new and of good quality and indicated excellent taste in selection. Special scenery was prepared for this play that added strongly to the plot and much attention was given to details. To sum it all up, Harry Green has a fine show, it made a hit here and it will make a hit wherever it goes. If you don’t find your shoe at your regular trading place don’t give up. We may have the very shoe you want. Try us, we" are glad to show our goods. Fendig’s Exclusive Shoe Store, Opera House Block. > You can start your series of Bix coupons in the Home-Grounds Improvement Club with any number. No. 1 yesterday. No. 2 today on page 2, Btart now. Sweet potato season is now at hand. Fancy ones at“sc a pound at John Eger’s: