The Detroit Times

NEW YORK LETTER

NEW YORK, Jan. 29.—One of the most important "props" in "Joseph and His Brethren," the Biblical play at the Century theater, is the "coat of many colors" with which Jacob invests his favorite son, in the opening scene.

A few evenings ago, just a few minutes before time for the performance to begin, it was discovered that the coat was missing. Somebody had mislaid it, and it could not be found.

The situation was a serious one. The coat is a beautiful and elaborate garment, and to use as a substitute any ordinary robe or kimono was manifestly out of the question.

A new coat had to be made in 15 minutes, and one was made. Alexander Ramsey, the costumer, made it out of white material, and Edward Morange, the scenic artist, colored it with dyes. It had a hurried drying, and the best had been done that could be done.

James O'Neill, as Jacob, puts the coat upon Brandon Tynan, who plays Joseph. It is an impressive scene.

On that particular evening, the other actors who were near enough, heard the following variation of the usual dialogue between Jacob and his son:

Jacob—Now, upon thy young shoulders I lay the robe of manhood and authority. (What's wrong with you, Tynan? Get your arms into the sleeves!) Lo, here the coat of many colors, and each color shall be for a sign—(For goodness' sake, get it on, will you?)

Joseph, in a whisper—(It's all full of basting threads! I can't get into the blooming arm holes!)

Jacob—Azure for wisdom, and scarlet for courage: green for prayer, and white for purity. (Great Scott, the color is coming off all over us!) I clasp thee to me, flesh of my flesh, thy young heart against my old heart, whose first-born thou art. (Turn around a little, will you, so I can straighten this thing out.)

I raise my hand toward the throne of God, and I cry out, God bless thee! (Are you all right now?)

Joseph—(Yes, only I'm stepping on the front of the blamed thing. It's long enough for the statue of Liberty. There. I'm all right now.) Oh, father! Mother! Oh, my brothers! Ye have wrapped me about with love!