The New York Times, December 13, 1904, wrote: "Evidence of a popular success were not wanting at the Manhattan Theatre last evening when for the first time was seen a new play by C. M. S. McLellan, hitherto known to New York playgoers as "Hugh Morton," author of several comic opera books, among which the most notable perhaps was that of
The Belle of New York which endured a large measure of success, both here and in London. On this occasion Mr. McLellan has made an excursion into a more serious type of drama. But it is only fair to state that such appeal as the play made last night was in large part due to the exceptional brilliant acting of at least five of its chief protagonists. One or two of the minor roles might have been better played, but making due allowance for the usual conditions of nervous exaggeration incident to a first night, it may be said with conviction that the acting of George Arliss, John Mason, Charles Cartwright, William B. Mack and the star herself, provided an ensemble such as is rarely excelled."
The Standard: (Source:
The New York Times; May 3, 1905) "It is a piece far out of the common, and holds out the promise that in Mr. McLellan a new power has arisen."
Daily Chronicle: (Source:
The New York Times, May 3, 1905) "There hitherto were seven wonders of the world. The eighth is added ... that the author of
The Belle of New York should be also the author of
Leah Kleschna, the strongest piece of sheer stagecraft we have known from any source for years." ==Original cast==