The times., 1897-07-25

their first season of summer comedy and
their first season OF theatrical life. IL is
nobedy's business what they have done
financially, though there is every reason
10 believe chat the year has been profita-
hle. Consideration of the methods and
effects of the recent nine weeks of comedy
is more interesting.
The management tried new policy
They believed that the public was tired
of old faces and old plays, and wanted
something new and refreshing. In ac-
cordano.. there with, they engaged a large
company. many of whom had never been
heard OF by our playgoers, aud scurrled
through manuscripts TO find raw material
for first nights The list OF the company
locked wei, and they took unconnnonly
good pictures, al nd to a certain number the
idea 9f absolutely new plays was refresh
ing. But the management OF the theater
and the sporting editor VIII interpret the
phrase, they only looked well on paper
There was something missing IN the
stock season besides sufficient attend
ance so warrant lis continuance When
you go 10 put your finger on the cause
YOU find it resembles the Irishnians flea
Some viii point out bad stage management
Some will refer to the left-handedness Of
running comedy company without light
comedian or leading conle1lenne- OF course,
the first half of this deficiency was re-
moved the last half of the season, when
VIII Ihgerson arrived. Others VIII say
that Jn summer 5he people want old ia.
vorites-pe people and plays.
This is nearer the heart of the matter.
As Cor people, look at VIII Roag. III
IA Bad Lot he gavea eacharaoterizatlon, and
We don't believe ne VIII attempt any yio-
lent defense OF anything else he did this
summer. Yet the people saw none OF his
defects. lie was badly missed from the
first two bills. His first appearance was
eagerly awaited He always had good
reception, and hearty hands marked his
exits frola his worst scenes.
That was because the people knew, held
him as friend and favorite, e xag agger-
ated his virtues, overlooked his faults, and
even took fraternal glee in finding them,
hslf in the belief that 1t was mere clever
ness wrong side out. A rising vote on the
most popular member of the company
would find Roae well in front.
James Barrows, with a magnetic per
sonaIity, s pIotean face that radiates fun,
and an infinite "a pacity for making scenes
go, has made himself personal faYorite,
and he VIII be missed nom future summer
stocks. VIII IDgeIsolI, in four weeks, has
created a following which viii he faithful
till next summer. This young man is mani
festly a comedian. He is an artist, too,
There is denotement in all his work of
thoughtful consideration for the meaning
Of things.
There has not been a leading juvenile
In Washington ib years TO compare with
HIM, simply because there isn't one, saw
ing only Joe Holland One other young
man has shown promise in small things
He is Walter Hale II YOU don't know
him now you VIII some day Here's a
trinity OF the three best Hight comedians
on our stage. Joe Holland, WlH Ingersoll
and Walter Hale.
As for old faNorites in plays Though
the policy of the Columbia anchored itself
on its proposal to produce new plays, by
one of those tatuitous strokes which are
not explained In tie calculation Of things,
"Niobe,' the oldest and most acted play
put on, did the biggest week. Last year
at the National Snowfall which has
been played year after year, came very
near making q similar record At the La
fayette this year old, old comic and grand
operas packed the crowds in.
IL is the philos opher's reductin ad
absGrdum, perpetuaIly Joined in theatrical
calculation. Arguments COME to nothing
a season built On syllogisms, is u house
of cards.
Yet Messrs. Luckett and Conn are to be
congra tulated. They did everything IN
their power TO provide Washington with
crisp, cooling, summer theatricals in an
artistic manner. They made an inviting
spot OF their lobby; they put in an expen-
sive ice blast 10 cool the house; they en-
gagged large and expensive company; th,.
orchestra WIS suberb. and hundred help
ing details were provided to perfect the pa
irons pleasure They are wide awake, ,ener-
getic young men and deserve well of for
tune.
In writing the seasons requiem q good
word mus be spoken for Mr.. SantIeman and
his musicians There isn't a better thea
ter orchestra anywhere than the Colunl-
bias Henry Ssnlleman is a prime Inusi-
clan, be is an Inspiration to his men, and
be draws from them tie limit of their
possibilities. BE has what is so often
3ackih5 iu directors OF tbedter OFcheStaS-
good taste in making his programs, as well
as in pie wing them.
But the closing Of the Columbia does
not leave us without refreshment for the
theatrical appetite. The National win to-
morrow night light up its three-b bank cleo
tric frontage, whose brilliant glow seems
in winter time TO warm everything within
its radiance. and within the electric fans
viii battle with tie present article OF
weather On the stage new company
viii be seen.
Seasoned playgoers, who know few
names besides those forced upon them in
three letters, VIII recognize some good
names iii the company. The principal
men are william Courtney, Frederick Bond
and MaclYn Arbuckle and Mand Ha.lath,