Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-09-14
ADJUSTMENTS.

LAFAYETTE SQUARE OPERA HOUSE.
There was certain impression, prior to
last night, that The Little Minister
might prove the play of the season. The
weather was against ii, but the potency of
j. NJ. Barries reputation as an author and
the interest in Miss Maude Adams debut as
an actress outweighed climatic considera-
ton. large number of people gathered
at the Lafayette Square Opera House. and
the neglige suit of duck was seen neighbor-
ing with the perfunctory dress suit AS a
first night success" the record of the pro-
duction was unmstakable. The audience
was thoroughly in sympathy with the sub
jects of the ordeal, and if post-curtain ap-
plause and recalls We're to be accepted as
reliable OmenS, there is no doubt as to the
prosperity of Mr.. Frohmans latest piece of
property 1t was mounted with elaborate
effects and with taste, and Miss Adams
worked with such arGor that it was at
times hard to realize that dullness could
lirger where the influence of her person.
ality was cast.
At first thought, the possibilities of
making a play from this novel seemed
! about as promising as a dramatization of
some of the genealogical tables in the Old
Testament. Its placid current of incident
promised but little, and new material has
been introduced at woeful sacrifice of
symmetry. Apart from a certain resent
ment which the unaccustomed ear ex-
periences toward a steady stream of Scotch
dialect, there is lack of harmony in the
quality of the piece. After struggle of
many minutes with conversation in which
"a-weel' and Il dnna ken occur like
GASES of intelligibity, the auditor begins
to find himself in lucid sympathy with the
simple folk of Thrums: contemplating the
world from their standpoint and ready to
share the somber quaintness of their moods.
Then he is whisked to another point of
view and must put himself en- rapport with
tn tote fhH
progress Of the story. Each scene, con-
sidered separately, has force and char
acter, but the changes of sentimental effect
occur with suddenness that jars. The
lights become a glare, and the shadows
deepen into absolute gloom. For two acts
the story is one of simplicity, pitched close
to the key of ''Shore Acres" In the third
act an abrupt change occurs. Miss Adams,
who has been masqueradng as a gypsy,
ensnaring the little minister's heart, ap-
pears twhere she belongs) in an evening
gown and with all atmosphere Of ease and
culture. 1t Is this act which gives assur-
ance that Mr. Barrie, while he may not
have the gift for remodeling old novels, is
still a play writer. 1t was as If Richard
Brinsley Sheridan had for moment lent
his wit, enthusiasm and ingenuity, and the
audience responded like powder to the
spark. 1t was the moment of unaffected
enjoyment in the play.
Normally the star" part is that Of Gavin
Dishart. the minister. 1t is to this char
aoter that come the com5ats of conscience
that make a nature Interesting, and, unlike
Jose in Carmen" the little minister is a
man of genuine loftiness and strength of
| mind. 1t is the kind of role with which
Mr.. Henry Miller might be expected to do
| much. Mr.. Robert Edeson plays 1t with
| faithful care. keeping it. as was naturally
| intended, we'll subordinated to the part of
| Eabbie. played by Miss Adams. Miss Adams
| Is SO charming a woman In her proper
| sphere that II is uncomfortable to think
| OF the semi-souSrette, semi-tragic airs which
| she was obliged tc assume as the gypsy girl
Lovable she was at all times, but Maude
, Adams as a rock-climbing, soldier-defying,
| forest-scouttng hoydenLit would be more
| than a miracle; for miracles produced only
philanthropic and desirable results. She
| should be content to leave the laurels OF
Lolita and Maggie Mitchell undisturbed.
Miss Adams has a field of her own in the
| dra anna of society. 1t is not enough that
| she was winsome at all times during the
| performance. The public knows what she
| can do and will demand that she be seen at
her best.
! THE Little Minister" as IT was offered
| last night was an extensive combinat ton OF
| n.iscalculations. To- occupy three or -four
hours Of an intelligent auditors time with
| srch uncertain experimentation as was
/ conducted last night Is a somewhat severe
| test OF American good nature. But 1t is
fortunately, fact that Washington can
| assemble first night audience that enjoys
l what Is good, and remember that the falli-