Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-09-02
ADJUSTMENTS.

MR.. DOWNING'S NEW PLAY.-"David
Laroque," a four-act, emotional drama,
by George s. Johns, was produced for the
first time at the Academy last night by Mr..
Robert Downing. This was the first pre-
sentation of the new work on any stage,
and 1t may be said that it merited much of
the generous criticism bestowed upon it.
The story Is taken from novel by George
Ohnet. and Is at all times interesting and
sometimes absorbing. 1t deals with trust
ing husband and father who finds his wife
unfaithful to him. Although he has de-
cided upon a separation he consents to live
with his wife until his daughter shall be
married, in order that no scandal should
attach itself to her name. He finally dis
covers. however. that the lover of his wife
is trying to win his way into the child's
graces and then the father takes complete
and summary vengeance by throwing the
despoiler of his home from bridge and
killing him. After this episode the wife
finds that she again loves her husband,
who, in the first, rather neglected her for
his work, and the pair begin life over
again on a new basis. the daughter having
been married in the meantime. While the
story deals with an unpleasant theme 1t is
nevertheless handled in delicate manner.
1t gives place for several dramatic situa-
tons and some strong climaxeS, and while
sometimes there is paucity of action there
is sustained interest all through the piece
The first act, while perhaps one of the best,
is too long, and has too much dialogue in
it. The author also made the mistake of
forcing an anti-climax that should be avoid
ed. The scene in this act between husband
and wife is strong one, and the situation
and climax lose their force when the
daughter is brought in. Mr. Downing in
the title role deserved all the applause that
he received. He gave an Interpretation OF
the part that was highly pleasing, scholarly
and full of dramatic fire and reserved force.
Adelaide Fitz Allen. as the wife, ably sup
ported him and appeared to much better
advantage than she has of late in Shake
spearean roles. The others in the cast, In
Guiding Eugene Moore, Clement ST. Martin.
Edward N. Hoyt, Helene Potter, Bourk
Clarke Alexander Carleton, Samuel Steele
and Harriet Sterling. were uniformly pleas
ing. David Laroque" will be the bill
until Saturday night. when 1.-The Gladiator"
will be given for one performance only.
HALEY'S BAND AT GLEN ECHO
Haley's splendid aggregation of musicians
was the principal attraction at Glen Echo
yesterday afternoon and evening, and the
reception given the orchestra showed clear
ly the place it occupies in the hearts of the
music lovers of Washington. The pro-
grams given at the afternoon and evening
entertainments were of sufficient classi-
cal quality to please those who came to
hear real music, and yet not tire those who
did not have quite the musical understand
ing to fully appreciate the excellent selec-
lions. Nearly every number was encored,
and each encore brought out an enthu-
siastic amount of applause. Last evening
was the time for the big Cuban benefit.
given in aid of the White Cross League.
and it was a decided success. An immense
crowd of people went out and the grounds
and amphitheater We're filled with pleasure
seekers. who had come, incidentally, to
give their mite for Cuba. Some extra at
fractions were provided in honor of this
event. MesSrS Harlan, Yundt and Holmes,
musical trio. gave both vocal and inStru-
mental selections. and made one of the hits
of the evening. The regular vaudeville at
fractions to be seen at Glen Echo this week
participated. and each was given a
hearty welcome.