The evening times., 1898-12-27
AT THE THEATERS.
Lafayette-"Zaza."

David Belasco Charles Frohman Mrs
L esie Carter, This is combination that
would lend interest to any theatrical
event, and there is nothing strange in the
fact. therefore. that the first performance
in America of ''Zaza," play written by
the first named of the trio, staged by the
second and interpreted by the third,
should have drawn houseful of nota-
bles last night at the, Lafayette Square.
These celebrities not only remained in
their seats during the four hours time
consumed by the presentation, but ap-
plauded it throughout, and otherwise evil
denced their appreciation OF its many
good points.
And 'ZaZa'' deserved all this For in his
latest adaptation from the French Mr.. Be-
lasco has achieved quite a masterwork
and, besides furnishing his star with more
opportunities than she has ever had be-
fore, has done himself the greatest cred
it. 'ZaZa" is a strong drama with an
appealing story, some unique incidents.
a number of forceful scenes, comedy in
abundance. light shade and color all
blended with skilled hand. The charac-
ters are we'll drawn, and they tell some
times with little verbosity. but general
ly tersely and impressiYely, such a tale
as might be read with advantage by every
one-a tale with a moral that is all the
more powerful because it is underlying
This story is most interesting. Zaza
has been child of the street from which
unfortunate locality she has graduated in
to the music halls of Paris. She falls in
love with young mana newspaper man
and employs all her arts to bring him
to her. They retire to the country to-
gether and in his cottage spend period
of complete happiness-happiness that is
interrupted by the arrival of the woman S
manager with information that her lover
is married. Zaza goes to Paris with the
purpose of betraying him to his family,
but is touched by the kindness of a child
and returns to vent her anger on the
father. They part, he going to America
and she returning to win fame from her
old life She has accomplished this when
he returns to lay everything at her feet.
Then she repulses him, sends him back to
his wife and daughter and remains alone
with her meaningless success.
Mrs. Carter's part in the play is a
strange one. 1t has been related as
forecast that the role calls for the lewdity
of a Fougere, the sublety of Bernhardt,
and the emotionalism of Minnie Madern
Fiske. All this is true. Mrs. Carter acts
intelligently-with discretion, force and
delicacy Her whole work is a pleasing
surprise.
The support afforded is weli-nigh fault.
less. Charles A. Stevenson appears as the
lover and furnishes a smooth and careful
portrayal, while Mark Smiths manager is
finely drawn and Marie Bates contributes
one of the most enjoyable bits of comedy
ever seen here Albert Bruning, Hugh
Toland. w. B. Murray, Girard Anderson,
Mabel Howard, Anne Sutherland, Helen
Tracy, and Helen Thill are also good. The
production could not be improved upon,
costumes. scenery and equipment being
alike brilliant. Matinees Wednesday and
Saturday.
Columbia-.'The Wrong Mr.. Wright, =,
THE Wrong Mr.. Wright, - which was
seen last night at the Columbia, has been
the best play Roland Reed ever had