The times., 1899-06-20
THINGS THEATRICAL.
CoIumbin-"Aristocrncy.-

Six years or more ago there was pro-
| duced in this city a new drama by Bron-
son Howard, satire upon the society OF
the day, termed "Aristocracy." The cast
upon that eventful occasion was probably
secured in professional circles, and the re-
ception accorded the new play was COM
mensurate with the merits OF both play
and players. Since that time companies
of varied excellence have been seen In the
vehicle and 1t has run the scale of merits
and demerits. Last evening "Aristoeracy''
served as an Introductory medium to pre-
sent to the people of Washington another
stock company at the Columbia, and a
large summer attendance assembled to
greet the newcomers. 1t was a most kindly
disposed audience and the receptions to
several of the actors and actresses showed
that their abilities and records were not
unknown or unappreciated in Washington.
"Aristocracy" IS too well remembered
to require extended repetition AS a study
"a satirical dissection of international So
ciety-it stands without peer, for the
steely hand of sly wit is everywhere visi-
BILE beneath the soft glove of humor. The
author laughs at society as well as laugh
ing with it.
But TO the players is due the reception
accorded the offering last evening, and
candidly 1t must be said that the perform
ance was not absolutely fiawless While
as rule the members of the new COM
pany are good or even excellent, it ap-
pears evident that the rehearsals were
few and their knowledge of the lines and
business not great. Add to this the mani
fest inferiority of at least two OF the ac-
tors, and the consequent difficulties OF
those excellent persons playing opposite
them, and the accounting is not an ar
duous one. To get rid of a disagreeabIs
subject. these several inferior ones with
first be reviewed.
Probably the most faultful is Harry
Burkhart, who assays that magnificent
study in yillainy. the part of Emil, created
by William Faversham. Mr. Burkhart
may be an excellent portrayer of typ-s like
Jack the Ripper or La Reynard in Two
Little Migrants" but as an interpreter OF
genteel evil ones. he is hardly visible 10
the unaided eye. His faults are so promi-
nent and so numerous that it is useless 10
point them out. for in the space allotted
'AristOcracy" he could never begin to
eradicate them. Once or twice he promised
to do something good. but speedily recon
from an approach at excellence. The next
terrible object to contemplate is L. R
Grisel, who did the role of Octave Due de
Vigny, created by Frederick Bond. IN the
first place his accent is an amusing COM
pilation of all continental languages. While
his makeup is plainly one used while i'm
personating Taffy in "Trilby," or If not 30
employed. had better been. His delivery
was not so very bad. and he is not alto
gether hopeless. This completes the brief
list of the i'll doing, and if they were stIu /.
down by the wayside there would be few
tears either artistic or profes sional
Among the others ]. r. Gilmore and
Mary Hampton are the best of the cast
and capable of sustaining themselves Mr..
Gilmore is an excellent actor and knows
his limitations and never surpasses them
His strong scenes are his best, even
though handicapped by playing opposite
Mr. Burkhart. He possesses a personality
which will make him the admiration of all
susceptible females and a profitable man
agerial investment. While paying too lit
tie attention to makeup. Miss Hampton is
beautiful and graceful. Her strong scene
suffered as did Mr.. Gilmores, but in the
lighter demands her capabilities were more
than sufficient. Admiring friends were
generous in floral offerings When more
accustomed to the part, Fanchon Campbell
will prove the most attractive woman in
the cast. as she gives promise of great
ability. Anna Buckley. masquerading in
nocently under the name of her sister, May
is novel ingenue. whose work will also
improve with familiarity. S. Miller Kent
has little to do and does ii as ever before
we'll Alfred Hudson gives Washington
what he has not for many years, clear
cut impersonation of a New York aristo-
crat. and does ii very gracefully and |
effectually The smaller parts are gen
orally well handled by Edgar MacGregor. |
Gabrielle Mcknew, Louis Payne, Alfred |
Edwards, and Percy Leach. The bit OF |
Palmer Collins also deserves more than |
cursory mention for careful study and |
studious impersonation
There will be the usual matinees this
week Next bill. Christopher, Jr.,' for
the first time in Washington.