The evening times., 1899-05-23
THINGS THEATRICAL
Cel.mhia-APrivate john Allen

Colambfa-~Private John Allen"
A Southern melodrama, founded upon
political intrigue and personal worth, II the
| new American play presented for the first
time at the Columbia last evening by the
Frawley Company. under the caption Of
Private John Allen" An audience, good
natured and enthusiastic witnessed the
premier and applauded both actors and
play with sincerity as remarkable as 1t
is commendable. Welcomed, and sincerely
welcomed. was the popular Washingtonian
Charles b. Hanford, who signalized his de-
parture from the classic by appearing in
| the title role Of Mr.. Lee Arthurs play In
| return for the continued demands at the
| end Of the third act both Mr.. Arthur and
| Mr.. Hanford thanked their friends for the
hearing given their combined efforts.
The success OF Private John Allen as
| play. will depend upon the ability of its
| auditors to understand the character of
Allen himself. He is a party enthusiast
who sacrifices his reputation to save his
party from defeat, sh0uldering the mis-
deeds OF the gubernatorial candidate that
he may be saved to rescue the State from
the clutches Of the opposition. In so do
| ing he temporarily sacrifices the regard
OF his Gancee, finally winning her love as
matters straighten themselves in the final
act.
While not perfect in any respect, the
production last evening Mas remarkable
when the time OF rehearsal is taken into
consideration. Less days were consumed
than weeks are generally allowed, and yet
the Offering was free from flaws in pub
lie eyes, while replete with them in a
critical or misanthropic mind. To many.
the cast Is the play, no matter what are the
lines read or the situations evolved, and
from this point OF view. MIR. Arthur's play
was in capable hands. Not that the i'm
presentations were perfect-far from it
yet the popularity OF the star and his sup
porting people caused many to overlook
faults otherwise glaring In their promi-
nence.
Naturalness and repose mark the char
acteriZation OF the role Of John Allen by
Mr. Hanford. with touch of reserved in
,ensity. as occasion demands. While ex-
hibitinS continued evidences of score of
years in the legitimate. Mr.. Hanford was
never boisterous, and always forceful, his
inpersonation accruing in strength as the
four acts pass. In close opposition in popu-
lar favor is the role OF Bessie Stokes, to
whom Is given series Of telling though
siangy lines and strong situations. This
role was in the hands OF Miss Alice John
son. whose work last evening lacked the
hnesse and subtlety it will possess later in
the week. Clear cut and correct is the bit
OF Charles King. while Frank Matthew re-
deems much OF his previous dross with
clean streak of true merit. burnt cork
portrait of notable originality and intrin-
sic sincerity is that of George CASTOR 10
whom are given many bright lines, while
Harrington Reynolds is able in the thank
less role Of Alexis Lemme. j. R. Armory,
new member of the company made his
initial appearance in a character bit OF
some power, and as usual Georgia Wells
and Alfred Hickman are oppositely cast In
the parts of youthful lovers. Selene John
son and Mary Van Buren, are correct but
coforiess in small, but crucial roles and
Godfrey Stein fills the despisable part of
the villain with an intensity and ability
worthy of better cause. Two specially
painted scenes by Frederic Schafer add ma
terially TO the atmosphere of the play
Matinee Friday and Saturday.