The evening times., 1899-06-20
THING, "uEATRlCAL.
Columbia-"Aristoeracy."

Six years ago in this city general un-
yelling took place, and for a majority Of
theatregoers, despite Biblical commands,
certain craven images were erected. Tne
performance Of "Aristocracy" was the o.
casion and the best presenting company
financially securable constituted the Idols
and ideals mentioned. Last evening the
same occasion displayed other images, yet
Eone of those previously loved were shak-
en- from their foundations by the cere-
mony, and several, indeed, only appear the
| more lovely in contrast.
Bronson Howard's great satire served as
the avenue of introduction, presenting to
the people of Washington a new stock
company at the Columbia An audience.
kindly disposed, though critical witnessed
the premier Of the organization. and ep-
plauded those deserving and rewarded with
courteous silence those who were be-
the artistic level for WashingtOn's recog
milton. There were couple OF the latter
and many of the former.
Always known as a satirical drama, re-
cent international marital events only
serve to make the lines of the gifted How
ard seem brighter now than ever before.
With few exceptions. the people of the new
company have been skilled in social COM
edy and drama, and wore their dress suits
was this true of the ladies. for all of them
are goOd-probably the equals OF any seen
in local stock work in the city. Chief in
the feminine portion is Mary Hampton,
well remembered for series Of excellent
impersonatiOns In good companies. She
has never been seen in the part of Diana
Stockton before in this city, and her ad-
vent was awaited with commendable inter-
est. AS a whole, her performance was
p0nd alfhnnph n natzlli. ring in her vn{co
still prevents the semblance of emotion or
passion. Her gowns were objects of adora-
tiOn to the ladies, and the floral remem-
brance also aroused feminine exclamations
Of delight. In her one strong scene Miss
Hampton was hampered by having an in
efficient actor as her opposite, while her
lighter bits are more than well done
Washington is now quite pronounced in
its demands from leading women, and on
the whole Miss Hampton may be well sat
isfed with her reception. J. H. Gilmore. a
comparative stranger to the majority of the
audience, assumed the role OF Jefferson
Stockton, created by Wilton Lackaye. and
his impersonation compared most favor
ably with that of the Washington boy.
Mr.. Gilmore never oversteps and always
has reserve force behind him as re-
enforcement IL demanded. The possessor
of a superb physique, he will prove man.
g
fred Hudon is very good In a high toned
character part and aside from an appar
emily uncomfortable habit of scratching
and paving at his face. S. Miller Kent is
in his original part Of Stuyves-
ant. Fanchon Campbell is sweet and
beautiful as Virginia and when familiar
with her lines will be a close second TO
Miss Hampton. both artistically and popu-
larly. Her dramatic talents have improved
since her last appearance here.
Annie Buckley, under the name OF her
sister May. is a rather unique ingenue,
who will improve later in the week, and
Palmer Collins is the most acceptable Of
the foreigners represented Harry Burk-
hart is a hopeless proposition, for he
possesses none OF the finesse or the per-
necessary for the part of the
prince. He is so weak in all the scenes
that it will be impossible to call to his at
tention his many dement's. Absence of the
Taffy-like makeup and an eradication OF
several of the languages unfortunately
mixed in his dialect will improve the per-
formance of L. X. Grisel. as the duke.
II is really these two who prevent the per-
formance from being excellent. The small
er parts by Percy Leach. Alfred Edwards,
Louis Payne. Edgar MacGregor, and Ga
briella McKnew are well cared for.
With later performances the production
will be much better. but there was a mani |
fest lack of smoothness last night. For |
the coming week Christopher, Jr.' is |
promised, this being the first time il has |
been seen in the National Capital. |