Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-12-30


A mistake common with writer's of the
atrical literature is the idea that their as
sertions should be couched in extravagant
and high-sounding language The English
language, on the contrary, is never so en-
PERTAINING when written in simple. lucid
style and with few wel-chosen words.
For instance, don't you think there Is use
less force spent in such sentence as "a
piethoric investiture of spectacular pab-
uium, in speaking of the abundance and
variety of spectacular food to be found in
The jolly Musketeer,' when such a plain
statement as "a multitude of devices to
charm the eye will do just as we'll? How
many would comprehend that the sartorial
display is distinctly outre and of the most
affuent prodigence' only meant that the
costumes are rich, unusual and profuse?
Although it is thoroughly good English to
say that the opera affords an indeSinent eX
navigation of ludibrious happenings, how
much more effective and Ineligible when
stated that the opera affords an unceasing
flow of merriment. No, / am not making
these up as | go along. / have seen some of
tEem In print, and l could not forget them.
Alllteratlve sentences are sought by
many, such as "a ponderous plethora of
pictorial paraphernalia,' which in plain talk
simply means a more than generous scenic
outlay. How ridiculous such a declaration
as this would sound: The engagement will
be an event de luxe, affording an occasion
of rare oblectation, and will mark an epoch
in the usually jejune and vapid offerings
of the theatrical season Would not this
idea hit surer if it were worded: The en-
tertainment will afford an evening of luxur-
icuS paStime and will be gratefully diStin-
euished from the ordinary commonplace
offerings of the season.? Writers of circus
literature sometimes sacrifice sense for the
might be a fair example: The dithyrambic
resonance proffers an homophonous col
lis& ton of symphonious blendings in en-
ryrean succession of tempos for individual
canZonet and ensemble antiphon.' The
average reader would have to look at least
seven times at his dictionary to translate
this. and after it is boiled down to pure,
unadulterated English you might manage
to deduct from it that the music offers a
plentitude of enhancing melody, affording
fertile opportunities for both soloistS and
chorus, or words to that effect"
The question of dress is always an inter-
esting one to women, and it is a well
known fact that the ladies of society are
often ready to borrow the ideas OF the
well known artists of the stage. not only
in the matter of couture, which was evil
denced by the recent rage for the "Cleo
de Merode" style of dressing the hair but
also in personal adjournment in other re-
spectS, including a proper taste in Jewels
arrangement of colorS and the like. Mrs.
Kendall in a recent conversation on the sub
ject. said: 'One of the# most beautiful
women of today is never seen but in black,
white or gray. A great wit said, after
kissing her hand: Again, dear viscountess,
in your beautiful robe of white. White is
efnblematicai of purity and wisdom In
white We are dressed Immediately we
come into the world. In white we
are dressed at our wedding, and
last of all are robed in white for the
tomb, and in white We sent to meet
our God. Simplicity is the greatest art of
all, the finest of all attributes A variety
OF cOiOrS shows a phanpeahlp 5iSnnSitjpp
In a garden all flowers are thrown together
but their individual colors are distinct. A
lily is white, violet mauve or blue; they
are thrown together. but they are distinct
and distinction is high breeding. Imita-
ton Jewelry Is also a craze, and a very
reprehensible one. Jewelry and dress coats
are only admissible after O'Clock in the
day, never before that hour. unless at
tending a drawing room at buckingham
Palace. OF late years a tiny diamond
heart around the neck or one handsome
brooch to fasten some lace is occasionally
worn, but simplicity is the rule among high
bred women, and morning dress Is always
simple"
The success of James X Hackett's new
play, The Pride of Jennico.' is not to be
construed as meaning that Rupert of
Hentzau is to be shelved, although the
impression made at the first production
was Enthusiastically good. The ladies who
wrote the piece had been giving themselves
much concern about the conclusion of the
third act. They tried many sentences and
at last agreed upon one which would be a
suitable finish for the thrilling scene of the
pay. They waited to note the effect of the
line; but the audience. soon as it caught
the spirit of the dramatic situation. began
to applaud. The demonstration was con-
tinued until the curtain went down amid
tumult Of enthusiasm. The line was
never heard.
The Liebler company continues to be very
loyal to Mr.. Zangwill, who, after lecturing
the American public on how to write a
play. proceeded to give a practical demon
stration of how not to. Another work from
his pen is scheduled for production Lon
don refused to like the Children Of the
Ghetto and 1t has been decided not to
carry the quest Of appreciation into Aus
tralia or Japan. A great deal of money has
been expended in advertising Mr. Zangwil.
The cable tolls squandered in announcing
successes which budded but refused bloom
alone make a considerable item. He is one
of the rarest and most expensive authors
imported in long time. His marked abiI-
tiles warrant this confidence that he is an
investment that will eventually be realized
on. No doubt he has learned much about
play writing since he last lectured on the
subject and will produce something which
possesses popular appeal as we'll as literary
quality
The holiday week has been one OF great
good cheer. Without crowdng the theater
to its capacity Henry Irving has had album
dant evidence of the esteem in which he IS
held by washington piay-goerS. HIS fto-
bespierre was splendid preteXt upon which
to hang unlimited displays of scenic bril-
liancy. Mr.. Irving was the same intellec-
tual and forceful personality; man who
carries conviction by sheer mental energy.
Shylock is another of the creations in
which he excels. 1t has about it a gim-
mer of the grotesque, which puts it pecu-
liarly in harmony with the great actors
temperament. The house last night was
crowded. Despite the craftsmanship in
Robespierre the transition from Sardou
to Shakespeare was like turning from
brass banda very fine brass band-to lis
ten to a symphony orchestra.
At the Academy of Music new figure
clambered upon the scene. Rose Melville
is one of the few low condolences be-
fore the public. isis Hopkins will live
in the annals of mrth along with 'Pecks
Bad Boy only notch higher in the ar
tistic scale. From the time she made her
appearance with green stockings and red
flannel ''lingery'' She was heartily and
wholesomely amusing. So appreciative
We're the audiences of her genuine humor
that they listened respectfully and re-
Trained from laughing at the parts of the
play which compel her to- essay pathos.
Robert Mantell has been admired. as he
always is. His new play was in the line of
his recent productions in romantic drama.
and left the impression that Mr.. Mantell is