The times., 1899-05-23
NationaI-"wny Down East.u

Included in last evenings audience at the
New National were many persons who
seldom enter the confines of play house,
limiting their attendance to performances
Of the classic, the romantic, and the pas
toral drama. Here and there appeared
minister of the gospel whose curiosity and
appreciation Of art had overcome creed
prejudice, while schoolmaster and scholar
WED with each other in expressing their
appreciation of Lottie Blair Parker's Way
Down East. The reception accorded the
pastoral drama was far from normal
There was little OF the customary Monday
night listlessness in the applause that
greeted the clever lines, bright comedy.
and unique situations of this most excel
lent pastoral Offering. Confessedly OF the
ilk of THE Old Homestead" and shore
Acres" this newer drama OF New
land life is the superior of each Ia %.
sessing a stronger and more natural hear
story. Atmospheric to a great degree ths
play has been mounted with a care to de-
tail that is as remarkable as unusual
Scenically elaborate, Way Down East is
as pleasing TO the eye as to the ear.
This being the second visit OF Manager
Bradys production within the season,
there is little need to trace in detail the
theme therein contained. II is simple
love story, told well and briefly, affection
breaking down the opposition of parents
and wiping out the memories of an IN
happy past. The trifiing evil is not ram
pant, but covered by an integument OF
LONELINESS, honesty, and virtue SO char
acteristic of New England and its PEOPLE.
The company interpreting the drama is
without exception of notable strength, few
changes having been made since its first
appearance in Washington. Again attract
ing both attention and commendation by
| reason of her unusual and careful study
| of detail the impersonation of Phoebe
| Davies stands out in strong relief against
| even the potent supporting company. Few
actresses so impress one with the trifiing
| characteristics of their work as does Miss
Davies and in many respects this is the
| truest proof of genius. Always strong,
| Miss Davies leads up to a climax al the
| end OF the third act which is simply mag
nifcent. Throughout she never torgets
| that she is a servant and the social infer
| ior of the man seeking her love. Like a
| breath of air from the sea shore or noun
| tain Miss Davies is a welcome relief after
a series of artificial and unnatural imper-
| sonations; a sturdy wild flower among a
bed OF stunted and fragile hot house buds
| Odell Williams in natural and strong while
| Forrest Robinson plays closely within the
| bounds of reason and intelligence a role
| which would be Objectionable if otherwise
| acted. Clean and delightful comedy, u
| trife overdrawn perhaps, is that of George
Bachus, Felix Haney. Frank Bell. Ella
Hugh Wood, and J. H. Bunney, while Mr.
Lander is a notable improvement over his
| predecessor. Pearl Evelyn is inferior
TO Louise Galloway, but nevertheless ac-
| ceptable, and the vocal efforts of the viii
lage choir are worthy of commendation.
| Mrs. Sara Stephens completes the list of
excellent players. giving a strong bit of
character drawing. There will be two
| matinees.