The times., 1899-05-23
THINGS THEATRICAL.
co1umbin-"privnte John Allen


Columbia-"Prfvate John AIIen.-
Sardou, the eminent French playwright,
is responsible for the statement that
there are but thirty suitable ideas upon
which to found a dramatic effort. Ros-
tand has narrowed the possible field TO
an even score, while our own William Gil
lette contends that but two fundamental
ideas, cross purposes and mistaken iden-
tity are suitable for farcial foundation.
These latter two, with sprinkling o.
triumphant love upon the course OF party
politics, make up the sum total of the
theme of Private John Allen, presented
for the first time at the Columbia by the
Frawley company last evening. An audi
ence remarkable for its enthusiasm and
good nature welcomed both play and play
ers, according a most sincere tribute to
Charles Hanford, who signaiize1 his tenn
porary departure from the classic by ap-
pearing in the title role. After the third
act, the crucial one of the play, speeches
were demanded from Mr.. Hanford and Mr..
Lee Arthur, the author. Both expressed
their appreciation of the honor done
them, although tacitly confessing those
demerits of the production which were
apparent only to the critic and the misan-
throphist.
While announced as play purely and
simply, Private John Allen is a we'll
founded melodrama, based upon political
intrigue and personal worth. The initial
act opens in the midst of a political cam
paign for the gubernatorial nomination.
John Allen, a wheelhorse of the Demo-
cratic party, is the leading candidate for
the nomination, but has been attacked by
the opposition as a renegade" Realiz-
ing that his nomination will mean defeat
for the party, since he is unable, through
a combination of circumstances, to defend
himself against the accusation, he throws
his influence to the most logical candi-
date and becomes his manager upon the
nomination of his choice. Allen is
dyed-in- -the-wooi partisan, whose charac-
ter is best described when he says: Many
man has given his life for his country;
surely l can sacrifice my reputation for
my party" The candidate, being involved
in scandal, Allen assumes the burden TO
aid the political cause. and is ordered
from the community by delegation of in
dignant associates. Finally matters right
themselves and he wins the woman of his
choice, who has believed in him, despite
the damaging evidence produced by his
enemies. A series of other complications
develop, dovetailing quite adroitly with
the main theme and Strengthening it con-
siderably.
The success of Private John Allen"
depends upon ones ability to accept the
character of Allen himself. The author
declares him to be pure type OF the
Southern politician in the early eighties,
when the party was wrestling with po-
iiticai reformation. The story in the main
differs but little from the plot of Peter
Sterling" by Paul Forbes, even the dia-
logue being similar In several scenes.
The play is potent in places, indifferent in
others. 1t is a masculine production, the
ladies being little seen. The characters
are closely and keenly drawn. the hero is
lovable and honest, and the heroine, a
handsome widow, is a trifie too young in
pruning in places and Strengthening in
others the play will become valuable, both
commercially and artistically.
AS before indicated, the production last
evening was not remarkable for its
smoothness or finish, but notable when it
is considered that but FIVE days were had
| for rehearsal. In many respects the
Frawley company was nodded into an ad-
mirable cast. Mr.. Hanford, while display
! ing unmistakable characteristics of a life's
career in the legitimate, and although wor-
ried by the burden of responsibility of an
| initial production, was powerful, natural,
and sincere in the title role. Miss Alice
Johnson's Characterization of Betty Stokes
lacked the brayado the lines would imply
/ and the finesse she will doubtless achieve
when more familiar with the situations
and lines. A clear cut bit of character
work is that Of Charles King, while the
viilainous Republican. part without a
single redeeming feature. is we'll and cor
! rectly interpreted by Godfrey Stein.
| Frank Matthew gives the best impersona-
| tion OF his local career, and George CASTOR,
1 in burnt cork study. is very enjoyable.
! Georgia Wells and Alfred Hickman are.
as usual, acceptable youthful lovers, and
/ Harrington Reynolds assumes the thank
! less part OF Alexis Lemme with good grace.
| A newcomer who made fine impression
4 IN an oyerdone portrait is ]. R. Amory.
a comedian of considerable ability and
Selene Johnson and Mary Van Buren are
correct but colorless in brief but essential
parts. Two excellent scenes by Frederick
Schafer add materially to the atmosphere
OF the production. There will be matinees
Friday and Saturday.