The times., 1899-06-13

society actor OF dubious ability but of
paramount success. Last evening his less
successful co-laborer of fifteen years ago
appeared in former vehicle Of the So
ciety star, and those who witnessed the
arrival OF the successor speedily forgot
that the other existed, save as direful
example of what might have been, so great
was the superiority Of the newer artist.
This man is Otis Skinner, ais former CO.
laborer, John Drew.
An audience manifestly good natured
and cultured had assembled at the Column
bia to witness the presentation of Rose
mary with Mr. Skinner in Mr.. Drew's
| former role of Sir Jasper Thorndyke.
Numbered in the audience were deyotees
| innumerable of the former star of the
comedy, who looked askance at the pre-
| tentions of the successor. There were also
present those who had witnessed Mr.. Skin
ner's Vagabond his Grace de Gram
mont, his Romeo. his Prince Otto,
and his Captain Absolute. With this
mingled predetermined verdict, the audi
ence awaited the rise of the initial curtain
and ere its final fall. the Drew adherents
were willing prisoners in the stronghold
OF the Skinner admirers 1t was triumph,
and the star feelingly responded to the vel
come rendered him in a speech both apro-
pos and brief.
Little need is there to recount again
the story of Rosemary" In some respects
problem play, it possesses few of,the un-
certainties of offerings of the ilk. 1t has
humor, wit pathos. philosophy, all that
goes to give play popularity and longe-
| witty. II is never tedious; it is always
alive with action.
| But the crucial role of the piece Is that
of Sir Jasper. now interpreted by Mr.. Skin
| ner The newer star is the superior of his
| predecessor in that he has more power,
his pathos is more true. his action easier,
| his diction clearer. Repose, strength,
| power, virility, reserve, all are responsive
| to the call of the artist, yet ever ield in
| check by the touch of discretion. Leading
| to powerful climax Mr.. Skinner clinches
| the impression ere the attention of the
| audience is lost. Seldom has a more hearty
| welcome been given by a local audience
than that extended to Mr.. Skinner last
| evening.
But the original production of Rose
mary, q had craven other idols and ideals
than Mr.. Drew. 1t was the character of Dor
| othy that permitted Miss Maude Adams to
emerge from the semi-light of obscurity
to the full glare of stardom. But talent
ed as she is, Miss Lyons yester-avening
nearly won her laurels. While as a whole
Hiss Adams performance is the superior
here and there Miss Lyons shows remark
able ability. The doleful scene at the be-
| ginning of the first act in some respects
| shows her at her best, yet in the naive
bits of the second and third her spark OF
genius glows brightly. The difficult diary
scene was capitally done and easily Miss
| Lyons won and divided with her star the
honors of the evening.
In the former production there were sell
dom tears at the close OF the third act.
| Yester-evening It would have been diffcult
to find dry optic in the entire audience.
There are other capable actors in the
company. seldom. indeed, being the weak
points. The Professor of John Malone
possesses dignity and is satisfying, while
| the William OF Frank Sylvester is excel
lent in that it is never overdone and al
| ways true to nature. Eugene Eberle is
capital as Captain Cruickshank, and AL
fred Edwards in a fine character imper-
| sonation redeems all the evil OF his ap-
pearance in "A Misft Marriage early in
the season. The smaller parts are as
sumed with varied success by Ruth Holt
Lizzie Montgomery. Clara Everett, and
| Frank Lewis. The original scenery and
mountings add atmosphere to the produc-
tion.
Considering the remuneration. the en-
Gagement of Mr.. Skinner and his company
is phenomenal and the performance par
excellence. There will be the customary
matinees.