Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-11-06
ADJUSTMENTS.

NEW NATIONAL THEATER-There is
suggestion of plumed headgear and the
clash of mediaeyal weapons in the title
THE Sprightly Romance of Marsac," which
introduced Maclyn ArbuckIe as a star at
the New National Theater last night. But
the suggestion Is misleading. The comedy
is unconventional, flesh-and- blood crea-
ton, in which that familiar topic Bohemian
life in Paris, is discussed with some clever
variations. The novel won Molie Elliot
Seawell literary laurels not to mention a
cash prize and the dramatization promises
to add substantially to the reputation of
William Young as a practical playwright.
Mr.. Young adjusted Ben Hur'' to the
stage and previous to that work produced
plays of a severe classical character. There
was, up to last night, nothing In his career
to indicate that his talents inclined either
to the sprightly or the romantic. The play
lags only occasionally. 1t is interpreted by
OF the best companies of comedians
assembled in this city. and this fact
is of itself enough to compel interest, even
when the lines lack vivacty, and the
climaXes fail to surprise. The organization
is not eclipsed even by some of the "all
star casts which have honored Washing
ton with one-night engagements. No great
er compliment could be paid Mr.. Arbuckle
than the declaration of the simple fact
that in the midst of such brilliant support.
he maintained without unfair artfice, the
prominence expected for a star. Every one
has laughed at, or rather with w. ]. Fer
guson, who manages to get SO much out of
small opportunities. Mr.. Ferguson Is q
thorough actor, as well as comedian. He
is not only amusing, but plausible and
faithful to the idea Of the character he
portrays. Henry Bergman we know of old.
He has one of the excitable, dialect roles
in which he excels. Charles Chartras has
only a Small part-that of a tailor, but he
plays it with thorough effectiveness. Kate
Lester as the landlady. comely, though aus
tere; SandOl Milliken as the charming girl
who loves an artist; Margaret Fuller as the
young woman. who pretends to feel con-
tempt for love and who Is finally wooed
and married-these and others leave no
room for complaint OF deficiencies In the
feminine phases Of sprightliness and ro-
nance.
after all the other characters have been
introduced and the audience has settled
down to the conviction that there are no
more surprises to be offered. Horace Lewis
strolls nonchalantly on the scene as the
uncle from America. No one who remem-
beers Mr. Lewis fine impersonation of Chilo
Chilonides, In Quo Vadis" last season,
would expect anything but good per
was In strong contrast to that of its clas-
sic predecessor in his repertoire. 1t might
easily have been allowed to sink Into the
background. But Mr.. Lewis gave 1t viz
tally and JUNCTION which makes "Uncle
Maurice one of the most pleasantly re-
membered names in the entire cast of char
acters
1t looked much like a conspiracy on the
part of the management to put Mr.. Ar
buckle and his running mate f. s. Abeles.
on their mettle. Mr.. Abeles Is comedian
of such unobtrusive methods that he is in
danger for the moment of being overlooked
But only for the moment. He plays the
part of the artist upon whom his impe-
cunious roommate. the journalist, has be-
slowed imaginary millions. Once the eye
| Is attracted to the facial expression which
depicts the conscientious torments caused
| by his imposture. he becomes fascination
He has comparatively little to say. but his
countenance Is eloquent of the hardships
which beset the way of the transgressor
| even when he is innocently lured beyond
the borders of reetitude by an irresistible
scapegrace of Marsac. Who would be
rich and comfortable If he could carry
poverty with the grace of a Mafsac? He
IL u blythe. irresponsible fellow, who