The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-12-04
The Columbia lie Voyage e


The Columbia Theatre resorted to the
pantomimic form of theatrical entertain
ment last night and to say that the large
audience enjoyed lie Voyage en- Suisse
would be putting it very mildly. This
somewhat primitive type OF dramatic
composition proved to be as potent as on
the occasion Of its previous presentations
in Washington number Of years ago
The evident intention of the present
promoters Of the piece is to provide
plentiful supply of clean, enjoyable fun,
and in this endeavor they have done even
better. perhaps, than they planned. No
one, in viewing this one-time Hanlon play,
objects TO the introduction of the time
honored SlapStick means of produc-
ing laughter Here it very properly be-
longs, and had the Columbia's audience
of last night missed this particular type
OF innocent fun there would undoubtedly
have been a great deal OF disappointment.
As it was. there was nothing about the
performance that could cause feeling of
thwarted expectation.
lie Voyage en- Suisse" boasts OF plot
and better one than is possessed by
many more pretentious pieces. 1t con-
Germs the effort to separate an aged gen.
tleman named Dwindledown from his re-
Gently made wife-for the purposes of the
play it is made to appear that he has
won his bride by fraudulent means. This
is sufficient excuse to introduce party
of well-intentioned young men and women
who form sort of rescuing band TO carry
OFF the youthful Mrs. Dwindledown. In
this kidnapping expedition it is necessary
20 pursue the Dwindledowns on their
bridal tour through Switzerland, and this
allows two clownish servants. John and
Rol'. much opportunity for untiring blum
dering. creating no end of ridiculous sit
Ilations and mirthful mishaps. There are
number of excellently done ciimaxes.
notably railroad collision and an avail
anChs scene.
The management has done much COM
mendable worI; in revivins lie Voyage ell
Suisse" \ quantity of scenery of the
sort that the Hauiors made familiar has
been provided while tfe company is capa-
bic of giving Il pleasing performance. Two
better pantomimists than Charles Guyer
and William Schrode would be hard to
imagine Their work is capitaily done, and
even their Oldest tricks take tine house by
storm. Several excellent specialties are in.
troduC2d duIing the ht.e acts and IL pre-
sented On regular vaudeville bill any
one OF them you'd h accepted IS worthy
of high FAUX. A!leIe Crater. remembered
hv iScal amusement lovers as prominent
member of tie Parry Opera Company, at
Glen Echo. three summers ago, interprets
the leading feminine role in the play, and,
Incidentally, sings song exceedingly we'll.
Nellie Daily dances cleverly. and acrobatic
allv and her work with Charles Guyer is
very enjoyable. The Four Hills put for
ward a diverting speciality. William and
Charles Sehrode are two of the best aero
bats ever seen on local stage. and the
Charpeile Sisters are agile dancers.
Tn re is 80 much 10 commend in the cur
rent offering At the iuckett K Dwyer the
atre and the piece comes 50 much in the
natEjc Of a novelty. notwithstanding its
asc. tnai il will doubtless be accorded the
large patronage il deserves