Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-03-03


good considered as a reproduction Of the
original story. Both were patronized to
an extent which more than tested the seat
ing capacity of the theaters. Richard
Mansfields play, 1.-THE First VIOLIN" was
full of glaring theatricalities which al
most destroyed the charm of the piece for
an admirer of the novel. Pretty as the play
may be, considered merely as a stage pro-
duction. it would be no more than courtesy to
change its name, as was done in the case
of THE Only Way" so as not to convey the
impression that faithful reproduction OF
the spirit of the novel Is being attempted.
1t was intimated that in this piece Richard
Mansfield takes the audience into his con-
fidence, and. dispensing with makeup. lets
the public see him just as he is. This is
indeed great privilege, and the multitudes
of people who assembled for the inspection
politely refrained from poking canes and
umbrellas at him over the footlights and
from trying to feed him. 1t is curious that
a man who processes, as Mr.. Mansfield does,
to be a sattrist, merry but misunderstood,
should fail to see the delicious irony of a
request that the public shall accept his
studied poses behind the footlghts as per-
sOnal revelations. In the first place, he
wears wig. If his invitation to come
and see him gambol in propria persona
with small child was to be taken seriously
he ought in good faith to have made ar
rangements to appear with all his hirsute
imperfections on his head. What the peo-
pie did see was some very able acting by a
man of undoubted taste and scholarship:
a man whom the public would idolize if he
would only permit 1t to do SO. His artistic
sense, his contempt for the conyentionali-
ties of phrase which fatters the throng,
prevent him from coming into his full de-
serts of popularity. He refuses to come be-
fore the curtain and offer trite speeches OF
thankfulness to the people for whose en-
tertainment he has incurred risk and toll,
and who paid to see him only because they
were confident that he would give them full
value in return. Like Coriolanus. he for
feits his dearest ambition because he is
too naughty to stand forth among the peo-
pie and humble himself to the DEGREES of
custom. His attitude is not diplomatic, but
there is something admirable in 1T for all
that.
Mr. Mansfield is fortunate in having with
him Mr.. A. NJ. Palmer. whose name is
linked with so much that is worthy in the
annals of the stage. 1t is not SO many
years ago that Mr.. Palmer. then a man of
more diffuse enterprises than he Is now,
had occasion to consider Mansfield as an
applicant for employment. General utility
was his line, and Mr.. Palmer after some
hesitation. gave him carte blanche in the
role of Baron Chevrial in THE Partisan
Romance The hit he made is history.
The present association Of these two emf
ne Mt gentlemen might easily have a touch of
sentiment as VOL as an appreciation of
1t is known that Mr.. Palmer foresaw the
American success of THE Only Way and
was DESTROYS of making an arrangement to
bring the pay over with the English actor.
Martin Harvey, in the leading role. The
admirers of Henry Miller will find it DIFF
ficult to believe the critical comment which
declares that Mr.. Harvey plays the part
better than he does, just as loyal Mans
feldites refuse to admit without absolute
proof that Coquelin could surpass the
Cyrano' that has been evoking applause
on this continent. Mr.. Miller has made a
profound and lasting impression by his por-
trayal of Sidney Carton. 1t is no de;rac-
ton from the merits of Mr. Harvey to ex-
press deep appreciation of Mr. Miler's
work in the part. The English actor may
be a marvel, but it is impossible to ex-
perience sense of loss in connection with
Pleasures we have never known.
The engagement of Miss Florence Kahn
to appear with Mansfield is a stroke of
excellent management The course of mod
ern plays Will go on without her, and as
the enterprise has been sufficiently re-
sourceful to do without Mr. Blair, who at
first seemed essential, it will no doubt
ind another leading lady. Miss Kahn is
by no means tyro in her art, although she
is young woman with years of oppor-
from Memphis, Tenn. She attended
school of acting, and after leaving 1t had a
share of road company experiences which
fully entities her to full recognition as one
of the initiated.
The patronage this week has been very
large. The attractions which were not lit
erary had audiences which varied greatly
in size. A season of grand and comic
opera was inaugurated at the Lafayette
Square Opera House. with prospects which
opened unfavorably. but which frightened
b. IL
Laura Beggar. as the Queen of China
town" found many subjects, and the New
Grand Opera House did an immense bust
ness all week. The changes of bill bring
the effervescent Belle of New York" to the
New National Theater, Howard Gould in
"A Colonial Girl' to the Columbia, and
"Amorita" to the Lafayette Square. At the
Academy Thomas Shea will camp on the
ton of "A Tale of Two Cities" and chaI-
lenge comparison with Richard Mansfield in
DIR. Jekyll and Mr.. Hyde" The New
Grand will have characteristic program
which is expected to duplicate it's former
successes.
The variety theaters will have new bills,
Kernan's blossoming forth with THE Gay
Morning Glories." and the Bijou again pre-
senting the stock company together with an
olo of specially engaged performers.
1.-The Belle of New York" has passed
through many experiences since it was seen
in this city. Incidentally. much advertise
ment has accrued. Edna May has bloomed
forth prima donna with will of her
own. The Casino rule for publicity seems
to be, when in doubt, play a law suit"
Mr.. Lederer says he took Edna May from
the chorus. and by patient care made star
of her. Miss May Indignantly denies that
she is a factory product, and declares with
witching egotism that she Is great because
nature made her so. She says she is not
going TO work for Mr.. Lederer any more
after April next, and Mr.. Lederer says he
has papers which will restrain her from
appearing except under his management.
What gives the situation its most delicate
pungency Is Miss Mays ability to rise su-
perior to all business disputes. and assert
that, personally, she considers Mr.. Lederer
a very nice man indeed.
The scenery used by Mansfield in his pro-
duction of Cyrano De Bergerac is extreme
ly elaborate and heavy. At the end of the
first act the stage has to be entirely cleared
to make room for the setting in the second.
About fifteen minutes is consumed in
making the change, and on Tuesday the
noise made by the scene shutters as thew
hurried the great frames of canvas and
heavy wooden platforms through tba riot.