Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-07-03
AMUSBMENTS,

COLUMBIA THEATER.-The William
Morris Stock Company offered Hadden
Chambers 1.-THE Idler" at the Column
bia Theater last night. The play is a
comedy-drama bordering on the "melo."
1t was originally produced by Daniel Froh-
mans Lyceum Company, and enjoyed a
successful run in New York. It is not strik-
ingly original in subject or novel in treat
ment, but the action ia we'll sustained and
the comedy situations are unusually bright.
In several instances they come dangerously
near side-tracking the main plot by their
wiles. With their individual and indepen-
dent Interest, they might, with little ex-
pansfon. be made very acceptable one-act
sketches. The production Is deliberately
mounted and staged with the most careful
attention to details. This has been charac-
terfstfc OF all the productions by the Morris
company, and is particularly gratifying to
a discriminating audience whose ideas of
harmony are shocked by those scenic mir
acles often wrought for the sake Of local
color, particularly in summer productions.
Ihe scene in Mark Cross apartments is
stage picture of unusual completeness, and
most effective background for the dra-
matte intensity of the situations of the
third act
The company has not shown to better adj
vantage as whole in any of it's previous
productions The members work together ad-
mirably. and the skillful manner In which
situations bordering on the mslodramatic are
treated is a tribute to their artistic dis
cernment. That the audience was well
pleased was evidenced by the numerous
curtain calls and the applause which was
bestowed at frequent intervals during the
evening upon the individual actors Mr.
William Morris as Simeon Strong an Amer
lean whose mission is to avenge the sup
posed murder Of his brother, was natural
most favorable impression. Mr.. Stephen
Grattan as Mr.. Mark Cross, the idler, por-
trayed the villain, or rather only half a vii
laln IN a finished manner. While in sense
academic In his methods, Mr.. Grattan is al
ways picturesque. His characters are in
vested with an unQuestonable charm.
Mr. Chas Lane, as Sir John Harding. did
exceptionally well with a part which he
must confess is a trying one. Mr.. Charles
Stanleys General Merryweather was a de-
hghtful bit OF comedy, his work being well
seconded by Miss Hammock and Miss Has
well. Miss Olive divers Lady Harding was
one of the most conspicuous roles which she
has yet essayed with the Morris company,
and gave ample opportunity for the display
or her dramatic power. Miss Percy Has
well In the fngenue role of Kate Merry
weather was as dainty and pinkly charm
ing as possible. Her comedy touches were
fresh and crisp. Altogether she was as re-
fresh1ng as midsummer breeze, which she
Is. THE 1dler" is happy selection, and
will surely be success.
GLEN ECHO.-The increasing favor
which Glen Echo Park is gaining by rea-
sor OF the careful and discriminating man.
asement whose policy 1t is to vigorously
exclude everything of an Objectionable char
acter, Is proved by the constantly-growing
crowds at the beautiful resort. The am
phtheater last night was occupied by
deserving vaudeville acts to their full
me assure. Lewis and FunceiH, the operate
Vocalists, proved themselves to be singers
OF superior ability, and we're recalled sew
Il <,i,-1r
Stevens and La Petite Alma, a remarkable
child, was pleasing. particularly as they
are home people and have friends by the
score who applaud their merited success
specialties of Gilmour and La Tour Jesse
X Borden, Smith OBrien ana Nellie Burt
the latters versatility q comedicnne be-
Ing markedly approved Haley's Washing
the dancing pavilion was in such demand
tfat the management decided to devote the
upper floor hereafter to the same delightful
purpose, assuring plenty Of room. There
$50; dancing will be in progress all day,
and at the close Of the evening concert at
$50 there will be display of fireworks.
CHEVY CHASE LAKE.-The multifolS
attractions offered in-town pleasure seekers
at Chevy Chase Lake continue in high
favor, and the prettiy Illuminated park is
constantly thronged. There was inaue-
urated last evening a series of nightly naval
battles on the light-engirdled sheet of wa
ter The battle" consists of the firing of n
large number Of Roman candles from var
ious positions on the lake, the effect being
quite pretty. The naval engagement, how
ever, Is but small part of the entertain
ment program provided. There Is dancing
bowling, shooting, throwing at 1.-THE black
babys head swinging, rowing and riding
on the merry-go-round. The Fourth Of
July will be celebrated at the lake with a
number of entertaining afternoon and even
Ing events, including swimming and tub
races, prize diving, etc.
WILDWOOD.-The excellent vaudeville
bill and the picturesque scenery at Wild
wood induced many persons to visit that
resort last night. The features in the show
are all top-liners, and the pretty little
theater in which the performance was given
was crowded by the time the first turn was
put on. AT the conclusion of the vaudeville
dancing was enjoyed by those who cared for
this form Of amusement in the pavilion
A number of those who visited Wildwood
last night went out in the afternoon and
enjoyed the picturesque walks and drives
in the vicinity, the majority remaining until
a late hour In the evening. There are few
spots around Washington that are more en-
joyable than Wildwood in respect to pretty
surroundings. and the increased patronage
that is in evidence each week shows the
increasing popularity of this particular re-
sort