Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-09-08

&s1S IN NJ u
For him who yearns for Shakespeare and
speaks reverently of 1.-The drawma,' the
Washington season opens rather slowly
One of the conservative theaters turns on
the electricity Monday night, but 1t Is
to throw light on the antics of the frivo-
lous Belle of New York" which is in no
way sop to the pedantc Cerberus who
hangs about the theater and barks at cur
rent success.
The interest in the Academy of Music
was well sustained during the week. and
the gentlemen who came all the way from
Philadelphia to show Washington touch
of high life in theatricals have reason to
felicitate themselves in the popular atten-
ton they secured. large number or
citizens have gathered to see Mr..
Hashim's herd of trained ushers whose
massive single-standard breastplates con-
stitute so delicate a compliment to the
monetary principles of this administration.
And in addition to beholding the ushers
they had the opportunity of enjoying one
of the biggest bills ever offered, all for 30
cents.
The Bijou surprised the patrons who has
tened to the brilliantly lighted building
during the week, like moths to the iame
The show was not especially caloric, but
the theater itself proved to be a gem, and
it foretells enterprising future for this
one time home of the classic drama, and
later the favorite shrine of the blood-and-
thunder devotees.
Melodrama appears to stand very little
chance in Washington this season. unless
Mr. Berger and Mr.. Painter take occa-
sional pity on the sensation seekers at
the Lafayette. 1t has been crowded out
nv vaudeville and burleSoue 1t is true
that Mr.. Charles Frohman announces his
intention of producing a number of melo-
dramas; but these will not be real melo-
dramas, such as make the more experienced
auditor smile indulgently, while the youth
on high smites his grimy hands together
and whistles his assurance to the actor
that the auditor is getting his full 10 cents
worth of spinal chills. Mr.. Frohman could
not produce one of these melodramas; 1t
would be like asking Worth or Felix to turn
out good reliable calico dress.
An interesting statement of his views of
the future Of polite vaudeville and its rela-
ton to other forms of amusement was
made by Manager Chase of Chase's New
Grand yesterday.
polite vaudeville" said he. 'is highly
developed and perfected variety. While 1t
springs from a lower form, 1t has been
carefully nurseu by intelligent and honest
managers like Mr.. Keith until it is able
now to stand alone. 1t was conceived in
response to public .emand for pure, whole
some entertainment 1t does not conflict
with, and never will, the legitimate drama,
to which it stands somewhat either. l may
say, as soup or dessert in the dramatic
menu. according to the way the individual
begins his courses. It's tendency Is away
from acts that appeal solely to the sight or
senses, and on toward the goal of intel
Ia
ago was the prophecies, forerunner what
you will, of modern polite vaudeville. By
using her name | mean TO convey the idea
that one-act comedies. farces dramas, per-
haps melodramas, should and will form the
nucleus around which program is formed
That is my aim in conducting the New
Grand and the Lyceum in Baltimore. 1
find that here. particularly, there is far
greater demand for vaudeville specialties
such as sketches and monologues. than in
other cities The taste of Washington the
ater-goers is thoroughly natural and
healthy; therefore, pure drama, pure vaude-
Vile, pure anything, thrives. Upon this
faith l have pinned my future. and 1 have
reason to feel proud because of the gener-
Gus support and hearty encoura cement Of
fered me here in the past. Hereafter as
in the past, Chase's theater. if you will
pardon me for speaking of it, will be the
home of vaudeville in its legitimate form"
Stories of great tragedians are always
interesting, and there is an especial charm
in an occasional glimpse of them in their
moments of absolute naturalness
Charles B. Hanford retains some happy
memories of his days as a youngster with
Booth and Barrett. Barrett was a man of
austere personality and rigid discipline
RAN. Booth was gentle of speech and toll
Grant One night he was obliged to go to
the stage from his dressing room by a
remote route which led him past a number
of supers. He had been playing "Riche-
lieu" and when he launched The Curse
of Rome his voice had a resonance which
made the building shake. One of the su-
pers stepped out and blocked his way, re-
marking:
Mr.. Booth, 1 kin do that g-r-r-rv'
Can you, indeed? What g-r-r-r is
that?'
The one you do when you say the curse
OF Rome"
"Ah: let me hear you"
The confident youth inflated his chest and
delivered the speech with a rasp on the
word Rome" which sounded like planning
mill. Mr.. Booth waited until the declama-
ton was concluded and then said:
1T Is very good. While differ slightly
from your idea of reading some parts of
the speech, / must confess 1 think your
'g-r-r-r' Is much better than mine"
'What do think of Washington as q
theatrical town." said Alexander Hashim,
manager of the Academy Of Music, echoing
my question. WELL" he answered, set
Ting himself to reply, Il have only had the
Academy open one week, but have spent
most of that time In observing what people
want and what style Of acts they prefer
With my experience in Philadelphia New
York, Boston and San Francisco as cri-
terion in mind, | think l am justified in
saying that Washington is as good q show
town as there is in the country The peo-
pie here are a little peculiar, but they GER
tatnly know when they are getting a big
show for their money, and are quick to
respond when any offers sonnet hing
we'll worth seeing. 1 will give at the Acad-
envy, every week, from twelve to fifteen
big acts, and If you Washingtonians. who
are proverbially late Corners, will get into
the habit Of coming in time for the rising
of the curtain at o'clock every afternoon
and at o'clock in the evenings, you will
see enough before the performance is over
to repay you for your extra exertion. You
see, our bill next week is made up from the
best of this weeks acts at Roster & Balls
New York and the Grand Opera House.
Philadelphia, and as there are record
breaking shows in both those houses we
will hare something exceptionally good for
here, as glance at the names will prove
1 like Washington not only because it Is a
nice town, but because 1t Is a city where
they APPRECIATE q good show"