The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-02-27
NntionaI-.sThc Only Way

Marquis de ST, Eyremonde. ....... Byron Douglas
ycomte de 81. Evsemonde. .........EaIlc Brown
PLAY.
Sydney Carton .....................He Henry Miller
Mr0Lorry ..........---.-..'...-.,S H. Ssod0a'u
Mr.. Stryver ..........-.....--.--J Joseph bisuiah
DR.. Manette -. .............. Daniel Ii. Harkins
Charles Darnay ............-.....-b yroG Douglas
Lucie Manette .....................Naf Margaret Dale
Tn We: Seance ...-.--..--........-. hinna Koeiii
Mimi .----..-.-....-.-...-..-.- ."ertFude fihaey
Perhaps Henry Miller never spoke more
truly than when. at the last New York per-
Torrance of The Only Way" he para
phrased the final words of the book from
which the piece was taken and simply said:
1T is a far. far better play than l have
ever had. and the results are far. far better
than | have ever known" As revealed
yester-evening at the National, this YER
sion of Dickens "A Tale OF Two Cities
proved deserving of higher praise than
could be given in ranking it above the mer-
itless vehicles in which Mr.. Miller has ap-
peared since the Inauguration of his stellar
career Freeman Wills has made of the
powerfully dramatic pen picture OF the
French Revolution theatrical Offering
containing all the "heart interest of
Sowing the Wind" all the delicate beauty
and purity of IAN American Citizen" all
the force and direetness OF "Dr. Belgraff,"
and all the opportunity for display notable
in 'Robespierre" In THE Only Way no
actor of reasonable attachments could be
anything but delightful; no auditor OF rea
sonable feeling could be anything but alb
sorbed. Mr. Wills success is atonement
for the many men who have failed in
adapting "A Tale of Two Cities"
Except fer the introduction of a char
hot tn hay had itl dat
in Sydney Cartons acquaintance of the
tumbril. and natural connection OF dis
connected motives, the arranger has de-
parted but little from the theme and detail
of the English master. The story begins
with q prologue, in which is shown the
murder of the peasant by the despoiler
of his sister, and in which Dr. Manette is
brought forward. Next. at the chambers
of Sydney Carton, the life and alteration OF
that dissipated barrister are made public.
The third act conveys Carton to DR.. Ma
nettes in time to hear the admired Lueie
plighted to Charles Darnay, and the happy
Darnay, who. in the piece, is descended
from the assassins of the peasant. sum-
moned to Paris by one of the family of
the dead boy. The scene then shifts to that
capital The spectator is conducted to the
trial CT Darnay and finds Carton speaking
in his defence. Finally, there comes the
end en- the scaffoid. where the heroic friend
establishes the verify of the passion than
which greater love hath no man The
whole play is superb.
This gem OF dramatic literature is inter-
preted by a company of really extraordi-
nary strength. Mr.. Miller himself never
has achieved in Washington anything like
the success OF last night. Mr. Wills
has given Sydney Carton several magnih-
cent climaxes. and SO carefully does the
star lead up TO these that the audience
was moved to constant applause. And The
Only Way affords opportunities outside
of those of Mr. Miller. Probably of second
merit is the Jean Defarse OF FL. A. Weaver,
jr Joseph Bremen. Daniel Harkins. Earle
Brown. and Minna Hoehn are notable for
excellent bits while that favorite and
yiriie veteran J. II. Stoddart. makes deal
of the role OF Mr.. Lorry. Margaret Dale is
inclined toward gaspiness while Gertrude
Finney is surprisingly good. Nor should
even passing praise be bestowed unless it
include Byron Douglas. worthy young
actor with some intelligence. The pro-
duction is admirable and the mob effects
never have been surpassed here.