The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-09-09

title In which Miss SeligInan is 10 star.
In the dramatizations the prevalence of
the romantic is striking. and in the larger
number Of these 1t is significant that the
only ones touching on American life or
dealing particularly with native customs,
present or past, are David Harum. "
Richard Carvel," Janice Meredith" and
possibly the dramatization of the Van Bib
Der stories
Considering all these ventures Just be-
fore the curtain rises, some may be ac-
counted admirable and some foolhardy. The
theatrical prophet will, in any event, be a
fairly busy person during the next four or
five weeks. In the list Of new stars he
may point out, with reasonable assurance,
that with interest In a popular novel to
assist her, Mary Mannering will attract
substantial attention. Indeed. of all the
new stars mentioned, she is the only one
whose departure is attended with any de-
gree Of certainty.
Four OF the new stars. Ethel Barrymore.
Henrietta Crossmsn. Grace George. and
Gertrude Coghlan, have no particular rea-
sons for being at the heads of companies.
Miss Barrymore is an attractive young
woman, with what Is called. somewhat
vaguely. personality" but great many
people in her profession have that. She
Is chiefly associated in the public mind
with her role in His Excellency" last sea-
son. and knowledge Of her talents is con-
fined to small proportion Of the theatre
goers In a few large cities.
Miss Crossman was formerly with
Charles Frohman's stock company, and is
by no means an Indifferent comedienne.
But she is not even so well known as NJ IS
Barrymore.
Miss George is the wife of W. A. Brady,
and is principally conspicuous for note
worthy dramatic aspirations but as in
the other instances, she is rot familiar
to theatre-goers throughout The country
Miss Coghlan. the daughter CT the late
Charles Coghlan. is to star because her
father made dramatization of Vanity
Fair" and wished her to appear in it.
Edna May is purely a Charles Frohman
speculation. He viii possibly advance her
in some musical comedy or opera. but 1t
has been said that he thinks she may also
1t is safe guess that before long Miss
May will be found at the head of a new
Morton Kerker musical comedy.
Nor are all the stars that shone with in
different luster last season entirely Sc
cure. Miss Walsh took up the Sardou
plays left by the late Fanny Davenport,
and which were in themselves the most
valuable adjuncts of her starring venture
They were good theatrical properties for
a year or two, and are potent yet in some
parts of the country. In an entirely new
play Miss Walsh viii not have their in
fiuence, but she has demonstrated her
right to star, and in certain territory,
particularly the West. has by indy=try
achieved popularity, so the outlook Ter
her is far from dark.
AS for John Drew, it is no theatrical Sc
cret that he has needed something to Ie-
juvenate him. Hence. he has secured
Richard Carvel." a drama with a book
behind 1t, that has beer read by thousands
of people. who may reasonably be expect
ed to be curious over its staging. The
same fortune that will promote Miss Man
nering will therefore, probably re-estab-
fish Mr.. Drew.
Maude Adams. Viola Allen and Annie
Russell do not deeply concern the prophet.
They are too firmly established in The
armament to be dimmed by any newcom-
ers. and the problems concerning their
plays are not necessarily SO deep as 10
arouse doubt of their success. II Miss
Adams is going into it heavily in the Ros-
tand play. and If Bernhard deyotees will
shake their heads, it must not be forgot
ten that she is brave, for has she not
played Juliet?
OF Ada Rehan's new play by Clyde Fitch
little is known at this time. 1t is said
she will also have another original play.
while she viii probably continue to pre-
sent 1.-THE School for Scandal" CAS- You
Like It." and other standard dramatic
works It is unlikely that she will depend
entirely on the new material.
In "Zaza" and Becky Sharp" respec-
lively. Mrs. Carter and Mrs. Flske may be
expected to look out for themselves. They
offer no opportunity for the prophet, nor
do Mr.. Crane, Miss Marlowe. Mr.. Good
win. and NJ. Gillette.
In "Oliver Goldsmith" Mr.. Robson has
a play to tide him over the season. as
has Mr. Hackett in The Pride of Jen-
nico."
Mrs. lie Moyne is making pla for
herself. and is one e. the most welcome
of ell recent stars. her intention to give
some Browning matinees during fAr en-
gsgements in the larger cities she VIII
visit during her tour has stirred sympa-
thetic comment in her behalf.
James O'NeilI played Monte Cristo'
for so many years in this country that
his revival of the play will find him in
a familiar part. He formerly played
Edmond Dantes Ito the gallery" Per-
haps, now that the Liebler Conpany-a
surprisingly progressive theatrical cor
poration. by the way a2d one which
seems inclined to do and dare-has sur
rounded the actor with a good company
and some elaborate scenery. he will be
more inclined TO repression.
Mr.. Kelley and Miss Shannon are
agreeable people who have bseu mating
haste slowly. They have not been par
ticularly successful in THE Moth and
the Flame" but they have made an i'm
preston. In my Daughter in Law
they will have an English comedy of some
worth and one that may serve them in
the way of advancement.
The list of former stars who will seek
honors anew is among the most interest
ing features of the theatrical situation.
Marie Burroughs created little interest
with "Phe Profigate,' and returned to
the safer line of leading business. Then
she retired but the temptations of the
dramatized novel in the form of Gilbert
Parker's Battle OF the Strong'I seems to
have been sufficient to lure her cut OF
domestic life.
Minnie Seligman has had more than
one experience as a stellar attraction
flying readily to the larger induce
ments of vaudeville" when her ventures
We're disastrous, and so with Robert Hill
lard. If Mr.. Hilliard can play anything
he can play Van Bibber, but If NJ IS
Seligman clings to the title of Dds
Own Girl" for her play the outlook is
dubious.
Wilton Lackaye has starred. ceased
starring, and starred again. The success
of his svengali in "Trilby" aroused his
faith In the value of the hypnotic play, but
it was not shared by the public In
Charles O'Malley" he made his last
fiieht, and now he has written Jean
Vatican" founded on Les Miserables,
in which he will tempt fortune again.
nd Mr.