The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-10-30
The Lnfaxctte-.counte.s vn1e.ka.n

| plunge into what might be termed
military drama last evening displayed the
| powers Of the new stock company at the
| Lafayette even to more advantage than
did the excellent play OF last week, THE
Masqueraders." There is romantic flavor
in the swashbuckling and the brilliant uni
forms, the war-like atmosphere and the
| love amidst difficulties which makes
Countess Valeska' a splendid medium for
stock company-probably the very best
ever used by a permanent organization in
this city.
Countess valeska" is what may be
termed big" play. in that it requires
the use of a small army of supernumeraries
and MINOR characters. In this respect
again the production marks a stock COM
pany epoch. and the manner in which the
soldiers and the peasants were schooled
and drilled into almost perfection is ex-
ceeding,y complimentary to the patience
and ability Of the stage director, Walter
Clark Bellows Most of the soldiers looked
martial: the Mamelukes had consider
able degree of the atmosphere OF the dark
skinned guards of Napoleon, and the peas
antry the crudeness and the curiosity so
picturesque in persons Of the class. A full
complement of scenery adds UNNECESSARILY
to the production, as does well selected
investiture of properties and accessories,
including q wealth OF rare paintings, many
years old.
Originally written as stellar vehicle,
it is but natural that the role first as
sumed by Julia Marlowe should stand out
most prominent in the presentation. This
part is, Of course, assumed by Miss Bates.
and 1t is the most fertile role in which
she has been seen in Washington. Fol-
loving so closely the impersonation and
conception OF Miss Marlowe. comparisons
of the work of the two actresses will nat
urally be made by the critical audience. To
Miss Bates 1t will be gratifying TO know
that the comparison will not be to her
detriment, even though made with the best
and most versatile Of American artistes.
In the lighter scenes the present Count
ess Is superior to the former one; in the
pathetic bits she lacks the finesse and
polish as yet, in the dramatic passages of
the fourth act, there can be no improve
men. upon the work of either. For each Is
charming and each equally So The role
gives Miss Bates opportunity to wear sew
eral handsome gowns, and her characteri-
cation is another step toward the zenith
of permanent greatness. Mr.. Ormonde is
seen to better advantage than last week,
and impresses we'll. His fourth act is par
ticularly well done. the martial form and
good voice Of the actor being nicely suited
for the part assumed. Mr.. Sullvan's inn
PRESERVATION OF the paradoxical lover is
notable rather for its contrast with his
Characterization of last week, there being
no vestige of his Sir Brice in his pres
ent study of the gallant and chivalric
French officer. This proves versatility
as cOmmendable as it is unusual in stage
heavies.
The remainder Of the cast is well taken.
Miss Kruger is unsuited for the ingenue
role offered but makes the best OF it pos
sible. while Mr.. Wyngate, in the Juvenile
part. is more than good. The part Of the
father, assumed by Mr.. Craven. is wen