Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-06-16


1t is needless TO remark that the stock
company has been prospecting A city or
Washington's size could scarcely do other
wise than afford liberal patronage to 50 de-
serving an enterprise. especially when there
has been fair spriakling of moderately
cool nights.
Morgan Sherwood. one OF the stage at
taches Of the New National Theater has
perfected n new spectacular device whose
possibilities are manifold. 1t utizes in an
original ana startling manner the Idea of
luminous drape-y effects. such as Loie
Fuller introduced \ private view was
given last Thursday night. Joan of Arc is
the subject of the flame picture. which was
revealed at the back of the darkened stage.
The arrangement of lights and air blasts
was such 10 give the appearance of fire
to the light fabrics amid which young
woman was posed in classic costume A
smoke effect. which can easily be supplied,
wanting on Thursday night. But the
Illusion. except for this detail, was perfect.
The g." ing logs, the flying sparks and the
gradual sinking of the martyr into the
mass of ernberS made the picture wetrdiy
impressive as well as spectacularly beautl-
fui. IL is intended to be given in connec-
ton with lecture. hgh-class vande-
Vile attraction.
Manager Joseph Luckett OF the Columbia
is chucklns with much satisfaction over an
odd coincidence that happened at the Tues
day night performance of The Girl l Left
Behind Me" Owing to the heavy scenic
equipment of Be,asco and Fyles' frontier
romance, the initial production on Monday
night was not concluded until a few min
utes past IL o'clock, and Manager Arthur
of the company promised to see to 1t that
the delay should be remedied on the follow
ing evening AS consequence Daniel V.
spent most of his time the stage Tues
day night urging the carpenter. grips and
linemen on 10 greater activity. Everyth
went off smoothly until the third act was
STRUCK and the last act set. and Manager
Arthur. Nj Luckett and the several
members of the company were stand
ing on the opposite prompt side Of the
stage cCnsrItulat.ng themselves over the
fact that d gain OF fifteen minutes had been
made. when Stage Manager Thompson
rushed frantiCal.y into their midst and in
hoarSe whisper volunteered the Informal
ton that the stage was waiting. and it
was and had been for five minutes. owing
TO the mutual admiration society which had
convened at the managers bidding
Charles b. Harford is at his home in this
city busily applying himself to preparations
for his coming production of Private John
Allen " The play has been reconstructed
since It's trial presentation during sum-
mer season. and the c.imaxes in which. it
abounds have been more effectively distrib-
uted- The final act of the piece. which was
weak. has been given interest which
puts it in key with the remainder of the
piece. and a higher motive than that of
mere political partisGaship has been made
len
Mr.. Hantord's appearance in a political
comedy will offer a strong. contrast to his
previous work, but many eminent traged-
ans have played comedy and played it we'll
III reiudiate@ the suggestion that he pro-
20 IS to abandon the domain of blank Verse
Tor the dldiect drama. but having acquired
VIII Il he considers valuable piece of play
pr p'rty he proposes 10 exploit it to the
be> possible advantage and to give it his
p"f=cral attention until its merits as a rop-
uIar attraction have been definitely ascer-
ta.t ed. Mrs Harfurd. who has received!
mr. n hattering mention under the na.ne
'A.-ris D-Dinah-' may be prevented from
TAX ng part in the production owing to the
severe Illness she IS now suffering In the
evett Of her complete recovery she will
figure prominently in the cast
In readiust!ng Private John Allen" one
par was ruthessly eliminated. 1t was that
Of the donkey who appeared with some sue
cess on the first night. Before the week was
out he got lost in a coal cellar under the
pavement near the stage entrance of the
Columbia TheLter- He strayed OFF the run
way that leads behind the scenes and could
not. or else would not. get back to the side
walk lie pIs,c.dly waited to have his meals
81 UP Ia Trash air and sunshine by means
of a block and tackle.
The following is taken from an interview
in the London Chronicle with Sir Henry
Irving upon his return TO England from his
Am. rican tour:
Did you hear anything about the Trans
vaal campaign?
Everywhere II struck me that the feel
ing for England was very strong and was
ono. of and Nsrf1sf. iG,.rf
Very EracioUsly accorded me an interview.
and had "A most delightful and very in
rereSting talk with him At the White House.
TIE war roman ante-cha!nber Of the
Presidents inner oftice-iS one OF the rtpsJ
Interesting places / ever visited As You
know. the President is the official head OF
TIN army and the navy. Here on the walls
exhibited great maps. showing the eN-
sc' position Of every ship and of every
regiment and company of soldiers. There
are gentlemen present who, directly tefa-
gram arrives announcing the move Of any
1r.ups Gr vessel. Immediately MAKE the
alterations on the maps. with the result
that the President can see at a glance how
h forces. military and naval, are placed.
In Washington | had the honor of being
invited To meet various ministers. some OF
whom | regard old friends. so long have
had the privilege Of their acquaintance.
Lord Pauucefote also did me the honor of
calling on me. and subsequently invited me
to dinner
And your future arrangements?
We'll. We open at the Lyceum with
olivia on the 18th instant and remain at
the Wellington Street Theater for about six
weeks. In the autumn there viii be a t'Ir
in the provinces. and next April we shall
start another season at the Lyceum. In
tie fall Of 1891 II IS not improbable there
Will be a tour in the United States"