Evening star., 1901-11-16
CorIINC A1TpACTIoNS
New wsNattonaI Thenter.

pearance this week at the National of Rich
ard Mansfield in his recent hit, Beau
caire.' The new play is comedy in five
acts by Booth Harrington and Evelyn
Greenleaf Sutherland. To these two Amer
lean writer's belongs the distinction of hav-
ing supplied the distinguished actor with
his most notable comedy success since the
days of Beau Brummel and Prince Karl.
From all accounts Beaucaire is not tram
sient. He has come not to fret his season
on the stage and then retire but to stay
and take his place in Mansields gallery OF
portraits.
This is because Beaucaire gives Mansfleid
something on which to fastens his art. The
prince who was mistaken for barber by
the smart set of Bath when Beau NaSh
was lmperator gives a wide play for nu-
NOR, wit, repartee and sentiment. The jest
Is on Beaucaire's lip, but the perfume OF
Lady Marys red, red rose fills his heart
and intoxlcates him with a love that fash
ions a romance which has delighted all
who have real it. Mansfield is said to have
devoted anew his unique gifts to portray
ing the royalty of a prince, the conscious
ness OF a swell and the romance of lover.
"Beaucaire" is an original comedy in five
acts by Booth Harrington and Evelyn
Greenleaf Sutherland. 1t is, as they say, a
play or manners. The scene is the >cele-
orated English watering place, Bath, dur
ing the social sway of Beau Nash. 1t Is
a fascinating period for a comedy OF wits.
The first act discloses the pump room,
whittier the blades and bellies come for the
waters. The second act shows Beaucaire's s
lodging the night he caught Wtntersett
cheating. The third is Lady Mary Car
isles ball room on the occasion of the in
PRODUCTION Of the Duke of Chateaurien to
Baths beauties. A portion Of Mr.. Banti-
sons country house on the roadway near
the statue of Diana Is the locale of act
four, and the last act Of all is the superb
assembly room on the occasion Of Baths
learning from the Marquis de Mirepois,
ambassador from the TuillerieS, who is the
visitor 1t has harbored as barber, gambler
and Duke of Castle-no-where. AS might
well be expected, the period and locale have
been Mansfield's inspiration for delicacy
and color1ng of scene and costume in which
he has surpassed himself. The five set
tlngs are Watteau pictures of rare elabo-
ration. The fashions of Beaucaire's period
were dictated by his cousin, Louis XIV Of
france. Mansfield stands alone among our
producers of finer and more pictorial OF
plays. "Beaucaire" is a congenial oppor-
tunity for him to display his taste and lib
erality in furnishing a series of gorgeous
pictures of patch and powder society under
Beau Nashs social sway.
The curtain will rise on "Beaucaire"
punctually at 8 o'clock 1t is earnestly
urged that in this instance the tardy ones
bespeak an early dinner and find their
chairs before the orchestra has finished the
overture, to their own enjoyment of the
piece and the convenience and pleasure Of
those who have come in good time to the
comedy.
Columbia Theater.
1t is a matter of doubt if there will be
anything brought to Washington this sea-
son in the way Of musical attractions that
will be accorded a warmer reception than
"Florodora," the renowned musical comedy
booked for the coming week at the Column
bia Theater. The success Of the play has
made it a household word. The engage
ment here is limited to six evenings and
two matinee performances, and the ad-
vance sale presages crowded houses at each
representation. 4 ~
The libretto Of the work is by Owen Hall,
whose previous claims for recognition can
be traced to bis original and clever treat
ment of the stories which served as
groundwork for such successes as THE
Geisha," An Artists Model" 1.-The Gaiety
Girl" with all Of which playgoers of this
city are perfectly informed. Leslie Stuart,
for many years musician Of prominence
In England, set to work, and it is generally
agreed that the setting he has supplied for
Mr.. Halls humorous story is most attrac-
tive. - -
"Florodora" offers a varied array of
solos, duets. trios. choruses and the famous
double sextet. To interpret "Florodora'
requires a cast of eighty-seven people, and
Fisher and Ryley, who own the exclusive
American and Canadian rights to the play.
nave selected the people with great care.
Tne PRINCIPALS in this company are Isadore
Rush. Will c. Vaudeville, Bertha Walt
Finger, William Armstrong, Guelma Baker,
". p. Carleton, Frances Tyson and Alfred
G. Whelan. The chorus is unusually large
ana said to be one of the best voiced auxil-
larry forces that has ever left New York
CITY, and the production. in the matter Of
scenery, costumes and accessories, has been
arranged on most expensive scale. the
management being quick to realize that
with the enormous prestige which the long
run in New York city gave the play the
public would have their expectations raised
to a high pitch and that nothing but ex-
satisfy. - .~