The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-04-30
AT THE THEATRES.
The Observation-Disclosures

The Lafayette Theatre has the regular
field to itself this week. the National and
Columbia being closed until next Monday
night With the first production of Les
ter Walack's noted play, "Rosedale,' by
the Lafayette company last night, the
spring and summer stock season was
inaugurated and the occasion proved one
of unusual interest in that 1t marked the
initial appearance of several new mem
bers of the company, who will make a
bid for local favor. and undoubtedly win
t. il last night work may be accepted as
a sign Ii seemed rather strange not to
see Eugene Ormonde Charles Wyngate,
and John DAILY Murphy and even these
few weeks have not accustomed the La
fayette's patrons to Grayce Scotts alb
sence. but the advent of new players
aroused lively interest and a large and
expectant audience was present to greet
old and future favorites. The newcomers
We're made to feel at home in the sincere
and hearty welcome extended to them.
while those of the Bellows-Long COM
pany who have remained were greeted in
the old way, the motives of which are not
to be mistaken.
"Rosedale" is a very old play, and II
hackneyed adage may be employed,
that regarding age and wine would seem
to lit the piece, for in each successive pro-
duction it has an added charm, the origin
of which is difficult to find-whether based
upon its own merits or caused by the over
dose of clap-trap dramatic literature to
which the public has been served during
the past few seasons. In writing Rose
dale" the author might easily have made
it into lurid melodrama, one that is
commonly known as a thriller, but
finer instincts were at work, and scenes
which from a less skilled pen would have
been cheap and uninviting have been
delicately woven into story refined in
sentiment and of absorbing interest.
Sir Arthur May, tot, mas become neir
to the family estates and title through
the death of his father: At the instiga-
ton of rascally uncle, to whom the
child is the only barrier to succession,
the latter is stolen by band OF gypsies
The rescue of Sir Arthur by Elliott Grey
forms most dramatic climax to the
fourth act and presents very Ieallstlc
picture In view of the numerous abduc-
ton cases which have recently been
brought to public notice, the CHIEF incl
dent of "Rosedale" appeals more strongly
to ones synpathies than IL probably did
a few years ago, and the horror OF
child's fate at the hands OF merciless
band can be more readily appreciated and
deplored There are two distinct love
stories running through the play. that OF
Elliott Grey for Rosa Leigh. in the evolu-
ton of which some refreshing scenes are
provided Matthew Leigh's love for rlor-
! ence May, Sir Arthurs mother, is told
| along more serious lines, but in both the
authors versatility and delicate touch are
! clearly apparent.
| For the first time in his local career
John I. Sullivan has a role which neither
| requires him to possess himself of funds
| unlawfully or to discontinue anybodys
| existence by aid of pistol or foil. On the
| contrary he has the pleasing task of max
ing nearly everybody supremacy content
/ and the only crime which may be ac-
credited TO him is the theft of charm
! ing girls heart. Mr.. Sullivan was par
| ticularly happy as Elliott Grey, and dem
onstrated abilities which have hitherto
been hidden from the local public. He
has put away his property sheer and
shows instead a genial smile, a good-na-
tured Incidence, and altogether proves
himself quite at home in his new position
of leading man. Wright Kramer who will
assume the style of roles formerly played
| by Charles Wyngate, was seen as Mat
! thew Leigh, the physician. Mr.. Kramer
/ acts with ease and finish, and created
very favorable impression last night. His
panegyric anent the medical profession
/ was given with excellent effect. Robert
| Rogers was right in his element as jolly
/ Bunbury Kobb, and gave the role the full
! benefit of his comedy talents. Il. L. Cole
man, who has succeeded John T. Sullivan
as the Lafayette VILLAIN, scored a pro-
/ nounced success as the gypsy. Myles Nc
| Kenna, and Myron Leffingwen played the
/ role of the. uncle . Caseldjsh May, smooth
/ ly and effectively. while Frederic Sulli-
van handled a small part with his Gus
| tomary ease.
| owing to her accident last Friday night
| Miss HasweIl will not he able to appear
1 during the present week, and her part
! in ''RoSedale" is being played by Miss
| Minnie Radcliffe who came to Washing
1 ton yesterday in response to telegram
/ from Manager Berger. Miss Radcliffe
| will be remembered locally for her
clever work in support of Sol Smith Rus
| SELL and her portrayal of Rosa Leigh last
night was distinctly charming. The part
| makes many demands on the players
| capa abilities. for it combines comedy and
pathos very closely. but Miss Radcliffe
! proved hersslf a thorough mistress of
| both As Tabitha Stork. Miss Louise
| Macintosh was splendid example of
| genuine old maid. Her Interpretation was
very amusing and as usual she scored
| decided hit. Miss Ellie Darling gave a
pleasing portrayal of Florence May, and
| Miss Laura Eichelberger delineated a
! comedy character very cleverly.
! A review of last nights performance
| would not be complete without noting
! the excellent stage management due to
| the efforts of william Seymour, the new
director. Mr.. Seymour enjoys a reputa-
| ton shared by few for the finish ana
| detail of his productions, and his engage
| ment is a matter of congratulauon to the
| Lafayette management.