The times., 1901-04-09
AT THE THEATRES
The observation-disclosures

The Column EletE-'-ArjZOna.v
Local amusement seekers who desire to
see the best play of American manufacture
that has been produced within the last
few seasons should go TO the Columbia
Theatre this week and witness Arizona, "
Augustus Thomas last state" play, a
piece that is melodramatic in character,
replete with humOr and love incidents, and
by all odds the best literary play that
the native stage has known for many a
day. No other contemporaneous dramatist
has ever given to work the same terse-
ness of expression that Mr.. Thomas has
I'm Arizona" The economy of words Is
really marvellous Even though the dia-
logue in itself may not always be just
what the most fastidious might like, it is
Invariably brisk clear. and concise The
plot the playwright has utilized is too
trivial and convential almost, to deserve
analysis while the old evil, barbarous
theory with regard to the alteration of
comic relief and heart interest is
glaringly illustrated in this play of the
Southwest Yet with all the faults that
the most captious can discern in "Ari-
zona il remains the very best American
play of recent years, and will doubtless
occupy a similar position for some time
to come. if one is to judge by this season 5
crop of native dramas
Last nights audience at the Luckett &
Dwyer playhouse liked the piece immense
IL. and there was an abundance of ap-
plause Washinetonans passed Judgment
upon Arizona last season. and at that
time decided that it was a remarkable
piece of dramatic literature. one that
would create a sensation when it reached
New York, and this local prophecy has
f,fGl1p6 and the nlJV now
comes back to the Capital with the record
of being the most successful piece that
Broadway has known for long time.
Since it's earlier presentation here there
have been but two important changes IN
the cast Eleanor Robson, whose Work
in '.J-nleavened Bread few weeks ago
proved such a delight, has been succeeded
in the role of Bonita, by Olive May, VINO
created the part in the original produc-
ton and Theodore Roberts, the original
Canbv. the sexagenarian ranch owner.
has given way to j. W. Cope. Miss May
gives an entirely different idea OF the
character of the bright Arizona belle from
her predecessor and makes her more OF
a hoyden and. while uncommonly enter
tanning she nevertheless suffers by any
comparison with Miss Robson. The new
Candy plays the role much the same as
did MIR Roberts and there is scarcely any
difference in the characterization. All
the Roberts mannerisms and bits OF busl-
ness are retained. so that, to all intents
and purposes IT, is the orlglnal VINO lS oh
the stage and NOT a very CIeNet SuSNc0-
Sor. :.
Walter Hale. a most capable actor, Is
seen i'm the role of Captain hodsmth'
formerly entrusted TO George NtsI. W. MI;
Hale's work is eninently satisfactory ana
he makes one of the most accomplished
and unconventional stage villains OF tne
day Edwin Holt is digniPed Colohei
Holt. while Edgar Selwyn's Tony, d
yauuero, is an admirably conceived ana
executed bit of character work. vincent
Serrano is still the Lieutenant Denton OF
the piece and plays the role pflulauti9
and inteIligently, and without the heroics
that A less capable actor would BRING TO
the part 1t is one of the most notable
chara CT erizations that any young player
has contributed to the contemporaheous
stage for n long time, and is dlstlnct
success Matte Earle gives very reails-
tic performance as Candy Wlfe, ana
Marion s. Barney. as the colonel WHe-
one of the most difficult parts or 1ne
uiece-plavs with sincerity, moderation,
and feeling local player. Il. IL. y Con-
nor. is seen in rather unlUportaht foIe'
that of Lieutenant Haiiack, of the caVal-
ry but does some very commendibie
work A former member of the Columbia
stock DAYS Miss Margaret Mayo, does
Lena most eNcellently- and last night
came in for good share OF the praise;
The other contributory characters are all
well interpreted.
The staging of Arizona is remarkable
for its iidelity There are a host OF sol
diers who bear themselves like soldiers
and the cowboys look and speak like
cowboys The military details are correct
and the pictures of Arizona, outdoors ana
indoors. are true, while the moohilSht
and twilight. and the yellow sunset. are
highly effective. In short. Arizona Is
the best play of recent years and to miss
Ii would be most unfortunate for any
ncrson who cares for the best specimen OF
the development of the native drama
There will be matinee performances OF
Arizona" on Thursday and Saturday.