The Washington times., 1901-10-27

That new disease previously referred
TO in these columns as Fitchitis seems to
have attacked Washington with renewed
force and fury. for last week two of the
leading theatres presented plays from the
untiring pen Of Clyde Fitch.
One of them, Lovers Lane was writ
ten decade go, long before Fitch really
became The fashion and although it ranks
as one OF his most popular efforts. il diff
fers so materially from anything this au-
thor mas since turned out that frequent
reference TO the playbill is necessary to
fix the identity Of the author. His char
aciers are very lifelike pictures Of people
one might chance to meet in a little viii
lagc where most of the inhabitants make
strenuous efforts to look after the affairs
OF other folks TO the neglect Of their own.
Among the types from which the drama
tist has drawn for his Characterization
is the village school mistress. who, aside
from imparting knowledge to the young,
has a strong penchant for ministers. The
part, though not originally a very i'm
rortant one proved after all to be one of
the factors in the success of lovers
Lane through the excellent interpreta-
tiCn given it by Emily NNakeman, an ac-
tress who VIII doubtless be heard from
more prominently in the future.
Miss Wakeman, In the grotesque make
Up OF Miss Alealy, the schooimistrts IS, is
a splendid subject for comic supple
ment. The result Of her efforts to win
the admiration and affection Of the min
lister is remarkable, viewed from a crazy.
guilt standpoint, and no wonder the good
man quailed before the prospect OF hav-
ing TO look at the picture for life. But
fortunately for Miss Wakeman and her
friends she is not always thus. and a
FsH-.s
evidences OF surprise when Emily Wake
man in street gown came from her DIRE S.
ing room after performance one night
last week
What have 1 done?" she repeated
Dear me. when / am asked that ques-
tion il seems as though ! must answer
Nothing There Is so much waiting to
be done. at least there Is for me, and
every day l am more thoroughly con-
WINGED that the more one learns the less
one knows. A very disc9uraging view
isn't il But then when you r. ambitious
and energetic, you never stop TO think of
that. Yes; / played the school mistress in
the original production, and have CON
tinUed in the part ever since 1t isn't a
conspicuous role. but it's q good charac-
ter study, and 1 am willing to play al
most anything in one of Mr.. Fitchs
plays. Isn't he wonderful?
'But there, you haven't time to hear
all the good things / should like to say
ABOUT Mr.. Fitch / am TO originate a part
in one Of his new plays which viii be
DIDuSAl out ubElHB lls present season.
and next year / am going TO have a part
in another new production OF his which
VIII he totally unlike anything | have
ever done before. The year following Mr..
Fitch viii write a play especially for me
and ] hope to give good account of nv
self. He has an idea that there is some
thing good in me. and 1 mean to do an
in my power TO keep that idea from get
ting loose.
Il have always played character roles.
and when / first went on the stage. seven
years ago everyone thought it was simply
dreadful that i was contentcd To look
as hideous IS that line OF part usually
demands. But / like it. and believe in
sGbmerging ones personality entirely. and
j NJ perfectly willing TO look a fright il
the role calls for IT,
Il had an odd experience last season
while playing character role in Caleb
West. While in Chicago / was thrown
from my horse and broke an ankle
had to use crutches during the rehearsals,
put managed TO put them aside when the
first night came, but was forced 20 play
the part with a pronounced limp. There
were several very funny exits and the |
limp made them all the more ridiculous
so when my ankle got all right the man
ngement Insisted that / retain that Bit of |
realism. 1 am sorry that Caleb was not |
q success. for then 1 might have had the |
satisfaction Of knowing that / had con- /!
tributed one piece Of original business.
THE fault with 'Caleb?' Wei, the |