The times., 1901-06-18
The Lnfnyette-AThe J1t.n

| Dion Boucicault's play, THE int, was
presented last night by the Lafayette
| stock company before an audience the
| proportions of which should prove beyond
doubt the popularity of the Lafayette
| players and convince them that the local
public means to keep the organization
here for some time to come If their pa
| tronage will accomplish that end. In
terest in the company and its productions
does not seem to diminish, and if the
Weather Bureau continues to dispense
the heat as judiciously as it has up to
now the chances are that Washington
Will see many more presentations at the
Berger house.
1t has been many years since THE Jilt"
was given here, and its production now
comes almost in the light of a new one
to local theatregoers. and consequently is
an event of unusual interest. Boucicault
originated the role of Myles O'Hara,
which Edwin Arden assumes this week.
and those who knew the former and re-
member him as actor and playwright can
readily understand the success Of The
Jilt' in it's early days and approve its
selection as a stock offering. The first
three acts lead up to the great race which
occurs in the fourth and one is forcibly
reminded OF London Assurance" and
THE Sporting Duchess.' There are plots
and under-plots in The Jilt" and several
separate and distinct stories are embodied
in the play but each is worked out salts
factorily and conclusively. and all are
finally brought together with pretty effect
If one were not prepared for surprises
from Edwin Arden his delightful reading
of the role of Myles O'Hara might be re-
garded as such. OHara is an Irish gen
tIeman, who might be equally trusted to
toast "rhe Ladies' and to deal summa-
rily. but without soiling his hands. with
the most consummate blackguard who
happened to cross his path. Mr.. Arden
belongs to class of actors whose num-
her. unfortunately, is limited, but whose
work has an irresistible charm that can
only be acquired through innate refine
ment, a clear knowledge OF the dramatic
art and a tenacity of purpose to make
everything else subservient to his chosen
profession. He IS perfectly poised at all
times and last night his conception of
Myles O Hara was as delicately chiSeled
as the oft-cited cameo. The pretty
speeches allotted to him were handled with
artistic touch TO which real Irish
brOgue lent a picturesque finish.
Thomas L. Coleman does his usually
satisfactory work as Sir Budleigh Wood
stock. Mr.. Coleman is a good all-round
actor and only needs to subdue his voice
a trife to still further improve his per
formance. Wright Kramer's delineation of
>
Robert Rogers is at home as the face
tious, fUssy old Colonel Tudor. Washing
tonians are experiencing a great degree
of pride in the work of Hans Robert, who
has become a permanent member of the
Lafayette company. Last night he took
excellent care of the role of Godfrey
Tudor. Myron Leffingwel has proved his
capability for such parts as James Daisy,
the inevitable blackleg, without whom a
racing play would be unfinished. Horace |
Newman was the Rev. Mr.. Spooner,
whose imperfect sight enables him to fail
over all the furniture handy.
As regards merit, the feminine roles are
about equally distributed. Minnie Rad |
cliffe Is a sweet and very winning Kitty |
whose love scenes with Myles |
are being continually interrupted. In |
Lady MilHcent, whose ezra tic heart propen- |
stiles have acquired for her the sobriquet |
Of The Jilt," Bijou Fernandez is fitted |
with a role quite at variance with that of |
Caroline Milford. which she essayed in |
Secret Service" Her emotional work |
last night was excellent and presented |
her in a new and very agreeable light. |
Louise Macintosh scored her customary |
success as Mrs. Welter. Kathleen Cham
bers plays Phyllis. Matinees will be given |
tomorrow and SATURDAY.. Next week, The |
Lady Of Lyons" Will be offered by the |
lafayette cOmpany