The Washington times., 1901-12-24

with Washington audiences. His person
ality is attractive and his art has long
since been admitted to be more than or
binary. But his appearance last evening
possessed a double interest. for it was the
first time that he has played in this city
at the head of his own company, occupy
pyng the position of producer. manager,
and star This fact alone should com
mend him to the good will OF the theatre
goer. for it evidences an ambition worthy
tc be cmulated by other ambitious actors
Of the American stage.
In his new play Mr.. Hackett is seen in
an agreeable and familiar role. He has
plenty of opportunity to manifest his skill
with the sword; he is afforded chance
to resume his love making. and he Is
called upon numerously to show his prov
ess in the slaughter Of stage villains. In
all these qualities he acquitted himself
admirably There was no question as to
the popularity Of both play and actor last
night. The star was called before the
curtain many times AT the conclusion or
each act and the audience was not only
unusually attentive. but at times very en-
thusiastic.
Ever since Victor Hugo gave life TO this
staggering courageous swashbuekler.
DGu Caesar has been a iayorite character
among playwrights. He has appeared IN
cd to attract a lively interest. He is a
picturesque parsonage who gains the
sympathy OF everyone The new treat
ment' OF him by MIR. Mapes differs only
in the setting lie is the same gallant,
nonchalant beggar, nobleman, ever ready
to fash his sword in defence OF honor or
of persecuted humanity. MIR. iackett
makes him delightfully."- lovable scamp,
who, while mingling with the scum OF SO
ciety in all sorts OF adventure. still re-
tains the instincts of the gentleman.
The star actor was at his best last night
in the third act when he blended light
comedy with the divine passion. His
transition from the careless gallant who
values his life at nothing to the earnest,
passionate lover was a splendid piece of
acting and merlted the generous applause
il received
Mr.. Napes has constructed play OF
more than ordinary interest and one that
displays a studied and able mastery OF
stage technique The piece begins quietly
and the climaXes are worked out Eradu-
aIly and cleverly The love interest is
developed naturally and at no time does
the interest lag. There are plenty OF
dramatic incidents which cause the spec
tator to hold his breath but they do not
sink TO the level OF ordinary melodrama,
and are In most cases possible.
judging from the cordially with which
the play was received last night 1t viii
prove a good holiday week attraction for
the National
The actor manager has sshown care and
discrimination in the selection of his sup
porting company. He has surrounded
himself with a very generally capabie
company. Jane oaker. his new leading
woman. is pretty and shows considerable
dramatic ability. She is dignified in her
lighter scenes and rises to the occasion
In her emotional work. Her characteriza-
ton OF Maritana will doubtless COM
pare favorably with that OF her many
predecessors. Brigham Royce. who VIII
be remembered as the Rupert OF Hentzau
in the early production of thet play. has
the part OF the king and does wei, Whlie
Joseph Brennan gives a capable rendering
OF the scheming prime minister. George
lie Soir. an excellent actor. is seen in
small character part. OF which he makes
considerable despite its limited oppor-
tunities. and Maud Roosevelt makes
beautiful Queen. Matinees Christmas ana
Saturday.