The Washington times., 1901-12-10


Last night usherod in the ninth week
of the Bellows company's season at the
Lafayette Theatre. and standing room
was at 4 premium.
Henry Arthur Jones' clever comedy
drama, THE Dancing Girl" was the play
selected for production. The piece was
done here come years ago by E. H.
sothern during his early career as star.
and was presented locally more recently
by a summer stock company with that
admirable actress Blanche Bates in the
role of Drusila Ives the dancing girl.
Henry Arthur Jones occupies a place in
the front ranks ofsEnglish playwrights.
and The Dancing Girl" is counted among
his best efforts. Its story awakens the
keenest interest in sthe very beginning
an interest which grows stronger as the
play proceeds. The climax is really
reached in the thiFd act during most
dramatic scene between .Drusila and her
father, which culrpinates in the girls
sensational fall down the long stairway.
but though the last act is some what in
the nature Of calm subsequent 10 the
force and fury OF a storm. the author
very wisely reserved a, deal OF sentiment
and comedy for this part of the play and
SO the interest is maintained 10 the final
curtain.
The piece is full OF strong situations,
with an irresistible vein OF comedy run
ming through it in delightful contrast
Many quaint pictures are presented in
the odd characters OF the little Isle of
EndelliOn, in contradistinction to which
are representatives of Londons fast set.
The possibilities Of a play around these
two distinct and totally different classes
and their respective modes OF lie may
be easily imagined, and the author has
seemed to take every advantage OF the
opportunities.
The production is offered in the same
elaborate style which usually marks like
presentations at the Lafayette. and. in
addition 10 the regular company. force
OF extra players is employed to complete
the stage pictures.
Lillian Lawrence is seen in the title
role. Drusila Ives, in watch she finds her
self equipped with what is ia reality
dual role. At home she is the staid daugh-
ter Of an even more staid father Abroad
she is woman of the world. the dancing
hall artist Miss Lawrence plays the role
well. enacting the lighter scenes with
marked degree of spirit, while to the role
of the prim Quaker maid she gives just
a faint suggestion OF burlesque which
rounds out the character very nicely
Katherine Clinton reads her lines a. Sybil
Crake. the cripple. with much tenderness.
Antoinette Walker proves effective as
Faith Ives. the good daughter CT the
family.
White Whittlesey is cast for the role of
the Duke Of Guisebury. who starts out
with being a real wicked sort of person
and concludes by becoming the salvation
OF the little community Of EndelliJn Mr..
WhittlesCy, no matter in what part he
may be cast. cannot conceal his innate re-
hnement. and for that reason he does not
cutie convince one OF the supposed wicked
tendencies OF Guisebury. Aside from this
his portrayal is distinctly pleasing. John
T. Sullivan scores great success in the
role Of Reggy Slingsby. a suffering. idi-
otic specimen Of the English smart set.
The role is apart from the line usually
pursued by Mr.. Sullivan. but last night he
created much amusement by his clever
Characterization. Francis Powers L. ex-
Celent as David Ives, his third act being
good.
Matinee performances OF THE Dancing
Girl will be given tomorrow and Satur-
day. An Enemy to the King" is under
lined for production by the Bellows COM
pany next week.