The Washington times., 1901-12-17


forts penned within seasons. 1t is pro-
duction which leaves a sweet taste in the
mouth, a clear brain, light heart. and n
sense OF kinship with all mankind 1t
came as a complete surprise and erded rs
a complete triumph.
Theodore Burt Sayer attaches his name
to the pla.'. and deserves equal credit
with the man who epacts the title role.
The dialogue sparkles with wit through
out the entire four acts. and there Is
laugh in ever line. The romantic poet is
made to express sentiments which would
have made any rhymster famous In life
and Sheridan. the famous wit, has more
good things in his part than the original
ever conceived. There is a plot. too.
which holds the spectator until the final
curtain, and so much incident has been
woven into the fabric. that there is al
most surfeit of pleasure.
The heart story of the Irish poet is
lived over in real flesh and genuine sur
roundings The author evidently knew
we'll his field and with much ability has
told the tale within brief space without
omitting a singlc incident. SO smoothly
has the result been attained that no spec
ulation is required and the programme
does not have to be referred to to effect
an understanding. The company is an un-
usually capable one. and while Mack Is
the bright particular star he seldom has
the centre of the stage.
Briefly. the story deals with the journey
of Moore L. Dallly. ireland, little ham,
let. where he meets Bessie Dyke. pretty
schoolteacher. The old story OF love at
first sight Is repeated. Here enters the
villain in the person of Sir Pcrcival Love
lace, who wagers a sum with Lord MORA
~. ,,-sD +, .rir II MnnFp
ruin her The scheme is effected BY hay-
ing the poet propose to another girl in
joke. Bessie Dyke witnesses the proposal.
and in a fit OF anger goes to London at
the suggestion of LovelaSe. TIE girls
father, minor poet, writes scTeed
against the Prince of Wales. Who has
adopted Moore. Loyelace finds the manu-
script and fixes it upon Moore. The lat
ter. 10 save his loves parent from DIS
grace. claims the authorship. and is cast
aside. Lord MORA discovers the truth
and explains all TO the prince. whcreuIon
all ends we'll. and Moore Is made Poet
Laureate CT England.
This is the mere skeleton Of the story.
There are pages OF incident, and each Is
made TO tell volumes. The lar-c audience
last night lived, and loved, ans -L!lcd.
and sighed with Tom Moore. II rejoiccd
in his successes and was downcast at his
reverses. Applause was as frequent as
laughter. and both we're almost continu
Gus Eight times was the star recalled TO
the stage al the fall Of the curtain after
the first act This enthusiasm was re-
peated throughout " night After the
second act Mr.. Mack was compelled to
respond to the demand for a speech, and
acquitted himself modestly and with
honors.
The opening act is worth an entire per-
formance OF lesser play. II presents an
ancient schoolhouse in old Ireland and
gives q delightful glimpse Of wnat was in
other dayF The scholars are such as
every man and woman has known when
arithmetic and spelling we're the busbears
of life. and the little Game of Songs in
troduced by Mr.. Mack is really enjoyable.
The humor is so quaint and delicious as
to cause wonder as to its source. This one
act. cut out from the balance OF the flaw
less comedy. could almost carry the play
even though there were nothing more TO
come.
The attic room occupied by Moore while
in London makes n splendid scene, ard
frames a rare bit of comedy. The scenic
effects elsewhere in the production are
both appropriate and well done.
As to the star-he came as a surprise
after four years absence. Then he ranted
at the familiar Irish landlord. and saved
the colleen from peril. Today he is
polished actor. His scenes are nagnifi-
Gently carried He has a splendid pres
ence. and a great deal Of reserve He
failed to overdo anything, and scored
pronounced hit. His voice is better than
ever. and his songs are tastefully selected.
he was encored dozen times after every
effort--eyen then the audience demanded
more.
Josephine Lovett, who occupies half
share in ,.ie interest as Bessie Dyke.
proved to he a clever actress. The poT-
traiture OF the court fayorites OF Moore's
time by a portion OF the company is re-
markably good Giles Shine, as Sheridan.
brought bi cP the wit as be has been pic
tured in tLs imagination. The ector S
work was capital. Myron Calice, as the
Prince OF Wales. was excellent, and
George F. Nash as Sir Percival Lovelace
made an IDEAL villain. Other members OF
the company who were notably good were
Theodore Babcock as Lord Mora, and
George W Deyo as Grles Dyke. Mstinees
Thursday and Saturday.