The Washington times., 1901-12-17
cha.e's-percy Haswen Company.

Yesterday the local playgoing public
was afforded an opportunity to welcome
back to Washington an actress whose
popularity here is beyond question, and
who stands at the head and fore Of the
Capitals favorites. Percy Hasweli, who
appeared at Chase's Theatre as a star.
supported by company of well-selected
players in Henry Arthur Jones clever
society drama. The Liars
Since MiaB Haswell occupied the posi-
ton of leading woman with W. II. Crane
her work has been viewed with pride by
washingtonians. for she belongs to the
Capital City, and ranks as its most promi-
nent feminine representative on the stage.
So it was with a feeling Of qualification
and expectation that Miss Haswell's ad-
mirers focked to Chase's to both per-
formances yesterday that they might ten
der her friendly and cordial greeting.
The star was given an ovation. and it
must have been source Of much pleas
ure to her to know that she is still held in
such high regard by the local theatre-go-
ing public Miss Haswell Is now reaping
the reward OF har long and conscientious
apprenticeship to other stars for she Is
at the head of her own company. and fills
the position with all the ease and grace
with which her experience and study have
fitted her.
OF the play THE Liars" It will be re-
called by many as the vehicle which
served John Drew several years ago. 1t is
a brilliant society drama. full Of such
shafts Of Wit and satire as have always
characterized the writings Of Henry Ar
thur Jones and presents a phase Of life
always intensely interesting to the public,
a picture which brings into glaring prom
inence the frothy. empty. purposeless ox-
istenCe led by the Eo-Called smart set and
which they cajOle themselves into beliey-
ing 10 be actual life. The dialogue is
sparkling and in many instances unusually
clever. and certainly worthy OF less
used theme than that which the author
selected The story is the old one of hus-
band and wife drifting apart. cause un-
known and the imminent clopement of
the wife, when the calamity is averted by
the Intervention Of the man who is a
friend to everybody in the play.
Miss HaswelI enacts the role of the wife
Lady JCssica Nepean, whom she made a
frivolous. thoughtlcss, fascinating woman.
In Miss Esswells Lady Jessica there Is
nothing bad at heart. She is the spoiled
fIlll Nl 1OIittss eager Abl a Abg anu Nutu
she finds one within her grasp she is 10th
TO part with IL. She says goodbye TO her
lover and oes home with her husband like
a petted. petulant. though very attractive
wife.
Frank Gilmore. an actor somewhat new
to Washington, plays the role originated
by John Drew. Sir Christopher Deering.
with much discretion and rcpose. and that
admirable player. George Fawcett. ap-
pears as Gilbert Nepean the husband. II
is much to be regretted that Mr.. Fawcett
vas afforded only a few lines. for 1t
seemed like so much good material going
TO waste.
In addition to Miss Haswell. her COM
many presents two other local favorites IL
Alfred Hudson and Percy Winter. Mr..
Hudson was popular member OF the
National Stock Company and in THE
Liars" he fills a small part very cleverly
Mr.. Winter was in evidence only in the
direction of the stage. and the smoothness