Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-01-29
ADJUSTMENTS.

COLUMBIA THEATER.-Bland as the
air of springtime and fresh as the cow
slips, Peter Daley has forsaken the audi
ence with whom he is on such chummy
terms in New York. and decided to permit
other communities to behold him. Mr.. Daley
is worth beholding. 1t bids the sad heart
look up and cease repining to see anybody
so chubby and cheerful and willing to
change his clothes and stand in the cal
cium light. Mr. Daley is one Of the
strangest personalities ever exhibited. He
is hard to classify. Ii he could sing he
would probably be tenor, and If he could
act he would no doubt be comedian. AS
1t Is, he simply separates himself from the
plot completely as possible and gam
bols through performance according to
his own gladstone fancy. The result is not
always lucid, but 1t Is pleasant to see Mr..
Daley enjoying himself. His serene self
satisfaction becomes infectious. His alb
surd speeches about nothing at all are like
ly to rank as an acquired taste with most
people. But. once acquired. 1t becomes a
habit. Before the first act was over the
entire audience was chuckling at the COM
placent idiocies which he emits continuous
~, and enjoying them almost much as
he does himself. To enjoy them quite as
much would scarcely be possible. 1t is
his air of complete content that consti-
tutes Mr.. Dailey's chief charm. 1t is an
other triumph Of twentieth century nerve"
1t would be pity to disturb 1t by offer
ing the slightest suggestion az to his meth
DDS as an actor-his habit of letting the
play take care of itself and requiring the
other members of the company to do all
the rea work Of telling the story. Henry
Irving has his mannerisms and Is still ac-
counted great. Why not Peter Daley?
Good, honest laughs bioomed profusely
through the auditorium under the efful-
gence of his temperament There Is an I'M
usually handsome chorus, effectively cos
TUNED, and large amount Of pretty mu-
sic Is introduced. Christie Macdonald 8
Coster song was one of the gems of the
evening. and Peter Daley introduced sew
eral coon songs and some topical verses
along with the monologue which he runs
ad libitum through the performance. VIM
Broderick's splendid singing was one of the
most enjoyable features of the evening
The plot is occasionally inclined to become
obtrusive and jostle the specialties but
having been thus far cowed. there is no
reason why 1t should not be totally ami
hilated, so that the giddy tra-la-la of the
chorus and the clartonet-like tones of Mr..
DALEY can wholly dominate the occasion
The production Is very prettiiy staged and
the musical numbers are worked out in a
highly effective manner. In order to un-
derstand the piece. the auditor should be in
as receptive mood as possible. moderate
DAYS work. JUST enough to make anything
In the way of relaxation welcome; q good
dinner, perhaps little superintendent in
quantity. but grateful to the palate and
easily digested, and then, If you like,
Hodge. Podge and Co."
i NEW NATIONAL THEATER.-Peren-
nialy buoyant, buxom and blonde May
Irwin began last night her annual engage
ment at the National The coming of the
merry Irwin is looked forward to as dis
t.nct event of the theatrical season by many
playgoers. winter without May Irwin
and her artfully rendered coon songs
would to them seem a nfeless waste. This
year the comedy farce used by Mss Irwin
and her company Is called 'dadge Smith,
Attorney. All that need be sad of it is
| that 1t gives opportunity for pretty stage
| having a number of pretty girls and singing
men around to join in the chorus whenever
| the blithesome star steps in for sons, OF
| two. and. above all, has quaint lines and
| situations to be INDUCED in by Miss
| Irwin In her own way. With May
| Irwin 1t IS purely case of personality that
wins There have been much better plays