The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-04-09
AT THE THEATRES.
The CoIumbin-.Arixonn.r

| Local amusement seekers who desire to
see the best play of American manufacture
| that has been produced within the last
| few seasons should go to the Columbia
| Theatre this week and witness Arizona =
| Augustus Thomas last State" play, n
| piece that is melodramatic in character
| replete with humor and love incidents and
! by all odds the best literary play that
| the native stage has known for many a
| day. No other contemporaneous dramatist
| has ever given to work the same terse-
ness of expression that Mr. Thomas has
| in Arizona" The economy of words is
really marvellous. Even though the dia-
logue in itself may not always be just
what the most fastdious might like. it is
Invariably brisk. clear and concise. The
plot the playwright has utilized is too
trivial and convential. almost, to deserve
analysis while TIE old evil barbarous
theory with regard to the alteration of
comic relief and heart interest is
garingly illustrated in this play of the
Southwest Yet with all the faults that
the most captious can discern in "Ari-
IONA, ii remains the very best American
play OF recent years, and will doubtless
occupy a similar position for some time
to come. if one is to judge by this seasons
crop of native dramas.
Last nights audience at the Luckett &
Dwyer playhouse liked the piece immense
by. and there was an abundance of ap-
plause. Washinstonians passed judgment
upon '.Arzona' last season, and at that
time decided that it was a remarkable
piece of dramatic literature, one that
would create a sensation when it reached
New York, and this local prophecy has
been more than fulfilled, and the play now
comes back to the Capital with the record
of being the most successful piece that
Broadway has known for long time.
Since its earlier presentation here there
have been but two important changes In
the cast. Eleanor Robson, whose work
in .-t-nleavened Bread a few weeks ago
proved such delight, has been succeeded
in the role of Bonita. by Olive May, who
created the part in the original produc-
Candy, the sexagenarian ranch owner.
has given way to J. w. Cope Miss May
gives an entirely different idea of the
character of the bright Arizona belle from
her predecessor. and makes her more of
a hoyden. and, while uncommonly enter
tanning. she nevertheless suffers by any
comparison with Miss Robson; The new
Candy plays the role much the same as
did Mr.. Roberts, and there is scarcely any
difference in the characterization All
the Roberts nannerisms and bits of BUSH
ness are retained. so that. to all intents
and purposes, it is the original who is on
the stage an6 not a very clever success
sor.
Walter Hale. most capable actor. is
seen in the role of Captain Hodgm;tn.
formerly entr listed to George Nash Mr..
Hale's work is eminentiy satisfactory, ana
he makes one of the most accomplished |
and unconver tional stage villains OF the
day. Edwin Holt is a dignifed Colonel
Holt, while Edgar Selwyns Tony a
vaquero, is an admirably conceived and |
executed oit of character work. Vincent |
Serrano is still the Lieutenant Denton of |
the piece. ana plays the role brilliantly |
and intelliger w. and without the heroics |
that less able actor would bring to |
the part. 1t one of the most notable !
chara eriza lions that any young player /
has contributed to the contemporaneous
stage for IA long time, and is a distinct
success. Matte Earle gives very realis-
tie performance as Canbys wife, and |
Marion S. Barney, the colcnefs wife
one of the most difficult parts of the
with sincerity, moderation
and feeling. A local player. Z. Ii. OCon-i
nor, is seen in a rather unimportant role,
that of Lieutenant HaIack, of the caval-
ry, but does some very commcndabie
work. A former member of the Columbia
stock days, Miss Margaret Mayo. does
Lena most eNcellently- and last night
came in for n good share of the praise. |
The other contributory characters are all
well Interpreted. f,,-
The staging of Arizona is remarkable
for its fidelity. There are "a host OF SOL
dIers who bear themselves like soldiers
and the cowboys look and speak like
The military details are correct
and The pictures of Arizona. outdoors and
are true, while the moonlight |
and twilight and the yellow sunset. are
highly effective. In short. Arizona is
the best play of recent years. and TO miss
Ii wou.d be most unfortunate for any |
person who cares for the best specimen of
the development of the native drama. 1
There. will be matinee performances of i
u Arizona" on Thursday and Saturday.