The times., 1901-04-30
AT THE THEATRES.
u,he ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS y


The Lafayette Theatre has the regular
field to itself this week. the National and
Columbia being closed until next Monday
night With the first production of Les
ter WaIlacks noted play "Rosedale," by
the Lafayette company last night, the
spring and summer stock season was
inaugurated. and the occasion proved one
of unusual interest in that ii marked the
initial appearance of several new mem
bers of the company, who will make
bid for local favor, and undoubtedly win
f. if last nights work may be accepted as
a sign 1t seemed rather strange not to
see Eugene Ormonde, Charles Wyngate,
and John DAILY Murphy, and even these
few weeks have not accustomed the La
fayette's patrons to Grayce Scott's ab-
sence but the advent of new players
aroused lively interest and large and
expectaut audience was present to greet
old and future favorites. The newcomers
were made to feel at home in the sincere
and hearty welcome extended to them,
while those of the Bellows-Long COM
pany who have remained were greeted in
the old way, the motives of which are not
to be mistaken.
"Rosedale'' is a very old play, ana II
a hackneyed adage may be employed,
to lit the piece, for in each successive pro-
ductiun it has an added charm, the origin
of which is difficult to find-whether based
upon it's own merits or caused by the over
dose of clap-trap dramatic literature TO
which the public has been served during
the past few seasons. In writing Rose
dale" the author might easily have mace
it into lurid melodrama. one that is
commonly known as thriller, put
finer instincts were at work, and scenes
which from a less skilled pen would have
been cheap and uninviting have been
deicately woven into a story refined IN
sentiment and of absorbing interest
Sir Arthur May, q tot, has become nelr
to the family estates and title through
the death of his father AT the 1nstlSa-
ton of a rascally uncle, to whom the
child is the only DarrleT 10 S9cce9stoas' SS;as
the latter is stolen by band OF gypsles.
! The rescue of Sir Arthur by Elliott Grey
| forms a most dramatic climax 10 tne
| fourth act and presents very ieahstlc
! picture. In view of the numerous abduc-
| tion cases which have recently Deeh
| brought to public notice, the CHIEF incl
/ dent of ''Rosedale'' appeals more strongly
/ to ones sympathes than 1t propaoiy uiu
1 a few years ago. and the horror OF a
! childs fate at the hands of merciless
! band can be more readily appreciated ana
1 depIored There are two distinct love
| stories running through the play, that OF
1 Elliott Grey for Rosa Leigh, in the eVolu-
/ ton of which some refreshing scenes are
provided. Matthew Leigh 5 love Tor 4 lor, i,
1 ence May Sir Arthurs mother, is told
along more serious lines, but in both the
authors versatility and delicate touch are
/ clearly apparent.
For the first time in his local career
! John T. Sullivan has a role which neither
requires him TO possess himself of funds
| unlawfully or to discontinue anybody $
| existence by aid of pistol or foil. On the
contrary he has the pleasing task of max
! ing nearly everybody supremely content
/ and the only crime which may be ac-
credited to him is the THEFT OF charm
ing girls heart Mr.. Sullivan was par
ticularly happy as Elliott Grey, and dem
onstrated abilities which have hitherto
been hidden from the local public He
/ has put away his property Sneer ana
! shows instead a genial smile, good-na-
| tured incidence and altogether proves
himself quite at home in his new position
of leading man. Wright Kramer, who will
assume the style of roles formerly played
1 by Charles Wyngate, was seen as Mat
thew Leigh, the physician. Mr.. Kramer
/ acts with ease and finish, and created a
very favorable impression last night. His
panegyric anent the medical profession
/ was given with excellent effect. Robert
/ Rogers was right in his element as jolly
BunDuTy KObb, and gave the role the 1ulI
| benefit of his comedy talents. I. l. Cole
man, who has succeeded John T. Sullivan
as the Lafayette villain, scored pro
/ nounced success 2s the gypsy. Myles Nc
| Kenna, and Myron Leftingwell played the
role of the uncle sCaYendjSh May, smooth
/ ~ and effectively, while Frederic Sulli-
van handled a small part with his Gus
| tomary ease.
owing to her accident last Friday night
Miss Hasweu will not be able to appear
during the present week, and her part
in 'RosedaIe" is being played by Miss
/ Minnie Radcliffe who came to Washing
ton yesterday in response to telegram
| from Manager Berger Miss Radcliffe
| will be remembered locally for her
clever work in support of Sol Smith Rus
sell and her portrayal of Rosa Leigh last
night was distinctly charming. The part
makes many demands on the player $
capabilities, for it combines comedy and
pathOs very closely. but Miss Radcliffe
proved hersslf thorough mistress of
both. AS Tabitha Stork. Miss Louise
I Macintosh was q splendid example OF a
genuine old maid Her Interpretation was
very amusing and as usual she scored q
decided hit Miss Efiie Darling gave a
pleasing portrayal of Florence May, ana
Miss Laura Eichelberger dellneated a
| comedy character very cleverly.
A review of last nights performance
| would not be complete without noting
| the excellent stage management que 10
the efforts Of William Seymour the new
director Mr.. Seymour enjoys a reputa-
tion shared by few for the 1nish ana
detail of his productions. and his engage
ment is a matter of cOugratulaton 10 the
| Lafayette management.