The Washington times., 1902-05-27
"0UR REGIMENT" MAKES HIT
"Uncle Toms Cabin" Always New, En-
tertains Large Audiences - Many
Good Specialties - Rentz- -Santley
Burlesquers Present Good Bill.
THE NATIONALITY Hunchback." a
comedy. by James Sheridan Knowles.

r.
Thomas. Arthur 7. Hoy
Narkham. .............,............. frank BiNbl
SayioVe. ..........-..........-.;. .fTankyn Angm
Simpson. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Cortland Hupkiui
Landlord. ....-.......-..-....'..-. Howard Maflf
Maiter.'....'.....'.- Harry fort
Nlilialns.. .John I. Iordor
Helen. .................. Adelaide Primo,
| Dorothy. .......................M Maude Narrilow
Julia Mis- Allen
in the springtime the theatrical man
ayers fancy turns TO thoughts of how
he may secure still more pelf from
the people who go to the playhouscs
for recreation always, and sometimes
for instruction. One of the latter day
devices for coaxing the elusive dollar
after almost every other means has
been tried is the special revival with
special casts OF well-known actors and
actresses In roles that have claimed
the attention OF earlier prominent play
/ crs.
The first cf these springtime revivals
to reach Washington is The Hunch-
back" James Sheridan Knowles com
edy. which was given last night at the
National Thsater under circumstances
that were in every respect most favor
able.
The theater was crowded to its utmost
capacity TO accommodate all who wanted
to witness Miss Viola Aliens inter-
probation of Julia, part that has en-
listed the artistic services OF many
notable women OF the stage during the
past half century or so.
The production was made by LiebeT
G. Co., the theatrical firm that directs
the business affairs Of Miss Allen. They
have given to the Knowles comedy q
scenic investiturc that is in every way
adequate; the cast includes the names
OF several OF the best known OF con-
tcmporaneous actors and in every way
the performance is benefited by Law
ish and iudicious expenditure OF money.
Audience Liked Performance.
And the audience approved the work
of Miss Allen and her associates very
much.
The applause was as frequent as in
most performances OF the kind. o.
course The Hunchback" does not al
Low of the promiscuous clapplns of
hands and shouts of approval that have
greeted some Of Miss Aliens previous
Appearances In the Capital. but the :cr-
forth applause that showed the sin
cerity and genuine appreciation OF the |
gathering.
The original work of Sheridan has |
been cut from five acts to four. and |
in some ways the pairing process has |
not been so successful as might Re
wished for.
The role OF Julia is a capital ex-
position Of the DEVELOPMENT OF young
girls heart, FIRST showing her as an
nrtless country maiden. and afterward
as young woman who has seen a coed
deal OF the gayeties of city life. with
half dozen titled personases running
after her. Offering their hearts along
with their hnnds.
1t is a splendid character drawing
and gives Miss Allen many opportunities
for the display OF her his;rionic talents
II cannot be said in all truth that the
actress accepts every opportunity that
comes her way. In some OF her scenes.
her interview with Clifford. who mas
luerades as the secretary of the Earl
3f Rochedale, she is excellent, but there
are moments when she is altogether toe
explosive. when her reading would be
infinitely more pleasing and satisfactory
I pitched in lower key. As a whole
hough. Miss Aliens performance is
pleasing. even II not particularly brill
liant. 1t will never add much to her
equation. because she has done really |
letter work In seasons agone :
But 1t sufliced to give a loca, audience ,
mother glimpse of one of the most de-
ightful bits of dramatic writing the
,nglish stage has ever known.
The company that assists in the per
ormance Of The Hunchback'' is decid-
dly good Mr.. Eben Plymptcn. an ex-
client actor, plays Master Walter cap
tally, and reads his lines in a manner
hat delights in these days OF careless
'ork Of inexperienced players. Mr.
lyrnpton deserves much praise for the
plendid manner IN which THE Hunch-
ack" is staged. as the production was
,ade under his direction.
Aubrey Bouclcau!t, bit uncertain Of
is lines at moments, makes n good
ooking Sir Thomas Clifford. and gives a
etter Interpretation than could almost
ny other young player that can be
sadily called to mi-d.
Jameson Ice Finney. always an intel
gent and capable actor. adds much to
le general merit Of the presentation
= his admirable portrayal Of Modus
iss Adelaide Prince contributes her
art to the role OF Helen and
her hands the character is made TO
,pear uncommonly human. Miss Prince
IS some scenes with Mr. Finney that
mpare most favorably with anything =
at is done by the star Mr.. c. Leslie -
lien, In small part. is coed. and Mr
alter Hitchcock, and Mr.. Harry Han Z.
n. as Wi!iord and Master Hen-tweu l.
e both satisfactory;
Another special revival. The Lady of
ycrs." with Miss Mary Mannering as
,uline and Mr.. Kyrle Bellew as Claude