Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-02-08

"AlIce of Old Vincennes'' is another dra-
nnatized novel. Many auditors found it en-
phatIcally to their liking at the New Ma
tional Theater this week, and Miss Har-
ned's personal popularity was convincingly
proved Yet the play does not represent
the dramatized novel at its best acre
are only a few novels of current publ
cation that are worth dramatizing, and the
factory methou of turning them out has
not produced the superior artistic finish
ncedfuI to overcome increasing scantiness
of material.
Dave Warfield himself does not Insist that
'The Auctioneer" is a great play. But, -
said he. as he gave the subject solemn
consideration porthy of Simon Levi in his
profoundest moments, Rip Van Nlnkie Is
not a great play either
why don't you get a longer speech?'
inquired the bluntly candid interviewer.
Il didn't know a speech would be ex-
Iected.' he answered. 1t may not have
been very large speech, but it was the
genuine impromptu article. OF course, l
appreciate the compliment extended an ac-
tor when he is asked for d speech
There is no going back of the applause
OF an audience"
leading In my studies of the East Side 1
noticed that at some of the popular thea
tiers in the Bowery some of the songs
would be encored fifteen or sixteen times.
The management was delighted at first; but
they discovered that the song was asked
for over and over again, so that some of
the members of the audience could get 1t
by heart and so avoid the expense of Sc
Mr.. Warfield expects to play The Auc-
tioneer' all next season. He will then have
a new play in different lines from that in
which he is now playing.
FL suppose you are ready to follow the
fashion among comedians and declare that
you intend eventually to appear in Shakes
peare.
Mr.. Warfield looked qu.zzical.
Il might as well be in the SWIM" said he
Il guess 1 will announce that 1 intend to
do Hamlet That's the phrase for it, I
suppose; do Hamlet
Mr.. Warfeld evidently believes in letting
the present absorb his most earnest endeav-
ors without devoting energy to announce
ments. Nevertheless his work bespeaks a
broader field and higher achievements.
x
Walter Clark Bellows left this CITY Ia
night for New York, in order to make ar
engagements for some scenic novelties in a
new play which he is writing 1t is a come
dy drama. with some startling effects Mr..
Bellows has had trunkfuls of PLAYS sub
nitted to him, and has prepared the fol-
lowing list of questions which he says every
playwright should ask himself concerning
his own manuscripts.
Il will aOnO1l0ce he
author can answer yes to all these dues-
lions, his play will be produced at the La
fayette"
l. Is the story interesting?
.. Is it worth telling?
3. Is it told in a straightforward. crisp
manner?
4. Technically does 1t conform to stage
conditions?
8. Are the characters interesting, logical
and diversified enough?
6. Do they act like human beings placed
in similar situations?
q. Do they speak naturally-as people do ?
S. Is there enough action?
8. Is there sufficient comedy?
10. Is It clean and wholesome?
IL Are the climaxes and ends of acts dra-
matte and effective?
L. Is there in it a situation. character or
incident one would remember a wear after
seeing the play?
IL. Is the title appropriate and of com
merciaI value?
The budding Sardou will note that there
are thirteen of these questions And Is is
an unlucky number.
However, the playwright's disposition 10
assume all the credit for success is not
to go unchalleneed, although he is quite
welcome to the blame in case of failure.
All that is needed is presence of mind.
Says Mrs Patrick Campbell (per press
agent:
Presence of mind is just the thing that
Is wanted ! should say. There are SO many
actors who are clever. talented, artistic and
gifted and yet they fail.
Why?
Because they lack personality.
-AIio what Is the great expression OF
Presence Of mind
Inc ability to do unexpected things at
the right time, and to snatch success from
ialLure by inventing a piece of business or
s spL",eahins me m manner contrary TO
ahS'hins previously prepared or thought
out Presence of mind is the channel
through which a strong personality comes
into actual touch with the emergencies OF
II you haven't 1t, 1t is better not to
adopt the stage as a profession
In the theater the unexpected ALWAYS
happens"
Never mind the play. Get a bad one 4,
possible. with an actor who has presence
OF mind, and let the unexpected happen.
< X
Robert Roman, business manager Of the
French Opera Company at New Orleans.
was IN the city this week and completed ar
rangements by which that famous musical
organization is to play an engagement at
the Lafayette for week, commencinf,
March 3. From here the company goes to
Philadelphia for a six weeks enpa cement
The repertoire will include some operas that
nave not been, heard here in some time.
T.. A. Lefebre, the leader of the Saxo-
Shone Quartet to appear at Chase's next
week, introduced the saxophone to America
Drought the first saxophone to America
N isu said he in recent Interview ~
snink it Is the instrument nearest to tbe
n.afe VOICE There are 5000 OF them In ne
1frp