Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-07-01
ADJUSTMENTS.

COLUMBIA THEATEi;.- captain Swift"
opened weeks engagement at the Column
bia last night and attracted large audi
ence, which gave every evidence of having
been most pleasantly entertained. Captain
Swift is one of those dear, delightful old
dramas depicting incidents of life among
that stald, sober-m1nded element OF EngiiSn
society which is not included in the smart
set, but whose position In that same social
fabric is even more firmly fixed than some
of the smarter ones who make greater pre-
tensions 1t is suggestive or very old ma
deria, which, though it lacks the fiZz and
sparkle of champagne, leaves a better taste
in ones mouth the next morning. 1t recalls
some of the features of East Lynne" when
Mrs. Chanfrau used to star in the role or
Lady Isabel Carlisle 1t Is also reminiscent
of some of the most pleasing descriptions
to be found of this phase of English life by
the best of English novelists. 1t is abso-
lutely clean and wholesome in It's every
suggestion. The company, presenting the
play. did its work whole in creditable
and pleasing style. Mr.. Arden. in the role
of Captain Swift, left little room for fault
finding, his performance being earnest and
well balanced. With three or four more
players in the organization as capable as
Mr.. Arden, the company might easily defy
the changes of season and become per-
manent institution. Laura Nelson Hall, as
Stella Darbisher, the heiress, made the
most of a rather difficult part. Elsie Des-
mond was very winsome as Mabel Sea-
" JUNE q IteiilHy SouilS gin, Will SlIOlS
English prejudces. Emelie Melville scarce
ly seemed to arise to all her artistic posi-
bllities OF the character of Mrs. Seabrooke.
Emil Hoch was fair Mr.. SeabrOoke.
Thomas Coleman in the part of Mr.. Gardf-
ner, the Australian, was thoroughly good.
w. H. Post gave artistic Interpretation
of the character of the serving man Mar
shall. Fenwich Leach. as Ryan, detec-
tive, was also very satisfactory.
CHAsE's THEATER-Th are some
operas that will never lose their attractive
ness, and 1.-The Bohemian. Girl is in this
class. Presented as it was at Chases The
alter last night, it's attractions are consider
ably enhanced by capable cast, we'll
trained chorus and a lavish mounting that
should not fail to please the patrons of this
house. While there are some criticisms that
might be made with regard to breaks in the
lines due chiefly to the fact that 1.-The Be-
hemian Girl is more pretentious than the
operas which have been put on at Chase's
the past few weeks, and to the shortness of
time allowed for preparation. the perform
ance may be characterized as notable
success in the line Of light summer opera
in Washington. Certain it is that it was
enjoyed by the audience which crowded
Chase's last night, if expressions Of ap-
prevail enthusiastic and generous, may be
taken as a guide. Ethel Houston Du Ere
brought to the role of the queen of the
gypsies splendid voice, which, combined
with her superb stage presence and her
ability to interpret the role dramat ically,
made her the central feature of the produc-
ton. Miss Du Ere appeared by special per-
mission of the Castle Square Company, and
her presence with the company will add to
its strength many per cent. Anna LIGHTER
made success of the part of Airline mu-
sically, and also gave the chara cter faith
full portrayal from a dramatic point of
view. Walter Lawrence, as the count, made
a good impression, and created much favor
able comment by reason of the versatility
he displayed in taking the part after hav-
ing appeared as the king in THE Wizard of
the Nile last week. Grafton Bakers pleas
ing tenor was heard to good advantage in
the part of Thaddeus, and while the role is
an exacting one, unsteady speaking he
filled it to the entire satisfaction of his au-