The Washington times., 1902-04-29
C0LUMBIA-"What Happened to Jones. y
farce comedy by George H. Broad
hurst The cast:
was introduced last evening

washington was introduced last evening
at the Columbia Theater to a new dra-
matte company of pc culiar interest to To-
cal patrons Of the playhouse. in that some
of the members are old favorites, having
been seen here a: various times in the
past. Their success was pronounced and
immediate. There was no half-hearted
evidence of appreciation. but a continuous
and enthusiastic. even demonstrative. in
dication that the audience liked the play
ers and their play.
Harry Corson Clarke. who heads the
company, which inaugurated an extended
engagement at the + Street playhouse last
night, has often been seen in Washing
ion. He played a summer engagement at
that theater few seasons ago. and this
year was seen with the stock company at
the Lafayette. Mr.. Clarke's appearance
last night at the head of his own COM
pany is not his first effort in that line,
for he has in years gone by been quite
successful as a star
1t is doubtful. however. IL Mr.. Clarke
ever experienced n more pleasing recep-
ton at the hands of an audience than he
did at the performance of what Happened
10 Jones" last evening. This may be &C
cepted in a literal sense as well as fig
uratively, for hands were very much in
evidence during the whole performance.
1t is not too much to say that the COM
pany which appeared last night is the best
all-round company Of players which has
appeared in stock work in Washington in
several seasons. All of them worked to-
gether as IL 1t were a play in which they
had appeared for weeks, instead of IL be-
ing the first night. Indeed, IL was a re-
markedly smooth production throughout.
and there was not slip or a break dur
ing the whole performance.
What Happened to Jones" will be re-
membered as one of the funniest farce
comedies that the native stage ever pro-
duced. 1t is the work OF George H. Broad
hurst, and has been played here several
times. II is. however. one of those come
dies that is perpetually funny. and of
such quality as to make the spectators
laugh whether they will or no. 1t follows
the general trend OF farce, in that there
are numerous cases Of mistaken identity
and consequent absurdly ludicrous situa-
tions, but is is SO constructed that there
is laugh in almost every line.
Mr.. Clarke. as Jones' has probably as
congenial character as he ever played.
His performance is marked by an unctuous
comedy that is irresistible and delightful
He knows how to make the best of his
His rendering Of the role can best be
described by the adjective smooth. 1t is
that at all times, and there was never a
dull moment while he was on the stage
At the conclusion OF the second act Mr..
Clarke was forced to respond to con-
tinued applause and voice his thanks and
those Of the company in neat speech.
In his supporting company Mr.. Clarke
has number of the best players that 1t
has been the fortune of Washington to
see in local comedy work.
H. @. Hockey. who plays the professor,
exhibits unusual cleverness in the role
and demonstrates himself to be first
class interpreter OF his style of comedy.
who will surely make many friends dur
ing his stay at the Columbia.
John Wesley. to whom is entrusted the
juvenile role, is very good. He does not
overact, and plays the part with an APP
parent appreciation of its possibilities.
and Frederick Murray, the Bishop. is all
that could be desired In his rather diff
cult role.
Among the feminine members OF the
company, all of whom are good. probably
Lottie Alter and Lucia Huxford scored
the most pronounced hits. Miss Alter has
often been seen in Washington. She has
an original brand OF ingenue comedy and
a delightful little girlish voice and ex-
preston that never fail to please. Her
manner is all her own, and it is a pretty
one. too.
Miss Huxfords performance claimed
special interest for the reason that she
is a Washington young lady. who Is
known in local society. She
was the recipient last evening of 4 very
greeting. and was presented
with a whole conservatory OF beautiful
flowers. Miss Huxford. as one OF the
evidences natural talent that
will surely win her success in her chosen
line. There was no indication of stage
fright in her work last night. which is
rather surprising, considering that she
had TO meet so many friendly faces.
Florence Robinson. as the stately and
dignified but susceptible spouse of the |
professor. was good, and Louise Bryant |
in Akina. an odd character part. was |
pleasing, as was also Helen Ware, In the |
role of a Swedish servant girl. Laura |
Almosnino played the part of the other |
daughter of the professor with nice dis |
and will no doubt become |
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