The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-03-02
e. S. WILLARD DISCUSSES A
NEW PLAY AND SOME OLD ONES
The OpHmst' Is Already FavoTte Work But 1t Can
not Suppant David GaTTCk"

Every once in a while player comes
TO Washington who causes the bIase
theatcrgccr to sit up straight. rub his
tired eyes. and even forget to yawn oc-
casionally in contemplating that play
ers work. Such an actor is Edward s
Willard. who last week appeared before
a succession Of enthusiastic and admir-
ing audiences.
Theatergoers of today, at least the
younger generation, have not been
taught to regard genuine art as nee
essary adjunct TO the heetinE joys of
this world. Their tastes have been edu-
Gated Cup or DOWN 10 the spectacular,
and there allowed to rest in tranquil ig-
norance. Musical comedies have been
conceded the NEST popular form Of en-
tertainment from box office standpoint.
but the musical comedy which would
succeed in detracting from Mr.. Wizards
attendance must needs be much out OF
the ordinary.
Having had clap-trap comedy and
knock down and drag out drama served
to one for so long until one has almost
begun to believe that these particular
forms of stage presentation constitute
the whole outfit. along comes an actor
like Mr.. willard. or better, Mr.. Willard
himself. and in a quiet, firm. artistic and
wholly ensrossing way bids you hope
again. Il is not enough for him to be
an unquestioned success in one play and
stamp that character on the mind so
strongly that one is never rid OF the
Impression. but each year he returns
and does the same thing over again.
Few actors continue in their successful
path without interruption. There is
usually the little stumbling stone incon-
veniently, but surely, placed in the road
way. Somehow. Mr.. willard steps grace
fully over and calmly goes his way.
II Mr. Willard did nothing more than
stand on the stage and read his lines he
would still be a delight; for he has mas
tered the art of eIocution 10 such an ex-
tent that one does not realize it is elocu-
ton at all. but goes ahead believing that
the actor has just been given beautiful
voice. which lends itself readily to the
acoustics Of the theater.
In his latest play. The Optimist." Mr..
willard has created another personal
! ity-one that. while TO many not quite
as pleasing as others previously pre-
scented. will be a lasting. joyful and up
lifting memory. with his customary ar
| tistic instinct. the actor transformed
himself into the character of a happy,
far-seeing. optimistic Frenchman- There
is nothing in the memory of the writer
which surpassed the love scene in the
second act Of the play in point OF gentle
treatment. easy, natural grace. and sin
cere art Mr.. Wizards work in this
scene alone was a treat The pity OF II
is that such an artist cannot be sur
rounded by people equally Temperament
tai and capable or taking his tempo and
his wonderfuls inspiration. But that
would never do in the world Then there
would be no stars. or. rather. no sup
port"
Mr. Willard is quite charming away
fIom the footlights as he Is in the make
up Of any OF his well-known characters.
Genial, generous. cordial. and in every
way the host. his dressing room is al
most as popular. though lacking in the
accommodations as the auditorium OF
the theaters in which he appears.
The actor was just making up for the
role OF Prof. Goodwillie in The Profess
sor's Love Story last night when a re-
porter for The Times requested an in
terview. 1875 t.-t