The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-09-22
National" Checkers

Henry NJ. Blossom. jr. s. dramatization
of his own story, Checkers" last night
was the medium through which the Ma
tionaI Thester began its regular season,
and introduced to the Washington pub
lie an unknown actor in the stellar
role The player Is Thomas W. Ross.
Much has been said and written about
the production which first came into
the light of public consideration last
night and with its customary conser-
vatism the local audience sat in judg-
ment. Many of the scenes received the
applause they were entitled TO through
dramatic interest. and a series OF cur
tain calls followed each act with loud
demands for a speech from a suspicious
portion OF the house. The audience was
not as large as might have been OK
pected in view of the occasion. but was
Enthusiastically first night"
In his play of Checkers Mr.. Blossom
has taken an owners privileges with the
story. For the benefit OF those who may
attend subsequent performances ii must
be said the play. is far more interest
ing and imbued with much more sun
shine than the book. Scenes have been
switched about. others which do not
figure in the book have been interpo-
lated. new characters added. and the
entire dressing of the piece is original
The most noticeable feature Of the
dramatization is that there are two in
stead of one Checkers. Readers Of
the story will recall Checkers two
FOLD characteristic one which fire.
quented the racetrack and spun turf
slang by the yard; the other that found
a place in genteel society, and was as
much at home in a drawingroom as the
hostess herself
Mr. Blossom evidently experienced diff
fculty in properly moIding these two
natures TO public taste. and has divided
his character in two. The leading role
has all the finer qualities OF Checkers.
his keen sense of humor and noble in
stincts; the racetrack tout. his pro-
pensity for steering clear of anythins
that looks like work. choice bits of
slang. and even the checkers" suit have
been given to Push Miller-he who
managed girls by the Fabian system
ramed for a general who won all his
battles by running away"
Checkers" serves it's purposes OF en-
tertainhent. 1t is a pretty story, pref
tily told. The author aud dramatist will
undoubtedly. get out his blue pencil be-
fore the end OF the local engagement
and eliminate many of the features
which now detract from the plays lit
erary and dramatic worth
Few girls. of the set which frequents
exclusive hotels at Hot Springs. would
corner men whom they have just met
a question:" and follow that with some
thing too personal for any but old
friends. Nor would a welI-bred young
woman display her spite against a
strange man in the public lobby o. a
hotel before clerk. bell boy and anyone
who might happen along. These. how
ever. come under the head OF mere de-
tails easily remedied. The play is Wei
staged. the scene at the race track being
one of the most interesting and realistic
OF many seasons.
In presenting Thomas w. Ross 10 the
American public Mr.. la ShelIe has edo
ed another actor of the school so VIII
in Robert Edeson. Few ju-
venile leading men are 10 be found on
the native stage today and, indeed. he
fore Mr. Ross advent II might have
been said that Mr. Edeson occupied the
field alone.
The new claimant for stellar honors