The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-11-22
Stage Partnership.
Unions Which Make for Art.
The BelasCo-CTosman As
soCiation = Are Stock
Companies Being Super
seded2

I is curious that most OF the great
plays have reflected more than one
mind. Thus. every notable drama
by Shakespeare had a basis in an
other mans work. Goethe's Pause" re-
hected the contact OF a thousand intel
lects. and Sheridan's Rivals" was filed
with suggestions from the authors
friends.
In the theater some combination is al
most inevitable. Few playwrights are
good actors. fewer stiH are good stage
directors. and practically none have been
good managers. Yet each OF these four
Offices is essential to noteworthy dra-
matte results. The playwright alone
can go no ,urther than to make library
play. lie and the actor must stop ut
a recital" with the help of a stage
director they may enact the play with
out creating the desired illusion. But
when they obtain the cooperation of p
good manager there is practically no
material limit set on their enterprise.
The Necessary Manager.
This Is a manifest thing. Yet a GUS
tom has obtained some fOOthOld. Of late
TO regard theatrical managers much as
tradesmen are regarded In plays of old
London-as misery, dull and vulgar
necessities. Their pretensions to knowl-
edge are laughed at. their regard for
art is discredited. and their perception
OF anything but money is denied out
right
Augsstin DAILY, 4. NJ. Palmer. Helm
rich ConTicd, George Tyler. Daniel
F-ohma and David Beiasco suggest
themselves on the moment as final
answers to such a representation. Any
Of 81 T.z~
service for art as any such critic in the
world. Mr.. DAILY set a new standard Of
eNegetieal accuracy. Mr. Palmer gave
his tirae to the patient development of
histriOnic talent Mr.. COnried held true
TO real art when nearly every other
house manager in New York temporarily
lost his balance; and he has now put
the Metropolitan Grand Opera Company
on proper basis. Mr.. Tyler has con-
Quoted to q Successful outcome most of
the remarkable enterprises undertaken
by the Liebler company Mr.. Frohman's
generous TnanG cement Of Mr.. SOthern
alone stamps him as a man OF rare
acumen and artistic sensibilities. Mr..
.Beiasco has continued the work begun
by Mr.. DAILY and has added TO the lat
tiers standards a Hberality Of equip
ment and decorative skill which in ac-
dramatic investiture.
All the students. actors, and playgoers
in the world have not done so much for
the American stage as these six men.
They have transformed it from desert
into 4 garden and have paid literally for
the privilege.
crosman, Belasco & Co.
Some such train of thought as this
ment Of Henrietta Crosman's union OF
forces with Mr.. Belasco. The mind re-
called instinctively the long gallery of
brilliant stage pictures comprised in
'-Zaza.'- ''Du Barry and The Darling
Of the Gods" II recalled the early acting
OF Mrs. Carter and contrasted with it
her last appearance in 'Du Barry" it
noted the text. substance. and dramatic
power Of The Darling of the Gods. -
and il anticipated great things OF this
last and newest venture.
England n the day of George III was
as picturesque rs any place and any
time in the world. Bath was the cen
ter OF picturesque England Sweet
Kitty Beilairs would belt might be
reasonably presumed-the center Of
Bath. surely here was an opportunity
for A1r- BClascO. manager. producer. and
skill.
We were told, moreover. the play de-
pended CA Mr.. Castles novel. The
Bath Comedy only for it's scenes and
dramatis personae. a sign that Mr..
EelaSco had taken an approximately
free rein, and meant 70 write an original
play. i ; too soon even now. when
Sweet kitty Beilairs is a completed
work. to estimate the result; but it is
entirely proper TO be glad for the OPP
portunity and await the disclosure OF
the text with pleasurable anticipation.
Finally. as far as Mr.. Belasco is con-
cerned. a great deal Of confidence dwelt
I'm the assurance that he was to be
stage manager Of the new play as =
-'Du Barry" ''Za-za." and The Darling
OF the Gods" -fe light of experience
disclosed. in view Of this announcement
another capable company. a fluent
movement OF events, beautiful inciden-
tai Music. and abundant rehearsais be-
fore The hrs performance
The Other Half Of the Contract.
This much, then. was Mr.. BeIasco.
contribution 70 his new partnership
How much Miss CrOsman brought "a
market. SD to speak. Is another story.
The average playgoer in Washington
knows Henrietta Crosman by reputation
only. Tn- Capitals lack OF an indie
pendent ti.-ater has kept her from act
ing here since 1898. when she appeared
tn an unhappy comedy called The
other Man.'
Between that dag and this she has
acted r many kinds Of plays. HEADED
Two stock companies. fought the syn.
dicate so resolutely that her contract
with Mr.. Belasco was "A matter Of vita
theatrical news. and advanced to In.
forefront OF American actors by super.
lstive enactments OF Mistress Nell
Joan O. the Shoals. Nance Oldheld
and Rosalind. This wonderful ris
was based upon me two inevitable ele
ments Of success on the stage-per
sonanty and artistic perception-devel
Oped in extraordinary degree. IT D.
manifest she is sufficiently brilliant q
shine even IN Mr.. Belasco's ornate set
ting
But The Times had no purpose 4
make ibis article an advance notice 20
"Swees Kitty Beuairs' II was desire
only TO suggest the good fortune be
slowed al cur playgoers by this union
Of tslehts6 manager and brilliant ac