Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-04-25
1.-THE ETERNAL CITY"

Cl0n In this clty or Hall -Ca1ne s uEd- matization of his book, sThe Eternal City," there were critics who had come in various veins of feeling. Of course there were those who always love dramatization of any novels, and who believe in giving writers of plays free scope, so long as they do not too far outstep the bounds of decency. Others were present who had read the novel and who were anxious to see just how the story was to be dramtized so as not to interfere with the thread of the book. There were still others in at- tendance who wished to know how far a writer could go without hurting the sensitive feeling of the most religious, and there were those present who ad- mired Viola Allen and who were ready to do her homage in any of her produc- tions. At the conclusion of the per formance it was apparent that all were pleased, some to a greater degree than others, perhaps, but all ill general way. It was a splendid performance and no mistake, and the only really weak part of the production was in the last act, where the dialogue dragged and became tiresome. Miss Allen her. self was never seen to better advantage and the enactment of the role of Donna Roma Volonna was as interesting as it was thrilling. That beautiful stage presence and sweet, yet powerful voice. added to her other charms as an elo- eutionist either in tragedy or pathos, swayed her audience until the descent of each curtain, and several times called or the reappearance of the star and her leading supports. Hers was q splendid conception and perhaps she has better opportunities than in any of her other productions to show hersyer- satility. But if Miss Allen was more fEan excellent in her character, so were the leading members of her company. and it was truly said last evening after the production that no better balanced company has appeared in Polls i'll sew eral seasonsI When you stop to think for a moment and read the names of Edward Morgan, Frederick de Belle vile. E. NJ. Holland and w. B. Bonney, you realize that it was not one star alone that was producing the play, but there were several MT Morgan in the character of David Rossi. MT De Belle vile as Baron Bonnelli, MT Holland as Pope Plus X, and Mir Bonney as Bruno Rocco presented characters perhaps widely different in conception, but each contributing it's own goodly share to the success. There seemed to be noth- ing overdone in any of the characters. and the most religious could find but little grounds for serious objections. The production abounds in startling situations and rare gems of elocution flash throughout the various scenes. Handsomely staged and beautifully costumed. there seemed to be nothing lacking to make the widely heralded story a drama of much merit. The bal ance of the large company was equally good and formed good background for the work of the leaders. One of the largest audiences of the season wit, messed the production and the general opinion was very favorable
 Jacob Adler, the Jewish tragedian, will make a starring tour next season under the management of Rush and Weber in "The Merchant of Venice" Adler will play in Yiddish and the sup porting company in Englisll.
 l:
 A manager who is noted for not paying his debts and who tf1rives on bankruptcy proceedings, met Joseph Weber recently and expressed his ad- miration for the cut of q new suit of clothes that the latter wore. ''Who is your tailorY' asked the manager. Weber gave the name and address. "I wish you would give me a letter to him." said the manager. "I'I write him letter about you,'' answered Weber quickly.
 I:
 You can hiss as much as you please during theatrical performance in the state of Massachusetts at least q magistrate is of that opinion, for he handed down a decision to that effect that a spectator has a right to express condemnation of a theatrical perform ance by hissing. The justice remark ed that missing in q theater is not a crime any more than applause If this becomes an established rule ev- erywhere else we are likely to have some merry times.
 I:
 A chorus girls diary was picked up during the storm on Broadway last Wednesday, and on one page were the following items: Received as salary, $5. Paid milliners bill. SIS. Press agent $45. Cab hire. $22 Gloves. $4.5O. Cleaners bill. $3.25. Hotel bill.
 
 ary is wondering how she did it.
 l:
 An article recently published states that Stuart Robson in point of age is next to Joseph Jefferson, who is the oldest living actor on the American stage: While all honor is due Mir Jef- ferson, still facts are facts. There is a sterling old actor who has created so many original parts that he has lost track of the number-Mr I. H. Stod- dart, who is just completing his roth consecutive year on the stage. A few weeks ago q temporary illness caused him for the first and only time in his long and honorable career on the stage to disappoint an audience. The tele, graphic reports of this temporary ill., ness distorted the facts, and when the grand old man of the stage visited q city few days later, the manager of