Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-02-24
THE THEATER.
New National Theater.

The potent power of personality and the
subtle influence of artistic playing swayed
two immense audiences at the New Ma
tional yesterday. At the matinee even the
members OF the orchestra were driven from
their places that the space might be util-
ICED for the accommodation Of a portion Of
the overflow from the regular seating Ca
pacity. The afternoon auditors had come
with con. aete confidence to see a Willard
masterpiece. 1.-The Professors Love Story
with Mr.. Willard in his old role of Prof.
Goodwillie. With the evening audience
there was difference. A new French play
was announced as the bill and there were
many who looked forward somewhat anx-
fously to the new departure. Especially
was this anxiety somewhat acute in the
minds Of those who knew that 1.-The Opti-
the Frenchman who recently sent over to
this country that none too delectable farce
1.-THE Two Schools
But, as might well have been expected.
the personality Of Mr.. Willard entered as
strongly into the new play, as it has done
in all his undertakings. Before the four
acts of THE Optimist'' were concluded his
Andre Jossan had won the admiration al
ways bestowed upon his characters. It
had not the appealing humor Of Prof. Good
Willie. nor the pathos of lovable old Tom
Pinch. 1t was an entirely different char
acter from the others-that of a young
millionaire of Paris. The study was inter-
esttng. however. to those who have fol-
lowed the character work of Mr.. willard
Youthful In smiles. stature and manner,
attractive In robust good nature, he gave
new phase Of his playing ability. Mr..
willard appeals to all classes Of theater-
goers and 1t is in his own work that tho
interest largely centers. Most of his plays
heretofore have been too we'll known to
be questioned and the combination Of fin
ished player and accepted vehicle has in
q hor
Mr.. Willard has now taken a new tack.
THE Optimdst' Is rather an old conception.
The author was evidently deeply impressed
by the power of optimism when ne wrote 1t,
for he Is most enthusiastic on the subject.
To make the triumph of the optimistic and
seh-reliant over the weak and passionate
the more striking he gives to one character
all the virtues and robs his other creatures
In proportion. It is not altogether CHEEKY
Offering, and Is essentially French, For
what other school Of playwriting would
have the love story center about a woman
not yet divorced from her husband? And
who but Frenchman would have the op-
timist in the last act convince the womans
husband that he should go away and leave
her to happiness she had never known be-
fore and which he was incapable Of giving
her? OF course, the fellow was a pretty
bad lot. OF that the audience is not left in
Willard rewarded for his generosity and
hole-heartedness by marrying the woman
he loved. The future is assured. Never
theless one must feel that the atmosphere
would have been more wholesome had the
obstacle between the lovers been something
more worthy than a self-degraded husband.
The play is OF entirely different character
from Mr.. Capus' other work already re-
ferred to. 1.-THE Two Schools abounded
dn situations more or less suggestive and
marked by the prominence Of the typical
roue. 1.-THE Optimist'' is almost devoid OF
situation. 1t is none the less interesting,
however, for the story Is told in a forceful
way. The optimist is SO calm, so self
possessed, SO confident at all times that a
''situat ton in the theatrical sense Of the
word would be Earring. 1t is the personality
of this one man that pervades the piece and
gives 1t a standing. Therese, the wife, as
played by Miss Mabel Roebuck, was UNI
usually attractive. The love scenes between
Miss Roebuck and Mr.. Willard were but
little short of inspiring. Rose Beaudet and
]. j. Bartlett were prominent among the
players.
1.-The Professors Love Story" given at
the matinee, has lost none of its charm.
Prof. Goodwillie Is still the dear old absent
minded fellow playgoers have come to know
and love SO WELL Maude Fealy has the part
of the secretary, and played it with much
grace,