Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-21
THE THEATER.
New Natfbnal Theater.

The special companies organized each
year for limited seasons of classic produc-
tions are sources of benefit in many ways.
1t Is a somewhat remarkable fact that
Shakespearean plays have not OF recent
years been welcome for their own sake in
the larger cities. sBut there are players
whose names are sufficient to attract. They
are, necessarily ACTORS whose chief success
has been in the modern drama. and in ad-
dition to the devotion which attaches to
them as individualst there is certain curl
osity to observe how these players will ac-
quit themselves in unfamiliar surroundings.
distinguished assemblage of names on
program does not insure a performance of
even merit but it insures performance Of
exceptional and genuine interest.
The cast of characters for last nights Per-
formance of Romeo and Juliet" at the
New National Theater was an almost start
whose services Liebler & Co. control. Mr..
George Z. Tyler, who has directed some OF
the most extensive enterprises in the his
tory OF the American theater, has been
able TO Gull from veritable milky way OF
talent in selecting stars for this particular
constellation. The result Is a presentation
that is memorable for many reasons.
Mr.. kyrle Bellew, that veteran of ro-
nance, and Miss Eleanor Robson, who Is
one of the youngest as well as one of the
most charming actresses before the public,
were the central figures, despite the inten-
tlons OF the management to distribute
nonors as evenly as circumstances would
permit. Mr.. Bellew played Romeo with all
the ardor of youth combined with the dis
cretlon of experience. His is the grace that
nature bestows and the ease that is born
of confidence
There cannot be too many Julets The
appeal OF poetic creation lies in the &C
curacy with which it reflects human sentt-
nent Tor all time. Every woman who is
he - H., 0;1 IL \,
the emotions of a Juliet and understands
ner capabilities for sacrifice and devotion.
l mere are blonde Juliets. brunette Juliets,
Juilets OF fourteen summers and Juliets of
Sixty, Jui1ets in silks and Juiets in ging-
nam, but all in complete sentimental accord
with the moods of this immortal heroine.
Inc playgoer who sets a single standard
py which to measure the performance of
such a role makes a sad mistake and de-
MES himself much enjoyment. Miss Rob-
son juliet bears the stamp of modernity.
she seems to be sweet. intelligent, Iowa
Die United States girl, who has lost her
way ana wandered into ancient history.
AND SO great is her unaffected winsome
ness that medievalism throws wide it's hos
pftable gates and bids her enter as a cher
lsheo guest. There is a certain security in
MISS RobsonS unfamiliarity with her epyi-
ronment She does not approach any scene
with overconfidence, does she betray
the d1fhdence which might arise from an
overwhelming fear of the austerity of ira
human.
Mr.. Eben Plympton played Mercutio in
manner which evoked hearty applause. He
proceeds with the justifable eomplacency
OF the man who knows his Shakespeare and
recltes. as he says Tybalt fights, Keeping
time. distance and proportion with unim
peachable accuracy" Mr.. Edwin Arden
was welcomed with the enthusiasm which
BELTS his record as local favorite, and al
though the part of Paris afforded but linn
tied scope. acquitted himself handsomely.
Mr.. Thompson and Mrs. Jones are 50 iden-
titled with the roles of the friar and the
nurse, respectively. that there is no need to
comment upon their well recognized eff
cheney. Nothing that w. ]. Ferguson could
do to broaden the humor Of the part Of
Peter could prevent the portrayal from be-
ing rather light comedy creation rather
than the clown that the text calls for.
George Clarke gave the part of Capulet vi
tally and picturesqueness.
The scenic equipment was beautiful with
out being disprop0rtionately conspicuous.