Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-09

One of the most interesting occasions of
the current season was the production OF
the new Casino spectacle. THE Runaways.'
The piece is destined to be successor OF
1.-THE Chinese Honeymoon" but in point of
scenic magnificence and numerical impress
sfveness surpasses even that notable pro
duction. 1t is impossible TO offer predlc-
ton worthy of credit as to the success OF
such an enterprise in New York city,
whittier the Schubert forces will betake
themselves Immediately after the close or
this engagement Better shows. from lit
erary and musical point of view than The
Runaways" have failed and worse ones
have scored success. The Casino prestige
is a mysterious but potent factor in the des-
TIMES of the musical comedy. But the
Casino clientele makes lavish demands. Its
demands are fully met in The Runaways'
so far as a nberality of expenditure is con-
cerned. but if originality is wanted there is
liable to be disappointment. It's ideas are
not novel. but the girls are pretty, and
where a pretty woman is concerned intel
lectual briIliancy is at a discount
1.-THE Runaways." as it leaves Washing
ton. will be a different show from what it
was Monday night Numerous changes
have been made. which, while affecting only
details, are likely to raise the average
merit. The finale of the first act in which
the entire company views an imaginary
horse race did not please the dimnutive
and Napoieonic Sam Schubert. He decided
that it should be changed and formed his
own ideas about the manner in which that
change should be effected.
1T can't be done said Stage Manager
don't see how such a thing is possible with
out destroying the effect"
1T can't be done" said the author of the
piece. 4 wrote the book and fail to per-
ceive how such an alteration could con-
sistently be made"
1T can't be done" said the composer.
1t can't be DONE said the music di-
rector
Mr.. Schubert. after listening with more or
less patience, remarked. Il am not the
author. nor the composer, nor the stage
manager nor the director. but L am the
man that's putting up the money, and it's
going to be done.
The new finale prove to be an improve
ment on its predecessor and Mr. Shubert
will probably retain it. This is only one of
the many episodes which arise to hinder
and annoy in production of this magni-
tude, and there are cruel. thoughtless re-
marks which fiutter hither and thither to
take the heart out of performance. One
first-nighter objected TO the oven scene
This first-nighter was a stickler for art
and could not see the humor of imprisoning
two comedians in large stove, then ex-
hibiting them with lobster-red scaIps to
indicate that the cookery was advancing
why do they insist on bringing them out
and roasting them now?' inquired this
captious and inconsiderate critic. Cant
they wait until they go to New York;
Mr. Fayersham and his excellent company
drew the usual large audiences that greet
this popular actor in Washington. II am
looking forward with the greatest inter
est" said Mr. Faversham in a personal con-
versation, Ito what hope will be my next
play. the drama tization of Sir Gilbert Par
kers novel, The Right of Way" My fin
gers have fairly ached to get hold of the
manuscript. which have been delayed by the
honors which have recently been conferred
upon the distinguished novelist and the So
cial and other interests which have arisen
in connection with them. Strangely enough
opinions among my friends have differed as
to the suitability of the central character
me. Those who think well of 1t are hearth
ly enthusiastic. The character is one which
appeals to me and which l should like to
realize on the stage. But we must wait, as
the author is DESTROYS of making the dra-
matization himself and exercises the ar
lists prerogative of taking his own time
Good plays are very difficult to secure.
don't think l have had any play since
Lord and Lady Algie' that equaled 1t, but
Lord and Lady Algies' do not occur every
season