Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-02

There has been no great popular en-
thusasm among Washington theatergoers
this week although there has been much
that was mertorious in an artistic way.
Otis Skinner has following that follows
him into whatever literary paths he may
choose to tread, and despite the somber
qualities of "Lazarre' was not permitted to
close without evidences of appreciation.
Mr.. Skinner closes his season tonight and
then starts for trout fishing in Maine, prior
to a Journey to the south of France
1t is strange that so good an actor as
Mr. Skinner has not been more fortunate
in securing plays. He has had so little
assistance from the pot-makers that his
present -eminence in his profession must
be regarded as due entirely to his own art.
Rosemary was good. but not great;
prince Otto" was a charming ideallsm,
but scarcely heroic enough for the stars
personality. His performance in In Bal
cony' completely established him read
er of blank verse and an Interpreter OF the
intellectual drama. But despite liberal
patronage in each of the cities where 1t
played a brief engagement, it could not be
accorded rank as a popular success.
Francesca da Rimini was a triumph in
its way but one which Mr.. Skinner was
compelled to share with the great players
who preceded him His present play re-
fleets the highest refinement of taste, but Is
creation of gloom.
THE Little Princess" at the National,
has proved to be the very interesting en-
tertainment that was promised. The stage
for the time being has been given over al
most in entirety to the children, sure
enough children in the majority of cases
and clever make-believe ones in the other
instances. The reign of the youngsters
was almost absolute the few adults in the
cast appearing almost like the Brobdingna-
gians of Gullivers Travels. "as tall as
spire steeple" the adaptation of Mrs. Bur-
nett's story of Sara Crewe has about 1t an
air of companionship to Little Lord Faunt-
leroy" and although it follows the latter
after a lapse of a great many years, one is
naturally led back to the little lords time
for a comparison with THE Little Prin-
cess In the story of the princess, how
ever. Mrs Burnett has introduced more
children and has given to them all decid-
eddy interesting personalities. Sara's asso-
ciates at Miss Minchins school and the
children she finds as companions in her new
home are as bright and clever as can be
found in real life or drawn from fiction The
portrayal of these little people on the stage
has been faithful one Mr.. Dillinghams
troupe of embryo actors and actresses win
ming deep admiration from audiences versed
in stagecraft. Mile James, who, it seems,
will ever be associated with childrens parts,
has given an interesting idea of Mrs. Bur-
netts youthful heroine An already COM
paratiVely long career upon the stage has
given Miss James many of the manners of
the mature player, but these are for the
most part effectively hidden by her youth
full mein and figure. The dainty little girl
in the black velvet dress reaching just
to her aristocratic little knees was the
twelve-year-old Sara as the thousands of
children and grown-up readers had pictured
her. Miss James has an attractive person.
atty. and played right into the hearts of all
the little folk who saw her, and their
name was legion.
At the Lafayette Theater "Trilby' was
revived and the various members of the
company given chances to show their ideas
of how the roles in this play which has
become one of the traditional stand-bys of
the drama, ought to be portrayed. That
the company met with enthusiastic approx
al from the audiences in attendance goes
without saying
THE Sign of the Cross" proved to be
one of the best attractions that the Acad-
envy of Music has had in long time. 1t
was thoroughly appreciated. too, and was
acted in manner considerably above what
is generally accepted the popular price
standard.