The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-09
Eugene Ormonde and Miss
Cortelyou Present Lord
and Lady Algy"-A Large
Audience Much Pleased.
Chase Company Sings Vic
tor Herbert's "The For
tune Teller" "Trip Van
i Wrinkle" at the Lafayette
Columbia-'Iord and Lady Algy."


Another stock company took its place
among local theatrical organizations last
night. at the Columbia Theater. when
season of summer presentations was
begun. by a company headed by Eugene
Ormonde and Aida Cortelyou.
Washingtonians are quick to indorse
such organizations, and the theater was
filled with one OF the most fashionable
audiences to be seen in the f Street
playhouse in the summer season. De-
spite the heat. the audience remained
Throughout the enactment of Lord and
Lady Algy," which formed the initial
presentation of the current season. Mr..
Ormonde, who has enlisted large por-
tion of the citys summer population
in his favor. was compelled to make a
short speech
Lord and Lady Algy'' has not been
seen here since its initial Washington
presentation by Frohman's Empire Com
pany. of New York, when William Faver-
sham and Jessie Milward were seen in
the name parts. Comparison with these
players and others of the original COM
pany would be, in measure, unfair to
the players at the Columbia. for reasons
manifest to. everyone. The perform
anee, however, was marked by a smooth
ness rarely noted in first night stock
productions. Every member of the cast
was thoroughly familiar with his lines,
and the work of the players. individ-
ually and collectively. showed careful
study and rehearsal.
The play is by R. c. Carton, one of
the most conspicuous Of present day
English writer's. He has chosen his
characters from so-called smart society
and given the play an atmosphere of
the turf. The story hinges on the fail
ur'e of Lord and Lady Algernon Chef
land to live together happily, because
OF their counter preferences for cigar
cites and horses. Bright dialogue and
happy philosophy round out the story
and make the play one of peculiar
charm.
The work of the company was com
mendable. The play was well cast
throughout and the performance proved
entertaining
Mr.. Ormonde played the role of Lord
Algy with probably more success than
any other role he has assumed dur
ing his local engagements. His lighter
scenes were well handled, and he re-
ceived the hearty Endorsement of the
audience His scene in the second act
where he portrayed intoxication, will
improve later in the week. It dragged
last night. owing. undoubtedly, to the
nervousness attending a first perform
ance.
Miss Cortelyou IS a newcomer to
Washington. but received a welcome
which at once placed her on friendly
terms with the audience. Her work in
the role of Lady Algy was highly pleas
ing, and the esteem in which she is
held by personal friends here was man
ifest in several clusters of American
Beauties presented to her over the
fcotlights.
The company supporting Mr. Or
monde and Hiss Cortelyou is, in some
instances, above the average stock or
CARNATIONS. Robert V. Ferguson, Geof-
1rey Stein, William H. Post and Percy
r. Leach renewed old friendships. Mr..
Ferguson played the role of Brabazon
Tudway with distinction, and Mr.. Post
made much of a small part Mr. Leach
had few lines. bur succeeded in giving
correct picture Of the jockey, Mawley.
Grace Atwell, Alice Butler, Harriet
Sawyer, Kate Ferguson and William
Clagett complete the cast