Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-06-13

summer auOlenCeS are nearly, IL Hot qoi'S'
as captious as those of the regular season
If playgoers fancy an entertainment they
accord it liberal patronage but they are as
coy as If they were paying the prices which
prevail when evening dress is required and
the opera hat has displaced the plebeian
but comfortable straw The history OF
Chases Theater opera season is an eX-
ample This seasons story is much the
same as that of the one previous various
operas were offered with moderate approval,
when of a sudden there was combination
of circumstances which kindled the spark
of enthusiasm and crowded the theater to
the doors. Last year 1t was The Bone
milan Girl that touched the popular fancy.
This year it is THE Fortune Teller Both
are operas whose fates do not depend on
the abilities of a single performer, although
the present production is fortunate IN nav
ing Alice Nelson's understudy as a men,
Der of the cast. The costumes are hand
some and the performance generally good
Certain minor crudities are inevitable. For
instance, one of the young ladies, whose
industry and determination to get on de-
serve every encouragement should be eau
toned against mentioning 1.-The stoj," under
an evident impression that she Is saying
1.-THE stage" with French accent. THRILLING
defects such as this do not prevent the
performance from meritng the approval
implied by the liberal applause, and more
exemplified by the large attendance.
Lord and Lady Algy" found welcome
at the Columbia Theater, although there
was not so large an attendance as was 10
be expected for play of that caliber at
popular prices. 1t is one of the first water
gems of comedy, and the royalty is so large
to ha led nv most stock companies
as prohibitve. There is, however one cru
cial scene which requires an especial gift
not necessarily of the highest order-for Its
Interpretation. This is the scene In which
Lord Algy appears in state OF mild intox-
ication at Gudway's party. 1t is surprising
to consider how many successes have been
scored by mimic inebriety. David Garrlck
Rip Van Winckle, the Shaughran, LORD
Chumley, not to mention Seabrooke S single
and feeting triumph won in THE Isle OF
Champagne" a JEFF De Angels success In
the Jolly Musketeer's sissinenfrass episode,
all depend to a greater or less extent IN
studies in alcoholic befuddlement Mr.. Or
monde's talents distinctly do not lie In that
direction, and he has so many accom-
plishments of different sort that there Is
no especial need to bewail the deficiency
The w. C. T. U. will doubtless regard his
lack or prOnClency on lle supJeCt DO peihS
distinctly to his credit Mr.. Ormonde as an
actor should shun strong drink, even when
It is only cold tea in the property man .
decanter. That stage decanteri Its con-
spicuous presence in every comedy heros
apartments is a libel on bachelorhood.
Miss Cortelyou has proved highly inter-
esting member of the company. She Is
graceful in spite of rather unusual height,
and possesses a distinct enunciation, not
withstanding just the fleeing suspicion of
a lisp. She has the charm of earnestness.
She made Lady Algy fine, womanly char
acter, whose fippant speeches denote ready
wit rather than deficient sensibility.
John T. Sullivan is the hero of the hour.
Whenever there is some bold and hazard
Gus venture on hand it is he who filings him
self into the breach.
There is desperate work before us, lads''
Cor words to that effect, says Stage Man.
ager Fred Sullivan. 81 shall not attempt
to disguise the peril of the undertaking.
Who will volunteer
And as brave men look into each other
blanchins faces, John T. Sullivan steps for
ward and in ringing tones says:
81 will"
No artistic risk has been too great for
Mr.. Sullivan. Sometimes he has been
but oftener he has come forth safe, smiling
and serene His Rip Van Wink]e should
be recorded as one of the most daring ad-
ventures in all the annals of hairbreadth
escapes.