The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-05-17
Past and Future.
A Generous Supply of Romeo and Tu-
liet in Prospect.

WashIngton's theater managers issued
a defiance to tradition last week by pre-
senting for the fool" season a series
| of performances which commended
themselves at once to sight and mind
May and June are ordinarily the time
OF glory for light comedy, light opera
and light costumes. 1t is the season OF
much advertising and little achieve
ment. II anyone doubts this let him re-
call The Runaways," one of the at
fractions" created for the delectation
of New York.
But in Washington either good for
| tune or good Judgment has made this
years spring season notable keep
ton The GalIand company began :
most successful engagement by present
ing The School for Scandal with a
fine regard for the original text and The
intellect of its patrons. The National
presented The Frisky Mrs. Johnson, -
fair play most capably acted. The
Lafayette exhibited ToIstoy's "Resuc-
rection, a play rather beyond the
depth of the stock company, but inter
esting and entertaining nevertheless.
Chase's continued its winter policy OF
giving its patrons clean and enjoyable
amusement by Offering Victor Heraert $
! ''Serenade, a good opera which was
we'll sung. The Academy responded also
to this spirit with Rose Melvi1fe as; sis
Hopkins one of the best actors in one
of the best plays TO be seen in that fir-
cult.
The Galland company made most
secure its place in the estimation OF
local theatergoers. The star demon
strated a breadth and force of inteIli-
gence which must have surprised every
one excepting her most intimate friends
She is surely most promising Lady
Teazle. About her was gathered one
of the best supporting companies which
the season has brought to Washington.
Mr.. Blair sustained all the good i'm
pressions made by his earlier visits, and
they ranked him as one OF the best and
most scholarly actors on the American
stage. Mr.. Roberts, Mr.. Kittredge. Mr..
Mellis. Miss Wilson and Miss Bourne
also established themselves in favor. The
best IN the country
lis Ol4eTinB lot next week IS Romeo
and Juliet" and the cast as outlined
elsewhere in these columns promises TO
be harmonious and strong. Romeo and
Juliet" is rarely well presented. Even
so, il serves the attention Of everyone
who knows good poetry, appreciates fine
sentiment and understands the merit OF
superlatfye literature. But as il will be
acted at the Columbia the play should
have a comparatively fresh interest.
Romeo and Juliet" is the bill at the
National Theater also. But only for one
night. Wednesday evening the Liebler
all-star cast. which has been much com
mented upon in The Times will appear
in this great drama, and command. no
doubt, much OF the same support which
Will go to the GaIIand company. Each of
these casts recommends itself They
have a peculiar interest now. however.
in that they offer a fine opportunity for
contrasting tire mgrits of two stars. not
widely dissimilar and about equally en-
dowed
The serenade" is followed at Chase's
by The Highwayman" The Charity
Ball. succeeds Resurrection" sis
Hopkins makes way for "A Little Out
cast-"
Evidently the fool" season is not yet
upon Us.