Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-04-04


Theater proved TO be an affair of gayety
and glitter such as the names of the prin-
cipals and the reputation of the manage
rnent promised. 1t was literally patronized
and gave abundant satisfaction. The music
of this creation is. in some respects, note
worthy. 1t is one of the few examples of
a distinctive style which composition in the
lighter vein has lately developed. There is
a sudden spontaneity in the attainment Of
odd transitions which is musicianly as well
as catchy.
The 'Burgomaster," which gets worse
every season so far as the company is con-
cerned played week at the Columbia
Theater.. The measure of prosperity it en-
joyed is a tribute to the intrinsic cleverness
of the book and music and to the efforts of
the original producers which in the pres
ent case are but inefficently copied
Marie DRESSER in a registering amplitude
of heavyweight comedy thoroughly amused
the audiences at Chase's this week: Miss
Dressler's enga cement is an example OF
the strange irrelevancy with which theatre
cal performances are otter advertised In
stead of bringing to notice Miss Dresslers
various accomplishments as an entertainer
interest was invited to her especially be-
cause of the fact that she recently recov-
cred from an attack of typhoid fever. This
recovery from typhoid fever is, of course
much to Miss Dressler's credit. 1t shows
that she has a good constitution and that
despite her aggressively buoyant DISPOSE
ton she is capable of subordinating her
own will to that of the physician in attend =
ance. She enjoys and deserves hearty
congra tula tions. but why this recovery
should enhance her qualities en-
to-
ing her salary by many per cent is some
thing which logic can never fathom.
At the Lafayette Louis Mann makes what
may be considered something in the nature
of farewell appearance. He has been
multitudinously patronized, "All on Ac-
count of Eliza" being play obviously more
to the liking of the public than ''Hoch the
Consul" Mr.. Mann will defer his inten-
tons of playing "Shylock' until the expira-
ton of the contract which he has made
with the Weber and Field music hall.
Some interesting developments for the
future are expected in local amusement,
not the least of which will be the appear
ance of two Juliets. Miss Eleanor Robson
will have that very important role in the
Liebler & Co. all-star one-day-in -a-city
production, and Miss Bertha Galland dur
ing the same week will portray the sorrows
OF the love-lorn lass of Verona. This char
acter, which is regarded additionally as
the final stepping stone to permanent rep
Utation, is seldom embarrassing when
shown on the stage. The ambition to por
tray it and the opportunity of doing so
bespeak the intelligence and the managerial
confidence which leave the chances of
failure at a minimum.
While the season is surely on the wane
the public may be assured in the language
of the gentlemanly ticket salesman at the
circus. that some of the greatest acts of
the performance are yet to come. Next
week brings two standbys of musical sue
cess. though of entirely different tempera-
ment and quality, Robin Hood" by the
BOstonianS. and The Chinese Honey
moon by the same company which made
a highly favorable impression earlier in
the season. The Lafayette will offer the
first minstrel company that the city has
seen in some time. The Academy will have
Happy Hooligan"
x :. :;
The Bijou Stock Company will sing and
dance a farewell a the Empire Theater
The house has enjoyed unexpected pros
perity under the management of Mr.
Schlesinger and Mr.. Brennan since it fell
into the hands of the Herman forces. The
policy for next season, however is not
definitely announced.
x x
Rumors continue to float concerning new
deals by the Washington theaters the
announcement that the Lafayette Theater
would book with the independents next
season having suggested that there would
be move all along the line. In case the
Independents secure enough hgh-price pro-
auctions TO book the complete season at
the Lafayette. the placing of those COM
panies now playing there is a problem
whose solution is yet to be announced. If
a new arrangement results simply in the
wedding out of superfiuous and inferior
material Washington will be benefited for
IT has had a number of performances
which were not justified. even at popular
prices.