The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-04-17
Past and Future.

'EVeryman" and Miss Marlowe's In
gomar' made the past week one of the
most notable of the current theatrical
season. Both performances rank high,
and both obtained the patronage which
belongs TO productions Of high rank
The morality play at the Columbia
proved more than 1t promised. 1t was
anticipated as study in archaeology In
stead Of that it proved to be powerful
drama; which made the student forget
there ever was such thing as archaeol-
ogy. Unless last Sundays articles and
the review in The Times of last Tues
day were not read. "Everyman" has
been thoroughly covered in these col
umns. Yet the whole story % that Gu
rious old play. framed in as i. was by
two silent monks. the specula tons
aroused by its quaint text. the power
Of unalloyed religion even in a theater.
and the admirable acting done by Miss
Matthison and her two aides. KnowIege
and Good Dedes, could not be told in
twenty articles.
The general attitude was, Of course.
most reverent and responsive. A few.
however, regarded IL as sacrilegious. As
one man said: 'ArchaeoIogicalIy this is
all very interesting Religiously IT is an
damned nonsense. Yet il is much 10 be
doubted if any such disfavor for EVERY
man" can be found among the clergy.
In other cities the churchman has in
dorsed the work strongly. VIII he do
less in Washington?
Miss Marlowe's coming is always a
matter of pleasure. Her personality is
so sweet. her artistic impulses so true
and her art so pure that whatever she
does is interesting and valuable. But
'Knighthood" Is not worthy of her. Mr.
Kester has made out OF melodramatic
book as good play as his material per-
mitted. 1t is the old story OF the silk
purse and the sow's ear. Accordingly
the critic looks or in dismay TO see so
fine a Parthenia occupied with so poor
a play. II Mr.. Kester could only obtain
the opportunity to write Miss Marlowe
a play original with him. the result
would assuredly be vastly better Prac-
tically every critic in the country hopes
he may have the chance.
Miss Blair opened her spring engage
ment AT the Lafayette to most encour-
aging houses. Her acting is far above
that of the average emoJiOnalist, and
her plays are popular. The result is A
harvest for star and mana cement What
the critics may think OF the repertoire
may be unpleasant, out that is all
There is no going behind the returns on
the stage. any more than in politics.
A report was circulated in the course Of
the week that Miss Blair and Mr.
Grisset had quarreled. The issue being
represented as a difference of opinion
over the staircase scene in ''Sapho." Ac-
cording TO this report, IT was the man
ager who objected 10 H. BY that show
ing, the responsibility for Miss Blair s
repertoire rests entirely with her, In
which event her friends will look TO SEE
her do something better than -SaphO''
and Camille" But the commercial
value of their contract Is too great for
Miss Blair and Mr.. GrisseI to continue
their disagreement
Vesta TiIley crowded Chase's TO the
fire limits.
Next week will provide a new Fitch
play and a new star-''The Girl With
the Green Eyes" and Clara Bloodgood
an old star In an old farce-Joe Hart
in Foxy Grandpa" Miss Blair in
"SaphO;" the Daughters Of the Amer
lean Revolution at Chase's-a play OF
variable plot. but of unfailing interest;
and characteristic offerings at the Acad-
envy. the Empire, and the Lyceum.
II is unfortunate "Everyman" was not
booked for two weeks.