Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-11-26
MUSIC

The week of amusements In this city
opened rather feebly. On Thanksgiving
afternoon and night there was remark
able show of strength, and from that on
business held it's own quite robusti!. II
was the course of events ordinarily OBJ
served when a holiday occurs along toward
the middle of the week. Standing room
only was the universal rule for Thanksg1v-
ing day.
The new classical comedy, "The Eternal
Feminine" produced two quite opposite sets
of impressions. 1t either pleased enor-
mously or else left the auditor in dazed
condition Of discomfort. Throughout 1t Is
study in delicate effects. On the stage
the arching of an eyebrow conveys volumes
of meaning, and If the auditor responds by
no more than a raising of the corners OF
his lips the recognition is ample and the
mutual understanding complete. But there
are many playgoerS, and they pay their
money and have the right to be considered,
who attend the theater more for the sake
of individual demonstration than to behold
the efforts of others. They love to be in the
throng that Is laughing aloud, and so giving
an excuse for their own loud laughter.
There is luxurious relief in the clapping of
hands, and the actor or playwright Is best
whose work affords the largest number Of
periods for such demonstration There are
playgoers who would applaud every time an
actor pauses to take breath were they not
deferred by the opinions of those about
them. But 1.-The Eternal Feminine" was
not written for these. 1t is delicate in satire
and idyllic in sentiment. But this civiiza-
ton, highly developed as 1t is, has little
Hellenic sympathy. Greek is no more to the
average citizen than a reminder of dis
agreeable tasks and anxious examinations
we'll over with. 1t Is no laughing matter.
MISS Margaret Anglin has most difficult
role in this play, and one which she handles
with the highest artistic proficiency. The
part demands not merely posing and recita-
ton. but individual Interpretation, and Miss
Anglin endows it with a gentle humanity
that is sincere and never overburdened with
effort.
The three words II love YOU may be
called the actors shibboleth. They distin-
guished the complete and accomplished
player from the actors who are not Of the
chosen. An actor may play a scene with
convincing skill up to the moment when he
has them to pronounce, and then at a
breath shatter the good impression. Mr..
Drouet's work was irreproachable until he
words came forth hollow and over-weighted
with effort. 1t was evident at that point
too great a sense of responsibility came
over him. Mr.. Drouet knows how to de-
claim finely; how not to declaim is the
point for him next to consider. Ordinarily
so small a matter would not be worth no.
ticing in print. But Mr.. Drouet is too good
an actor to be dismissed with undscrimi-
mating platitudes of praise when his full
capabilities are not realized.
1.-THE Girl From Kay's," after much lin
gering on the outskirts, made its appear
ance in Washington. 1t proved to be a
merry and songful diversion with Sam
Bernard as entertainer in chief. Miss
Hattie Williams also proved a highly ac-
ceptable entertainer.
There will be a sudden and overwhelming
supply of music tomorrow night, with the
Saengerbund, the Symphony Orchestra and
Creatore all giving concerts Washington,
If 1t embraces all the opportunities set be-
fore it. will surpass Cincinnati even as it
was in it's palmiest days as a musical CEN
ter.