Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-01-26
Columbia Theater.

1.-The Earl of Pawtucket," which opened
its first engagement in Washington at the
Columbia Theater last night, was heralded
as one of the most extra ordinary laughing
successes of recent years, and it's reception
fully bore out these hilarious promises.
That clever playwright, Augustus Thomas,
has shown a remarkable versatility
dramatist. his work ranging from the
classic wit of "Oliver Goldsmith through
the intense melodrama of Arizona" to the
sparkling frivolty of this American comedy.
He possesses a keen sense of humor, and IS
peculiarly happy in developing the pictur-
esque and interesting side of American life
He possesses not only a close observation
of characters, but the faculty of viewing
them in perspective as one from abroad
might do Mr.. Thomas has declared that
he wrote this play in order to prove that
Lawrance D'Orsay was true and his sue
cess as a playwright may be measured to
some extent by the accuracy by which he
has adjusted the principal character to the
stars personality. Several seasons ago,
when Mr.. DOrsay appeared in this city, he
was welcomed as a highly entertalnins
player, but his stellar possiplLtieS were
unsuspected. Mr.. Thomas must be credited
with being both tne prospector and the pro-
motor of a mine of humor whose richness
seems ineXhaustible. The Englishman
abroad has been travestied again and again.
Paris loves nothing better than to make
sport of its cousins across the channel.
The Earl or PdWtuckeL mas all the
piquancy of Gallo wit at British expense,
with none of its harshness. The earl is a
capital fellow, whose blunders, ludicrous as
they are are those of good nature rather
than stupidity. The story deals with char
acters in New York and Washington, but
the scenes are not drawn with sufficient de-
tail to present any notable local interest.
1t is simply delightful evenings enter
tainment, more coherent than the ordinary
farce, witty and at the same time taCtful.
1t leaves no doubt that the dramatist may
find abundance of ma terial for good SUBJ
stantial work here at home, provided he has
the perception and the skill needful for the
task. So long as Mr.. DOrsay is on the stage
there is not dull moment, and he is very
wisely kept in evidence for the major por-
ton of every act.
While the character of the earl was al
ready successfully framed for the play
wright by Mr.. d Orsays striking personali-
ty, Mr.. Thomas has not lost prestige in the
drawing of the people with whom he has
surrounded the central figure. One of the
most interesting of these is wilkins" the
valet, who is as typical in his way as his
titled master. AS played by Ernest Elton
this part assumes a large share of the eie-
ment which makes for success 1t is enact
ed with unfiagging earnestness and inteli
lgent conception. Mr.. Thomas has also
shown the results of his experiences in the
cafes of New York by very clever charac-
terization of the help to be found about
such places The brewer, the senator, the
western father are distinctive Municipalities
capably portrayed. The feminine contin-
gent is not extensive, and not in all respects
equal to the demands of the piece.
Mr.. DOrsay was called upon for speech
glad to be in Washington again, where he
has spent many pleasant days, and hopes
to be back soon again, if the indulgent play
goers will permit