The Washington times., 1905-11-14
NINE. SANS GENE
SET TO MUSIC
National Presents Sard0u' 5
Masterpiece in New Form.

When the eminent Frenchmans Vic
torien Sardou wrote Nine. Sans Gene
for his distinguished countrywoman,
Rejane, he little thought that few
years later HIS story would be given a
musical setting betting the suoJect-m3t-
ter OF his book. Yet this has been done
ans washington last night had an op-
poFtuniEy TO pass Judgment on the Of
favinE when The Duchess of Dantzic'
was presented in the National Theater.
The company is headed by Evie
Greene and Holbrook Blinn. Henry
Hamilton and Ivan Caryll are librettist
and composer. respectively
The Duchess of Dantzic" comes
nearer what the average theatergoer
would wish IN the form of entertainment
than any Offering seen in recent years
est, and Is interspersed with music of a
semi-pOpular, semi-classic school.
A Logical Plot.
The story OF Sans Gene is an old
one to Washington. Rejane launched
this daring young woman into the front
ranks Of stage Characterization On
this side. and especially in Washington,
she has had charming impersonators in
Kathryn Kidder and Blanche Bates
Her vagaries, her supreme contempt OF
with a pretty loyalty and big-hearted-
ness have made Sans Gene" irresistible
to players and audience.
The story furnishes the most complete
plot Washington has ever seen in a
musical comedy. and 1t brings 10 the
score a demand for some exceptionally
fine music. Nothing prettier has been
heard here IN musical comedy than
Katherines plea to Napoleon in the last
.t.e SC
Katherine's meditation in the opening OF
the same act. For dash and spirit, one
might choose the soldier drinking song
In the first act anc Bethunes manly
defense of his presence in Katherine s
room. The song or The Little Cor
poral' was delightfully."- given by Miss
Lillian Diggs, and won a triple recall
Napoleon Well Portrayed.
The one character which stands pre-
eminent IN the production Is that o,
Napoleon. II is admirably played by
Holbrook Bllnn. He has no part IN the
musical setting, but portrays the greas
emperor as history has taught Us to
know him. Mr.. Blinns most impress
sive work is done IN a BIT Of a scene
IN the first act, when he foTstsiis to
the little laundress his triumphs OF the
future. The supremacy OF his indomI-
table will is here foreshadowed and
scenes in the play Mr.. Blinn gives an
outline Of Napoleon's character that
cannot fail TO appeal in its vlrility and
strength.
Miss Greene is charming as Sans Gene.
She Was manlfestly suffering with a
cold during last nights performance.
but her beautiful voice. especially the
upper register, had fun rein in a series
of musical numbers. Miss Greene has
dramatic ability OF type rarely seen
fl musical comedy players. and her act
ing served 10 round OF, the character
of the impetuous Katherine in pretty
harmony with the other representations
which have been known to Washington.
Frank Greene, In a dual role. dis
played pleasing baritone voice, and
gave a manly performance Of the young
lover OF the imperial ward. Wallace
BrOWnlOW played Lefebyre character
istically. and the rest OF the cast was
competent.
The production f elaborate. The
scene OF the throne room was particu-
iarly attractive.