The Washington times., 1906-09-30
National-Yiola Allen as ImOgen in
"Cymbeline

SymDellne.
Viola Allen, whose delightful perform
ance of Viola in Twelfth Night" and
Perdita in ''The winters Tale. re-
merabered by our theatergoers as among
the most Intelligent and charming in
: terprCtations OF Shakespeare her0ines
of the present day, viii be seen for the
first time on any stage as Imogen In
( "Cymbeline," al the National Theater
tomorrow night The coming engage
mcnt viii be one Of unusual interest
because q viii give our theatergoerS an
I opportunity not only to see "a favorite
actress of unquestionable and excep-
tional talent in a character which she
has not before played bur also because
the role is one that is so seldom at
tempted by even the most gifted OF
modern players that 20 those who know
Shakespear- only across the foouights-
IL viii appear IN the light or new
character and "a new drama. While the
student OF Shakespeare acknowledg
ImoEen To he one of the most human
Of the great bard's herOines the range
OF emotions AID the tenS-~Tamental
complexities are so subtle and So varied
that few actresses Of late years have
I cared 10 cour- the criticism TO which
the playing Of the character would nee
| essarily expose them The theatergoers
of generation ago Will recall the ex-
quisite perform nee OF Adelaide Nelson
as ImOgen; and 'ater, the dainty. deli
cate Interpretation OF the role by Ma
dame MOdieska but Of late years the
part has not been played by actresses
OF note Miss Allen is peculiarly well
fitted for the playing Of Shakespearean
relies. A love and en understanding Of
the greatest OF dramatists may De said
TO be "in the blood " The child Of
gifted parents famous on the stage IN
;he days when shakespearean and clas-
! sic productions were the rule instead
of the exception. she grew up in an
atmosphere OF dramatic art that fitted
her for the trying ordeal Of appearing
| IN the leading role Of a great New York
| success. which had to be Allied at al
most a moments notice, owlns 10 the
ulnesJ OF a woman who had endoared
| herself % the theatergoing public. This
was when Miss Allen was school girl,
| bat it was the beginning OF a career
that has been series Of uninterrupted
successes and artistic triumphs, The
exquisite feeling. brightness Of intellect.
delicate Imagination and dainty. wom-
anly accomplishments OF Imogen are
particularly suited 10 this inimitable
PLAYER 0f Womenly women Of pure and
unbIemished character The produc-
tion with which Charles ". Allen has
| surrounded His star is said 10 be most
elaborate and beautiful. and We are
told tEat 30 viii be a notable addition
20 the massive and Impressive stage
spectacIes OF the day. The scenery is
The work OF Emens x Unit. and the
costumes are from special designs by
Thomas IIesaIvo0d. OF London. and
executed by Messrs. Van Horn and
Madame FreissuEer. The incidental nu-
SIC Is 10y Hamilton Clarke rendered ,Dy
au enlarged orchestra and male quar-
tct The entire production was mad-
by Frank Vernon. the Well-knOWn In
glish producer. who came 90 this coun-
( direct the preparation or the scenery
and costumes and 20 conduct the rs-
fcarsals In New York and. during he
last week, IN this city. The company
is very large one ana Is composed Cf
such prominent players as j. II. Gil
mour. Sidney Herbert <. Leslie Allen,
Fuller Melish, Jefferson Winter. Henry
J. Eadneld. MyTun CaNCc. Douglas
Gerard. Frederick X. Rowland. Burke
Lionel Hogarth. Alison Skipworth, Mar
giret NontrOse. and Ivla Benton On
account OF the length OF the perform
ance the curtain viii rise az s o'clock,
and the Saturday matinee vii begin al
D. H.