Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-05-13

commonplace two-part dialogues. How
ever the play has interesting love
story, and really amusing comedy fncid-
dents. while some Of the character types
are quite distinctly drawn. But 1t seems
safe assertion that Miss Kathryn Kid
der would never have attained her present
notable reputation as an actress had she
appeared only In such parts as that OF
Elizabeth Holt, the wealthy woman philan-
thropist, verging on spinsterhood. That
the MANAGEMENT agreed with the public
that the role Is one not aptly suited to Miss
Kidder, is evidenced in the announcement
made yesterday that Miss Charlotte Walk
or will replace Miss Kidder in the cast
Mil Walker made her first appearance in
the role of Elizabeth Holt last night She
has a charming personality and her acting
has at all times been characterized by in
telligent and sympathetic appreciation Of
the demands OF the parts essayed. The
change, no doubt, will add to the effective
ness Of the piece. The role OF John
Russell. the reformer, was made
strong, admirable and convincing as por-
trayed by Bruce McRae. More Of Russell
and his interests would have been accept
able. J. W. Bunny gave a distinctly cred
table Characterization of the ward boss.
The production goes direct to New York
from here.
1.-THE Duke of Kilicrankie," which was
presented by the Columbia Theater Com
pany, is q sunny. airy bit of extravaganza,
or "farcical romance" that proved espe-,
cially attractive. Mr.. Guy Standing and
Miss Dorothy Hammond appeared to excel
lent advantage in the roles created by John
Drew and Margaret Dale In the original
production. and George Castor and Jeffreys
Lewis added to the laurels they have pre-
yiously earned here.
The Odette Tyler Company at the Belas-
co, presented a decidedly entertaining COM
edy In Dion Boucicaut's, THE Jilt," which
had not been seen here for several years.
Miss Tyler made a charming and viVacious
Kitty, and George D. Parker was delight
full as Myles O'Hara. Wilson Melrose fur
Their displayed his capabilities an actor
In the role of Sir Budleigh. His acting
thus far in Miss Tyler's company has mer-
tied praise He has a good presence. a
melodious voice and is considered good
looking But after witnessing his per-
formances during the past two weeks
one feels inclined to remark on one
thing that Mr.. Melrose has persist
emily affected-that heavy. black. droop-
ing stage mustache, which he sticks
onto his upper lip in his makeup for gen.
tlemanly roles. 1t makes him look as though
he were in training for deep-dyed villain
parts. OF course. Mr.. Melrose Is wholly
within his rights In wearing the big mus
tache-or a bigger one if possible, for that
matter-should he insist on doing so, but
when he Is playing genteel roles with such
addition to his facial features he must not
expect children or timid persons to come
up and eat out of his hand, for the artificial
hirsute gives him ominous and sinister
appearance and effectually DISCUSSES coun-
tenance that naturally is very pleasant and
agreeable to look upon.
~
The National Theater's regular season
closed last night, contrary to expectations
of week ago, and the house will be dark
all this week. The Majestic also closed its