The Washington times., 1906-03-25
Behind the Footlights

Patronage at the locaf Dlayhouses last
week presented strange anomaly
even for Washington. whose theaterso-
crs are noted for their whimsicalities OF
iaNor. Three attractions of unusual
lnerit We're offered for critical judgment:
TWO classic. one light and modern The
attendance was out OF all proportion
10 the logical drawing powers Of the
respective plays and players.
Robert Mantell in Shakespearean reper-
tore gave some Of the most schol-
arly interpretations that Washinetonians
nave had the opportunity of seeing in
many seasons His Characterization az
The difficult role Of Lear was notably
thoughtful and was developed with a
depth of insight into the psychology Of
the part which leads inevitably 10 The
verdict that this Jragedian ranks easiIN,
as one Of the foremost two or three
Shakespearean artists of the present
day. His work as Richard III In which
On entirely different STYLE OF anriuo ie
demanded, only served 10 augment tho
esteem in which his talents are held nv,
the comparatively few who saw him
All Of his productions We're adrnirabI,-
staged. The more or less Indifferent
support which he received from his com
p2ny throughout the week cannot ac-
count for the poor attendance.
Scarcely less notable an Offering was
that of Miss Henrietta Crosmap in "As
You Like It." Miss Crosman's concen-
tion of the role OF RosaIind was ca
thoroughly delightful and satisfying thar
!; VIII always be remembered as an ex-
cepuonal portrayal. even in the long limo
of distinguished Shakespearean artists
and students who have essayed this IA
Norite part with success. Miss Cros-
mans Rosalind was refined dignified
graceful, and wholly in keeping with
the most approved conception of the
part Aside from these necessary. 0lIaIi-
ties, her many personal charms. and at
t-active stage presence combined 70
make her three presentations easily
among the most enjoyable entertain
inents OF the season. Her support was
uniformly good. and in some instances
worldly OF more than passing mention.
Last Of the triumvirate of stars of the
week, but first in point OF public patron
age, was Henry + Dixey He ha6 =
very. very clever play and it was ad-
mirably presented throughout. Rut
after all. its merit lay only in it's ability
TO amuse for the hour. 1t added TO Mr.
T.
but il certainly did not enlarge ones
knowledge of the classics. And yet ever,
Grand Opera did not materially lessen
the large attendance.
The first explanation that would occur
To the mind is that Washington thea
tergoers do not appreciate Shakespeare
But memory Of Shakespearean produc-
ucns earlier in the season refute this
imputation. The Greet performances
we're given 10 capacity houses. while
the Sothern- Marlowe combination was
not less popular.
This veering of popular favor from the
classics cannot be charged TO those pre-
senting the plays, for surely Miss Cros-
man and Mr. Mantell are not to be ex-
celled in the roles which they essayed
by any actors of the present day
These boX-office Inconsistencies toward
theatrical productions are beyond the
realm of rhyme or reason.
rhe Washington audience goeth where
II listeth and the manager feeleth the
result thereof but cannot tell why it
cometh or wherefore it goeth
Annie Russell has returned from Lon
don and has begpn rehesrsals of Friend
Hannah Paul Kester's new play. in