Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-05-20

Willie to see the menagerie, and mother
must go along to see that little Evelyn does
not fall down through the Stats, while still
others are seen under the big tent without
any excuse whatever
But consolidation of interests has de-
veloped The spirit of independence in the
circus business just the same as in other
lines. Many of US waited in vain for the
big street parade-that gorgeous pageant
of Wonderland felt that there was some
thing lacking when it failed to materialize.
1t didn't seem like the same old show, and
doubtless many of the business men who
could not get out to the performance felt
that they had been cheated out of some
thing that was coming to them for Old
times sake. And many an aged, broken
down truck horse missed his annual OPP
portunity to shy sRdttishIy at the elephants
and stand on his hind legs while the cali
ope steamed by, beIching forth its blatant
melodies 1t was not like that in the oIden
days
1t is not such an extraordinary thing
nowadays for versatile actors to write their
own plays. The list of player folk who are
providing their own vehicles for displaying
their histrionic abilities is steadily beco1n-
ing larger, and one is set wondering wheth-
er the occupation of those who devote their
time and talents exclusively to play writ
ing is to be absorbed by those who are
primarily interpreters of the drama. Per
haps the increase of actor-authors is to
be taken as a rebuke to the exclusive play
wrights for laxity in fulfilling their mis-
sion. II so, many will consider the reminder
timely Perhaps the literary activity of
the actors is merely an indication that
they prefer not to confine themselves TO
the limits of Interpretation, but are am
bilious for laurels in other fields. 1t is
not the purpose here to discuss whether
or not actors should make good play
wrights. However. 1t is to be noted that
number of recent successes have been the
work of players.
Miss Odette Tyler is the latest addition
to the list of actor-authors. She was pre-
scented to a Washington audience In that
dual role for the first time last MONDAY
night. when her play. "A Red Carnation'
was produced. The interest 1t created ana
the reception accorded the piece by large
audiences during the week promise Wen
for its popularity. Miss Tyler has certainly
written a stirring melodrama II deais
with incidents OF the udiheSt ooyS VI si'~
French revolution, turning upon the dss-
perate efforts of devoted followers of Queen
Marie Antoinette to rescue her from pr.s-
on. The piece abounds in intrigue, plot
and counterpart. strategic ruses hair
breadth escapes and exciting adventures,
while running through 1t all is delightful
strain of sentiment. Throughout the per-
formance the interest Is maintained at a
high pitch and the nerves Of the auditors
are kept a-tingling. There are four par
ticularly strong characters in the piece
Elizabeth. portrayed by Miss Tyler: Jacques
du Bots. played by R. D. MacLean; An
dree Clavieres, played by Wilson Melrose,
and Simon, played by Fuller Mellish. The
highly efficient manner IN which each of
these roles was interpreted made them
stand out with distinctness. The cast con-
tains q number Of other less important,
but nevertheless interesting, roles.
IA Red carnation" was first produced
In New York last season. Originally the
part OF Elizabeth dominated the interest
of the piece but since Its early presenta-
ton the role OF Jacques du Bots has been
elaborated into one of chief prominence.
Melodrama appears to be coming into popu-
lar favor again both with players and with
the public and Miss Tylers play seems to
stand good chance Of succe1s
CREATED MANY RoLEe. -only q few
actors remain whose experience goes back