Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-06-17
Americans IN London's
theatrical World
Special Correspondence Of The Star.

Special Correspondence OF The Star.
LONDON. June 2, 1903.
There is decidedly something doing on
the part Of Americans In the London theat-
ricaa world at present. To begin with.
lively competition Is on between Charles
Frohman Jake" Schubert and one or two
other transatlantic managers, who are now
In town. for the American rights In some OF
thin seasons big successes. which, 1t may
be remarked are comparatively few in num-
Der. The schuberts have. of course. ar
ranged to present Lena Ashwell in the
adaptation of 'The Shulamite," which has
scored so emphatically at the Savoy. but as
yet nothing Is definitely decided regarding
'-The Spring Chicken and THE Dairy
maids" the two London musical comedies
over which the American bidding is said to
be briskest at present. The first OF these
has now run for $40 nights, and Is still going
be talked of. and the latter has caught the
town Enthusiastically, not only by virtue OF
newly discovered comedian. Dan Roylat,
who will be sure to make good" In the
novel scene In girls gymnasium. wherein
Carrie Moore. who has a song called THE
Sandow Girl. and about a score OF other
comely dam1eds do some attractive stunts"
one of the latest '.giris'-'.The Girl Be
hind the Coanter"-wiu also be wanted for
the United States. but 1t is not probable
that there will be any violent struggle over
the plays without music which are now on
view at London theaters. for the excellent
reason that the successes among them are
nearly all American-witness Kester's Dor
othy Of the Hail. Riens Lion ION ans sn the
Acres" the latter of which. though hailed
none too kindly by the critics. seems to be
doing we'll at the Waldorf.
Il
Meanwhile Michael Morton's experiment
Of dramatizing 1.-The Newcomes for use by
Beerbohm Tree has also been justified by
success. and this is q triumph in It's way.
both for the American dramatist and the
actor. There is. Of course, always more or
less antagonism ready to hand for an Amer
lean adaptation Of an English classic, and
in this case the situation has been preju-
newspaper article. which protested not only
against the dramatization OF The New
comes by the author of THE Little
Stranger" but against Mr.. Trees appear
ance as Thackeray's loyable hero. Nor was
the latter plea entirely unreasonable for
Mr.. Tree has never been at his happiest In
straight parts: but 1t may be said at once
that this actor "Newcome. which was
seen for the first time at His Majestys this
week. Is quite a notable piece OF acting, and
one that need disgruntle not even the most
ardent Thackaraynian. AS for Mr.. Morton s
dramatization of the novel. 1t is generally
recognized as workmanaike and reverent;
and though 1t is highly questionable whether
an adaptation of THE Newcomer was
needed. 1t Is satisfactory to have one that
takes no liberties with Thackeray's story. IL
Il makes no attempt to give 1t In its en-
tirety.
In this play we first see Thomas Newcome
as nabob In Mayfair with Give grown
UP and their household presided over by the
"old campaigner." And in the course Of the
drama we have Gives love for Ethel. his
rejection and marriage with Rosey. and
finally the colonels bankruptcy and death
at Greyfriars. Lady Kew, Barnes New
come, "F. B." and Pendennis are all here.
and although one doubts IL the piece Is
dramatic enough to suit American audiences
1t pleased a London first night one to pieces,
and Mr. Tree was more than justified in his
brief speech after the final curtain. Il
think" he said. that we've won" So both
the actor-manager and his American drama
fist have reason to pat themselves on the
har