Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-06-16

With the departure of Mr. Lackaye from
the Columbia Theater Stock Company cast
in last weeks close, patrons of the popular
playhouse will have the opportunity of
seeing Miss Hilda Spong and Miss Walker
in plays especially adapted to bringing out
the personal and dramatic qualities of
these two stars. The first vehicle for this
exploitation will be THE Mafeuvers of
Jane" and it is safe to predict that the
Columbia will witness crowded houses all
the week. This is a charming four-act
comedy in which both Miss Spong and Miss
Walker will be seen to good advantage.
The presentation of "Aristocracy" the
past week was the eliminating success of
the present engagement of the stock COM
pany, and has proved easily the best work
of the triple-star combination. Certainly
the big audiences and the augmented box
receipts testified to public appreciation
never before excelled in a supplemental
season in this or any other theater in
Washington. Manager Luckett is entitled
to much commentator for affSIdng such a
treat at summer prices, and our theater-
goers were quick to recognize the unusual
opportunity afforded them.
~
1t is broadly limited among the managers
of outdoor attractions that the weather
man Is carrying out his little joke trife
too far. 1t was annoying at first to have
| the opening of parks, gardens and other
| pleasure resorts marred by rains and cold
weather. but to have the winter scheme
carried into the middle of June is not only
| adding insult to injury, but seriously af-
| fecting the department of eXchequer.
| 1t is a departure for the weather
bureau, which amusement managers every
| where had not been prepared for, and, with
| the park ghost walking clad in an overcoat
| and the theatrical house managers hustling
! to get hold of disengaged talent to keep up
| with the unique conditions, amusement
seekers are having the time of their lives
getting first-cass indoor entertainment at
summer prices.
The remarkable success of the summer
opera season at the New National has
proven a surprise to both the management
of the Aborn Company and that of the
theater Putting aside the conventional
reason suggested by favorable weather
conditions which, in no small measure has
undoubtedly contributed to the splendid
business enjoyed, the real secret might
fairly be ascribed to the splendid organiZa-
ton that the Aborns have brought to
Washington. Summer opera companies
have not always been notable from an ar
tistic standpoint, but the Aborn company
is far above those seen heretofore. AS a
prima donna, Miss Wentworth is certain
ly a delight. Added to her voice of rare
sweetness is striking personality and
charm of manner. Her power to enthuse
he cOmDlete
netsm enables her to win the attention and
appreciation that her art commands. The
excellent contralto voice of Miss Bradford
has seldom been duplicated in this city. and
1t is doubtful If its quality has ever before
been heard here with light opera COM
pany. Among the men of the company
Huntington May, Karl Stall and Harold
Blake stand foremost among the singers.
The success of the company has been
Just one more argument for the assertion.
so often expressed, that Washington will
invariably support any stage production
that stands for art and excellence in rem
dition. Therefore, instead of a season of
six weeks at the New National we are to
have light and grand opera right up to the
very doors of the winter season.