Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-06-09

THEATRICAL feature of unusual
significance has marked the past
week In Washington, and theater-
. goers for the first time In many
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"a week in Washington, and theater-
Il a goers for the first time in many
years have enjoyed the unique ex-
perience of witnessing two very fine ac-
<tresses of the modern school in their re-
spectiye delineations OF the same role
Probably no better play could have been
chosen for this delightful innovation than
Du Maurier's clever story of 'Trilby. .
Then, too, the efforts Of the two women
were most admirably supported by stock
company seldom offered during supple
mental season at popular prices.
Miss Hilda Spong and Miss Charlotte
Walker divided the weeks honors In their
excellent interpretations of ''Triloy '-the
matured dramatic instincts of the former
and the superb naturalness of the latter
contributing to remarkable conterpai-
ance of histrionic ability. Indeed, each was
most refreshing and Instructive imper-
sonation, not uncompimentary In comparl-
son to either. Miss Walker has always
been a decided favorite in Washington,
where her charming personality has been
seen to excellent advantage In other dlm-
cult roles. But certainly she has never
scored a greater success than In her per-
Torrance of the role of the artist model
Of the Paris Latin quarter the past week
Here her naturalness, youth, beauty and
grace were seen to the best advantage, and
the augmented audiences and enthusiastic
applause furnished convincing testimonials
Miss Spongs ability as an emotional ac-
tress is not unknown to our theatergoers,
and her former successes in other roles re-
quiring forceful and vigorous treatment will
continue to hold for her high place In
public opinion here.
The Edwin Arden Company continues
to delight large audiences at the Belasco,
the joint efforts of the genial and talented
star, Mr.. Arden. and Miss Herne, supple
mented by a well-balanced company, fur
nishing an exceptionally fine cast So far
the business has been all that could be
asked, and, despite the fact that Jupiter
Pluvius has seen fit to furnish an over
abundance of water just about theater
hours, the local theatergoers have admir-
ably sustained the arrangements efforts
to provide frst-class entertainments at
popular prices.
The personnel of the Aborn Opera Com
pany at the New National has been
strengthened every successive week of the
present season. Last week Charles Swick-
ard, the well-known Bostonian comedian,
joined the company for the season. Tomor-
row night Robert Lett, late Of 1.-The Sing
ing Girl and 1.-The Fortune Teller" joins
the cast An increased chorus and an extra
augmented orchestra are promised by the
management of the company for the grand
double bill the week of June IT, "Pinafore"
and "Cavalleria Rusticana" will be the Of
fering for eight performances. Owing to
the length of the double bill at the National
.k<,tr vsfl1
rise promptly at 8 o'clock for evening per-
formdnces and at 2 o'clock for the two
matinees.
Wilton Lackaye has been the distinctive
feature of the supplemental theatrical sea-
son here SO far, and 1t will be a matter Of
great regret to his legion of friends among
the local theatergoers to know that this
week will close his engagement with the
Columbia Theater Stock Company. Mr..
Lackaye will return to New York at the
close of this weeks engagement in "Aris-
tocracy," and will take rest which he has
looked forward to with no small degree Of
happy anticipation. He says that he has not
yet decided upon his engagement for the
Forthcoming regular season. but that 1t Is
reasonably safe to predict that he will not
be under the management Of Mr.. w. A.
Brady.
Speaking Of Mr.. Lackaye recalls the pro-
verbal wit and humor of his curtain
speeches, and during the past six weeks Of
his sojourn in Washington he has regaled
theatergoers with number Of his charac-
teristic talks. In a witty speech recently he
defended women theatergoers from the idea
of managers that they wanted love story,
meaning 1.-The adolescent bleating of calf
love-" He denied that they insisted on see
ing the beautiful leading juvenile pouring
Bertha NJ. Clay love down the sweet young
heroine's back" He told also funny story
of George Bernard Shaw, IAN Irishman who
went to England to write plays for Amer
ica," In which Shaw. on being called on for
a speech at the performance of one Of his
plays, began speaking to his acquaintance
in the orchestra which tired the other part
of the house So when he asked, How do
you like the play?" an unexpected voice
from the gallery yelled 'Rotten!" Shaw
looked up and said amiably, II quite agree
with you but what are we two against so
many"
Mr.. Lackaye's last visit to Washington
was in the play THE Man and the Law"
a clever adaptation of Les Mserables."
In telling Of some amusing experiences
on the road last winter he said he would
back his property man against any other
in America when it comes to making out
a property expense account. A favorite
item, which appeared on the list with the
regularity Of each succeeding perform
ance Of 1.-The Man and the Law" was "One
scent cigar, Is cents
1.-The Man and the Law was being pre-
scented in small town in Indiana. After
the count up the house treasurer asked
the company's manager how many state
ments he wanted. Three" was the reply
One for Mr.. Lackaye, one for Mr. Brady
and one for Victor Hugo Il got NINE"
says Mr.. Lackaye, land I am certain
Brady got his, but I don't know where
they sent Hugo's."