The Washington herald., 1907-06-11
LAST NIGHT AT THE
LOCAL PLAYHOUSES.
The COIumbia-A Fine Production of
Bronson Howard's "Aristocracy."

Bronson Howard's "Aristocracy."
The excellent company at the Columbia
Theater has given many fine perform
ances this season. but none better than
that OF last night. when Bronson How
ards drama of social life, "Aristoeracy,"
was revived. The play is one that, prop
erly produced, never fails to hit the public
fancy, and that it was worthily presented
last night was shown by the fact that the
end of each act saw several curtain calls,
and Mr. Lackaye. for his mastery work,
was called out again and again.
'AristOcracy" is a glorification Of the
social life Of America at the expense Of
what has often been called the "effete
aristocracy' OF Europe. For play pur-
poses, all American husbands are sup
posed 10 be sturdy and honorable; all
European aristocrat husbands are sup
posed TO be tickle and false. and most Of
them are supposed 10 have married for
money. On the other hand, the American
woman Is glorihed-as she should be-and
the encrOaChments OF the fortune-hunting
noblemen from France and England give
the American husbands the chance to de-
clare that they know how to protect the
honor Of their women.
In spite of the fact that in real life
we have rather got beyond the stage Of
seeing all the good on our side and all
the bad on the side Of our European
cousins, the play still remains a strong
and vital one, and the lessons It conveys
are powerful IN spite Of, or perhaps be
cause Of. their exaggeration. II IS play
Of good, If somewhat s'ilted dialogue, and
its situations are strong and most clever
ly managed II furnishes food for thought
and it provides a delightful entertain
meut
The play was most eXcellently perform
ed last night. Mr.. Lackaye as Jefferson
Stockton, has a part Of sturdy Ameri-
canism that suits him down to the
ground, and which strengthens him in
the affections of his admirers Many
clever actors have played the part. but Il
is safe 10 say that none has arisen tC
the heights OF dramatic power which Mr
Lackaye reaches in the strong climax OF
the third act It seemed as If he would
lthllA XIII llt NtdhNuk hllIit.
But II was not alone I'm the dramatic
moments of the part that Mr., Lackave
was strong. he was infinitely tender
ironic, natural by turns The lights and
shades Of the character he rendered ad-
mirably. and altogether Il was a fine con-
ception Of the part admirably carried
out
Miss Hilda Spong, as Mrs. stockton
also gave conscientious performance
and her best work likewise was done in
the third act, whore. trembling at thC
danger from which shp had escaped. shf
/ finds refuge in her husbands arms Mis-.
Charlotte Walker was charmingly IN
/ genue as Virginia.
Clever work was that Of Mr. Herbert
Mckenzie. as the Marquis Of Norman.
dale. although no such character could
hardly have existed The Prince vOr
Haldenwald Of Mr.. Guy CoOmhs was alsl
worthy Of praise. The comedy lines OF
[ the Due de Vigny Volante we're rendered
with good effect by Mr.. Walter Howe
/ The minor characters were all most 8c
ceptsbIy played. and altogether the per.
/ formance was a fine entertainment
worthy. consistent. diEnifed from b.
ginning % end