The Washington herald., 1907-06-09

A Ii of the offerings of the stock
"a companies during the past
~ week were interesting, and It is
astonishing how interest in the
theater still continues. Even the fine
weather seems 10 make no appreciate
difference in the attendance, which in
each Of the three leading theaters has
been Of capacity size at every perform
ance Indeed, most Of the time if one
wants two seats he has to secure them
well in advance. There viii soon be
some changes in the personnel Of these
companies, owing 10 the fact that some
of the principal players have to prepare
for next season, but It would seem. now.
as if all Of the theaters would remain
open until late into the summer.
The unusual interest aroused by the
revival Of George Du Maurier's famous
play 'TriIby" at the Columbia during
the past week, is another example of the
survival Of the fittest'' At first the
story in novel form did not meet with re-
markable success its tremendous popu-
larity coming somewhat in the nature Of
a revival" after it had been extant for
a number Of years.
The success Of this play, like that Of
all successful dramas. is easily explained
L comes from the strong quality Of the
pathetic interest involved. and from the
great array of lovable characters dis
closed in the story. Taffy. the Laird
Little Billy. and Trilby are all engaging
from the first and the element Of mys-
terry which Poe declares TO be indispen-
sable. is present in SvengaH and his mas
terry Of the mesmeric art
The aforementioned character, as por-
trayed by Mr.. Wilton Lackave. is Of ex-
traordinary fascination. He created the
part with great dramatic perception. and
that the lapse Of time has not dimmed
his power Of portrayal was clearly dem
onstrated on Monday by the approba-
ton accorded him after the strong scenes
Of the third act. when he was recalled
repeatedly and forced 10 address the
audience in a clever speech. The Trilby
Of both Miss Spong and Miss Walker
was interesting. the only perceptible diff /
ference in degree Of effectiveness being
caused by difference in physical quail |
ication, Miss Walker having the adj /
vantage in this respect by reason Of /
her lesser inclination toward embonpoint. |
Another revival" feature and illustra- /
ton OF the survival Of good things which /
is overlooked in most reviews Of this |
subject is the widespread popularity at /
tanned by DR.. Thomas Dunn EngIish's /
sweet ballad. Don't You Remember
Sweet Alice, Ben Bolto" after having .
lain dormant for a quarter Of a century. /
and for which. by the way. he is said to 1
have disclaimed ever receiving any pecun- !
larry advantage whatever The whole /
affair tends to strengthen the idea that
a good story. well told and cleverly acted. /
IS always acceptable, and the financial |
as well as the popular success Of stock /
organizations hinges on their ability to /
repeat, with a fair degree Of excellence,
old plays Of assured quality. rather than
experimenting with things Of doubtful
virtue, even though they possess the ele-
ment Of newness.
At the BeiascO the revival Of Gunter's
Prince Kari" was most interesting The Il
play is notable in that it recalls that Mr.
Gunter, who made his big hit with MI
Barnes of New York really anticipated
the popularity Of the Prisoner Of Zenda" l.
scrt Of story in this play. Considering
that the part of Karl was one Of the big il
gest successes Of Richard Mansfeld's ca 1
reer it might be considered a little bold
for Mr.. Arden 20 follow in the role. but
after all Mr.. Arden gave as enjoyable
performance as did Mr. Mansfield. His
German dialect was excellent. and his
comedy was fine. He got notable support
from the good company that surrounds
him. and altogether the presentation of
the comedy was a genuine treat II
Great crowds thronged the New Ma
tonal all the week to hear "The Sere-
made" which was finely sung by the
AbOrn opera Company. Many travelling
carrying special scenic equip
ment would suffer by comparison with
the fine scenic effects at this theater. and
the drilling Of the company is remarkable.
The chorus is large. good to look at and .
Of excellent voice. The principals are Of
high class, and the music-lovers Of Wash
ngton have been taking full advantage
Of an opportunity which few cities have
the chance Of enjoying
HOwe's Moving Pictures.