The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1908-02-21

II Ii not only 10 a boys character
,ha, Maudc Adams returns as "Chi.
cot" in John Raphaers translation OF
Miguel Zamacois' "rhc TESTERS" but
again she 10 in an atmosphere as
charming as a fairy tale, as dainty
as an exquisite jewel. as fantastic and
airy as a child dream. "Chicot,'
the jester, is an avowed poet. Peter
Pan" was a poet unawares II 10
Chicot's sprightliness Of wit, his fan
eiiulness. the radiant glow OF the
poets mind and lovers heart that
captures the love Of "Solange," the
daughter OF Baron de Mautpre."
"chicot' Is the victor in tourna'
ment Of wit and fancy that Is icavened
always with vital human interests.
lie Is q gentle hero in the eternal
game Of love and chance, though he
proves 10 us that love Is less blind
than he Is said to be. The lads
spirit IL akin to that Of another boy
who sang Of youth. eternal youth, Of
sun rising, and OF poets singing
Once more II is the gloriiieation Of
youth.
"rhe Jester is tina. in spirit, but in
fabric il IL something more: II Is the
lovers story OF the coming Of Prince
Charming, told In verse that has
heart as well as poetic elegance. The
role Immediately suggested itself,
even in manuscript, as another
Maude Adams part" The scenes
evoke by the poet are sweet, famil-
lar and honest. Visions OF flowers.
OF birds. and Of sleeping children
watched over carefully by their
mothers, q continuous spirit OF gaiety,
Of maidcn's innocence, and youths
first love. with never note OF sad
ness. or any OF the conventional po-
ctic devices, make up the four acts oil
Zamacois' comedy Of sweet and ten
der verses.
This season is certain to be an aus
picious one for Maude Adams. For
the first time since she became a star
under the management OF Charles
Frohman, she is supported in The
Jester" by permanent organization,
known as the Maude Adams Com
pany." It's principal members will
figure prominently in the scheme for
future repertoire seasons which Mr..
frohman has in mind for Miss
Adams.
Although the period OF The Jes-
ters' is during the reign OF Henry
the Second, Zamacos introduces an
antiquary who calls on the Baron de
Mautpre," in business way, out OF
interest in antiques and in Gothic
furnishings. The Baron de Mautpre'
has nothing left to sell except some
ordinary pieces Of armor and some
common old chests He owes his
servants wages, for he has kept with
him several Wallets, woman called
"Nicole," and the savage "Vulcano."
The presence OF this bully enables the
Baron to control his dependents
when their demands are proclaimed
too loudly.
There is also in the old chateau an
ancient major domo, oliver" once
a physician. He worships the Baron,
his master, but he loves the Baron's
daughter, "Solange," even more, She
is l6; she is the JOY and sunshine OF
the old chateau. When she is before
their eyes, "Oliver" and his master
forget the debts and the unpaid SER
yitors.
Besides these, two young men have
been attracted to the chateau, partly
to carry out practical joke, partly
out of curiosity from hearing OF the
grace and charm Of 'Solange." They
don't love her, for they have never
ever seen her. All they know is that
she has been brought up entirely
apart from the world and they wish
to carry out their theories of love, by
testing whether it is mans beauty or
mans wit that wins woman's love.
They get into the chateau by pass
ing themselves off as the assistants OF
one of the merchants. They have tried