Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-05-17

vHoUGH comedy was on the
stage at the Belasco last week.
a tragedy linked beneath. Guy
Standing had severed himset
from his mustache. the close
companion of years and was almost I'M
recognizable except when he stood Win
his back to the audience, which he ala
often during the performance OF
Marriage of Convenience" Mr.. Stand
ing's mustache had become almost
stage institution. In The Right OF
Way" to be sure II was supplemented
by beard but the mustache was there
nevertheless. 1t is more than probable
that during the course of last week
comedy many of the spectators were
spending more of their time in speculat-
ing over the change in the actor 5 ap-
pearance than they were in paying close
attention to the play. II is supposed that
the mustache will begin IL reappear grad
ually after Mr.. Standing las been Sher-
lock Holmes for week. Perhaps that
great detective will help him recover II.
Barring the distraction of attention by
Mr. Standings changed appearance,
Marriage of Convenience" was prettliy
acted. 1t is comedy easily spoiled by
bad handling and thus a good test for
the ability of d company. 1t was we'll
acted by Mr.. Standing and his fellow
players. Vira Stowe. especially. though
in a comparatively small part. contribut-
ed a vigorous and sympathetic interpre-
tation that went a long way toward car
rying the piece.
AT the New National most ambitious
flight was essayed by the Aborn Opera
Company in "Hoffmann's Love Tales.
an elaborate and difficult production,
which was given with astonishing e2-
cellence. For some reason the public
did not get excited about it, although it
was worthy in every way, not only to
arouse appreciation. but also 10 excite en-
thusiasm. Possibly the reason is that II
was the unexps cted. When summer
opera is mentioned 10 many minds Is
conjured up a picture of an entertain
ment which is a cross between a bur-
lesque show and an amateur production
of "Pinafore. Visions of high-class
operas, sung by artists and pe-fs city
staged. may never come before their
imaginations. But the public is sure to
learn, sooner or later. that the summer
opera of today is far different thing
from the summer opera as it used to be-
If 1t were not for the name and the low
rates ii could not be distinguished from
the winter variety.
Mr.. Hackett has certainly been good
to Washington IN choosing 1t for the
city In which to revive his successes His
production of The Crisis last week was
not only an artistic and financial success.
but was also distinguished as having
been more elaborate than the original
production. The second act. in particular,
was never before so beautifully staged.
The attention to detail in that act ex-
tended even to the music for the walters.
who are seen through the doorway and
windows for they move to the strains
of THE Blue Danube and he Jenny
Lind" waltzes. al the height of their
popularity when the civil war broke out
With isis Hopkins the New Academy
will close this week a successful season.
during which IL broke its previous rec
ords for attendance in the engagements
OF the THE Wizard of OF" and I'm Old
Kentucky" The engagement of James
ONeill was the most noteworthy of its
season.