The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1908-05-03

columbian. n. Haekett's Company,
Tomorrow evening Mr. James K.
Hackett viii enter upon his special en-
gagement at the Columbia Theater with
the first of the series of elaborate re-
vivals which he intends presenting Wash
ington playgoers during May, the open
ing bill for the initial week being Edward
Roses charming romantic play, The
Prisoner of Zenda." which is founded on
the Anthony Hope novel Of the same
name. II win also mark the first appear
ance in Washington Of Mr.. Hackett in
the roles of the Engiishman. and his
counterpart, the King. which he inter-
preted so successfully at the Lyceum
Theater twelve years ago that the play
was extended for an entire seasons run
in the metropolis, even after the younger
SOthera had taken 1t on the road. SINH
larly Mr.. Carl Ahrendt will tomorrow
night return to his original role OF Col.
sapt, the loyal old soldier who SO closely
resembled Bismarck
The play is in a prologue and four
acts. The prologue transpires in Lon
don drawing-room of the eighteenth CEN
fury where the lighted candles, and the
movement Of personages in gold laces.
coats, and knee breaches of the period,
with swords, wigs. and patches-the sup
pressed excitement and suggestions OF in
tTigue and mystery-immediatelv excites
interest which is heightened in the fol.
lowing acts, all of which transpre in the
court castles, and forests OF the fanciful
kingdom Of Ruritania a century later.
The love scenes in the play proper are
exquisite in their beauty and tenderness
ana the extraordinary popularity OF this
play when originally presented in Eng
land ana America is easily understood
when one finds II so brimful of every
thing captivating in the region OF ro-
nance and imagination The story re-
iates the adventures of RassendyH while
impersOnating Rudolf of Rurltania,
with whom he was connected by descent
and 10 whom he bore remarkable resem-
Diance. TIE King having been drugged
on the eve Of his coronation, and, being
subsequently held prisoner in the Castle
OF Aenda by his relative Balek Michasl,
aided by Rupert of Hentzau and other
aceomplices. Rassendyll assumes the
rulers place, ana with the help OF Col.
Sapt and Fritz Won Tarlenheim. holds il
three months. finally restoring the mon
drch. Michael being killed. with all know
ing the secret of RassendylI's Identity
except Rupert Of Hentzau, who escapes.
Meanwhile. during mis- occupancy OF
the throne. the Princess Flavia. the
Kings cousin and designated bride. has
FALLEN In love with Rudolf, believing him
70 be King. and he with her Rudolf
and Flavia bow finally to the necessity
or sacrificing love for duty Rudolf re-
-
the rulers bride, the only communion
ton which continues between her and the
Enghshman h-ins that once a year the
queen SEM ~sendyil a rose by the
hand of FT., with q word of greeting.
and receives tae ike from him. The play
VIII be presented with q prologue, IN
winch Mr. Hackett interprets the Red
EIphoerg' heir apparent TO the throne,
and twenty-five players have been spe-
clally engaged for the production. Miss
Mabel Roebuck. one Of the late Augustin
Days proteges. who played important
parts In support OF Ada Rehan I'D to the
time OF Mt. Days death and has since
been seen here in support Of Faversham
Willard. and other Well-knOWn stars. will
have the role OF the Princess Flavia,
while the strong dramatic character OF
Nine. Antoinette de Mauban, who loves
Black MIchaet but, fearful OF losing
MIN, counterpl0ts against his own
schemes. viii be intTUsted TO Miss Nina
Morris. Another interesting feature Of
the revival is the fact that Mr.. Carl
Ahrendt, a fine character actor. will to-
morrow night return to his original role
Of Col Sapt the old soldier Of Bis
MARKHAM mold. Mr.. Arthur Hoops will
be seen as Capt Hentzau: F. Newton
Undo, as Lord TOpham; Brigham Royce.
as Black Michael: Miss Emily Lorraine.
as Frau TeppiCh wife Of Franz: Miss
Dorothy Hammack as Countess Won
StrOfZin; Miss Marie Lewis. as Countess
Won Riesberg, and the other roles will
be interpreted by Messrs. David G. Bur
ton, Claus Bogel, T. c. Diers. J. Clean
cay Mathews, Lon Carter John Dugan.
David Harper. Henry Ames. Frederick
Holmes. John Homer and Robert orr.
Popular prices viii govern the engage
ment, with matinees on Thursday and
Saturday