Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-03-01

ter had all the characteristics of a Fitch
play, including Dolly Warden furniture
An auditor is sure to find something
dlVerting in piece by this prolific dra-
matist. He ranges through society from
the slums to Newport, and in THE Sis
ter weaves the web of sentimental imagi-
nation around the middle classes" If
you are not particularly struck by THE
sister you may find sonnet thing more to
your taste in the Fitch line later on. This
indefatigablc playwright is pretty
sure to give audience something we'll
worth while. at least once in n season
He Is little behind his average at pres
ent. and in the parlance of the gamesters,
he is due.
PIiILANDER JOHNSON.
II PAGLIACCI."-A novelty of olga
Nethersole's engagement at the New Ma
tionai Theater. will he the first perform
ance in Washington. Wednesday and
Thursday evenings of Charles H. f.:
Brookfield's Il Pagliacci =
1t is said that the Eng .sh author has
awaited himself of the same source for his
inspiration as did the Italian composer
Leoncavallo who borrowed the plot of his
opera from an Italian drama that was
popular in the sixteenth century.
The story of the play. which is con-
tanned in two acts, relates to band of
Italian strolling players headed by one
Cavio, the somewhat elderly husband of
hts young actress wife Media, whom he
forced into matrimony as the price of re-
manning with the troupe. In certain
village Media meets her former sweet
heart. Silvio. who had known her prior to
her stage career. They discover that the
embers of their love have not burned
themselves out and Silvio's first thought Is
to run away with Media. Tonic the de
formed comedian of the band. has for d
long time secretly loved his masters wife
and he now declares himself to her He
overhears an interview between Media
and Silvio and, like Iago, proceeds to drop
poison into the ear of Medals husband,
whose jealousy he finally succeeds in
arousing. The selected performance of
the troupe that night is the comedy
.Punchenello's Wife. OF the Deceived
Husband. CaVio. during the progress of
the play. bursting with jealous rage, inn
plores Media to deny his suspicious. I'm
able at first to understand his meaning.
she thinks that he has gone mad, until
finally the truth dawnS upon her. when
she proudly defies him. Then happens the
tragedy that brings to a close one of the
most profoundly dramatic stage stories
ever presented in modern times.
What will greatly enhance the interest
in Miss Nethersole's presentation of this
powerful play will be the fact that the
music used all through the performance
was written specially for her by Leonca-
Vallo the noted composer OF tine opera OF
II Pagliacci.' The arrangement of the
music differs very materially from that
of the opera. and at least two numbers
are bound to meet with great favor by
music lovers. In act one there Is a pro-
cession of priests, acolytes. deacons and
villagers celebrating the feast of the as
sumption. and as they march across the
village square they sing splendid reli-
gious number. which is said TO be written
i'm the masters best style.
ELEANOR ROBSON is PAINTING
Those who know her sweet and womanly
grace her charm of manner and agree