The Washington times., 1909-05-23
Three Houses Open in Con-
traSt to Condition in
Other Cities.
COMPLIMENT PAID
BY THE MANAGERS
Excellence OF Latter-Season Of
fering Is Tribute to Taste
of Theatergoers.
By ]. R. HILDEBRAND.

Washington demands theatrical enter
tsinment for the greater part of the
season, and far into the summer
months.
The capital wants this particular re-
creation despite attractions that serve
as rivals of the theaters and in the
face OF an Unborn love OF outdoor sports
that would seem to carry its thoughts
far from stageIand after early spring.
In this demand Washington differs
from other cities. IN Baltimore, in Phil
adelphia, even in New York. nearly all
the high-class houses have closed and
the season is dwindling OFF with a few
fag end burlesque attractions. AS proof
positive that the Capital is different the
Belasco has prolonged its regular book
ings to unusual length, the National and
the Columbia have supplemented their
seasons by stock productions.
Why this condition exists is hard TO
tell Perhaps it is cool weather and
rainy evenings: more likely 1t is because
washington desires intellectual stimulus
even during its vacation months.
-
White taking unto himself due honors
fer this condition. theatergoers should
note the high compliment paid them by
managers In the class of the entertain
ment they furnish
Managers aim to gauge public taste,
and it is pretty certain that if Wash
ington wanted the froth it would get 1t
without the custard. 1.-THE Witching
Hour could hardly be classed as
summer attraction" but it drew sub
stantial crowds to the Belasco every
right last week. This week The Rev
elleTs'' will have its initial production.
It s. a serious effort Of a capable actor
IN the field Of authorship.
The stock array is just as assuring.
Neither the Columbia players nor the
Aborn company are presenting offerings
that might be termed heavy but the
vehicles OF both lean to comedy Of
standard merit.
Two weeks ago the writer commented
upon the unusual achievement of the
Columbia management IN assembling a
cast OF the Columbia Players standard.
No less remarkable Is the feat Of the
Aborns In signing up for an engagement
OF a few months its present singing
stan. While the Aborns had The adj
vantage OF organization OF several sea-
sons standing they perhaps had the
harder task. For 1t is easier TO get
actors who viii fit into roles OF four
plays than II is TO get people who can
sing to advantage in four comic operas.
That the Aborn company has succeed
ssd 10 a marked degree in approximate
ing excellence in its presentations is
a1tested by crowds that have gathered
At the National Theater for the last few
weeks. The best feature OF the summer
opera season is that it has steadily i'm
proved
In adjudging this coTnpany's produc-
lions The Times has made no allowance
for hurried preparation or for reduced
prices because the offerings were uni
formly good enough to be gagged by
standard productions. When the verdict
has not been wholly favorable II was
because much was expected from this
organization
=
Though it already has a cast that
might be termed unique among wash
ington stock companies. the Columbia
will further adj to its number next
week. If the newcomers can establish
themselves as firmly in favor Of theater-
goers as Miss Julia Dean and AIexan-
der Calvert they await a warm well
come.
s
Chase's last night closed its eleventh
season. On two features Of Chase's
policy, both announced on the program
this week. hinge this theater's success.
washington has by this time come to
realize that Mr.. Chase means business
when he says that he Will exclude Of
ferings that rely on their appeal 70
nIiterate, immoral, and Indifferent pa
irons.
Nor has Mr.. Chase confined himself
20 a negative platform. The word that
spells his continued success is Improve
ment'' and announcements for next sea
con fail 10 show disposition 10 rest or