The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-11-07
Two Character Actors

II was a coincidence that May Robson
and J. L. Dodson should have been
playing in Washington last week.
each at the head Of COM
pany The association OF these two
players, as members OF Charles Froh-
mans Empire Theater Company. a de-
cade ago, is one OF Washington's best
theatrical recollections. That organiza-
ton was, in its way, at the very pinnacle
of the dramatic profession in the United
states, and its disarmament In favor OF
the now omnipresent starring system
was not only a source OF regret 20 the
lover OF artistic and harmonious produc-
tons but a distinct loss 70 the actors. to
whom il was training school OF highest
quality.
Miss Robson has an honorable record
OF long line Of character roles She is an
actress who has never been misled 10y
the desire 20 do something she was not
capable Of She knew that her forte lay
IN the line Of unique characterizatons.
and she has stuck 10 that and perfected
herself, SO that she now enjoys the lead
ing position on our STAGE I'm this class
of parts. In Clyde Fitch's Bohemia" in
Liberty Hail." IN The Conquerors. {"
in Sowing the Wind" In Lord and Lady
Algy," and I'm the various burlesQue roles
which she created at Weber * Fields
Music Han. she was building for herself
the fame upon which she now bases her
claim TO star at the head Of her com
pauy.
BY creating Aunt Mary, who lasted
through three seasons and attracted large
audiences all that time. Miss Robson
has proved that the public does not OF
necessity demand that its fayorites shall
belong 20 one class. The struttng lead
ing man and the s.mperiug ugcnue or
the passionate emotional lead may all
star and have a following Why not the
character OF old woman? The answer
is The Regeneration Of Aunt Mary
with May Robson very much In evidence
as a prime favorite.
Her success is richly deserved. for her
work is distinguished by a thuroughness
and finish that makes # hardly acting at
all. but a living embodiment of a type
that appeals to every one. Her Aunt
Mary is in many respects the best char
acter she has ever done, and the state
ment is made IN the face of a personal
| knowledge Of the parts she has created
and succeeded IN
J. Z. Dodson can match the career OF
/ Miss Robson. almost part for part His
work with the Empire Theater first
brought him into prominence on this side
! Of the Atlantic Like Miss Robson, his
were character roles, in which ne eX-
/ celled. His fncsse and deIicacy OF de-
! lineaton, the absence Of heroics or strain
/ ing after false effects, gave his work a
| prestige that he has since enjoyed to the
utmost. His characters are natural, and
/ his makeup at all times suggestive OF
/ people in real life. Although often called
/ upon 20 play comedy Of a broad nature
/ notable IN Gilletts Because She Loved
/ Him So" he has always kept himself
/ well in check. and scored more by quiet
means than 10y boisterous
] Mr.. Dodson' Sir John Cotswood. In "Tht
| House Next Door" shows him at his best
] He runs through a considerably varylne
strata Of emotion. al the way from gay
\ to grave He makes the irascible old
gentleman a childish character. toward
whom one feels somewhat the same as
toward baby. There is the desire Il
shake and caress by turns. Although
given some unpleasant things 10 say
Mr. Dodson makes his character sa,
/ them with the least possible chance Of
their giving offense
We were fortunate 10 have had the op
portunity last week TO compare side b,
side. two such splendid actors as Mis-
Robson and Mr.. Dodson. They ma,
never act together again. but what al
admirable pair they would make, Gu
stage may well take pride in them both