Omaha daily bee., 1909-09-26

try, one of the most delightful features of
the seasons"
In this original production of 9TH
Charity Ball." by the way, which Belasco
staged himself, Mr.. Williams created the
part Of Aleck Robinson, while Effie Shan
non played the ingenue role of Bess. These
two became members of the Lyceum com
pany at the same time. Others in the COM
pany at that time were Herbert Kelley,
who was the leading man; w.
J.. Lemoyne, Georgia rCayvan. who
was the leading lady; Grace ender-
son, Mr.. and Mrs. Charles Walcott, Nelson
Wheatcroft and Mrs. Thomas Written.
Another great advantage the stock COM
pany affords is the chance given to the au-
thor" said Mr.. Williams, after a series OF
comments as to the fortunes OF the former
members Of the Lyceum company since it's
dissolution.
when a dTamatist is at work on a play
which is Intended for a given star he is
necessarily handicapped. He is very much
like a tailor fitting a garment. On the
other hand, IL a ~well-balanced organization
is at land to perform his play he can write
IL as it comes to him, without any ~restric-
lions in the development OF any character
or scene. Writers frequently start out with
the firm intention OF making a given figure
In their play the principal character, but
how often does It not happen that, while
the story is developing under their pens,
as II were, some other character Just natu-
rally assumes more Importance or becomes
what We might term a richer part as far
as opportunities are concerned. II the play
is intended for a star this character must
be held in check and literally stunted. II
may affect the whole play. and 1t fire.
quently does. on the other hand, II a
stock company were to produce a play of
that kind, II the author could carry out
his story just as It came to him, without
any consideration for a given personality,
IL stands to reason that he could work with
greater freedom, and therefore with better
success.
And, after all, II is the author we should
consider first. is my contention. The
author must first create something, Their
the actor follows in the physical and visual
realization Of the authors intentions. and
then comes the manager and producer TO
exploit the whole before the public. OF
course, all three must work in close har-
mony for the best results, but the above
is the natural order Of things. l am, Of
course, speaking Of the legitimate drama.
Suppose there were a number Of stock
companies Of the high ealiber OF the old
Lyceum or Empire. An author could then
10 these for the production OF his plays,
instead OF depending for his success upon
fitting the eccentricities OF some individual
There has been some talk about start
ing another company like these two In New
York. Just whether the plans will ma
or when and how, l do not know.
But / hope, for the GOOD OF the drama In
as we'll as for the decided advan-
tage OF the actor, that the move will be
contaminated"
Mr.. Williams Is himself a good sxampls
OF Via the stock school can do for an
actor. During the years he was with the
old Lyceum he was the light comedian OF
the company. Today he Is playing Joe
Brooks In Paid IN Full" a character as
opposite 70 his old line OF
parts as could well be imagined. In the
presentation OF this character and In its
artistic appreciation the experience and as
sooiations OF Mr.. Williams Lyeeum days,
he Is only too ready 10 admit, have been
immeasurabls advantage 70 MIN.