The Washington herald., 1909-05-09
Between Seasons.

Now that the regular theatrical season
has come 70 an end. so far as Washing
ton Is concerned, and with one or two
exceptions. such as for The Lamb
GambOL the frst-cIass theaters viii close
their doors TO travelling companies until
next September. the attention OF the
theater-goer is turned in the direction Of
such amusement as IS at hand.
Fortunately for Washington, there
promises 70 be no dearth OF hot weather
entertainment Already two OF the
houses have established themselves with
spring attractions which viii run well
Into summer. N fact. the first year that
the Aborn Opera Company came to the
National Theater It remained until
August which vas a remarkable run
Tor summer theatrieaIs in this city. Wash
1ngton people for the most part do not
aezve town. except for limited vacations.
The large number OF people who are en-
DloyeG by the government. and who are
consequently unable 10 get away from
their work except for the allotted thirty
days. have 10 have some form of amuse-
1nen1 for the time they are forced 10 re-
main In the city.
Cool. well ventilated theaters furnish
Just The proper attraction for an evening.
especially in 2 city where pleasure parks
and out-Of-Soor amusements are scarce.
There IS another side 20 the advantage
Of popular priced between-season attrac-
7ions. Many persons OF limited means,
who could not afford TO pay the prices
charged for the winter performances, are
through the stock companies enabled to
see standard plays and hear successful
sight operas az prices within the reach
OF all Because q play or an opera be
Acomes the property Of q summer stock
company for q week. there IS no reason
70 suppose that the vehicle is any the
Tess interesting. Musical comedies and
operas are kept UP TO date by good come
'dians. so far as the comedy IS concerned.
and good music cannot IN itself grow
stale No one would be so unreasonable,
either. as TO suppose that stock company
Is lacking in the intelligence necessary TO
produce and interpret one OF the success
ful plays OF the day The companies are
as a rule composed OF actors and act
resses who work all through the regular
season IN frst-class road companies.
They have had the advantage Of training
under capable stars and stage managers
and in most instances have been intrust-
ed with important roles
Any disposition 70 minimize the grade
Of intelligence represented by the sum
mer dramatic or opera companies arises
from lack Of knowledge It IS true that
the audiences that frequent between-sea-
son theatrical performances are usually
composed Of people who do not regularly
,patronize the theateTs in the winter sea
son. although this IS by no means a set
rule But it IS also true that the audi
ences contain people OF taste and dis
elimination who simply take advantage
OF moderate prices. OF q chance to see
OF hear some old favorite revived These
people always welcome the advent OF the
post-season stock companies and follow
the progress OF the performances with
quite as much enthusiasm as the first
uighter" evinces IN the autumn openings
and perhaps with more genuine interest
The stock companies are deserving Of
respectful attention. because they serve
the useful purpose OF entertaining when
material for entertainment would be 9th
erwise lacking. and because they help the
city 70 keep awake at q tine when II
has every disposition and encouragement
10 lapse into a peaceful slumber. from
which only the first gun OF the coming
season can awaken II.