Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-08-16
ADJUSTMENTS
Columbia.

That it was laughable, and therefore
enjoyable, throughout. must be the just
judgment of H. A. Du Soucbets three
act play, My Friend From india" as
presented by the Columbia Players at the
Columbia Theater last evening, for at
every stage of the performance some
funny situation or amusing characterize
ton kept somebody, and very often
everybody. oscillating between hearty
laughter and applause.
Although it has not been in plays Of the
farce variety that the Columbia Players
last year and this have won their high
standing with the theatergoing public,
yet as occasionally farce would be
served in between plays OF sentiment
they seemed to leaven the season ana
leave nothing of disappointment behind
them. So with last nights play. Even
though players adapted to other lines are
seldom successful In farces, yet the entire
Columbia company last evening seemed
to measure well up to the standard and
the players are entitled to full credit for
the audience freely gave it to them.
Blanche Hall, the new leading woman,
had but little opportunity in her role to
do more than dress well and move grace
fully through the sweep OF the merri-
ment, and this she did delightfully."-.
Phyllis Sherwood. however, as lilly,
the German housemaid, had her oppor-
tunity and made the most Of it. Miss
Sherwood has demonstrated this season
that she is very clever character &C
tress who can rise to the demands Of her
role and never overstep them.
Everett Butterfield. too, as Erastus
Underholt, the parvenu from Kansas
City, who was trying to break into
society" for his daughters sake, had the
most enjoyable part that has been al
lotted to him for some time. and he met
the requirements in every detail.
H. IL, A@Il- -&lx
man Streete. who had buried two and
yearned for third partner OF her joys
and sorrows, met the trying require
ments of her role in true artistic fashion.
Miss Melville, when herself. is not an
Arabella Beekman Streete in the remotest
degree or the minutest particular. but
her art last evening made her one OF
the approved and enjoyable type.
The same may be said Of Mr.. McAllis-
ter's ridiculous role Of Augustus Keen
Shaver, who through the vagaries OF a
dissipated young man was forced much
against his will, and really without know
ing how, to impersonate one OF those mys-
FERROUS men from India who are reputed
natural for Mr. McAilister to make a fool
of himself, and yet he had to do II last
evening or fall short of the require
ments. How well he did SO 1t were bet
ter to leave the applause of the satisfied
audience to testify.
Stanley James gave a very amusing
impersonation of the Rev James Tweedle
and reinforced his standing as one OF
the really good actors OF the company.
Florence Huntington, as Bernice Under
holt. lent the impressive force of her
personal charm to a minor role and met
its requirements adequately. Nina Mel
vile was also pleasing in the part Of the
younger sister. Others whose talent con-
tributed to the success Of the entertain
ment were Frank Shannon, Arthur
Richie. Joseph Hazleton. Frank Forces
ter and George Hoffman.
Last evenings verdict by a capacity
audience gives assurance Of another of
those weeks Of crowded houses and salts
fed audiences which have come to be
regarded as only normal at the Column
bia during its summer season.