The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-07-17

Columbia. 1.-THE Little Grey Lady"
The Casino. ....,.,,,....V Vaudeville
The expected has happened. Henry ".
Savage has been notified by the theatri-
cal trust that he must book his attrac-
lions entirely with the Shubert interests.
Mr.. Savage's announcement in June that
he would put 20 the test the right of an
independent producing manager TO book
his attractions when and where he
pleased, was bound TO bring about the
state OF affairs that transpired last week.
II was not anticipated that the trust
would allow Mr.. Savage to do as he
pleased. in defiance OF the syndicate rules
That would have meant immediate disso-
luton of the organized interests. since
other managers with just grievances and
.wavering allegiance would have been
glad 10 follow where Mr.. Savage led.
But mr.. Savage VIII not be the loser
now. Six or eight years ago he would
have been forced to play in out-of-the-
way places, in makeshift theaters, and
scarcely IN any of the large cities This
is now changed and the independents
have equal advantages with the interests.
The independents have quietly bought.
built and leased prominent playhouses.
and with admirable foresight they knew
that the theaters Cnce had there would
be no dearth Of attractions 10 NIL them.
Their acumen has been supported by
the notable list of attractions now gath
cred under their banaers-a list well able
10 cope with the opposition for public
patronage.
As repeatedly stated In this column. the
publlc's principal interest in this theatre
cal war is whether or not they are going
TO get good. clean. wholesome attrac-
tons. II plays are good and players are
clever. the public cares little as 10 the
management The association OF man.
ayers that most quickly Identifies itself
with the best features of the theatrical
game will be amply rewarded financially.
The case Of Mr.. Henry W. Savage Will
be watched with interest. however. His
reply to the syndicate has as yet not
been given pubhcity-if indeed he has
made one. He deserves considerable
credit for offering himself as test case.
One thing is certain, and that Is that
Mr.. Savage's attractions have heretofore
been the kind that made money. They
have always been above the average in
their class. and II he continues his high
standard as exemplified by his produc-
ton OF The Merry Widow" MADAM
Butterfly" and others. he might offer
them IN barn if ne had to, but the pub
JIG would still go 20 see them, for they
know that the Savage trademark means
excellence.
The midsummer season at the Belaseo
Theater came 10 an end last night. so far
as the Ben Greet Players are concerned.
To-night's concert on the roof is an in
novation that viii serve as farewell to
the Playhouse Beautiful for the season
Next seasons plans at that house are not
yet formulated. but it is expected that
the house will be under the same man.
aEement as it has been for the past five
years
Manager L. gtoddard Taylor is the ideal
of a local manager and represents his
New York firm In a manner that has won
many friends for them. Mr. Taylor's at
titude toward the patrons OF his house is
that OF a gentleman receiving guests IN
his own home. They are made 10 feel at
home, and they know that everything
that can OF should be done for their COM
fort and enjoyment will be done. The
Shuberts, who are sponsors for Mr.. Tay-
Tor and the Belasco Theater. could not
be better represented anywhere than they
are in Washington.
The season at the house has had It's
bad weeks, but. on the whole. IL car
count many brilliant successes, including
the great gala week Of grand opera, and
the superb performances by the New
Theater Company. The public and the
press alike have encountered uniform
courtesy and consideration at the BeIascc
Theater. and that Is what makes fol
friends and popularity.
The Greet Players have engagement;
elsewhere, and must leave the city FOL
the present. Mr.. Greets best perform
ances have been those of Shakespearear
plays, IN which his company Is Away:
excellent.
The discovery that there was a roof tC
the Belasco Theater came a trihe too late
since It would have been pleasanter e
view most Of the Greet productions in tbs
cooler upper stratum OF atmosphere
Next season there may be musical com
edy on the roof, with refreshments
served Ia the New York roof gardens
There is evidence that Washington coult
support such an institution. and the idei
will probably find some backing.
The Columbia Players now have tn
field temporarily TO themselves, and vii
probably run until the regular season be
gins, just as they did last season.
The Little Grey Lady" has a peculiar
interest for local patrons, since 1t wa
not only written by former Washing
ton reporter Claiming Pollock. but IL
scenes are laid in this city Julia Dean
it Is said. created the title role, ant
hence she should be thoroughly at hom
in the part during the coming week.
Actors Field Day.
On August IS, at the Polo Grounds, III
great and the near great will assemble L
aid the Actors Fund OF America. Di
NaLe. - 49, L -.