The Washington herald., 1910-07-03
THE NEW THEATER.
Plans for Next season-PIays New
and Old to BE Used.

There has been a deal OF speculation
regarding the plans for the New Thea
ter's second season. Practically nothing
has been given out that will furnish
subscribers and prospective patrons with
any definite idea of what is in store for
them There is an excellent reason for
this-the director himself is not yet en-
tirely clear on this important point.
It has been announced that Maeter-
linck's 1.-THE Bluebirdp viii open the
season. It is not to be acted By the
regular New Theater company, which is
utterly unsuited to the peculiar require
ments Of the French poets symbolic fairy
play, but by a specially engaged cast
The New Theater authorities had a diff
ficuit task in negotiating successfully the
American rights of "The Bluebird." Il
was secured originally for this country
several years ago by James K Hackett,
who failed 10 produce il, however, and
who after holding it for three years al
lowed his license TO lapse.
Then for awhile nobody on this side Of
the Atlantic took the slightest interest
In the play, although il was offered 10
several prominent managers. But when
Il was produced with triumphant sue
cess last season at the London Hay-
market there ensued a mad rush for the
neglected masterpiece, with the re-
suit that fabulous terms were demanded
for an American contract Finally, after
prolonged preliminary negotiations the
prize went 10 the New Theater II is
10 be given a sumptuOus representation
Work on the scenery and costumes has
been progressing for some time
The policy Of the New Theater prohibits
the possibility of long run FOR The
Bluebird, no matter how great NAV be
the measure Of its popular success there.
1t cannot be put in the repertoire and
given at intervals throughout the season.
since that would involve the great ex-
pense OF maintaining a large organiza-
( ton that could not be utilized in any
other play Accordingly. after a few
weeks there il viii be moved down into
the Lyric Theater TO continue its New.
York run. After that is concluded II
will go on a tour OF the principal cities
under the management of the Messrs.
Shubert.
Meanwhile the New Theater viii pro-
coed 10 its regular dramatic season, with
a repertoire of plays-both new and old
Two or three of the mOSt successful Of
the past seasons productions viii no
doubt be retained But while a number
Of dramatists have delivered or have
written plays that il is expected viii
figure in the programme, It is understood
that few have yet been scheduled for
production.
The road tour OF the New Theater COM
pany came to an end in Buffalo satur-
day night with the presentation Of The
Niger" The company while on tour
has given one hundred performances and
played in fifteen different cities Win
throp Ames the director OF, the New
Theater. and Lee Shubert, business man
ager. were present The company VIII
come directly to New York The road
tour has been very successful and viii
doubtless be continued every year.
Next season three play readers VIII
replace the Office OF literary director, held
last season by John Corbin. Wander
heyden Fyles, son OF Franklin Fyles, and
Mrs John Corbin are the two names al
ready announced The third member OF
the trio has not yet been announced.
Edward Knoblauch. who is author OF
The Cottage in the Air, produced at
the theater last season. Is announced as
the possible third member.