Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-05-13
A N U S EN- E Mt
The New Theater.

had to attain practical knowledge of the
WORKINGS of that much-discussed enter
prise THE New Theater," was presented
last night at the Belasco Theater. with
the performance of Twelfth Night by
cast whose equal it is not unreasonable
To believe has not been, and will not be,
surpassed in the entire history of the
play. The scholars patient scrutiny and
intimate understanding of the text found
vivid expression with artistic enthusiasm
unhampered by u lack of material re-
sources in any particular. The represen-
tation was not only confident and force
full In its general quality. but exquisite in
detail, down to the smallest syllable of
speech or the finest establishment of
scenery or costuming.
The delicate fancy which plays with ir-
ridescent lightness through the entire
comedy is in most presentations only par
TALLY reflected. With a competent Viola,
sufficient MalvOlio and a pair of reliable
Old comedians for Sir Toby and Sir An
drew. the ordinary asSemblage of players
reels literally equipped for the piece. IT
the other parts are we'll played SO much
the better: but uniform efficiency is too
difficult an ideal to be Systematically at,
tempted.
In the list of Twelfth Night" charac-
tiers there is a priest. Ordinarily he is
overlooked. for his lines are few and his
junction In the plot is slight. He does
no more than to announce that the mar
rlage of Viola and Sebastian has been
performed. Yet this role, when it's turn
comes to briefly dominate the scene, be-
comes. as portrayed by Mr.. De Cordoba
a figure of poetic beauty and classic
dignity. When SO subordinate an element
OF the presentation commands respect by
NOTABLE proficiency there can be no higher
praise than to say that every parsonage
or the play maintains a corresponding
standard. according to the measure of re-
sponsibilitY Every part is distinct
character study, and the scenes, with
their wealth of pictorial charm, are as
fascinating as if series of magnificent
paintings had been awakened to sentence
and motion.
The stage management of Mr.. Louis Cal
vert is the expression of an art rather
than of profession. The subtitle of the
play here. What You WILL" reveals its
full significance, for it is not merely a
love story finding it's sentimental climax
In the recitation by Viola of the lines be-
ginning, 'She never told her love-" nor
only farce, with the duel between Sir
Andrew and Sebastian as it's eliminating
comic episode. 1t reflects every mood
which the theater Is called on to express
from the adventures of melOdrama to the
travesty which saurizes contemporaneous
events; for who shall doubt that the alb
surdities of MalvOlio burlesuued the fash
ions OF the Elizabethan day. or that his
career rldlculed the aspirations of some
unpopular figure at court.
Mr. Oswald Yorke's impersonation of
the vain steward is wonderfully con-
s1stent and well studied work. He neither
hroadens it SO far as to place it beyond
the pale OF human probability, nor does
the foOlery of the clown during the prison
scene a discOrdant interruption of q
tragic moment. Mr.. A. E. Arson gives
to the role of the duke fine legitimate
quality, his splendid reading being forti-
fed by a most musical voice and grace
ful carriage. Mr.. Lee Baker gave a vir-
lie and robust yet we'll modulated por-
trayal of the sea captain. and Olivia, as
represented by Leah Bateman. was no
less charming to the intelligence than to
the eye.
Miss Annie Russell contributed the
strongest note of individuality in the cast
the role, while preserving its traditional
plquant viVacity. being more or less sub
proved identity. OF the low comedy char
acters. each seemed to vie with Malvolio
for precedence. Louis Calvert. as Sir
Toby, the ponderOus reveler: Ferdinand
Gottschalk, as the wispy Sir Andrew. and
Jessie Busley, as the mischievous maid,
In turn gracefully yielded commanding dis
tinction in scenes Of irresistible humor.
An important feature was the rendering
OF the Elizabethan verses and melodies,
without which no production which as
sumed to give the early English auditor
what he would could be complete
Though dependent at times on voices not
especially trained to singing. they were
given with a polish that made spontaneity
more than compensate for lack of secure
musicianship In vocal execution. The
closing ditty. led by the delightfully."- droll
Feste. a creation which revealed Mr..
Jacob Wendell most happily. was a de-
licious combination of music. dance and
pantOmime, fitting close to a presenta-
ton whose merits are so numerous that
their full discussion would require many
columns of type.
The production last night placed the
New Theater on a footing in this city
such as had been attained by no other
organization that has visited the Wash
ington stage. It's repertory for this en-
gagement is one which reflects only the
classic and traditional aspect Of the en-
terprise. 1t challenges none of the con-
trOversy which must arise when modern
themes make sociology rather than art
the purpose of the enterprise. 1t i'm
presses the conviction that it's undoubted
success in presenting the drama for its
own sake. apart from argumentative sug-
gestion. is well worth the enormous cap
italiZatiOn of brains and money which it
represents.
The lists of players and the dramas
selected promise series of presentations
no less gratifying than that Of last
night.