Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-02-01
ADJUSTMENTS.
New National.

Augustus Thomas latest play, The
Harvest Moon, with George Nash in
the leading masculine role, was most ia
vorabiy received last evening at the New
National Theater. AS in The Witchins
Hour" the dominant note of the piece is
the authors favorite theme, suggestion
Decked In its new finery, this old friend
appears almost a new acquaintance
but gives evidences, ever and anon, of
pleasant associations of the past. 1t Is
a fascinating theme, handled with the
fnesse of master of his craft and con-
veyed to the audience in lines that are
themselves full of serious meaning or
scintillating with repartee.
The Harvest Moon is celebrating, re-
freshing, cheering. 1t sets before the au-
dlence certain theory-whlch is new to
theatergoers unless they have seen it sx-
pounded before by Mr.. ThonlAs-and then
proceeds to demonstrate that theory.
whether or not the spectator Is convinced
by the demonstration is in a measure,
immaterial to his enjoyment OF the play.
lie can scarcely he Indifferent to the
originality of the theme, the humor of the
lines and the excellent work of the cast.
The appeal to his heart is not direct. OK
cept in scene or two, for the play is
not what is popularity known rs an
emotional one, but it does appeal and
does reach the heartily the more indi-
rect route of conviction.
Dora Fullerton is Il young girl who is
ever reminded by her Aunt Cornelia of
the unfortunate termination of her
mothers married life She is happy with
her father, Prof. Fullerton, but for the
persistent illusions of the aunt to the
immoral tendencies of her mother, who
died amid unpleasant surroundings a few
years after her divorce from the profess
sor. The aunt STILES every thought of
the young girl concerning the stage
which she believes to be her vocation. In
time, by the force of her suggestion, the
aunt has implanted in the girls mind the
belief that she cannot escape the same
tendencies that ruined her mother.
Despite this opposition, Dora has'agreed
to appear In a play by hef fiance, Mr..
Holcomb. The aunt is certain such a
course will be but the beginning of the
end. Notwithstanding the protection from
the allurements of stage life that her lover
can afford her. On the very afternoon
of the first performance of the play, in
tiuenced by family opposition and an UNI
pleasant incident at the rehearsal, Dora
decides to renounce her theatrical career
and even wreck her frances play in order
to avoid, if possible, the fate awaiting
her.
At this point the influence of Monsieur
Vavin. friend of her fathers and
celebrated author and dramatiSt of
France, begins to work for the undoing
of the false suggestions implanted in
the young girls mind by her aunt. He
demonstrates the power of suggestion and
of auto-suggeStion and eventually per-
suadeS Dora of the error of her aunts
reasoning. Then the aunt informs the
young girl that she was born ont of
wedlock after her mother had been di-
vorced from the professor. Dora is over
come by, the statement and Is convinced
that she herself is morally dead and
unable to escape her inherited tendencies.
Monsieur Vavin. however. comes to her
rescue. proves that he is her father, that
he married her mother after she had been
divorced from the professor and that she
was born in lawful wedlock. But, more
than that. he shows her wherein her am
billions for the stage are both natura,
and commendable. Dora is freed from
her self-imposed shackles, the aunt is
compelled to retire in discontinue and
the play is saved for her fiance.
George Nash as Monsieur Navin, gave
an Interpretation so finished and convinc-
ing that he had to respond to a number
of curtain calls. His work was artistic
in every detail Adelaide Nowak, as
Dora. was acceptabl John Saville made
unctuous. laughahle, lovable character
of Judge Elliott The part of the aunt
was capably handled by Margaret-Sayres,
and Stephen Wright the professor;
John Stokes as Mr.. Holcomb: Jennie
Eustace, as Mrs. Winthrop; Thomas Rus
sell, as Graham Winthrop. and Harry l..
Lang, Henri, were equal TO the de-
mands Of their respective roles.