Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-12-13
ADJUSTMENTS.
Belasco.


The production of a new play by Mr..
Preston Gibson presents several distinct
aspects, each entitled to respectful in
terest. 1t may be regarded as sporting
event, for Mr.. Gibson has gone in for
plays with as much enthusiasm as
turfman shows in acquiring and backing
a string of horses. Ideas are his
coursers. the theater is his race track.
and instead of lingering in the back
ground an angel he goes to the front
with the courage of gentleman jockey.
and is always up and ready for the next
race. drifting is the latest addition to
his string. which includes The Turning
Point THE Vacuum and .'Derelicts."
The production may be looked upon as
a philanthropic enterprise. for, like the
gentle hero of Leigh Hunts poem, Mr..
Gibson deserves to be- written down as
one who loves his felowmen. He mas
been to the greatest pains TO provide
amusement for mankind with little ap-
parent motive than generous desire
for that appauSe which signifies approVai
and qualification. He evidently esteems
effort for the efforts sake.
His circumstances a.e we'll known 10
be such would prevent a suspicion OF
mercenary purpose and his methods are
100 Industrious and sincere to permit MS
-
of idle vanity.
As a social occasion there is no ques-
tionng the Importance of Preston Glib
son fl st night.
AS a dramatic presentation Drifting
has qualities of substantial merit which
compel interest apart from all other con-
siderations. In structure the play mas
good proportions. reserving its big
scene" for the time when it will count
for most and maintaining an atmosphere
of verify in it's delineation of social types
and their surroundings, which at times
Is worthy of the late Clyde Fitch 1t
S EVIDENTLY Mr.. Glbson's intention to
occupy the field which Clyde Fitcn made
his own and which is at present but
scantily cultivated So long as he ad-
d esses himself consistently to this pur-
pose his work commands thought1ul dl-
tention. 1t is only when some time-non-
ored jest or some current aliuslon Is
presented with kindly intention to be
liberal in comedy that a jarring note
occurs.
\ very serious thought is introduced.
whose scientific gravity is scarcely in Key
with the picture in light tints which the
play offers. Race suicide is discussed.
but it is brought forward so abruptiy
that the auditor is made to feel almost
like an intruder in discussions CT the
most confidential domesticity Yet the
author must be given credit for navlns
avoided morbid or Grass suggest on. Inc
third act brings up thoroughly ENJOY
able scene between the clipping wife, the
reluctant lover and the big-minded nus
band. Let the "reminiscences fiend point
his relentless finger as he may Ut Is ,he
time honored function of criticism 10 Us
cover reimbursement. the scene Is one
of srrightly charm that even the broad
stroke of meIodrama gratuitously intro
duced cannot destroy.
An exceptional cast has been assembled
for the portrayal Walter Hale's quiet
force gives substance and foundation to
the story of frivolity and temptation.
Janet Sothern as the adventures gives
a clean cut and discreet performance
Frank Goldsmith was an entertaining
figure in the role of a sort of dllettante
is profoundly puzzled about what to 90
with it. A role of central Importance is
that Of the young wife, who drifts with
the tide of cocktails and champagne
among cigarette mists to the verge or
scandals whirlpool, whence she is res
cued by the strong arm of her husband
This part is assumed by Miss Edith
Luckett who brought to it a wealth of
girlish and sympathetic charm. 1t has
scenes of emotionality which might tax
the powers of a veteran actress. A par
ticularly graceful touch was lent by MISS
Luckett in a scene at the piano, IN which
the villains advances are met Dy little
phrases from popular song. The com,
pany for the most part shows unusual
capability in depicting those most diff
cult of stage types, we'll dressed and edu-
Gated human beings. Even the ilttle part
of the maid was played by Miss Grace
Morrissey in way that made 1t flash
of real humanity.
after the second act and bowed his ac-
acknowledgement of the applause. Flowers
passed over the footlights Wed IN ira
GRANGE and beauty with those which an
unusually liberal stage management hao
used in adornment of the scene
Notables from official, diplomatic and
resident society made up the major por-
ton of the audience. Looking the mouse
over, it. suggested a grand opera night:
Not only home but New York friends Oh
the playwright were present.
The box holders were the new Chief
Justice and Mrs. White, the Secretary OF
the Treasury and Mrs. MacVeagh. Mrs.
James Mcmillan Mrs. E. II. G. Slater,
Mrs. William A. Slater Mr.; and MIS-,
George Howard. Mr. John Barrett, Mr..
and Mrs. Granville Fortescue. Miss
Louise Cromwell. Mrs. r. B. Hit. Mr.:
and Mrs. Nicholas Longworth. Mr.. and
Mrs Edward B. Mclean, Mr.. and Mrs.
Guy Norman. Mr.. and Mrs William
Hibbs, Mr.. and Mrs. William J. Board
man and Mr.. and Mrs. George Marye,
and as their guests and others In the
audience there were present Mrs. and
MISS ESlklDS, MIS-. AIlHui I-Sc'
Mary Sherman McCallum. Mr.. and Mrs.
Clarence Moore, Mr. and Mrs Henry de
Sibour, Senator Warren, DR.. and Mrs.
Fremont Smith, Miss Mary Williams,
Miss Boardman, the Chilean minister
and Nine. Cruz, Mr.. and Mrs. Francis
Crownnshield, the Misses Patten,
Mrs IIoring Miss Gwynn, the Spanish
minister and Nine. Riano. Mr.. Willing
Spencer, Mrs. William Gordon Crawford,
Mrs Richardson Gibson. Mr.. w. f.. Mont
gomery, the Belgian minister and Nine
Buisseret Postmaster General Hitchcock,
Count Pourtales, Count Alexandra Won
Bernstorff, Mr.. and Mrs. Alexander Le-
care. Mr. William Bowie Clarke. Miss
'Britton, Miss Hinckley, Miss Vivian
Gould and Miss Angelica Brown of New
William f. Dennis, Mrs Charles Nelson
Ryker, Rear Admiral and Mrs. Glover, Miss
Glover. Mr.. Jerome Bonaparte, Mrs.
Richard Townsend, Mr.. and Mrs. Jo-
seph Letter. Mr.. and Mrs. Fleming
Newbold, former Senator Davis, Mr..
and Mrs. Lawrence Townsend. Miss
Townsend, Capt and Mrs Clifford
Mrs James +. Barbour, Miss Marguer-
ite Barbour. Mrs. Talmage, Miss Col
lier, Mr. Cuthbert Brown. Mr. and Mrs
Joseph Crawford. Mr.. and Mrs. Horace
Westcott. Mr.. and Mrs. Murray Cobb.
Dr. and Mrs. Loren Johnson, Gen. and
Mrs Johnston. Mrs. Summerlin. DIR.
and Mrs. Kerr, Miss Evelyn Chew
Gen. and Mrs. Gillespie and Mr.. and
Mrs William Payne Meredith.
New National.
..The House Next Door, was given as