The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-05-22

The ACCOMMODATION
The CnsinO-VaudeVilIe.
The Gayety-Burlesque.
The big Improvement in the work of
the Aborn Opera Company this season
has caused the expression OF many re-
grets that the engagement will como 10
an end next Saturday night. Not before
has this opera company given Wash
lngton such complete productions or such
a clever array Of singers and actors.
King Dodo' was favorably compared
by the crowds who saw it with the bet
ter class of travelling comic opera pro-
auctions whose prices are twice those
OF the Aborns.
robin Hood" a perennial favorlte. is
sure to give the company a rousing send
of. George rockingham has, OF course
been engaged. We say "of course be-
cause no one else ever plays Friar Tuck,
or could, for that matter. Is there any
body in Washington who ever saw the
role played by somebody beside Froth-
ingham?
The Aborn management viii offer a
season of grand opera, beginning with
May 80. The success Of popular-priced
grand opera IN Boston. Immediately fol-
lowing two rival engagements Of high
priced grand opera, has proved one OF
the most gratifying artistic events Of the
season. It shows that grand opera has
begun % appeal 20 all classes. The
handsome new opera house that Henry
Russell built in Boston was packed at
every performance by the Aborns.
Whether or not Washington will sup
port a warm-weather season OF grand
opera or not is problematical, but one
thing Is certain. and that is the Aborn
company is now in full possession OF the
confidence OF the local public, and what
ever they propose doing will command
respectful consideration.
The Ben Greet Players made a favor
able impression on their initial perform
ance. Mr.. Greets artistic ability Is so
strongly developed and his intentions are
so Iaudable that il is unfortunate that
his Interpretation OF Tony Lumpkin did
not wholly accord with the best critical
views It was. however, an interesting
experiment. this avoidance Of the horse
play and eighteenth century foolery and
20 modernize the pace Of the play. but
the results were not entirely compatible
with the best traditions of "She Stops
TO Conquer" That the opportunity TO see
a performance Of THE Merry Wives Of
Windsor" a play seldom seen here. was
eagerly grasped goes without saying
Having already established himself as
a prime Washington favorite, Mr.. Greet
has no fear that his engagement will not
be accompanied by profit 10 himself and
his audiences. The educational value Of
his productions is very high, indeed. and
they make a profound impression on in
telligent play-goers. The prevailing taste
for revivRls OF classical comedies and
clean plays Of well-known excellence is
due. in a large measure, TO Mr. GreeCs
efforts in the past. He identified himself
with a lofty purpose. which has suddenly
become a popular desire. Hence he isl
amply prepared TO meet the demand.
Miss Julia Dean wore very handsome
gown I'm the third act Of "The New York
Idea last week at the Columbia The
fact is mentioned because part of the
realization OF the role is in dressing It
suitably Cynthia Karslake. the leading
character I'm the Langdon Mitchell play,
is supposed 20 be a very rich New York
society woman. Therefore. no gowns
would be too handsome or fashionable /
TO aid in making the picture perfect. It
is the business Of the actress TO see that
her gowns match her part. Often the
requirements Of a role Of this kind make
quite a drain upon the purse Of a player.
and I'm a stock engagement. when IL is
considered bad taste 20 wear the same
costumes in more than one play. an act
rcss. particularly If she plays leading
parts. is often put 10 her wits end 20
furnish herself with a wardrobe.
Miss Deans Cynthia was not a care
full or finished portrayal, but the fact
that she had practically no time for re-
hearsals is sufficient reason for over
looking this fault Last season she usu-
ally came on Monday night letter per-
feet and gave an intelligent performance
of each of her widely different roles. and
as long as she can do this her value as a
stock actress is considerable. I
The New York Idea" is not a play. but
a collection Of smart sayings and a gal !
lery Of artificial types. It's appeal to an
audiences sympathies is practically nil. /
for its sole hope Of success lies in the
ability OF the players 20 put over the |
crisp, cracking, and often venomous dia- !
logue. Either the Columbia Players were !
not equal to their tasks. or the audiences
last week could not quite comprehend |
the values Of Mr. MitchelPs dissertation; |
but whether either or both Of these rea-
sons existed, the fact remains that "The |
New Idea" is not an ideal play for a I
stock company. Summer audiences seem
20 want sentiment, not cynicism.
One Of the big white stones which mark ,
the season Of 1909-1elO is the return to the /
safe and sane-otherwise the intelligent /
form Of entertainment Shakespeare and /
grand opera, to say nothing Of lesser /
classics. have held the center Of atten-
ton. The indecent play, the vulgar com
edy, and the weak and trashy musical
hodge-podge have all gone to smash to-
gether, and series Of dignifed and ar
tistic performances Of clean. wholesome.
and intellectual plays and operas has
brought the public taste back to where it
rightfully belongs. Art was never so
hourishing as now, and next season ought
to show the blossom Of refined taste in
fun flower and perfume.