Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-04
ADJUSTMENTS.


The appeal to discriminating and sub
stantial interest in the theater Is strong
at the Belasco Theater this week.
Shakespeare" which spells ruin" when
indifferently done, no less mistakably
spells success" when proffered with
modern consideration for detail, as Well
as with scholarly enthusiasm. The scant-
ly supported theory that Shakespeare
worked without scenery has been made
the traditional excuse for much barn
storming inadequacy of equipment. The
Sothern- Marlowe production seems in
every shifting of stage picture to breathe
contradiction of the idea that the au-
thors Imagination was content with bare
walls and p!acards. The skill displayed
in color schemes. lighting effects and
architectural reproductions gives the
presentation an appeal to the eye whlch
greatly enhances its artistic quality Inc
pictures alone give 1t value as the paint
er's Shakespeare, just as MIR. Sothern S
finely studied technique makes it the
actors Shakespeare and Miss Marlowe S
splendid reading makes 1t the poet
Shakespeare. With such equipment
for its presentation no shade of meaning
in the text. however subtle, escapes in
slant calculation. Instead of being a
study more or less hindered by archaic
forms. the play is as direct in its appeal
10 interest as III IL ndu Deen lOl
the current stage.
4 performance of Romeo and Juliet
that thoroughly satisfies the eye. the ear
and the intelligence is an achievement
for which generations may wait In vain.
The SothernMarlowe Interpretation is
beyond question the most satisfying
evolved in many decades. The play is
many sided. Amid its poignant tragedy
scenes of broad farce provide sudden
contrast. and its dialogue has swift
flow of sparkling badinage- Character
types which. despite the lapse of CEN
turtles. are warm with the common i'm
pulses of humanity call for company
whose members are capable of effacing.
for the moment, the distinctions of star
and support. A performance of Romeo
and Juliet" without dashing Mercutio.
for instance. would be sadly incomplete.
and the vivacious yet discreet enactment
of this role by Mr.. Frederick Lewis as
sisted in no small degree toward the
symmetrical Interpretation of this i'm
mortal stage poem. Mr.. William Harris
met the responsibilities OF the role Of
Friar Laurence with dignity and poise
comforting lack of those absurdities
which arise when incompetence intrudes
itself from minor sources.
Mr.. Blackstone. as Peter. and Mrs.
Woodward. as the nurse. were notably
efficient. the former perhaps less in ac-
cord with the foolish spirit of the part
than he might be were he less capa-
BILE exponent of more robust moods.
A large audience was in attendance
and the occasion was a continuous ova-
tion for the two players whose names
lead this exceptional enterprise. Mr..
Sothern realized the spirit of youth both
in makeup and manner with marvellous
proficiency. and the transition from deli
cate sirlishness to resoute womanfood
was portrayed by Miss Marlowe with
that completeness which causes the
actress to be forgotten and leaves the
character the absorbing figure in the
auditors attention.
1t was a .most suspicious opening Of
an engagement which employs the stage
IS a means of expressing the highest
forms of thought. the most graceful Gre
ations of fancy and the most powerful
appeals TO human sympathy. Romeo
Pnd Juliet Will be repeated tonight.
THE Tanning of the Shrew," Hamlet
and The Merchant of Venice will fol-
low