The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-02-07

Paris, Feb. 6.-Rostand's masterpiece
the "Chantler." was produced tonight
with enormous success at the Porte St.
Martin Theater.. The house was crowded
10 the very doors, It was the most bril-
liant premiere that Paris has even seen.
The women were dressed as for ball, in
gorgeous costumes. They wore bizarre
coiffures and superb jewels. Every one
was in a perfect fever OF excitement
when the knock sounded for the curtain
10 rise.
As it was about to lift CoqueIin rushed
out from behind the scenes in dress suit,
and ordering that the curtain remain low
cred, he delivered a prologue which was
delightfully."- witty.
The audience was filled with good hui
NOR. and when the curtain rose everyone
was prepared TO enjoy the performance.
The first scene, in a farm yard, was
a masterpiece of scenic art. Wagons.
flowers. cats, bird cage, and a henhouse
were of such gigantic size that all the
fowls represented looked TO be of only
normal size. while their costumes were
so exquisitely made that they appeared
natural and not grotesque. Their beaks
were on their foreheads and their voices
We're not interfered with.
Enters an Imposing Figure.
There were white hens. gray hens. and
a number of pigeons and little chickens.
all moving about and gossiping. while
cat and a dog looked on The chandcler
was the main subject of conversation,
but at his appearance all. even the gar
rulous blackbird, were reduced to silence,
for the cock is an imposing hgure. DOM
mating everything.
His friend, the dog. tries to warn him
against his enemies, but Chantcler re-
fuses to listen TO him. He considers him
self all-powerfuL Does he not make the
sun rise every day, and. in a burst OF
enthusiasm, he Tecites a hymn 10 the
sun. expatiating on its glories and his
love Of il. The house received il with
uproarious applause.
a shot is heard, and a pheasant falls to
the ground. The Cock and dog save her
from the hounds Chanucler disap-
proves of her, she she is so unlike his
gentle, complaisant hens. She rejoices
in her freedom and mocks his dignity.
might falls. and ChantiCler sees all the
inmates Of the barnyard safe at rest be
fore he retires.
Night Birds COnspire.
The second scene, a forest glade at
midnight, is also very beautiful The
night birds. gathered I'm concIave, con
spire against Chanticler Their ode to-
night is another one of the gems Of the
piece. At the first sign OF the approach
Of dawn they fly away. and Chanticler
and Pheasant enter. having a tryst.
CDanticler bids Pheasant wait with him
until daylight and see his wondrous work.
She does so. He crows as the sun rises.
and she, subjugated, nestles close TO him.
His share in the third act is I'm a gar
den. It is the "at-home" day Of Guinea
hen. A blackbird acts as butler, an
nouncing the guest generously. All the
fighting cocks have been summoned 10
gather here to kill Chanucler. who comes.
knowing their plans. They try to pro
woke him. One attacks him, but only
wounds himself and Chanticler triumphs.
This act savored so strongly of panto-
mime that it was impossible to take il
seriously. although it contained many
fine lines.
The fourth act is in the depth OF a for
est The moonlight shines on giant toad
stools and huge vines Of morning glories.
Rabbits peep from their holes, frogs Jump
from nearby pool, and nightingales
chant to the stars Chantcler and Pleas
ant ente" together. She is now Jealous Of
the Cocks love for the sun and reproaches
him bitterly Then, as she realizes that
it is almost dawn. she determines to re-
venEe herself.
FOrgetS to Announce the Time.
She tries TO divert Chanticler remind
ing him of their former happiness. and
declaring her great love. He listens for
gets. and the sun rises without his help.
Then she taunts him. Crushed and hum
bled, he turns to hide away, but the dog,
entering 10 see why he has not crowed,
bids him act as II he had done so. and re-
turn to the barnyard, growing loduly.
The Cock leaves the wood and the
pheasant, left alone. IS about to fly away.
when a gigantic net enfolds her In its
meshes- In vain she struggles. Her days
of freedom are over. but in the distance
she hears Shanicler growing triumphantIy
as the curtain falls.
Disregarding any subtle philosophical
meaning. the audience took the play as
a fantasy pure and simple, and as such
enjoyed it to the utmost, shouting ''Vive
Rostand"' Brave Coquelin" "Braveo.
Guitryr &c, at the end OF the play. out
side a tremendous crowd waited to hear
the verdict. WAS It good?" they asked
those coming out, and anxiously awaited
the reply. which was always IN the affirm
alive.
Among the distinguished audience were
Alfred Capus. Jean Richepin, Paul Adam
Rejane, and Baron Rothschnd. Nine
Rostand and her two sons were in a box.
They were apparently delighted by the
enthusiasm Behind the scenes after the
first act there was a wild scene Of low,
Rostand was almost in tears as the COM
pany congratulated him. Every one had
feared failure, which. indeed. at times
threatened to come very near. owing to
lack OF action.