The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-02-22
THE NEW NATIONAL.
John Drew.

John Drew.
John Drew made his first appearance
in Washington last night, publicly, in
blue, which were revealed to the gaze
OF a large and fashionable Washington
audience several times, between the in
tervals of dOf1ng and dOnning the
azure dream" OF a silk brocaded dress
ing gown. and getting in and out of a
perfectly appointed bed. Mention is made
of the circumstances as being most un-
usual In connection with Mr.. Drew's ap-
pearanee, since he is practically I'M
imaginable save in the most circumspect
of habiliments.
1t is part Of John Drews art however,
that he can do anything he tries TO do
upon the stage, with dignity and in a way
10 keep in complete rapport with his au-
dience. That he carried off the pajama
scene with delicacy and humor gees with
out saying, for in his way he is in
imitabe. He is called upon In "Incon-
slant George" his latest comedy. to do
several things not altogether conven-
tional, but he has proved his ability to
part To take a part and mold it to his
own personality is a privilege which has
been accorded John Drew for these many
seasons, but in 'InconStant George" he
has attempted TO tit himself into char
acter somewhat unlike those 10 which he
is accustomed, and he has succeeded ad-
mirably in proving his mettle.
In 'Inconstant George"-the title is a
dead give-away of the plot-he is called
upon to be a young and vacillating per-
son, sort of butterfly of love Armenia
of the will power is his disorder. as he
puts II. and after having flirted and
made love. become entangled and dex-
trously eXtricated in half dozen or
more affairs of the heart, he concefves
an infatuation for the least unconven-
tional of the lot, although. after the
fashion of Prof. Goodwillie, he enjoys
that singular sensation of being in love
without knowing who the object OF that
love Is.
Considering the source of the comedy
IL is from the Partisan Of r. de Flers
and A. de Caillavet-it is comparatively
free from suggestiveness. In fact. the
with such a dainty morsel as this play.
While there is much intrigue and love-
making. it is of the harmless sort, and
there is not a line in the piece that
would conjure up a blush to an innocent
face. That is a charm OF an evening with
John Drew and his company-they car
make you laugh in a wholesome way.
Inconstant George" is such a delight
ful and exquisite trife that il would spoil
the plot 70 recite it in detail. or even "a
hint at It's qualifications further than
already set forth. Those who esteem and
admire John Drew as our foremost come
dian do not generally think first of the
play, so long as 1t gives him an oppor-
tunity to be what they wish him to be.
Whether he is the Duke Of Killiecrankie,
the Archduke Of Pomerania. or Mr.. Par
bury. he is still John Drew, and that is
what makes his popularity. For he is 3
personality first and an actor afterward,
and one is tempted TO the assertion. with
such an example in mind. that 1t is per-
haps as big an, If not bigger, advantage
TO possess the former than 10 be the
latter.
Mr.. Drew has a keen sense OF humor
and a most expressive face. It is in
stinctively felt that he enjoys the fun
quite as much as the AUDIENCES though
he were taking each one separately into
his confidence and that he must have hi.
little joke. That he stands for the hes
culture and tradition Of our stage is i'm
portant. but more so is the fact that h,
gives delight to a select circle Of ad
mirers, composed Of those who can an
preciate hnesse and dizziness of touch. tn,
very essence OF comedy and clean sentI
ment
Miss Mary Bolsnd is a very capable
actress. She had some moments last
night when her acting was splendid
About her is an alurement, an atmos-
phere Of teasing and pIquant femininity
that is wholly delicious and practically
indescribable. A hundred different little
gestures, expressions, and moves go u
make up a most attractive individuality
Martin Sabine and Adelaide Prince head
the supporting company Both are good
as also is Desmond Kelley as a music
hall singer, Jane Laurel as the beautiful
Fanchon, one of Georges inamoratas, and
Rex McDougal as Adolphus. valet, al
though. somehow, In retrospectlon OF
impressions one loses sight of every one
except the two leading figures, who in
themselves constitute a most satisfvins
entertainment. WILLIAM osRopS