Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-04-16

A is varied in its tastes, as II
should be. AS reluctant spring
season progresses the commu-
nifty modifies its pursuit OF diversion "lth-
out in a manner which enlarges Its scope
of appreciation instead OF restricting II
The tan of the grand opera directors
baton and the resounding thwack OF the
hall player's bat compete. and respect Is
not denied to either Of1cial recognition
Is extended no less to Massenet's music
than to Milan's one-handed catch.
The French Opera Company Is winning
regard as an institution In this city. The
love of grand opera here is well known.
and the readiness to support competent
ORGANIZATIONS for its Interpretation has
been demonstrated frequently. Yet no
systematic scheme of presentation has
been undertaken which will enable the
public to depend on an annual season
with eminent singers in great standard
compositions. The enterprising Mr.. Ham
merstein once suggested the possibility
Of undertaking to provide Washington
with grand opera, but his proposition
sifted down to the assurance that e the
CITY would capitalize an enterprise Of the
Kind he would consider a proposition to
manage it. The success of the French
Opera Company is the more remarkable
because the organization appears entirely
on its merits. independently of sensation
al appeals to publicity.
Mr. Belasco again brings a new play
to Washington, though not TO the theater
which bears his name. The complexities
of theatrical booking are hard to follow,
but the presentation of a Belasco work
at the New National Theater is complete
evidence of a reconciliation such as some
seasons ago seemed impossible.
In the varied April menu submitted,
moving pictures played an important
part. Mr.. Lyman Howe should be given
credit for having developed this form
of entertainment to high degree of
interest along lines that are always
novel and to great degree ar
tistic. Mr.. Howe does not appear in
person to charm and instruct his audi
ences. but the portraits with which he
is almost as liberal as with his auto
graphs reveal an interesting fact He
is the only moving picture man Of dis
tinction who does not wear pointed
whiskers- The pianist who accom-
panies Mr.. Howe's mammoth. yet re-
serving of more attention than he re-
ceives. He is humorous as we'll as in !
dustrious and keeps the ear alert for |
the little melodic quips which he in |
terpolates with dextrous felicity. It is
we'll worth the Journey to the theater
to see the monster steamship making
its stately journey into the waves to
the tune of ''Slide, Slide, Keep on a
Sliding"
Mr.. Howes defiance of custom in
coming forth as a beardless motion
picture man is equaled by the cour-
ageous candor OF another gentleman
whose eminence in the amusement
world is Of longer duration. Mr.. Dan
lei Frohman has published a book of
stage "reminiscences in which a frontis- |
piece picture Of himself calls attention
TO the fact that he is the only man
ager who allows the public to know
that he is bald-headed. Mr.. Frohman |
does not shrink from the camera;
neither does he wear a toupe. Further
on in the book he displays additional |
hardihood by referring to William Col
Her in cold type by his former name
of Willie"
The season Of the stock COMPANY IS at
hand In fact. the Majestic Theater has
already invaded the field. The Columbia
Theater has come to regard the winter
season almost as a hazardous interrupt
ton of the assured prosperity which at
tends the efforts of its own organization
Were it not for the unfathomable in
fuences of the current booking systems
1t is likely that the Metzerott manage
ment before this would have reverted to
~ ~,&t E1l
permanent company. Custom is said to
move in cycles. Though it is unlikely
that the star and combination arrange
Ecnt. which now prevails will be wholly
superseded, il is obvious fact that
each season sees a strengthened popular
sentiment in favor OF local production.
The National Thea-er has an arrange
ment with the Aborns which is in effect 4
compromise between the stock and the
travelling company system. its simultaneous
engagements in several places enabling II
TO send well rehearsed ensembles from city
TO city The Belasco Theater promises to
add it's share TO the stock company ac-
tivities. and there is every prospect that,
in the event of prolonged extra session
of Congress. the cares OF craftsmanship
will find abundant opportunities for re-
Taxation. PHILANDER JOHNSON.
DENAAN THOMPSON. - Denman
Thempson's last appearance on any stage
was at the Columbia Theater In TINS
city the evening OF November s. in 1.-THE
Old Homestead
The play had been running through the
week. with Mr. Thompson appearing in
the first and last acts. 1t was after
the first act Saturday evening, when
Mr. Berger. the manager OF the theater,
was hurriedly sent for. He went to
Mr., Thompson's dressing room and found
han almost in state of collapse I'm
feQling very badly. Mr.. Berger" he said
-'Efeally do not believe I shall be able
TOGO again. but what will the peo-
DID thnk?' My dear Mr.. Thompson"
Answered Berger. there is no reason
in7.the world why you should go unless
y6n absolutely want to, and are able to.
The people know you and there isn't one
who would say a word II he knew you
felt badly. By all means go home and
rest yourself Well answered the
veteran actor. 'Tf you think SO 1 believe
/ will. I'don't want to disappoint any
body. but l am feeling very ill.," And
so he went to his hotel
1t was his last appearance in his favor
lite old play, in which he had charmed
thousands. a play" which he said In
an interview during the week. Ito which