The Washington times., 1911-02-07
WELCOME IS GIVEN
TO THE STRANGER
Wilton Lackaye and Muriel
Starr Figure in Cast of
New Play.

Washington's reputation for hospital
ity has again been demonstrated. A
cordial greeting was extended to The
Stranger" ut the Columbia last night.
though il came without credentials or
record of past performances.
This stranger, a comedy drama in
'hree acts. from the pen of Charles Da-
zey, presenting Wilton LaCkaye and a
supporting cast that included Muriel
Starr, had its premiere last night, and
the appreciative reception accorded it
was a most auspicious launching.
There was nothing forced in the ap-
plause of the first nighters, and what
ever the merits of the newcomer may
be II created u favorable impression
that must have been very encouraging.
particularly to its author, who witnessed
the initial production.
On Dangerous Ground.
In choosing the subject for the play
the author was treading on dangerous
ground. Pickles and progression versus
traditions, Southern pride, prejudices,
and the other handicaps under which
the old South has developed into the
new, provide material. Very easily
might prejudice again have been awak-
ened had the author handled his char
acters or subject-matter differently, but
there is little of the caricature in the
people he presents, and nothing Often
sive
Comedy is not the predominating fea-
ture in The Stranger" but there are
enough occasions given for laugh for
leavening, and the heavier moments are
well balanced.
The theme centers about the sale
of the home of the Warringtons, an
old Virginia family. in Danville, Va.
Theophilus Pinkney, an old friend of
the family who is in love with Cen
eral Warrington's niece and who has
gone into the pickle business and
prospered. at the opening of the play
is seeking to buy in the Warrington
incidentally to secure a right of way
for his proposed electric line into
Danville The Carriers, leading citi-
zens and owners of the mule car line
of the town, are lined up against him,
"barnacles in the way of progress"
Then the stranger appears on the
scene. This stranger. John Marshall,
is none other than a poor house rat"
of former days. now a wealthy New
Yorker, who has come back to pay a
debt of gratitude to General Warning
ton incurred during his unhappy boy
hood and also to try to win the gen.
erals daughter to whom young Car
ter thinks he is engaged.
Laughs Leaven Action.
In the fight which follows young
Carter resorts to underhand methods
to defeat the stranger. bribes Fred
eric TerriIl, whom Marshall has en-
ployed and almost wins out.
Eventually the taint on Marshall's
parentage is cleared up and a salts
factory ending of all complications is
found.
AS the stranger Lackaye has an in
teresting role, and save for a certain
stiffness which seems inherent with
him, he gives a satisfactory rendition.
In the scene in which he denounces
his enemies, he does excellent work,
and while some fault might be found
with the author for the broadness of
the climax, no criticism of the stars
portrayal can be made.
Mr.. Lackaye's supporting cast is
strong and even. Possibly the most
interesting figure in the support is
Murief Starr, SO well remembered here
for her excellent work in "The Storm
last season. While Miss Starr's pres
ent role is hardly commensurate with
her ability, she handles 1t without
affectation and so naturally as to
make II very attractive.