Evening star., 1912-11-24
.VHERE must be moments whei

back in comparatively quiet
though revolutionary environ
ment. She passed the latter
portion OF the week In Washington dane
ing on the wreckage Of what had been
two shows. The shows were supposed to
be dazzngly swift, and in this city they
collided or perhaps II should be said, tele-
scoped One of the shows was Gaby Des-
Iys In Vera Violetta and the other was a
a large pay roll entitled ''rhe Whirl Of
Society" Both were under the manage
rnent of the Messrs Shubert. The ragtime
musician intrusted by the Messrs. Shu-
bert with the task of setting the spirit
of modern society to delicately satirical
rhythms occasionally reverted to the bass
drum and cymbal school of composition
in a way that made the whirl too vigor-
ousIy impressionistic. 1t was not a mere
whirl but tornado in which, arms, legs,
lace, stockings. Melville Ellis. scenery
voices, Lawrence D'Orsay and many other
theatrical furnishings were caught In be-
wilderment. Mr. AL Jolson played the part
of the dark cloud that hovers constantly
on the horizon.
The Messrs. Shubert. are accounted
among our most versatile producing man
agers-the dominant artistic influence of
the firm has never been located-some
say il is Mr. Lee Shubert and others
that 1t is Jake. The financial genius which
enabled them to develop their booking
offices into a studio of dramatic art has
been transmitted by their delicate and
persistent idealism into the genius of
higher poetic expression. 1t is not fair to
estimate the aspirations and personal
tastes of Messrs Lee and Jake Shubert by
"The Whirl of Society"-some people call
1t 1.-The Who'll of Society" but this is incor-
rect BY fixed devotion to the most exalted
standards they have linked their names
with those of many of the most ad-
mired and respected figures on the stage
and in many cases on terms which represent
a liberal pecuniary advantage to both
parties in the transaction. They have not
neglected literature for song and scenery.
but have left their impress on this city in
a memorable way by their collaboration
with David Belasco in producing the title
of the Belasco Theater.
In composing the show with which
Gaby Deslys appeared, some one
succumbed to temptation to which
the sensitive and ethereal quality called
temperament is ever subject and allowed
the ardor Of inspiration to become i'm
drama do not compose with mere
pen and paper. but employ ef-
fects of all kind as the artist Sc
lects colors from his palette. The pro-
ducer OF the present has in mind more
than mere words. He is carrying in his
thoughts scenery, dresses. music, every
thing that will produce an effect on the
imagination, and in the midst Of multi
tudinous concerns he should not be held
severely to critical account IL the result
proves, as in this instance, slightly
mussed up.
Gaby DesIys is representative Of the
feminine influence romantically credited
with possibilities In reconstructing the
map Of Europe. Her marvellous efficiency
In reconstructing the booking routes Of
America cannot be questioned. The indus
try with which her jewelry, her per-
sonal history and her large salary have
been celebrated render her talents, which
are really exceptional. matters of sub
ordinate consideration. She is presented
not as an artist but as celebrity
A. NJ. Palmer. who surprised an audi
ence by taking curtain call when a new
production was made under his manage
The public was supposed TO be interested
in the stage and not in its important,
but less picturesque, executive machinery.
The manager since then has forged stead
lily TO the front and attractions are
judged much by the name of the
firm that presents as by the star. COM
pany and play. The prominence of the
producing firm, whether designated as
company or by an individual name,
should be a wholesome influence
Al Woods. for instance. hade he been in
fuenced by none save pecuniary ad-
vantages, would have been content to go
on producing the raw melodramas with
which he originally became identified in
stead Of making possible a daintily hu-
morous. well cast, tuneful and altogether
agreeable creation which for want Of a
better title is temporarily known as The
Woman Haters' Club The Pretty Lit
tie Widnw'' is the title under which It is
scheduled to appear in Philadelphia this
week. II Mr.. Woods continues to ally
himself with styles Of attraction which
represent entertainment without o1ense,
his name will have considerable value as
trademark among the playgoers Of this
city.
The Trail Of the Lonesome Pine" is q
Klaw & Erlanger production which
means, first Of all, that It is q creation
of big scenic effects; work Of masses
rather than of detail. While not spec
tacular in the accepted sense OF the term,
the magnificent scenic equipment makes
the visual impression the one of most ac-
count. It overshadows some excellent
acting, at the same time softening the
influence of some that is not so good.
The effect is TO reproduce with pleasur-
able prominence the nature descript. ons
which constitute one OF the principal
charms OF the story by M-. Fox. The
appeal of the play has been variable. 1t
has not the classic consistency either in
creation or Interpretation to render its
attractions irresistible and universal Yet
it is one of the conspicuous successes of
the time.
The Drums OF Dude raised the uues-
ton OF whether Belasco is going into
vaudeville, or whether vaudeville is get
ting into Belasco. The famous producer
again demonstrates that he is a master
of dramatic cde-ts. capable to impress
within the half uour limit as in the play
OF an evenings duration The Drums