Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-05-14
ADJUSTMENTS


The Butterield Players at the Be
| lasco Theater last night overcame many
| obstacles that might have overwhelmed
| less ambitious company in giving
creditable presentation of Justin Huntly
| McCarthy's romantic and much-admired
play, IF l Were King" Delays in the
preparation of the lavish stage settings
| that prolonged King Louis pardon of the
rhymester and swordsman, Francois
VillOn, until close to midnight and un-
avoidable accidents that will happen in
the best regulated families. such as
lusty cheer from the mob at the most
solemn moment of the climax and the
tumbling of a music rack in the midst OF
one of the intensely dramatic passages,
did little to lessen the appeal of the play
to the capacity audience. Every member
or the company was feryent In ad-
herence to his or her part and to the gen.
eral spirit of the romantic days in the
court OF Louis NJ that each snatched the
laurel of applause and admiration just
when gr.nning fate seemed determined to
withhold Ii.
1t was with an admirable show of am
bition that the Butterfield Players un-
dertOok the presentation of this play that
Is so closely linked, in memory, with the
highest ideals Of dramatic ability and
that demands SO much in the way OF
elaboration in settings. the number of
characters and the length and delicacy
OF Interpretation of several roles. Run
ming the risk of a loss of favor through
the smashing of ideals that surround the
play, the revival by the stock company
will add to the number Of its friends
among local theatergoers. The company
demonstrated, to those who never saw the
great SOthern in the dOublet and hose OF
Francois Villon. why this play is so often
spoken Of In glowing terms Of praise; and
1t pleasantly revived old memories for
those who saw the earlier productions
The Francois Villon Of Everett Butter
field was as dashing and as romantic as
OF yOre, except that his lines seemed to
lack the smoothness and ease that are
only to be obtained by much rehearsal or
repetition. Pressed by the responsibilities
of dictatorship Of a stock company, and
working in the midst of a stock season
that demands the portrayal of a new
part each week, Mr.. Butterfield gave
remarkably finished portrayal: and ia
miliarity with lines and scenes. which
will come through more presentations,
will SO improve his work that his Fran
co.'s Villon will be regarded as one Of his
most successful roles.
Miss Jane Marbury's debut was aus
principal role, she. had one big scene as
Hugette du Hamel. and played IL with in
tense dramatic effect. Miss Marbury
showed a keen appreciation of the ex-
pressiveness of the voice as an aid in
presenting emotion. Her work last night
indicates that the strength of the COM
pany has been increased.
Miss Nina Meville's beauty and charm
seemed to fit her especially for the role
of the queeniy Katherine de Vaucelles,
with the greatest responsibilities intrust-
ed to her this season. Her friends are
saying today II told you So in comment
ing upon her success. To say that Wal
ter Wilson played the role of the selfish
puppet. King Louis XII with his usual
finish is only another way Of remarking
that the part was in most competent
hands. And Anna Bates continued hor
good work by sympathetic portrayal of
Mother Villon.