The Washington herald., 1912-04-28

The past week in the New York thest-
rical season has been one largely OF ben
efts for the survivors of the lamented
Titanic. Producers and stars alike In
the metropolis gave their theaters and
their talents with that ever ready sym
psthy which is strong CHARACTERISTIC
OF theatrical folk.
Aside from the fact that the theat-
ricaI profession always rushes quickly to
the aid Of stricken, paramount interest
was felt in the dire disaster of the deep,
= because Il took the life of Henry B. Har-
ris as toll for his splendid heroism when
the supreme test came.
It was Mr.. Harris who tossed his wife
into that last lifeboat which left the Ii
tanic's side, taking his place beside Mai
Butt, Mr.. Straus, Mr.. Astor, and score
OF others; smiling brave farewell; calling
assurances in the face of death to his
wife, even while the shuddering tremors
of the giant ship told him that she was
in the throes Of her last struggle.
Theatrical folk have done well TO go
so splendidIy TO the aid of the rescued
Of the Titanic for it carried to his doom
a gifted follower of the Stage, and a
brave and gallant friend of Thespians
as well.
The name of Henry B. Harris will go
down in the annals of the worlds his
tory not only as one of the most success
ful Of American producers, but as one Of
the greatest heroes of our nation.
When visiting last week the Washing
ton theaters which have become the
homes of stock companies one found
ones self wondering where all the folk
came from. The Columbia Players pre-
sented Bobby Burnt to capacity
houses from the word5 go. The Butter
1ieId Players and the Poll Players were
also largely attended and enthusiastical-
ly applauded.
At the Columbia and Polls the main
chance was given the leading men Of the
respective companies. In the title role
of Bobby Burnt" at the Columbia,
Edward Hass Robins had his first really
big comedy chance since the Columbia
Players opened their spring and summer
engagement, evoking much interest and
gaining many new admirers.
The virginian." which was presented
by the Poll Players won favor with pa
irons of Polls Theater, and greatly en-
deared A. H. Van Buren to the hearts
of Washington folk. The title role gave
him ample opportunity for a manly char
scter delineation, which he in no way
neglected.
In the presentation last week of The
Spendthrift," the Butterfield Players in
troduced TO Washington theater-goers
Blanche Yurka and Donald Bruce in very
strong roles, in which they achieved re-
markable success. The only excuse for
the production Of The spendthrift" as
4 stock production is thai is was we'll
played by a well-balanced company. The
Butterfield Players work with a SYM
pathy and harmony so complete that it
makes its way over the footlights.
Speaking of problem plays, news comes
from New York that there is hope that
the eternal triangle as an axis upon
which drama turns will be suppIanted
by more mentally health-giving themes
Charles Frohman has issued statement
that the triangle of husband. wife, and
lover is dead.
The public doesn't want them" de-
clared Mr.. Frohman. Some great new
motive will have to be found"
AS a matter of fact, Mr.. Frohmsn has
already found IL. THE Spy" which he
will present in this country next season,
has as its motive love OF country.
Henry Bernstein's new play, now run
ming at the Gymnase, turns upon the
motive of love of honor and of ruth.
- The greatest successes on the European
stage to-day are characterized by their
utter absence of the time-worn triangle
of the wife, the husband, and the lover
all OF which turns our thoughts hope
fully toward fewer plays another season
dealing with domestic problems
1t would seem that the slogan of the
theatrical managers of the summer sea-
son is The more the merrier,'' for the
Academy enters the field of summer at
fractions tomorrow night, having closed
its regular theatrical season last night
with East Lynne" that fearful story
which actors and actresses seem never to
tire Of telling to equally tireless and
fearful audiences, and which managers
seem never to weary of producing. The
Academy begins tomorrow a spring and
summer season Of vaudeville at popular
prices, promising something quite worth
while in the field of vaudeville produc-
ton J. @ MANI.