Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-12-29

..Phaedre," his being the first modern
play to be given there.
This was followed by a revival of Rich
ard MansfieId's Beau BrummeI, IN
which Mr. Hackett scored an artistic
triumph and firmly. established himself
as a star He has also won distinction
as a lecturer on the drama and Shakes
peare. "#
FAIRIES FOR GROwN-UPS.-Last
summer Mr. Belasco said he would pro-
duce -four plays within the year. With
THE Governors Lady and "The Case
of Becky established New York sue
cesses, he departed from his line of
serious plays and produced a delightful
comedy, Years of Discretion" Still in
playtime mood, he now flies far from old
dramatic associates and consorts with
fairies. And yet his purpose is not as
frivolous as might appear, for "A Good
Little Devil was chosen by him as the
last of this quartet of productions because
he considered it a good play.
While 1t : Is about children and. their
| fairy friends and has children in the
| cast. it's strongest appeal is expected to
| be. to grown-up people who will appre-
ciate the charm of the story, it's symbol
ism, its quaint Characterization and,
above all. it's magnetic appeal to that
hungry longing in the heart OF every
Human being whether old or middle
tagged. that he might become a child
laeain. 1t is said "A Good Little Devil
answers, this call, and while it's gro
/ tesuueries will delight children. its
bigger thought will charm and satisfy
adults.
I'm Bon Petit Diable'' was written
l. by Nine Rosamonde Gerard (Mme
Rostand) and her son, Maurice Rostand.
They are the wife and son of the inn
mortal member of the academic whose
"Cyrano de Bergerac, IL A1glon and
| "Chantecler" have so enriched modern
French dramatic literature. The inten-
tons which Rostand's wife and son
say they had in writing this fairy play
were charming, indeed.
1--WE read this little fairy tale" they
said, ito four little girls. who found 1t
amusing. We look solely for the APP
prevail of the children, and we would
! like to form a sort of Rose Library Cor
library of works for those of tender
years. for the theater such as al
ready exists for the novel. Our ambl-
tions end there"
! But if it was there that their ambi-
Itions ended their results did not.
| The play is divided into three acts,
described as follows:
| Act This is the house where the
| Good Little Devil is kept a prisoner.
| Strange things happen in this house, as
you will see.
The spring is always young and gay,
| And up to mischief every day
With fingers made OF sunshine pale,
She scatters lilacs with the hail.
| Act. o-This is the garden where Juliet
| waits and signs for the Good Little Devil
who seems to have forgotten her.
The summer is the BILE blessed ssIut time
| The sun is rosy round and red,
| And simply hates to go TO bed
Act 3-This is the house once again.
only many years have passed. The
Good Little Devil finds great changes
/ of al iS himself
once again crosses swords with poetry.
The autumn comes all brown and gold,
| And gathers families to the fold;
sh nH t and from the the ses
WON HER WAY.-Mabel Wilbur, who
will appear in the title role of 1.-THE
! Merry Widow" at the Belasco Theater
after a stage experience of many years.
| emerged from the chorus, gradually won
| her way up the ladder of success, and at
the age of twenty-six is singing one of
| the most important light opera prima
/ donna roles Of the day.
About ten years ago Miss Wilbur left
her home in Rochester, n. Y. as a men,
Der of the Wilbur-Kirwin Opera Com
pany. Her rich voice and natural dra-
matte gifts led to her immediate APP
pomtment as understudy to Susie Kirwin,
pr1ma donna of the company, and before
the season was concluded she had sung
| some of Miss Kirwin's roles.
Her next engagement was in Henry W.
Savase's THE Sultan of Sulu,'' with
which she played a minor role for two
seasons. thence going to 1.-The Prince of
Pilsen,' in which she played the Frisco
girl.
In 1905 she was engaged as prima dom
ma with De Wolf Hopper in 'Happyland"
and after a season she appeared as
prima donna with, Richard Golden. Fol-
lowing this engagement she toured the
country in 1.-The Song Birds" a vaude-
vile operate skit. burlesquing the grand
opera war between Conried and Hammer
stein.
In 1908 she was engaged by Henry w.
Savage for 1.-THE Merry Widow" with