The Washington herald., 1912-02-04
WHAT THE WEEK HOLDS FORTH.

lereSIlnB- .NOl only - ne the iOte4noSA
of American playwrights; he is practi-'
cally the only native dramatist who has
succeeded in writing plays Of the highest
technical standard. He Is not as brilliant
or clever as Clyde Fitch was nor as
subtle and intellectual as william
Vaughn Moody. In sheer realistic, 70
laesque effect, Euguene Walter has sur
passed him in The Easiest Way" The
talent OF Thomas, as varied as II is rich,
lies in no artistic extreme. He possesses
the faculty of projecting ideas across the
footlishts as only Pinero. Galsworthy,
and a few others of that distinguished
guild possessed. He is a technician Of
the highest quality, applies real brains
TO his work, and never seeks a mere
theatrical effect for its own sake, as
Fitch did in The CITY, and THE wom-
an in the Case"
Here is a birdNs-eye view Of the Thomas
achievements: Arizona is certainly one
of the best. IL not the very best. OF
our native melodramas. his farces, in
cluding THE Earl OF Pawtucket,' Mrs.
Leffngwelrs Boots" and ''The Other
Girl" surely entitle him to rank with
Hoyt, AIDE, and Hughes in this particular
sphere of dramatic writing. After these
came The Witching Hour" which Is so
meut is needed here. Then The Har-
vest Moon," which represented the faI-
lacy Of attempting to get an abstract
idea ''oVer'' without sufficient ballast
OF human interest" II was, however,
an interesting experiment in plsywrit-
ing. Now comes "As q Mat ThInks,
completing a triIogy OF dramas devoted
10 the dominance OF mind over matter
which is a proud and undoubtedly per-
maRent contribution. 10 our dramatic
literature.
'.As a Man Thinks" was originally
called THE jew" The significance OF
this lies in showing that Mr.. Thomas
basic idea was to present the true mis-
sion and place Of the Jew in American
life Then his drama expanded as he
developed it. On one facet it is a pow
erfuI appeal for proud and noble race:
on another it vivIdly sets forth the
Biblical trIiism, AS a man thinks, so
Is he:' on another II presents an illu-
minating commentary on the so-called
double standard OF morals. Some critics
have found that Mr.. Thomas has dif-
fused his effects, and consequently les
sened the power of his play; others de-
clare all the many threads and weaves
have been woven into consaInmate and
harmonious whole Washington will have
the opportunity to judge for itself at the
Belasco Theater tomorrow night.
Before the abandonment of the New
Theater project, two months ago, Mr..
Thomas was offered the directorship, as
a successor of Winthrop Ames, at
salary of $4,000 year. He refused it.
To discontinue his dramatic authorship
for stage management at the present
time would be a distinct loss to the
public. The American theater needs his
balance. his sanity. his expert technique,
at a time when it is cropping for utter
ance in so many directions. The prevail
ing defect OF American playwriting is
neither lack of purpose nor lack of sin
cerity or enthusiasm; Il is technical
rrudity and immaturity. Mr. Thomas
writes only one play year, and gives
the public the very best that is in him. /
That is the ideal he stands for, and the |
fact that X is successful should be an
eloquent warning to the younger school. |
a College Hero" the local produc- !
tion involving the talents OF so many |
well-llnovn young people, opens at the |
Columbia Tuesday night for the week.
Chase's presents an exceptional pro-
Eramme, headed by The Four Mortons."
Among the prominent actresses who are |
"'at liberty" at present because their
services are not in reasonable demand
are Annie Russell Doris Keane. Virginia |
Harmed. Nance O'Neill. CaroIotta Nillson,
Mary Shaw, and Kathryn Kidder.
A number Of important new engagements |
for LiebIer & Co.'S centenary revival of
"OlIver Twist" were recently announced.
Suzanne Sheldon CNrs. Henry AinIey)
will play Mrs. Maybe. Olive wyndham
will be Rose, and Courtenay Foote
Harry Maybe. In addition. Fuller Mel
Iish has been engaged for the part of
Eric Blind for Monks.
Charles Harbury for Mr.. Brownlow,
Frank Lyons for BumbIe. and Alice
Belmore for Mrs. Bundle. These en-
with those of Nat c. Good
win for Fsgin, Constance Collier for
Nancy, Lyn Harding for Bill Skies, and
Marie Doro for Oliver. as previously
will make the cast excep-
notable.
Victor HoIlaender. composer OF the mu-
sic for 'Sumurun," and who is conduct
ing the orchestra playing his music at
the Casino Theater. has just signed
contract with Martin Beck, the general
manager for the orpheum circuit, to be-
come general musical director and COM
poser for the Palace Theater in Chi
cago and the new Palace Theater, to be
erected by Mr.. Beck at Broadway and
street, in New York City. |
The contract is for a term Of two years
and will go into effect on the conclusion |
of the run of 'fSumurun" at the Casino |
Theater.
Miss Frances Nelson, who last sea-
son as leading lady of the Columbia |
Players developed a following that has
never been exceeded in this city, was
in Washington during the past week
visiting friends. Delegations from the !
Frances Nelson Dramatic Club were \
in almost constant attendance upon /
her and showered her with hospitah-
ties. In company with some of them /
she occupied boxes at the local the
aters during the week. Miss Nelson
returned to her nome in Philadelphia
Saturday.
Next week is Sothern and Marlowe
week at the Belasco. Then follows the
slI-star revival Of .Pinafore." At the
will be seen THE Senator
Keeps House A. NJ J.
At the Arcade.
As the season advances the patron
age of the roller skating rink OF the
Arcade, Fourteenth street and Park
road. steadily increases. 1t is gener-
ally conceded that this continued pop
ularity is mainly owing TO the superb
ority OF the rink and the careful man
agement- Of the Arcade company.