The Washington times., 1914-04-28
COLUMBIA

Rosemary" the play, as produced by
the Columbia Players last night mas
distinct advantage over rosemary, the
common garden variety, in that 1t not
a delicious fragrance, but 1t awakens
memories of a most positive kind
rather than the poetic fancies the
flower simply suggests. II the laoies
will just remember how 1t feels TO take
dress that was fashioned originally
to fit the physical peculiarities and
color scheme of an older sister-if the
men will remember how they contem-
plated appearing in suit that was cut
down. from one or rather's or big
difficulties that the producer of play
like Rosemary encounters when he
attempts to fit it to the assortment
of talent to be found in the ranks OF
a stock company. When an actor Is al
ready a recognized star and makes an
that he not only has ability. and the
part stands out strongly from the
others, but that 1t was also cut to MT
his personality exclusive Of all other
Rersonaiities- 1t So 50 happens ems that that
sort 1t was made for the purpose of
fitting the personality OF John Drew
and no other. 1t was played by John
Drew and created sensation because
he had been seen in nothing like It
Of the made-to-order variety-a part
for a young lady who was entirely
unknown then-a Miss Maude Adams
Of whom many people have since heard
once or twice-or even more times.
A stock company is a collection Of
anced ability. With the Columbia
Players the company seems to have
been selected because of the peculiar
ability Of each member to interpret
certain distinct kinds of characters.
So when the reviewer deliberately states
that the Columbia Players produced the
old John Drew-Maude Adams success.
Rosemary" last night in manner
that left little TO be desired, he not
only is praising the work Of the men
is casting a few bouquets In the gen
eral direction of the stage director who
fitted 1t to the personalities of the peo-
pie playing with him.
Rosemary" is like an old print-it Is
Of the daguerreotype school Of dra-
edy with a very tender sentiment sus-
tanning its action. In the old John
Drew part Earle Brown gave the best
exhibition of his ability since he has
come here. His Characterization was
as distinctly individual as was Drew's-
and entirely different in mary respects.
The difference, however, was the diff
ference between the individuals and
not the quality Of the acting. Browns
was a most pleasing. most satisfying.
most artistic performance. Precisely
the same impression is created by Miss
Heming's work in Maude Adams part.
Miss Heming is appealing in almost
everything she does. and in the part
of Dorothy this was especially notice.
able. 1t was the work Of tae other
members Of the cast which made the
boldest relief in memory's comparison,
however. George Barber and John
Kline. as the old professor and the deep
voiced sea captain. respectively, did not
give the kind of performances people
Usually give in supporting stars. Their
work was more like that of co-stars.
Thev sAone in particular respendence.
Everett Butterfield had one Of the most
difficult parts in the production and he
got out of it all there was in It. as he
usually does. Willard Robertson, Jessie
Glendenning, Carrie Thatcher, George
Darrell and David Chase each con-
tributed their share toward making this
Rosemary as pretty and satisfying
a remembrance to those who saw 1t as
any that has been garnered In the gar,
den of plays-be they Of the old or
the new fashion.
GARDINER MACK.