New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-11-11

Jeanne .-s.-.. --.-. .......... rs Use
NJ George salsmandro ............ EDWARD Emsry
Ne Ia Balago ....-......... Louise Clos.er Hale
f.'t," v,t tt'..ttts .t..--.... .lielhert ost
Bob ............. ,b,rles U,mn5en
Annie ........ lind, p1isc,
Mrs Jolungs , '.,ro i S,,sy
BY HECTOR TURNBULL.
In the face Of present conditions in
theatrical affairs. such courage and
devotion TO his art as displayed by
Mr.. Charles Hopkins is deserving OF
high praise. While other theatrical
managers arc put to it TO find attrac-
tons to fill their houses for the season,
and just as Days and the Garden Thea
tire are about 10 begin life once more,
Mr. Hopkins gives the city an entirely
new and attractive little PLAYHOUSE
where none grew before, and holds out
promise of much pleasant entertain
ment for select few during the long
winter evenings TO come. The fact
that it is the smallest theatre in New
York should not diminish his need Of
praise in the slightest degree.
IL is notable feat, and one wishes
him well filled houses and shrewder
choice in his selection OF plays when
he feels called upon 10 present his
company in a new work We do not
wish. by this statement, to convey the
impression that THE Marriage Of
Columbine," which opened the Punch
and Judy Theatre last night. lacked
interest. Indeed, no. 1t is interest
ing enough. but its crudities are so
apparent and seem so obviously amen
able TO the softening influence of a
careful producer that we wonder they
were permitted TO be In evidence at SO
important an occasion as the opening
Of a new theatre, evidently designed
and intended for the production of the
best specimens of dramatic art obtain
able.
This becomes more remarkable when
IL is remembered that long before last
nights opening an energetic publicity
agent cunningly distributed excerpts
from the great London critics reviews
Of Harold Chapin's play among their
benighted Contemporaries in this city.
We learned that massive intellects like
that possessed by William Archer,
turned from thoughts of Sunday din
ners. overcame deep-rooted scruples
against Sunday night performances.
looked upon "The Marriage of Column
bine" and found il quite eXtraordl-
narily clever from beginning TO end.
Others equally well known said that
Mr.. Chaplin "is 10 be reckoned with N
the future"
All this. Of course, could not fail 20
create a feeling of something very Ike
awe when the time came for the cur
tain 10 rise last night Awe, however
Il the feeling that Is least Likely 10
influence your appreciation OF ne
Marriage of Columbine,' despite the
intellectual air that envelopes the new
PLAYHOUSE. to judge from our own m
nressiOn. The play ls an entertaining
comedy. based upon the struggle OF a
Young girl bred in the atmosphere o.
tbe circus ring 10 adjust her mind 20
the influence OF hidebOund conventions
that obtains in the English small town.
Its dialogue is bright on the whole.
despite its deliberatiOn. and Oitentlmes
il is clever and Illuminating. WHAT Is
chiefly Of interest. however, IS the nov
eltv Of tins subject and the manner IN
which the author mas contrasted the
innocence of the young girl with the
bi0otrv OF the townsfOlk. And u IS
here. too. that the playwright falIs TO
oct the full dramatic value OF ms con-
trast. Co.,
mouche. popular circus clown. lhey
have three children, are devoted 10 each
other and have q happy time travel
limo about until they arrive al Dun
chester and are interviewed by tne
nroprietor Of the local newspaper. lie
thinks Columbine still unmarried 10
the clown and fills her innocent nina
Win tales Of hell ire for the wicked
and other well known excerpts from
The tracts Of mis- particular sunday
school. He succeeds IN persuadlng me
vounq mother that her only salvation
i a respectable marriage with him.
and when she consents they ny 10
eo,ber and are married. When subSe-
1uentlv Scaramouche finds them she
Sees her mistake and the newspaper
man. cowed and frightened, leaves them
in each others arms.
AIR. Chapin, VINO though but thirty
wears old has had long ana varied
stage experience, has introduced some
interesting characters III the elaDoiA
tion of his plot. and while his styie o.
narrative slightly resembles thaV OF
William De Morgan he manages 10 III
;act no little humor in MS scenes. Such
antiduated artihces as long explain"
,o,y eoliloouies prefacing an act and
~ discomtited serIo-comic Mr. Scott
fellinc into an open trunk and thus
o,,ito ont Of his own character are
hardly eXcusable in an author OF his
tbeatrical achievements. Mr.. Hopkins,
r.bo has the role Of Scaramouche,
Iacks the convincing air Of man VINO
L.d knocked shout with cIcuSes since
Lcvbood. and MS ultra refined attitude
"a his wife and all about HIM seemed
sor,ebov to suggest the middle class
drau,ine room rather than the sawdust.
/ Stiu tbe advance notices tell us That
Nv Chapin has made specla! study
al circus lore. so we can but take MS
u,ord for it, Mrs. Hopkins made very
I ,t+ractive and appealing Columblne,
- ber every attitude lent conviction
- ber show Of trusting innocence.
us,bert Yost. dressed like the strange
Gcures of our fathers OF tintypes 1
tbo milv album, made fine impress
SION as the snivelnng. bgoted news
naner proprietor. His playing through
ant was splendid piece OF character
acting. Edward Emery was equally
GOOD a the hungry friend o. the lam
ily and Louise Closer Hale mace Mrs.
La Bolaro, an aged eX-bareDacN rider
deliehtful in her frank irrita5ilty az
everything and everybody. marie :
Hampden gave the character OF Boo,
tie servant at the inn, me toucn OF
sincerity. ,..r.t
ronroduction Of the type Of theatre
that obtained when Queen Elizabeth
inspired the playwrights Of England.
4 The outside is as fasincating IS the in
forior, once under the sign of Punch
and Judy outlined in bright mosaic on
Inc facade you behold row OF what
appears to be church pevs leading 10
he stage All about overhead are
| 4..,,,-r q hoicopv The