The Washington herald., 1914-10-04

1t is impossible not to sympathize with
the play-Iover who thus complains OF
having his pleasure destroyed in so many
instances. OF course there is much IN
the way of drama that is not anecten
by previous knowledge of the story OF
the play, but it is quite true that there
are many other examples-as in the
case cited, and a multitude of other
thrilling melodramas-where foreknowl-
edge means the destruction Of the Keen
ness of ones enjoyment.
And there is a deal Of justice in the
complaint. 1t is not necessary for either
the man who blows the bugle OF publicity
in advance of a production, nor yet OF
the dramatic reviewer to reveal any
. climatic surprise of which the play. may
he possessed in order to give clear and
intelligent idea Of the sort Of piece 1t is,
OF the capability of the cast presenting it.
Mr.. Al. Strassman, business representa-
tive for A. H. Woods, is a man after the
above commentator own heart. For
Mr. Strassman knows just what to tell
and what not TO tell about a new produc-
ton. He was here all last week in ad-
vance of Mr.. Woods premiere of Birds
of Prey" which will occupy the boards
Of the Columbia Theater tomorrow night,
instead Of The Salamander," which was
announced last Sunday. The latter pro-
duction was to have been made this week
by Selwyn 26S Co., but 1t was found that
the company selected was not sufficiently
drilled. so il was decided 10 allow re-
hearsals TO continue this week, changing
the opening OF The Salamander", to Bal
timore for next week. This accounts for
the Woods premiere, Birds OF Prey"
which will introduce Willard Mack TO us
as a playwright. this being his first ven
ture in this direction in the East.
But to go back to Mr.. Strassman and
the story Of the new melodrama:
Not even for my own personal benefit
could coax II out of him.
Tt is thrilling without being shock
ing: it deals with the police and the un-
derworld. but shows no real criminal
and. although photographically realistic,
the gripping vital scenes are lightened
with a sense Of humor that marks the
author as a real genius
Isn't that enough to whet anybody's
appetite for a genuine dramatic thrill?
And I, for one, promise TO divulge no
climatic surprise the piece may contain
when I tell you the impression 1 receive
Of it when l attend its premiere tomorrow
night
The cast announced for the new play
promises at least that Birds of Prey"
whatever else it may or may not be, will
he well acted.
John Barrymore. son Of the late
Maurice Barrymore. and brother to Ethel
and Lionel. will head the masculine con- |
tingent, and Miss Jane Grey. who gave |
us such a charming performance last
season when she appeared here at the |
Columbia with Bruce McRae in Nearly |
Married." will have the leading feminine |
role.
We are more than fortunate to be able |
to see Miss Frances Starr this week in |
Henri Bernstein's engrossing play, The |
Secret" because David Belasco has
signed a contract with one OF the most
noted Of contemporary dramatists where
by he will bring out the authors latest 1
output this season. In order to secure
the American rights to this piece (Which |
is said to contain a highly emotional and
complex role peculiarly adapted to Miss
Starr, the noted producer is limiting the
of his brilliant luminary to
4 very few cities in the East.
The present plan is to close the tour Of
The Secret" in Philadelphia the week
OF December u although Mr.. Belasco
promises that the Bernstein masterpiece,
which has been acclaimed as more pow
erful than either The Thief or Sam
son." will later be included in Miss
STAIRS repertoire.
It was not so long ago that this little
lady, whose remarkable portrayal OF a
dual personality in THE Case of Becky
made us marvel at her genius last sea-
son, was just one of hundreds Of young
American leading women classed as in
yenues." 1t was not until David Belasco
gave her the leading role in Eugene Wal
ter's play, The Easiest Way" that she
assumed the position Of one of the most
prominent women stars in this country.
None of those who have worked with
Miss Starr in her career on the stage
ioubt her great ability to rise TO still
greater heights artistically. David Be
asco is her sponsor, and her success is
Tue in a large measure to him as her
eacher and to the opportunities he has
given her to advance in her profession.
Mr.. Belasco. wandering into a Broad
way thsater a few years ago during the
Of a mild melodrama called
'GaIlops," arrived in time to witness the ]
Of one of the plays important
genes by a slender, girlish, young wom-
IN whose name he had never heard. This
vas Frances Starr, featured no more and
10 less than any other member Of a
arge company.
Several days later the actress received
IN invitation to call at the Belasco Of
ices. The result OF her visit and of the
ak she then had with the eminent pro-
Iucer was her appearance shortly after
Yard in David Warfeld's company. Be-
asco was at the time considering the
of THE Rose OF the Rancho"
nd already had chosen her for the orig '
nation Of its most important role. MissI /
tarr's Interpretation Of the naive :
uanita in that drama of Spanish Cali I
Ornia was a revelation of powers that 8