Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-23
Columbia,

The Columbia Players last evening.
headed by Mr.. and Mrs. A. H van
Buren,. gave a beautiful performance OF
A E. Thomas idyllic comedy 1.-The
Rainbow" which had its original pro-
duction at the Columbia. with Henry
Miller and Ruth Chatterton creating
the roles now assumed by Mr. and MIS-
Van Buren,. The play is a pretty fo-
nance of a daughters love for father
from whom she has long been sepa,
rated. It's a chiaroscuro of smiles ana
tears that weaves its way charmlngly
to a joyful conclusion, uniting tne
father, who has been a bit wild. put Is
a. good fellow at heart and the mother
la good woman. whose prize ana par
TALLY to her own unworthy brother
have been the cause Of much OF the
trouble in their lives.
The revival Of the play Is In every
sense a worthy one, the scenic beauties
matching even those of the original
production and rejecting much credit
upon the scenic artist. Charles Squires,
who has done excellent work in the
productions of the Columbia PlayeIs
thus far this season. No little credit IS
due also to Arthur Richie, director OF
the Columbia Players, whose careful
and Intelligent supervision is at all
times in evidence.
Interest naturally centers in the
work of Mr. and Mrs. Van Buren,. for 1t
challenges comparison with that of the
veteran artist, Henry Miller. and MS
charming and talented protege, Miss
IChatterton. whose Characterization At
once lifted her to high hlstrlonic
honors The enthusiasm of the audi
ence left no doubt as to its judgment.
Mr.. Van Buren, gave an eminently
satisfactory performance. His char
acterization of Neil Sumner. the father.
than that Of Mr.. Miller. and there were
occasional tendencies to lapse, into the
lovers rather than the fathers char
acteristics. 1t was ine bit OF work.
ed considerably less time in its prepare
ton than Mr.. Miller's creation, with
which 1T invited comparison. Mrs. Van
Buren, gave a charming tmpersonatlon
Of Cynthia Sumner, the innocent, oeau-
tiful girl of the story. Her work In the
second act as we'll as in the third act,
where the reconciliation Is effected. was
of real artistic excellence. Her study
of the character throughout showed In
telligent discrimination and care, ana
her acting was far above the stock
ideal.
Miss Julia Blanc, as the mother Of
Cynthia, was especially effective, and
her work in thorough keeping with the
artistic efforts which have made her a
| warm favorite with Columbia patrons.
Everett Butteraeld made Of the I'M
gracious role of Nick Hollins a con-
scientious study. and Carrie Thatcher
pleasant but caustic sister of Neil.
Grace Peters also gave a faithful pic
ture, though but for a moment, Of q
sporty woman, and George Barber and
John Kline were true to the life in the
parts Of Edward Fellows, friend and
lawyer Of Neil and the American con-
sui at Lyons, respectively.
1t seemed pity that Jessie Glen
| dining's sweet and womanly person
ality should have been hampered by the
role of Jane Palmer. venturesome
young woman who was trying to re-
pay herself for her sacrifice" in
marrying an aged millionaire. Willard
Robertson. David Chase, George OAR
rell and Bessie Maxwell made the most
Of minor roles.
The pictures presented in the second
and third acts were unusually beauti-
full, and justly won recognition in the
applause.