New-York tribune., 1915-02-25
NEWS OF PLAYS
And PLAYERS
Mantell Gives Romeo and
Juliet factors Fund
Plans-Other Notes.
BY HECTOR TURNBULL.

Robert Msntell's production OF
Romeo and Juliet" given for the first
time with his present repertory, at the
Forty-fourth Street Theatre yesterday
afternoon, proved such pleasant sur
prise that one wonders why he waited
until his engagement was nearly ended
before including the play in his pro-
gramme. Although the star Is not so
good Romeo as he is Lear, his voice
is admirably schooled and his manner
decidedly engaging as the lover.
Genevieve Hamper played Juliet with
an Interpretation quite her own, but
one that was none the less charming,
and, for all its naivette, thoroughly in
the spirit of the role. Her reading of
the lines in the ever affecting balcony
scenes was particularly good. "Riche-
lieu" will be given again tonight, and
can be recommended as providing a
good medium for the talents of the
star and his company.
When the dramatic profession be-
came aware of the low financial condi-
tion of the Actors Fund of America
meeting was held by representatives
Of various clubs with a view to aug
menting It's financial resources, and
series of events in behalf Of the fund
was adopted for the present season.
The second event scheduled is the
vaudeville benefit on Sunday. March 7,
at the Century Theatre. The third
event in New York City will be
grand ball Of "The Allied Arts of the
Theatre" to be held on the evening of
Thursday, April 8, at the Hotel Astor.
This event will have the assisting pat
ronage of all professional clubs, and
will include the dramatic profession,
the vaudeville, burlesque and the art
representatives of the motion picture
industries. The clubs especially in
terested in this event will be the
all OF the women's professional clubs,
who are taking especial interest in
this event The principal theatres
will have their headquarters in the
various private boxes, and a large
factor Of interest will be the society
patronage, Mrs. James Speyer, Mrs.
George j. Gould, Mrs. August Bel
mont and Miss Elizabeth Msrbury be-
ing among the first to express their
hearty cooperation in an event which
will mean considerable financial ad-
vantage 10 the depleted treasury of the
Actors Fund, which this year has
found itself at low ebb because Of
the very many demands which the
conditions of the country have imposed
upon it. The next special event to fol-
low the ball will be the Lambs GAM
boil Their contribution will be fol-
/ lowed by the Frisrs' summer field
day. which is TO be organized by
George NJ. Cohan. All this assistance
| is required because the Actors Fund
spends $4,000 every month in relief TO
/ the sick and distressed professionals
I cf the United States in all classes of
amusements.
William Elliott and Comstock 4
/ Gest announced yesterday that they
| have completed arrangements for a
special performance of Experience" !"
/ to be given in the Teatro Nacional, in
! Panama, by the original cast now sp-
! pearing at the Casino Theatre, while
the company is en- route to the San
Francisco Exposition.
Marie Cahll and Richard Carle will
/ close their engagement in the musical
/ comedy, 100 in the Shade" at the
hnlCkeTDOCkeT lntaLFe on SATURDAY
evening Daniel " Arthur will send
the organization to the Forrest Thea
/ tire. Philadelphia.
In order to avoid a conflict between
two attractions opening at two Shu-
bert theatres on Monday night. the
Shuberts have postponed their opening
Of the Emma Trentini-Clifton Crawford
show at the Forty-fourth Street Thea
tire 10 Tuesday night.
A. L. lowering has negotiated a con-
tract with the Niagraph for Frank
Daniels for one year in motion pict-
ures. He will be in such plays as he
has been identified with, Little Puck"
wizard Of the Nile" "The llol's Eye"
etc. Paul West is now writing q see
mario for him.
"The Truants," comedy In three
acts. by Wilfred 7. Coleby, will have
its first presentation AZ the fifth matt
nee Of the season. 10 be given by the
American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
"The Stepmother." farce in one act,
bv Arnold Bennett will also be given.
The performance will take place in the
Empire Theatre on Thursday after
noon. March 4.