Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-10-27

A BIOLOGISTS for miniature playhouses
Sentiy to inspire in the American public a
taste for intimate drama" presented amid
eympathetic surroundings. Little theatre
experiments have sprOuted throughout the
land. New York, Chicago, Boston and
other large cities have had their apostles
of the cause. Arguments against the
"commercialism" OF the full-sized play
house have been generously advanced. Play
patrons have been told that business men
were distinctly out Of place as purveyors
of stage art. that under prevailing booking
systems, dominated by theatrical "com-
bines" worthy dramatic products Ameri-
can English or Continental, were deprived
of a fair chance for existence.
Amusement houses, small and inexpen-
sivcIy run, were championed as Instruments
Of salvation. Failure TO survve--a rather
common occurrence-was usually ascribed
10 bad judgment In the choice of plays or
incompetent Interpretation. Faith In the
little theatre principle withstood many hard
knocks, Give us good drama, well
acted" declared in effect the little groups
of willful art lovers. and the intimate play
house will Justify itself trumphantly All
we want is a fair opportunity"
Such a chance to prove the potency of it's
appeal is now granted to Philadelphia's s
Little Theatre. The house has had
checkered career. After opening some four
years ago with a crude trihe, entitled ''The
Adventures of Chlora," the De LanCey street
stage has offered some astonishing produc-
tions. Amateur acting has played havoc
With several excellent pieces. lll-trained pro-
fessional stock companies have done like
wise. The craze for the exotic drama
brought forward mad Russian and German
playlets, whose sole claim to distinction was
that Philadelphia footlights had not here
tofore exposed their freakish gloom, and
gloomy freaks
Bernard Shaw's shallow little piece "Over-
ruled" was fairly we'll done, but his exceed
ingly artificial "Misalliance" suffered
blurred and muddy Interpretation Ibsen's
"Ghosts" was Historically acted by Hilda
Englund, Robert Whittier and their badly
directed associates. "A Dolls House" was
distressingly jerry-bult.
Three times indeed the bright star of art
did rise at the Little Theatre only to be
extingushed by the fell clutch of circum-
stance" "The Yellow Jacket" visited the
playhouse too early in the season, Annie
Russell and her admirable company too
late in the theatrical year. b. Iden Payne's
well selected stock company failed to get
fair start. with some praiseworthy pro-
auctions, including notably Stanley Hough-
toms powerful "Hindle Wakes"
DUT none of these attempts to Justify
ID the Little Theatres existence had
quite the distinction of the endeavor now
being made by Margaret Anglin in Lonely
Soldiers" 1t is invidious to compare this
artist with Annie Russell. Both are richly
gifted and their spheres of histrionic action
widely differ, But that the magnetism of
Miss Anglins name is scarcely second to
that of any feminine performer now before
the public is not disputable. If she cannot
vitaize the Little Theatre its usefulness as
o public institution is seriously to be ques-
toned. Her present vehicle is brilliantly
written and delightfully."- acted, Its deicacy
Is precisely suited TO a small auditorium
If Philadelphians really want a Little
Theatre for intimate" plays now is the
time to register approval. Generous patron
age of Miss Angln's capital Offering would
insure repertory season by a sterling and
seasoned actress-manager, Attendance with
held will direct one of the brightest stars Of
our stage into other orbits. The test of the
Little Theatre is at hand
TT MAY be explained in passing that Miss
J. Angln's tenancy of the house does
not, however, bespeak special sponsorship