Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-05-14
RED CROSS BENEFIT
PLAY BY ALL STARS
Notable Cast Seen in Hartley
Manners War Drama,
"Out There"
EVENT IN DRAMATIC WORLD

Never before in the history Of theatre
calls in Washington has there been a
moro remarkable performance than
that Of Hartley Manners pay. "Out
There" which was presented at the
National Theater last night for the
benefit of the American Red Cross.
The play itself. patriotic in theme
and pathetic in story. under even
ordinary circumstances would have
been most impressive. but presented
for a cause that lies close to the hearts
OF all America today and with a stage
celebrity in every role, it was doubly
impressive and a performance such as
will not be soon again seen in America
Stars in All the Roles.
From the stellar position. graced so
delightfully."- by Miss Laurette Taylor as
the little cockney girl who fought to
get to the front to do her bit for old
Eng land, the caste was made up OF the
pick of the American stage, with even
so distinguished an actor as George
Arliss in the most ordinary role.
Not only was every role filled by an
actor or actress from the leading ranks
of the profession. but every one of
that was in him or her. even though
the extent of the offering may have
been limited by the opportunity Afford
ed. Miss Helen Ware. Miss Julia Ar
James K. Hackett, George NJ. Cohan,
the veterans, James T. Powers and
Chauncey Olcott; o. p. Heggie. George
MacFarlane. all Of them sank their own
personal distinction and the pride that
naturally accompanies it. for the time
being, to lend their best efforts to a
cause which had a higher honor and a
deeper meaning than a mere theatrical
performance.
Why It Was Impressive.
1t was not an effort for the plaudits
of an admiring audience. 1t was the
humanity underlying the highest mo-
tive Of human endeavor that gave to
he whole an impressiveness apart from
play or player.
And the audience, too. imbued with
the spirit Of the occasion. must have
felt that in all respects the event was
one of a lifetime.
Not only were the players impressive
in the splendid manner in which they
entered into the performances. but one
of them, Nora Bayes, popular favorite.
outbid all others for the autographed
program bearing the names Of the
President and all members OF the all
star cast, dramatic thrill in itself,
which added to the occasion.
Mrs Fiske. in brief tribute to the
American Red Cross at the close, was
never more impressive in her wide and
splendid histrionic career. and Nine.
Eleanore de Cisneros swept her audi
ence with enthusiasm by her dramatic
singing of the national airs Of Eng
land. Italy, France and the United
States
To Tour the Country.
Last evenings performance was the
first of three-week tour Of the coun-
try to be made by the company, in
which the big cities will find them
selves but one-night stands. Every de-
tail OF the tour has been worked out
and handled by experts Of highest rank
in the theatrical profession. George
c. Tyler, Klaw & Erlanger and Conan
& Harris are jointly directing the tour.
Walton Bradford, Horace c. Judge, w.
H. Wright, William German and John
p. Toohey are caring for the business
arrangements. and A. J. Simmons, an
expert in railway affairs, is looking
after the transportation.
Burr Mcintosh, who was expected to
auction off the autograph program, did
not do so only because the Red Cross
officials asked the honor for another
and Nora Bayes ultimately proved to
be the most effective auctioneer Of the
evening.