Evening journal., 1919-02-18
MISS HEDMAN STARSI
AS "TnE DANCER
Different in That All Does
Not Come to
Happy End
CONFLICTING LOVE
AND PURITANISM

The PLAfHOUSE-Loc and Shubert
present Martha Hedman in sThe Dano-
err" comedy drama In three acts, by
Edward Locke.
THE CAST:
Nicholas Kerinski, Lola's brother.
Haydn owens
Bojdan Beriyenko, Lola's personal di-
rector ...... .... Harry Mestayer
Franklin Rivers, an artist,
David Howell Lindley
Elviro Jago. a dancer,
Miss Gypsy o'Brien
Mashs Kosolotf. an ex-dancer.
Miss Jean Temple
Nina Kosolor, her daughter,
Miss Beatrice Collenette
Roy Lingart, little playwright.
Thomas ]. Keogh
Olga, Lols's maid .... Miss Jean Asker
Lola Kerinski, q Russian dancer,
Miss Martha Hedman
Peter Quigley Hale, a Puritan,
John Halliday
Stetson, Hale's man .. Henry CrOcker
Miss Hale, Peters aunt go. Marie Day
Higgins, a constable, Joseph Woodburn
Martha Hedman won a personal, As
well as a dramatic triumph, upon her
appearance IN the title role OF The
Dancer" at the Playhouse last night.
The large audience, In which Whining
ton society was plentifully represented,
received the play very favorably and
Hiss Hedman with enthusiasm.
The whole plot is told In the fact
that the dancers love OF the stage
world Is in direct conflict with her
love OF New England Puritan, who
hates everything connected with the
stage except the dancer. whom ne
loves. Given such conditions, unhap-
piness results, and the marriage ends
In a divorce. The audience last night.
when leaving the theatre, expressed
themselves emphaticslly In favor OF
changing the ending TO a happy recon-
olliation, no matter what art or prob
ability might demand.
Miss Hedman is tall and fair, OF
charming and vigorous personality, and
abundant good looks. In the part OF
the Russian dancer, who, by the way,
does no dancing during the play, she
radlated sweetness and light over her
audience. Miss Hedman has an espe-
clally pleasing voice, and a clear enun-
clatlon that does not betray her Swed-
lsh nationality. The gowns worn by
the star and by the other women Of the
cast were st-lkingly designed and sump-
tuous.
Miss Hedman was excellently sup
ported by John Halliday as the Puritan,
lntolerant but much ln love. Mr.. Hsl-
liday received a generous share OF the
applause for his notably good inter
probation OF his pat
Harry Mestayer as the Dancers d.
rector, handled a difficult part with
an ability that made him a memorable
character In the play.
There Is an abundance OF hum0r In
the performance. The frequent shocks
experienced by the Puritan and partic-
ularly by his maiden aunt and likewise
by tie villagers near his ancestral New
England homo, when the bride intro
duces touches from tho theatre world,
provide comic situations. The aunt, de-
llghtfully played by Marie Day, is az
nioted with chronic snlffleS which |
make the bride think the good lady
is playing on some new musical in
slrument.
Finally, the arrival Of theatrical
friends who disturb the peace OF the
village, brings about a crisis and the |
Dancer returns TO the stage. Petl'. the |
Puritan, goes TO the war. but trenches
cannot blot out the vision Of his little
bride. In the last act he makes one
more plea for Lola 10 give up her art
and return 10 him. The dancer realizes
that her art Is rather more necessary
10 he existence than Peter Is, and thus
the play ends.
The drama affords a chance fo- pret-
ty scenic effects, the Dancers New
York studio, and a beautiful scene IN
the Berkshires, outside the Puriian's
home.
Edward Locke, the author, was pres
ent at the performance last night, and /
was we'll pleased with the cordial re-
ception given TO the production.
"The Dancer" will be given at The |
Playhouse tonight and tomorrow night
with a matinee tomorrow afternoon. |
Miss Hedman will be remembered by
many Wnmlngtonisns because OF her
triumph In "The Boomerang" in |
which she was the star, that play start
ing It's long career at the Playhouse in
this city.