The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1920-02-24

III SNieN'lHb OF
from the wealth Of authentic data
upon the life of Washington, the au-
thor has been studiously careful that
no snschronisms shall creep into the
words of the central character nor in
the stage depletion OF the great human
drama in which he was the vital
force.
The purpose of sdherins relixiously
70 history frequently pecessitates sac
rificing dramatic action for a group
of tsbleaus, more impressive and
powerful in their patriotic appeal
than notable for intense acting.
George Washington, as he is portray
ed. however. loses none OF the ideals
with which he is surrounded in Amer
lean hearts as an exponent of liberty
and freedom and unhesitating willing
ment.
The play has a prologue and three
acts with more than an even dozen
scenes. 1t opens at Mt. Vernon.
twenty-five years before the revo,u-
ton and shows Washington as 3
youth. returned from a surveying eH-
petition.
The second scene discloses his re-
turn as a veteran Of the Indian war;
and his wedding to Martha GUSTS, In
Producing incidentally an old-fash Oh
ed mirret delightfully."- presented.
In the second act the unrest and
rebellion that followed the imposition
of the stamp act is graphically dis
closed in a mob scene before Kings
College, Nav York. where Myles
Cooper defends the royal policy
against the appeals to the populace
by the impetuous and oratorical
Alexander Hamilton. Then follows
the departure from Mount Vernon to
assume command of the Continental
forces, the Cambridge headquarters
of the patriots army outside Harvard
College, the evening before the event
full crossing of the Delaware ann de-
feat of the Hessians; the victory at
Yorktown; the conspiracy to make
the victorious commander king and
the curt answer and the finale with
peace once more at Mount Vernon.
and the finger of destiny reckoning
him to lead the new nation.
There are moments in the narrative
when the words Of the great patriot
can be readily transposed to present
day conditions, as for instance. when
the trinity OF qualities that spell sue
cess for men and nations is described.
as quiet. order and growth" con-
trasted with tl6 current law and or
der slogan OF which one hears so
much.
| Again where Washington pays his
respects to the lack Of cooperation
from the Continental Congress with
vehemence and no mincing Of words,
1t brought an audible litter with
meaning that was apparent.
In the incidental changes which
will undoubtedly follow the initial
presentation some of the frequent
soliloquies might be eliminated for
more action. since in spite OF tho fact
| that the sentiments expressed are in
tensely American and the author has
tried not to overdo them. they become
slightly tedious by repetition and the
| character Of Washington does not re-
quire excessive moulding.
Walter Hsmpden is a very gifted
player, and his voice and talents At
superbly the central character The
supporting players were uniformly
capable and appeared to enter with
real enthusiasm the spirit Of the play
George Marion. an actor of parts,
made Quillquon. the strolling min.
strel, stand out through his own ef-
forts and the splendid assistance OF
little Miss Phyllis Loughton and Fred
]. Verdi, whom he directed like q
stage master.
The Lafayette of Paul Lcyassac was
forceful and convincing. Gerald
Hamer was conspicuous by his Skill
full playing of Alexander Hamilton,
and Miss Beatrice Reinhardt, in the
principal feminine role Of Martha
Washington, gave capital assistance
The remainder fthe cast was inn
pressive.
Mr.. Mackaye. whose efforts hither-
to have been largely confined to
pagesntry, may well feel satisfac-
ton at the manner in which his ef-
fort was received. He was plainly
pleased in his brief curtain speech
last night.
The production represents an at
tempt to put something upon the
| stage well worth while. Judged by
this standard IL is bound for success
and merely for its historical power
should not be missed by the student
| Of the theater. A. r. X.
CLIP your Liberty bond coupons and