Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1920-10-24
of the theater, local or
- transient. who happened to be

past week, must have realized that
somebody started "a false alarm in
flooding the country with the doleful
news that things theatrical were GO
ing to the demnition bow vows"
Washington theaterS co sell out" oc-
casionally when New York releases
one of its exceptional productions,
cast and all. But to find them all
sold out" on occasion is indeed re-
markable, even with the hosts in
mind that came to attend the bankers
convention, and that brought the
women of their homes with them.
David Warfield is always n big attrac-
ton in Washington and, with a BelaS-
co play, II is not to be wondered at
that there should be an extraordinary
. demand to welcome him after so many
years of absence. George NJ. Cohan.
too. is somewhat of favorite with
Washington theaterEoers, especially
IF the younger class. and his produc-
lions that always somehow Seem to
reflect his wonderful genius in enter
tainment have long been strong draw
ing cards. But what of Shakespeare.
even with SO eminent artist as
Walter Hampden. and his capable
company. and-perhaps. strangest of
all-"Breakfast in Bed" These do
not complete the list. for down the
line through vaudeville and burlesque
even to the motion pictures crowded
houses have been the rule. and some
OF the offerings have been forced to
a second week to meet the demand.
The people do not seem to be threat
ened with bankruptcy. with this evil
dence in view. Rather. they seem to
be making stronger demand for en-
tertainment than during the war
period, when the city was overcrowd-
cd Washington least has .
had it made clear that it's favorite en-
tcrtainment is greatly in danger of
going into the decline for want of pa
1ronage.
T-araeld and THE Return OF Peter
Grimm are old friends with whom
the public is thoroughly familiar.
Both have passed the stage of Gu
logy. 1t is Walter Hampden who
merits especial consideration at this
time. not only his splendid pro-
auctions of classical drama. but for
really superb shakespearean portray
ais that will long be remembered.
His Shylock, his Hamlet, his Petruchio
and his Romeo all reflect careful and
intellectual study, discrimination and
ability as an artist. Minds will diff
ter as to his conceptions of these
Several roles. but students and ad-
mirerS of ShakeSpearan drama all will
accord Mr.. Hampden credit for con-
scientious and artistic work that will
always rank high in the gallery of
ShakeSpearean portraiture. The pub
lie response is gratifying alike to the
artist and to those of his public who
will always find interest in his art.
A premiere. 4 new play and a fine
actor in drsaystic version of a ia
miliar story deAsttute the new at
~ .pyiy
cess Virtue" ss it We're. has been
presented and otScribed through the
photography of confident advance
notices, and as these do not always
convey the charm of personal ac-
quaintance, the princess is yet to be
rated The Champion also is some
what of an enigma to be solved in
the test of performance. THE Prince
and the Pauper," with SO competent
and experienced an artist as William
Faversham, must give rise to the
pleasantest of anticipations, and there
is yet Walter Hampden and his COM
pany of gifted players with an at
tractive repertory for their second
week.
Walter Hampden will revive The
Servant in the House." at the solicit
tation of numerous admirers. Mr.
Hampden has decided to add Charles
Ram kennedy's beautiful play to his
repertoire and will give his first revival
here in. Washington at the Shubert-
Garrick, at special matinee, on Friday
next. Mr. Hampden was the original
Manson, THE Servant and made
very deep and favorable impression in
this symbolical character.
The Servant in the House was first
produced in Washington in March, 1908,
going from here to the Savoy Theater,
New York, where it had long and
prosperous run. Mrs. Walter Hampton
Miss Mabel Moore), played Mary in
the original cast and will be seen again
in this part for the one performance
only, on Friday next Mr.. Charles Ram
Washington Monday, to superintend the
final rehears,lS-
Emily Stevens, who, for the first
time since she has become a star, was
about to undertake a tour of the
larger cities of the south, after COM
pleting a round of visits to the more
important eastern cities in Zoe Atkins
play. oot-Loose." has suffered a
nervous breakdown.
X X <
Maurice Greet, a nephew of the
famous old Ben Greet. of Shakes
pearean fame, was visitor to Wash
ton with Princess Virtue" He says
Ben Greet is now in London making
productions of the classics along edu-
cational and popular lines.
+ x X X
William Farnum, who has long been
=. big success in the movies, is now
turning his attention to the produc-
ton end of the theatrical business. 1t
is said, and has purchased half IN
terest in the production for the re-
vival of ''Erminie," with Francis VIII
son and De Wolf Hopper.
*
Recently acquired wealth by people
who are surprised to find dollars IN
their pockets. is responsible for the
present popularity of girl and music
shows. according to Henry Miller
Who. with Blanche Bates as his CO.
star. is about to start on tour of the
principal cities with The Famous
Mrs. Fair" by James Forbes. which
has been running in New York for
ten months or so.
One of the reviewers of Monsieur
Beaucaire," Gilbert Miller's production
of the Messager-Booth Harrington ro-
mantle opera. says the play. made
from Booth Tarkington's capital
story, Is compact with novelty. There
romantic love. instead of a tumble
of risky situations and smutty dia-
logue; there is music in it instead of
Jazz: there is strange dance in il
called the minuet. lacking pep" ana
without a "shimmy" movement; there
ISN'T a bedroom scene in IT and the
chorus wears clothes" He adds: wv e
note these instances of the daring of
the producer. in violating the most
cherished traditions of the musical
comedy stage, to add that the audi
ences seemed to like it
Edward Childs Carpenter who
would not sell his play Bah unless