Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-02-17

a 8 a weather prophet the
~ ground hog did not assert
"A much immediate authority,
= continuing to see its Shad-
ow, even in the present of some
slight falling temperature day by
day. Theatrically, this wise ami
NAL foretold conditions accurate
~, SO far as the New York Situa-
ton is concerned, since it dis
closes frost, storm and a contin-
uous picture of lowering skies.
The sudden decrease in the out
put OF experienced and indus
trious dranatiSts has led to some
interesting presentations of time
tried material, as well as unpre-
cedented spectacular magnifi-
cence. In view of the COMPETE
ton represented by films, auto
mobiles, country clubs, cabaretS,
and, in fact. almost every kind of
general recreation, the theater
has thought it necessary greatly
to increase box Office receipts.
- X
The theater is a topsy-turvey
world. Its realms of imagination
bring examples of poetic Justice
quite contrary to ordinary expe-
r4ence, and in its buSineSSlike
transactions it also reverses what
seems to be established rule. The
theater represents the only buSi-
ness in existence that attempts to
meet competition by increasing
prices.
4 X
The extraordinary talents of
Frederick Lonsdale for conversa-
tional Smartness make "The High
Road" in spite of its employment
OF familiar material, a distinctive
creation which, might with pro-
priety be referred to as "a witty
tragedy" The actress who be-
comes engaged to a young man
whose family preserves the sever
est traditions of aristocracy, has
long been a charming heroine of
stage literature. She, too, causes
an upheaval of the ordinary
course Of events and brings the
family into tremulouS fear that
she will refuse to abandon her
art in order to make the marriage
which at first they so much de-
plored.
The vital and reviving influence
Cf buoyant youth in a staid and
constrained household has been a
theme for play-making Of all
time. 1t required very recently
In ."The Bachelor Father"
A wonderfully capable cast
makes a long sustained brilliancy
OF cynical expression seem hu-
manly probable. Where repartee
flashes necessarily it often be-
comes so artificial as to seem be-
yond all mortal power.
The art employed in utilizing so
much wit and humor is shown by
the fact that it does not prevent
the story of intense mutual love
from leading through scenes of
serious beauty to a art-breaking
remuneration in Difference to high
sense of honor. The parting is
as affecting as if the pathway of
the story had not been made to
sparkle so resplendently in the
sunshine OF temperament.
*
A figure of great attraction in
the company playing THE High
Road" is Frederick Kerr, no less
competent today in a role of the
Grumpy" type into which his
many years of stage experience
have congenially led him, than he
was 80 years ago or more, when
he was the graceful leading man
in the company which toured
America with Lily Langtry as the
star.
Ed Wynn headed musical CO.
horts through scenes of emphatic
Gun. The Savoy Musical Comedy
Co. found itself with a well estab-
lished clientele sufficient to pro-
vide firSt-rate attendance. The
new policy of guest stars goes into
effect this week with the I'M
bound enthusiasm with which
Kate Smith was received during
= fortnight, constitutes a prece-
dent on which confident expecta-
tons are based.
X X X X
Rolls is apparently to have an