Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-11-02
rHE theatrical week which has
just drawn to a close af-
forded increasing evidence

10rded increasing evidence
that the theater is with us
as usual at this time of the year,
and, from the present outlook, is
likely to remain more or less for a
while, at least. 1t would be strange,
indeed, if Mrs. FiSke and Ed
Wynn, although in widely diverg-
ent fields and certainly with
widely varied talents, could not
only preserve the theater, but
draw the necessary patronage for
its suStenance for a long time.
And there are others, many, many
others to help them. Washing
ton may have been a bit timid in
reporting its presence at first, but
became bit holder as the week
progressed, and that without the
slightest suggestion of naughti-
ness in the ballyhoo that is in
evitable with the appearance of
a distinguished star and even
without undue extravaganza in
heralding the coming of two such
celebrities. When all is conSid-
cred the fact remains that as
popular as may be the talking
picture there still fingers in the
hearts of the general public love
for the play that is presented by
living actors and without the aid
of the camera in projecting their
efforts. Worthwhile plays pre-
Sented by competent and inter-
esting players will always insure
the existence of the fashioned
theater against all rivals, even
those which may deftly counter
felt the real thing. If there is a
crying need for anything in what
the movies themselves call the
Legitimate theater," it is for pro-
ducerS who can appreciate plays
of quality and merit and who are
also willing to do justice to them
in their production. If box office
zeal could be induced to operate
on a $3.50 basis with a zeal for
dramatic art, all might yet be
well. For the present that is a
consummation devoutly to be
wished.
THE theater still can boast of
many players who are truly
great in their art, men and wom-
en-. Among them none has
reached higher distinction, nor
won a warmer place in the affec-
tons of loyal admirers than Mrs.
FiSke. Many of these people date
their loyalty from the distant
days when the great actress was
the pretty, quiet, but increasingly
impressive Minnie Madden. Ed
Wynn, despite the fact that run
ming true to form in method he
persists in billing himself 'The
Perfect Fool" has reached the
super-Spotlight, as one might say
in the movies, through a long
trail of laughter that often has
been flooded with tearS-not Of
sadness, but of the brand that
goes with nonSenSical surprises
that shake the human sides. Both
these delightful artists have won
fame in their respective fields
with offerings ever above re-
proach. The mere announce
ment of their intended visit is
snaOugh to start a understanding
Hs-e at the box Office. 1t is the
very best evidence that the public
has confidence in them and in
what they are to do. There are
hosts of other great players, men
and women, of which the same is
true. Unfortunately the players
are not always permitted to select
their own plays. Very often fine
players are cast in plays that are
utterly unworthy of them. II 1t
is really desired by the producers
that the theater shall 1--we and
thrive, why is this condition OF