Evening star., 1932-02-14


" ditions in the modern
theater, no better illuStra-
ton. perhaps, can be advanced
to establish that tastes have
changed than the fact that Ros-
tand's beautiful, romantic classic.
"Cyrano de Bergerac" and its dis
tinguished star. Walter Hampden,
were compelled to limit their stay
in Washington and to move out
early to provide room for the re-
hearSal of the new Ziegfeld show.
This simple truth inspires more
thought for the interested to
dwell upon than all the COM
plants that have been made
against the stage and all the
guesses hazarded by the talented
writer's of the day combined
Imagine the feelings of the gen
fuses of the French Academy if
and when they learn the facts!
"Cyrano' has not been seen here
so frequently in recent years as
to become tiringly familiar, and
the fine presentation of its mani
fold beauties was of such eX-
cellence as to entitle it to a weeks
stand in any mans town. More
over, the distinction of its star,
Mr.. Hampden, is such in the
American theater as to merit the
heartiest welcome, no matter
what his play, whenever he finds
it convenient to come this way
But a Ziegfeld show is-well a
Ziegfeld shoW-and everybody
knows what to expect when it is
announced any old time People
have been fairly scrambling and
showing one another out of line
in the parade to the box Of
flee for seats at S4 40 each.
THERE was once a time when
The School for Scandal"
-She Stoops to Conquer and
other old English comedies of
brilliance in wit and comforting
in humOr were always sure of
large and appreciative audiences.
Ethel Barrymore has never lacked
such an audience no matter what
might be her play, unless, per-
haps, Scarlet Sister Mary" may
have furnished the experience,
Sprung from the nobility of the
American stage and one OF the
brightest lights of a distinguished
family, people went to see her
whether they appreciated her full
worth or not. And they always
came away apparently contented
and happy.
Miss Barrymore has been max
ing a wonderful tour of the coun-
try with "The School for Scan
dal," and this week she is honor
ing Washington. But the fate OF
Hampden and "Cyrano' hangs
ominously in the memory, and
there are those of Miss Barry
mores ardent admirers who Won
der what may happen. Perhaps
the mood induces the thought
and, after all, the royal lady of
the House of Barrymore may
challenge the rivalry of even a
Ziegfeld premiere with a smile.
Mr.. Hampden and his "Cyrano'
we're, perhaps, fortunate IN being
able to make a dignified retreat
before the great threat arrived.
MISS Dali yIIlOlC, lio"SNSA' A1ANoS
enter the lists and wage her bat
tie with the willy enemy just over
the way.
THIS prediction for the spec
= tacular and for the melodies
of the musical stage seemed for
while, at least, to threaten
Washington's annual hopes for
its heretofore popular Summer
stock season. True, achievements
in that particular line in the past
wear or two have left its coura-
eeous young manager lowering be-
tween the devil and the deep blue
sea, financially speaking; yet ne
has braved fate, and like the stole
who climbed the mountain bear
ing aloft his banner Excelsior"
Steve Cochran has chuckled with
glee to see the multitudeS push
ing their way into the play house
when multitudes did the push
ing. Moreover, positive announce
ment gives assurance that Mr..
Cochran's National Players will
again appear at the old stand for
business, bigger n better than
ever before" Monday evening,