Evening Star Newspaper, December 10, 1922, Page 65

Theaters Part 3—10 Pages O far, the theater has proceeded along lines of conventional restraint. ‘While proclaiming its intellectual poverty by the organization of one society or league after another, each designed to produce some- thing wonderful, it offers importations with no great novel appeal, Buch as “La Tendresse,” in which Ruth Chatterton, a well liked star, ap- pears with Henry Miller in the dual capacity of leading man and manager. * k %k %k E play, by Henry Bataille, was accorded a performance which vindi- cates the French maxim, “The absent one is always in the wrong.” Bataille was not present to defend himself. His lines were never gotten well over the footlights, so far as the role he enacted was concerned. It 3s true that Mr. Miller had one obstacle to contend with, a new theater, barren of hangings, and, therefore, liable to the eccentricities of sound «carriage, with which every one who has stepped into an empty house is familiar. Mr. Miller shares with Mrs. Fiske a disregard of careful en- n.unciatiou. which leaves an audience wishing for more conscientious en- hghtenmcnt as to the words of the play. In Mrs. Fiske's case, a rapidity of utterance, carrying with it the rather pleasing suggestion of tempera- ment, is responsible for the lack of understanding between the player and the auditor beyond the first few rows. In Mr. Miller’s case there seems to be a deliberate clouding of articulation, with a view to cultivating mellifluous effect regardless oi the words. It is in line with that ornate, though not necessarily lucid, elegance of expression to which the colored rhetorican refers as “highdictoflorum.” gl * % Kk % AN interesting episode on Wednesday revealed the fact that Mr. Miller can speak with distinctness if he applies himself to the task. An auditor ventured to interrupt the performance with a request that the actor speak louder. The effect was startling. The player rose to a mo- ment of personal indignation and proceeded to deliver a tirade not alto- gefl?er polite, and concluding with the suggestion that any dissatisfied zu}iltor could get his money back at the box ofiice. Every word Mr. Miller uttered in this connection was audibie with emphatic distinctness. * ok k% 'HE qugsli-m of how far a disp'eased auditor has a right to assert him- _self is one that has long been dor American audiences are docile. The money at the box office is a slizht consideration as compared with the time and good will invested in the prospect of a few hours’ en- tertainment. The sympathy is all with the player. and the voice oi pro- #est, however Justifiable, is popularly unwe!come. Actors may easily pre- sume on these conditions to follow their own sweet wills and mistake forbearance for approval. No one in America shouts “Bravo!” mor “Boo!" in approbation. Should i . Lk ersonal interch: footlights develop as a part of the new ,f Sam e il e some abrup: and possibi * ok THE sudden relinquishment of a role involves a curious psychological shock. It is like the awakening from a dream. Few actors of dis- cretion risk ince there are ushers and stage attendants always at hand to convey, directly and effectively, any messages that seem necessary. Usually an auditor or a group of auditors is to blame. No less distin- gulfhed an actor than E. S. Willard felt compelled during a periormance of “The Middle Man” at the New National Theater to halt. almost in the middle of a sentence, and s “I am ve very sorry to feel compelled 2o announce that unless the conversation in the boxes ceases the per- formance cannot go on.” But he said it very gently, and was out of char- acter for only a few seconds. Nazimova, also, it is recalled. requested attention in no less direct a manner. Regardless of provocation, however, &n actor is on dagzerous‘ground when he steps out of his role in order to defend himseli from interruption. The fact stands prominent, that, whether through his own fault or that of circumstances, he has not been able to subdue the house into silence and respectful attention to the play. * X k % EVERY player desires to play Shakespeare, but the more canny of the tribe reserve the experiment for later yvears of security. Mr. War- field has earned so much praise that he might, it would have seemed, be gasily content without submitting himself to the great test. Mr. Belasco. 00, had laurels cnough of his own peculiar and illustrous kind without reaching for those of the Shakespearean producer. Yet the unexpected arrival of Belasco and Warfield in the field of classic English-speaking r : the W post-war era in theatrical affairs, valuable critical influences may be introduced. rama is a welcome event. And the present generation would have felt isappointment had it not seen so admired a player and so admired a director in the most admirad and esteemed of all drama. The presenta- tion will be characteristic. There will, of course, be a stage revealing the tost opulent resources of the modern scene. Shakespeare, according to ’;admon. employed but little scenery, but when Belasco takes hold, there no doubt about scenery being abie to employe Shakespeare. PHILANDER JOHNSON. Current Attractions AT THE THEATERS THIS WEEK. NATI.OX:\L-‘\':\I’fiEId, as Shylock. Opens tomorrow evening. POLI'S—"Passing Show of 1922 Opens tomorrow evening. PRESIDENT—"Abie’s Irish Rose,” comedy, in its third week. Per- formance this evening. B. F. KEITH'S—Belle Baker, vaudeville. New show opens tomor- row aifternoon. BELASCO—"Troubles of 1922,” Shubert unit. Opens this afternoon. COSMOS—“Future of the Ad,” vaudevi ! s o e Ad,” vaudeville. New show opens tomor- STRAND—"“Little Lord Roberts,” vaudeville. Opens this afternoon. GAYETY—"Keep Smiling,” burlesque. Opens this afternoon. Strassberg as Chus, Edward l:l' in delight, | NATIONAL—Warfield as “Shy- ) lock.” David Belasco's presentation of Mr. ‘Warfleld as Shylock in “The Merchant of Venice.” at the New National Theater this week, will bring the Tulfillment of a prom!se long since made by the actor and the producer, and very widely discussed among those whose interest lies In the better things of the theater. iwing to Warfield's continued Success in 'he Auctioneer.,” 'TI‘\e and “The Return of 1t was deemed unlike- that he would abandon 7, mang of assured prosperity to enter an artistic province forelgn to his ex- perfence, and one in which the haz- ard is far greater than is the possi- bl of gain. But for many years Mr. Warfield has cheriished t’he’nm ibtlon to interpret the role of Shy lock, and during all that time both he and Mr. Belasco have labored to- ward the end that 18 now happily consummated. They have chosen to present the play this season not be- cause the time is especially prop: tious for an enterprise of such mag- mitade, but because thelr long labors ©of preparation are completed, and l.hqz‘.-re ready, each in the fullness of powers and in the maturity of mm“s, to give to the stage the st of their joint and individual Schisvements. ‘The production of which Mr. Belas- ®o, according to his custom, vouch- safes but little preliminary informa- tion, 18 the most superb that has ever been made of a Shakespearean play. fFhe planning of its every detall has dcoupled a large part of Mr. Belasco's gime and thought for a period of Years, and in the carrying out of m. plans a host of artists and lsans have been employed. in Eu- fope as well as in America, for many | A, ths. ‘The supporting cast includes Philip Merivale as Bassanio. A. E. Anson a8 Duke of Venice. Ian MacLaren as An- tonio, Walter I Percival as Gra- tiano, Herbert Grimwood as Prince of Morocco, Albert Bruning as Tubal, Horace Braham as Lorenzo, Reginald Goode as Solanio, Herbert Ranson as Salarino, Fuller Mellish as Old Gobbo, Charfes Harbury as Balthasar, Perci- ¥a) Vivian ss Launcelot Gobbo, Mor- e Wever as Stephano, Edward Crandall as Leonardo, Ward de Wolfe as jester, Nick Long as clerk of the court, H. Brown as a ducal messenger, Miss Mary Servoss in the role of Portia, Miss Mary Ellis, Nerissa; Miss Julla Adler, Jessica. The settings are by Ernest Gros. Norman O'Neill of London has com- posed the incidenta] mus's. The cos- tumes are from designa by Percy McQuoid, R. 1. period art, supervised by Elmer E. Taflinger. The play has been produced under the personal di- recton of Mr. Belasco. who will be here for the entire engagement. ‘The length of the performance will neceesitate the raising of the curtain promptly at 8 o'clock at the evening performances, and at 2 o'clock at the ‘Wednesday and Saturday matinees. POLI'S—“The Passing Show of 1822. The Winter Garden's tenth annual revue, “The Passihg Show of 1922, with Willle and Eugene Howard and & colossal collection of talent, will appear at Poli's Theater this week, opening tomorrow night. ‘Willle and Eugene Howard made their metropolitan debut at the Win- ter Garden in 1912. They proved so popular that the Shuberts placeg them under a long-term contract. In the original “Passing Show" were many people who have since risen to fame, such as Trixie Friganza, Anna Wheaton, Harry Fox, Jobyna How- land, Moon and Morris, Shirley Kel- 10gE, now one of the beauties of the English stage and wife of Albert de Courville; Oscar Shaw, who, when he played in “The Passing Show of 1913, was known as Oscar Schwarts; Charlotte Greenwood, Sydney Grant, aide and Hughes and the late Charlie Ross. The Winter Garden, more than any other musical institution in the world, perhaps, has specialized In the devel- opment of new talent. Al Jolson en- tered the Winter Garden almost un- known and emerged as one of the best black-faced comedians in the world. Frank Tinney also established himselt as & comedian at the Winter Garden. Other well known people who have been seen at the ter Garden are: Che Sundiy Star WASHINGTON, D. C., SUNDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 10, 1922. Automobiles DAVID | | BARRY MELTON ~ Gayety j Grace ana Berkes, June Elvidge, the late Frank Carter, James Clemons, Irene Bordoni, Marilynn Miller. the late Melville Ellis (talented as actor. musician. composer and costume and scene designer), De Haven and Nice, Mosconi Brothers, Harry Delf, Doyle and Dixon, Joe Jackson, Frances Pritchard, Boyle and Rrazil, Wanda Lyon. Ada Mae Weeks, William Kent and numerous others. ‘The same brains, it is announced, di- rected the newest “Passing Show™ and the entire production has been staged under the personal direction of J. J. Shubert. PRESIDENT—‘;bie's Irish Rose.’ The President Players in “Abie’s Irish Rose” appear to have a dra- matic hit of the most emphatic type. This famous comedy, by Anne Nich- ols, which scored the outstanding suc- cess of the Players’ season during its first week in Washington, and which duplicated it during the past seven days, now begins its third consecutive week at the President tonight, where it will be presented at ¥:30 o'clock, with nma:!lnees ‘Wednesday and Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ““Abie’s Irish Ros is already in its ninth month in New York, and it.has also achieved remarkably lengthy en- gagements in San Frascisco and Los Angeles. Its presentation in Wash- ington marks its first appearance in the east outside of New York, where it is being shown at $3 prices. For the Washington engagement the cast specially assembled under the direction of Harry Manners, includes Eileen Wilson, Henry Duffy, Harry Shautang, Anne Morrison, Leo Hoyt. Robert Lowe, Irving Kennedy and many others. The play derives its laughter con- tent from the presentation of an inter- racial marriage between a Jewish boy and an Irish girl and their unwilling- ness to confide to their families the truth. B. F. KEITH'S Belle Baker. Belle Baker, announced as the “in- comparable mistress of song” Will head this week’s bill at Keith's, Te-i served for those stars only of the first magnitude. Vaudeville patrons are fully acquainted with the Belle Baker manner. She needs no intro- ductlon. Wellington Cross and company, lnl “Wives,” by Howard Emmett Rogers, ; staged ' by the comedian, Perciv Knight, will be the special attraction. Cross has been in musical comedy for the past few years, but returns to) the two-a-day in a skit that affords, him an opportunity to be the spright- 1y entertafner vaudeville knows him to be. With him are Hartley Power, Gretchen Sherman, Loila Brooks and Elaine Ivans. Ben Meroff and Ibach’s | entertainers, in is with the troupe. Gracle Deagon and Jack Mack return in a new style of comedy, and James Dutton's eques- trians, with riding novelties and feats | of horsemanship. Others aro Eddle Weber and Marion Ridnor, “Just & Couple of Nifties,” in a diversion; Jack Joyce, the “boy with the smile” and an insouciant person- ality, and the Stanley brothers, the Danfsh phlesmatics, in smazing acro- at Aesop’s Fables, Topics of the Day and the Pathe News Plctorial will be shown. BELASCO—“Troubles of 1922 George Jessel and the Courtney Sisters head the Shubert unit, “Trou- bles of 1922,” which opens a week's engagement at the Shubert.Belasco this afternoon. 3 “Troubles” has a connected story, founded upon the ups and downs of a young dreamer from New York East Side, who has ambitions to produce a pla; ‘The difficulties develop and dis- ntangle themselve in a prologue d nine scenes of scenic beauty. The tory is a satire on the revue crase, and in the course of the action twen- ai | rollicking character in WVILLIE and EUGENE HowARD ~ Polis JouN MCCorRMACK. Polis ty-five “troublemakers,” comprising the ensemble supply pep dancing and much enjoyable melody. Fay and Florence Courtney, who have long been rccognized 'as a standard act of the two-a-day, head a vaudeville program. in the singing specialty for which they are notable. They will be assisted by the Ultra String_Quartet. Others will include Mile. Ann Codee, French comedienne, in an amusing speciaity that is new and presents Frank Orth as a comedy foil for the attractive chanteuse; Gertrude Hayes, jr.. in a dance diver- sion of originality: Jed Dooley with Jack Edwards and . and Sam Bennett and Ann Lowenwirth. COSMOS—*“The Future of the Ad.” Three headliners out of the ordl- nary, in a bill notable for its unique novelty, is the announcement of the Cosmos Theater for the current week, beginning with the matinee tomorrow afternoon. The Mignonette-Kokin company will present a pretentious and attractive offering of songs and dances, with something more, under the elusive title “The Future of the Ad" The famous American comedy four—Billy Beyer, Fred Norbeck. Oscar Gardner and Al Campbell—wili alternate delightful harmonies of song with drollery, and Jack McLallen and May Carson will bring one of the breeziest offerings of the season of a “What Not, ‘Whoa, Sarah.” Ethel McDonough and company will offer a pretty comedy sketch, “Milady’s usy Da: Knight's Roosters, in Fowl Play,” will bring a novelty for oung and old, and Carl and Ines, in ‘A _Doorstep Romeo,” will entertain with a poetic conceit with a humor- ous and melodious side. Lois Wilson’s newest photoplay, Broad Dayligh a gripping drama of adventure, romance and thrills, in which she is supported by Jack Mul- hall, Ralph Lewis and an exceptional cast, will be shown for the first time in Washington. It is a screen pro- duction of the higher order and of tense interest. oday, starting at 3 p.m., last week's splendid bill will be offered. STRAND—Little Lord Roberts. The Strand Theater this week, be- ginning today, will present Little Lord Roberts, a headliner of the vaudeville portion of its bill. Lord Roberts is one of the best known Lulliputian entertainers, and his character impressions have found favor at every theater he has played on the Loew circuit. He calls his offering “Toyland,” and the feature of his impressions is Santa Claus. It is an offering that will find favor with the chiliren and grown-ups alike. Harry Edwards and Carrie Allen, in a comedy, song and dance act, Tune_and Dance Capsule”: Olive May and Jack Hill, in a “Musical Flirta- tion,” called “Stolen Ki ; James ick and Eleanor Irving, in a comedy skit, “Telling the Truth,” an 1 tal D P Al GEO! JESS | | 1 OLIVE NEVIN | Masonid Auditorium, | | |offering_brimful of original comedy, ! |and McCormack and Miss Irving and ithe Joe Do Koe troupe of acrobats, late features of the New York Hippo- | drome, will complete the show, with | acrobatics, tumbling and balancing. | Oliver Morosco's film _production, “The Half Breed,” will be the featured cinema offering. Wheeler Oakman is the star, with Ann May and Mary An- | derson in leading feminine Toles. Short film subjects, with special fea- tured comedies and the news reel, with incidental music, complete the bill. HE distinguished critic William Winter, author of “The Life of ' David Belasco,” says: “David Belasco, one of the most singular, character- 1stic, picturesque and influential per- sons who have participated in the theatrical movement in America, is descendde from an old Portuguese Hebrew family, the name of which was originally pronounced Valasca. “His father, Humphrey Belasco, was a native of England, born in London, December 26, 1830. His mother, ‘whose maliden name was Reina Mar- tin, was also of English nativity, born in London, April 24, 1830. “Humphrey Belasco's occupation was that of a harlequin. He was pro- ficlent in his calling and he pursued it successtully at various London the- aters. “In 1852 the elder Belasco voyaged by sailing vessel to San Francisco, and there on July 25, 1853, David Be- sco was born. Five years later the family moved to Victoria, British Co- lumbia, and there much of David Be- lasco’s childhood was passed. He went to various schools in the town, and for about two and one-half years he was under the instruction of a Roman Catholic priest, Father McGuire, then aged 86, who perceived in him un- common intelligence and precocious lent. “Suddenly and without speclal cause avid left the monastery and joined a wandering circus, in which he ap- eared as a miniature clown. A se- rious fllness put an end to this ad- venture, and he returned to his home. “Mr. Belasco's very first association with the theater was when he was ‘carried on’ at the Victoria Theater Royal .as Cora’s child, in ‘Pizarro.’ This probably occurred in 1858, In 1864, when Charles Kern filled a short engagement at the Victoria Theater, David Belasco, eleven years old, ap- peared as the little Duke of York, in ‘King Richard IIL’ “The Belasco family returned to San Francisco in 1865, and there David Belasco began his regular profes- sional association with the theater. In that city he labored in every de- partment of-the theater, being in turn | 1 | RGE EL~ Belasco | Burton Holmes Twice Today. Burton Holmes will take his audi- ences up China’s famous river, the Yangtze Kiang, twice today. Owing to the production being made by Da- vid Belasco of “The Merchant of his Monday matinee, announced for tomorrow, to this afternoon at 4; his second lecture will be given this even- ing at 8:30. Burton Holmes was the first to take { motion pictures in that part of inland iChina; | Inspiring canyons, rivaling the fjords i of Norway and our own Grand Canyon of Arizona, appeared on the screen never before have the countless | hordes of interior China been photo- graphed in motion; never have their petty revolutions ‘been recorded in this manner, with the incidental fighting and ‘skirmishes and looting. Mr. Holmes sailed up this giant stream, his boat struggling against the dangerous current, dodging rocks and perilous whirlpoois of the upper Tiver as it tore its way through the wondrously beautiful gorges of this marvelous stream. g Colored views add to the realism. Janet Richards Tomorrow. Miss Janet Richards will give her usual Monday morning talk on public questions, home and forelgn, tomor- row at 10:45, in_the Masonic Temple, 13th street and New York avenue. Her general review of world event: will include a discussjon of the prob- | lems confronting the last session of this Congress, the controversy that has arisen in the Lausanne confer- ence over the stand taken by the United States on keeping open the Dardanelles, the inauguration of the Irish Free State and Clemenceau as an exponent of the policies of France. Nesw York Symphony Tuesday. Alexander Siloti, the distinguished i Russian pianist, who created a deep impression when heard here last Jan- uary, will be the soloist for the con- cert of the New York Symphony Or- chestra, under Walter Damrosch, in the National Theater next Tuesday afternoon. Rachmaninoff is Siloti's cousin and pupil. Early in his career he was a pupil of Nicholas Rubinstein, brother of Anton. He was a friend and col- league of Tschalkowsky and on friendly terms with Brahms. The program selected by Mr. Dam- way, will mark his final appearance here this season as conductor. will be FRIEDA HEMPEL National GAYETY—“Keep Smiling.” James E. Cooper's “Keep Smiling” pany opens this afternoon at the ety Theater for a week's engage- This attraction, in two acts, men has the reputation of being designed mainly for laughing purposes, al- though a wealth of tuneful numbers and “peppy” dances will be intro- duced. William K. Wells wrote and | staged the piece and Melville Morris and Hal Dyson composed the songs. Most of the dances were" superin- tended by Raymond B. Perez. In all there will be seventeen musical num- bers and almost as many changes of beautiful costumes. Bert Lahr, eccentric comedian, is featured in the cast, numbering close to fifty people. Harry Kay will as- sist in fun-making. in the role of a tramp. The three jolly bachelors, Dick Prichard, Leo Pelletier and Da vid Wood, a trio of harmoniets, play leading parts. A coterle of clever and pretty women is headed by Lilllan Rockley, prima donna: Barry Mel- ton, “adventuress’; Mersidles, Sou- brette; Emily Dyer, ingenus, and Mile. Florette, contortionist. Arcade. At the Arcade the speclal attrac- tions for the week are a *Paul Jones™ dance tomorrow night and a laughable “Black Cat” dance Thursday, the fe- line prizes being described as “gcreamingly funny.” | David Belasco—A Brief Sketch. copyist of parts, actor. playwright and manager. He had the advantage of association with the foremost players of the time. From them he learned the elements of his art, and in their company he developed his own remarkable genlus.” Ram's Head players. THE first production which the Ram’s Head Players will make in their little playhouse will open ‘Wednesday, December 27, and will include three one-act plays which are expected to prove of unusual in- terest to lovers of the drama here. One is a first production by an inter- esting voung artist, one is by =a dramatist who is acknowledged to have written two of the greatest plays in our language and the third is a comparatively new play, which is having its New York and Chicago premiers simultaneously during the month of December. The stage settings and costumes were designed by James Reynolds, assisted by Lester Shafer, and the plays are being produced under the personal supervision of Robert Bell, Walter Beck and James Reynolds. Helen Robbins will come on from New York as guest artist in the first production. Miss Robbins recently played with John Barrymore, In “Richard III,” and with Lionel Bar- rymore, in “Macbeth.” —_— “The World We Live In,” known as the “insect comedy,” by Josef and Karel Capek, and that came from the National Theater of Czchoslovakia, at Prague, is a fantastic satire on life in terms of insects, which arraigns such aspects of civilization as mod- ern soclety, the modern business world, nationalism and efficiency. It was as “Our Nell” that the musi- cal comedy by E. Thomas and Brian Hooker, with music by George Gershwin and Willlam Daly, which opened in Washington under the title, “Hayseed, or the Villain Still Pur- sued Hi was introduced to New York. » devoted to Tschaikowsky and will consist of “Symphony No. 5 in E Mi- nor” and the “Concerto in B Flat i Minor.” for piano with orchestra, with ) Mr. Siloti in the solo part. The concert is under the local man- agement of T. Arthur Smith, Inc. and tickets are on sale at 1306 G street north Venice,” Mr. Holmes has lnnlferred[ never before have the awe- rosch for this concert. which, by the Concerts—Lectures | Rubinstein Club Tuesday Evening. ‘The Rubinstein Club of Washington, with Claude Robeson as conductor, | will give its first concert of this sea- son Tuesday evening at the Masonio Auditorium. The activities of this {club of seventy-five feminine voices jhave dome much in the development ©of music in this city. | _The assisting artists will be Olive Nevin, soprano, and Harold Miiligan, { planist, who will present “Three Cen- turies of American Song” in costume, | represented by compositions by Hop- kinson, Von Hagen, Pelissier, Stephen | Foster, Nevin, Beach and Parker, and Branscombe, James, Watts and Mil- {ligan. In their costume recital Olive | Nevin and Harold Milligan have an offering which is said to be distinctly | different from all others and which, ! because of its patriotic and artistic { phases, is making an especially wide | appeal to the general public as well {8 to musicians. It outlines the de- | velopment of American musical com- position from its inception down to | the present day. { . The choral numbers to be given by | the Rubinstein Club are as follows: | “Maidens, Remember.” Weckerlin: | “The True “Marriage K Woodland “Good Night,” Tickets may be obtained from T. Arthur Smith, Inc, 1306 G street. Frieda Hempel Thursday. Frieda Hempel, the famous prano, will be heard next Thursdas at the National Theater for the first time lrtl \\'a:hingl;;n in a Jenny Lind concert. under the managem r | Mrs. Wilson-Greene. o o | Frieda Hempel was chosen from all the world's living singers to imper- ! sonafe the immortal Jenny Lind in the historic centennial concert Oc- Itober €. 1920. the 100th anniversary of the birth of the Swedish nightin- gale. This Jenny Lind concert will | be_repeated here The accompanist is Mr. Coenraad V. the celebrated pianist, with Mr. I*. Fritze, flutist, | Tke program will include: *“Oh. Had 1 Jubal's Lyre' (Handel): | “Batti, Battl. O Bel Masetto,” from “Don Giovanni” (Mozart): “Ave Ma- ria” (Schubert), “The Trout” (Schu- bert), “The Nut Tree” (Schurmann) “The Herdsman's known as the weglan melody (Chopin), “Waltz, G Flat” (Chopin). performed on the pizno by Mr. Coenraad V. Bos: “Grand Aria DI Bravura” (“Carnival of Venice”), from the opera of “The Brides of Venice.” with flute obbli- gato, Miss Frieda Hempel; “Andante Pastoral” (Th. Bohm) and “Minuet.” performed on the flute by Mr. Louis P. Fritze; “On Wings of Song” (Men- delssohn), “Bird Song” (Taubert). “Greeting to _ America” (Bishop). “Home, Sweet Home.” from the opera of “Clari.” or the “Mald of Milan.” Seats may be had at Mrs. Wilson- Greene’s concert bureau, 13th and G treete. Coming Attractions NATIONAL—Margaret Lawrence in “Secrets.” Monday of next week. at the New National Theater, Sam H. Harris will present his newest star, Margaret Lawrence, in a new play. entitled. “Secrets,” written by Rudolf Besier and May Eddington. Taking a new and unusual ancle on life and its re- lations, the play is described as ab- sorbing in theme, with a wealth of brilliance In dialogue. Miss Lawrence is an actress of great charm and well ripened art. The play is being staged by Sam For- rest. Miss Lawrence’'s Supporting company includes Tom Nesbitt, Arline McDermott, Frazer Coulter, Elmer Grandin, Shirley Pink, Horace Cooper, Mignon O'Doherty, Cynthia Hyvde, Lil- lian Brennard, Norman Houston, Mrs. Edmund Gurney, Templer Saxe, Mary Scott Seton, Barbara Allen, Grace Hiney and Beatrice Kay. POLI'S—Eddie Cantor, “Stepping Around.” ‘Eddie Cantor, who has been ac- knowledged as unique among present- day comedians, comes to Poli's Thea- ter next week, beginning Sunday night, December 17. in the New York Winter Garden's big extravaganza, ‘Make It Snappy.” Long the star fun- maker of Ziegfeld's “Follies,” he is considered one of the most expert and diverting singers of comic ditties of our day. “Make It Snappy.” his new show, 1s declared “full of spicy satire, soul- soothing songs and superbly splendid sylphs, jovously jazzing through a fairyland of gorgeous scenery, thickly beset with beautiful women.” Some of the members of the cast are Lillian Fitzgerald, Helen Car- rington, Muriel De Forrest, Tot Qual- ters, Ingred Solfeng, Charlotte Wood- ruff, Betty Dair, Lew Hearn, Queenie Queenin, Joe Opp. John Byam, George Hale, Le Roy Dufficle, the marvelous Blue Devils and the Cleveland Bron- ner Ballet. GARRICK—Thurston. Thurston, the internationally famous magician, will begin a week's en- agement at the Shubert-Garrick heater. Sunday night, December 17. He will introduce a score of his very latest novelties, which are said to surpass. in effect, size and cost. any- thing of the sort heretofore pro- duced. The noted illusionist’s present offering is declared, in artistic finish and bigness, to be almost overwhelm- ing. and the greatest magic show on earth. His 1922-1923 program includes “the beautiful witch,” “the vanishing camel.” “the famous Hindu rope trick,’ the radio mystery,” “fairy queens from Ireland.” “beautifying by magic” “Conan Doyle _outdone,” “Rameses’ magic columns,” “the triple conundrum.” “the mysterlous foun- tain” “spiritualistic manifestations.” ‘a_glimpse of hereafter.” “the super- natural lion.” “Mephisto's visit” and “ancient Chinese sorcery.” In addition to being a showman of | the highest type, Thurston is also a person of rare intelligence and charm- ing personality, both on and off the stage. He is extremely fond of re- search work, and many of his magic spectacles are the direct result of his tireless study of anclent writings and works of art. He was a warm {friend of the late King Edward of England, who an _able amateur magician and a pupil of Thurston's. B. F. KEITH'S—Aunt Jemima’s Jazz Band. Aunt Jemima and her jazz band; Mable McCane and company. in “Will o' the Wisp,” an elaborate musical of- fering: Jack Wilse in “A Nonsensi- cal Revue”; Harvard, Holt and Ken- drick, in_“Big Game"; Leavitt and Lockwood, in “Ourselves”: Jack Lit- tle; Miss Leitzel, in “An Aerial Fro- tc,» and Mary Catherine Campbell, “Miss America,” with Thorton Flynn and Dena Caryll, in “An Evening at Home,” are on the bill at Kelth's for next week. BELASCO—“The Spice of Life.” “The Spice of Life,” a Shubert unit show that features the comedy of Frank Gaby and the dancing of Kra- mer and Boyvle, with Sylvia Clark, Julia Kelety, Bell and Walker and the twelve Tivoli dancing girls, will be the pre-Christmas attraction at_the Belasco, opening with a matinee Sun- day, December 36 COSMOS—*“Four Byron Girls.” Next week’s bill at the Cosmos Theater. still in course of construc- tion and with its big feature as yet unconfir4® 1, will present the famous Four Byron Girls, “Harmony in Col- ors,” in a humorous and entertaining Nathano Brothers, in novel Ities; Colvin and Wood, in a g and dancing skit. “Oh, Doc- ,” 8 composite entertalnment of many good points: Columbia and Vic- tor, in a novel offering of dances in- teriarded with song., and McKenna. Banks and company, in “A Lesson in What?" described as a comedy play- let of unusual brightness. One of the biggest features will be Frank Mayo's new picture, “Woif Law.” a story of tense interest of other days, directed by Stuart Paton, from a story by Hugh Poindexter. It is one of Carl Leammle’s best pro- ductions and will be shown for the first time in Washington. STRAND—“Great Moments From Grand Opera.” A grand opera treat is promi the Strand next week by Mm Barry and her sextet of soloist “Great Moments from Grand Opera. Others are Adrian. in_an oddity in laughter and =ongs: Nat Burrs, a singing and dancing monologist: Eck- hoff and Gordon, in “Hokum a la Carte.” and the Australian Delsos, in an original athletic offering. “The Cave Girl” a story of the Yosemite, will feature the cinema program. Teddie Gerard, a new- comer. is starred in this picture of the west. GAYETY—“Sliding Billy” Watson “Sliding Billy” Watson. long identi- fled with burlesque, comes to the Gayety Theater next week, after au absence of two vears, with his “Bix Fun Show. In his support will be found Inez de Verdler, prima donna: Lillian Harvey, ingenue; Ethel de Veaux, soubrette; Bennie Howard Platt, second comedian; Frank Mal- lahan. Joe Manme. Lioyd Peddrick and “Three Whirlwinds,” a troupe of colored dancers, led by Madeline, in | song numbers. The company will be ' backed by a chorus of eighteen pretty ! singing and dancing girls. ' MUSIC. OSEF ROSENBLATT, the cantor tenkr, has many original ideas about music and the pleasure it gives. “Most people,” he remarks. “love music far more than they know, but their natural liking for the art is often checked by convention. Some- how or other the public has gained the Impression that people must un- derstand music to appreciate it. For this reason people are continually saying, ‘T like music, even though 1 don’t understand it “An attitude of this sort is quite wrong, for an appreciation of music s by no means dependent on a formal study of the subject. Of course, it is very pleasant and satisfactory to know how music is organized and why It is well written; yet a natural joy in melody itself is a far greater thing. Music is undeniably one of the most. if not the most, gratifying of all arts, and its influence on the individual 1s automatic with the hearing. “I personally advise people to listen to music without affectation; to enjoy the mood and themes without wor- Tying whether or not they are ad- miring the correct thing. Doing &o will unconsciously develop their mu- sical taste and simultaneously give them greater pleasure.” —_——— “One of the interesting of the vol- umes which offer interesting side- lights on the careers of musical he- Willa Cather's " says Rosenblatt, the famous cantor. “This almost my favorite book, because it is so in- timate and truthful about musical life. It shows the romapce of the professional career, but it shows also the drudgery. the heartaches. the pi falls and the obstacles.” A tour lasting three vears. said to be the longest ever known in the- atrical history. has been mapped out for the “Passing Show of 1922." with engagements of one or two weeks in such cities as Washington, Baltimore and Pittsburgh.