Evening Star Newspaper, April 17, 1923, Page 30

POLI'S—"“As You Like It,” Ameri- can Nationial Theater. However high may have been the expeotations of those who have long looked forward to the establishment of a “national theater” In this coun- try, devoted to the production of the best in drama in the most artistic manner, they were probably realized last night, when, before a capacity audience at PolYs in this city, “As You Like It” was presented as the premier of _the ‘“American Natlonal Theater.” In choice of play, in selec- tion of actors, in, setting and in fidel- ity to the spirit of the great drama- tist, those who have promoted this important new movement In Ameri- olin_ theatrical adventure have un- doubtedly achieved success and have imade an important and gratifying ad- vance toward the:redemption of the stage in this country from influences that have long affected it unhappily. Usually Shakespeare is chosen as the medium of a “star.” and the play ig selected to suit the particular qual ifications of the individual whose as- pirations have reached toward that zenith of the art. In this case another foundation has been chosen, broader and stronger and making for a far better dramatic structure. “The play’'s the thing,” the company merely a me- dium, the setting an expression. To the credit of those who are sustaining this great aspiration, which has been given the significant title of the “American National Theater,” suscep- tible of vast possibilities, the task ap- pears to have been accomplished without undue stress being glven to individuals. True, any worthy actor or actress cast in one of the four or five roles of “As You Like It” that stand forth conspicuously, will, how- ever competent the support, shine brightly, mainly through the art of Shakespeare, who in this play gave the fullest opportunity for ability. “A» You Like It" is Rosalind's play particularly, Therefore the Rosalind is the first test of lts successful pro- duction. Marjorie Rambeau, well known in other lines of work, last night demonstrated the possession of the quality that makes for stellar honors. She is lovely to the eye, her voice i3 music to the ear, she is ca- pable of a wide range of emotion, and she has a keen perception of the del- fcacies of mood that in this great eomedy make the strongest appeal to the audience. If her Rosalind may not become one of the great achieve- ments of stage history, it will serve the better for being In close harmony with the work of her assoclates in a company of remarkably even abllity. Last night it deserved the repeated manifestations of approval granted it by a delighted audience. Closely following Miss Rambeau's Rosalind is the sprightly, charming Celia of Margalo Gillmore, who mani- fested a delightfully dellcate vivacity, scoring particularly in the fourth act. As “Rosalind” tests the cast of “As You Like It” on the feminine side, so “Orlando” is the measure on the mas- culine side. Jan Keith meets the ex- acting requirements, with grace and fire, personality and sincerity. He is a decidedly good looking “Orlando,” young, convincing and sympathy-com- Pelling. Not long ago Washington witnessed a bit of Belasco enterprise in the im- portation of A. S. Anson from England to play the comparatively trifiing role of the Duke of Venice in support of David Warfleld’s “Shylock.” There was some remark at the time on the score of using so skilled an actor in 80 small a part. Now Mr. Anson has been drafted by .the new . National Theater Company and given the role of the melancholy Jacques. He was a revslation to those who havé not for a long time, perhaps who have never, seen this strange creature of Shakespeare’s conception strongly,and adequately portrayed. The part has been variously Interpreted, in moods ‘TANgINg from a close approach to buf- foonery to a stodgy churlishness. Anson ‘was the Jacques' of the ra tlonal Interpretation, a moody philos- opher, oynical and whimsical, capable of extracting amusement from the ec- centricities of others, but finally turn- ing to his natural bent of contempla- tin in retirement. His reading of the “seven ages” was artistically blended with the dialogue of the forest scene, not shouted or declaimed as a partic- ular bit of “acting”—an Incident of speech rather, so carefully casual as to take its significance from its mat- ter and not from an ostentatious man- ner of delivery. Too numerous are the excellent qualities of the remainder of the cast to permit individual mentiom, beyond the thoroughly finished “Adam” o; Arnold Lucy, the excellent “Ollver of Jerome Lawlor, the lively and never palling “Touchstone” of Ernest Lawford, the briefly presented but convincing “Duke Frederick of John Craig and the doubled roles of Edgar orton, who was deliclously foppish as “Le Beau” at court and as “Corin,’ the senile shepherd, in the forest. In stage craft this production takes Its place with the notable achieve ments of the American stage. It Is not heavily overlald with properties or scenery. It takes its quality rather from its color scheme, its beautiful blending of costumes with the simple, yet adequate scenic devices. The re- sult Is a convincing picture at all times. Lee Simonson, who designed the production, has triumphed, and withal has done so without any forc ing upon the audience of the Sugges tlon of costliness. May the American National Theater continue to present such works, so well cast and so beautifully envel- ope B. F. KEITH'S_Eva Shirley and Emma Haig. The Keith management this week have two top-line acts—Eva Shirley, with Oscar Adler's Orchestra, and petite Emma Haig and company, in dances and songs. Miss Shirley has a beautiful voice, and uses it with skill In songs of a popular vein. She was given a hearty reception. Little need be said of Prof. Adler's orches. tra, as it has been before the public long enough to establish the reputa- tion of being one of the best in the two-a-day. Encores and curtain calls were numerous_after the act had completed its offering. Emma Halg was one of the original members of Irving Berlin's “Music Box Revue” but an accident at the opening of the show put her in a hospital for six months, and it was thought she was through forever as a performer. Great grit and nerve, however, pulled the through, and she is once more back to her first love—vaudeville. She has a.wonderful personality, and ranks as one of the best comediennes in vaude- ville. Last night she gave an exhibi- tion of graceful and eccentric danc- Ing that astonished those who have overlooked her accomplishments and her past career. She had to bow her acknowledgements at least a dozen times. The remainder of the program is exceptionally entertaining. Ona Mun- Mr.’ little woman | MUTY, \F T TOLD You T've MVENTED A WAY TO MAKE| Secks SO THEY WONT WEAR oUT AT THe HeeL oR T®E WHAT wouLd son, the beautiful sisted by elght young men gave a manly revue that scored a big hit. Bert Levy displayed his skill as an artist in a unique manner. The Shar- rocks, old favorites, furnished the audience a_surprise with their com- edy “second-sight” performance. Pin- to and Doyle were given a big recep- tion in a musical turn. Bromson and Edwards, burlesque _acrobats, are good, and Olsen and Johnson, as- sisted by several performers from other acts, kept the audience laugh- {ing _continuously with their new- fangled nonsense. The usual house jattrections complete the bill. COSMOS—Slatko-Sully-0ddity Boys. One of the biggest and best head- liners of the season at the Cosmos Theater this week is presented by Harry Slatko and company. It is lcalled “Making 'Em Different Today,” and introducing Eva Sully, a charm- {Ing young dancer, with “the Oddity { ‘Follles” girl, as- Boys,” a novel aggregation of jaz- zists, whose chief merit is the fact that' thelr syncopation has been worked out with pretty, catchy music, without losing any of its jazz infec- tiousness. The act 1s beautifully |staged and costumed and presents many varied speclalties including “the young girl as she used to be" {and “the young girl as she is sup- posed to be now.” with an illustration Jof what she wins in the way of re- spect and attention from her beaux. It is an offering of enjoyable enter- | talnment. “With it in the stellar po- | sition are Willlam Macart, Ethlynne Bradford and company, in “Take My {Tip," a comedy sketch ,that amuses + with its lines and its broad comedy. A smooth bit of athletic artistry opens the bill with Barto and Melvin; the hokum twins, Dwyer and Orma, follow with a very laughable act, funny without being in any wise coarse, and Jason and Harrigan, two { good-looking girls with pretty volces | {and prettier costumes entertaln with novel and pretty duets, while Coley | Gayety—the and Jackson, “The Minstrel and the ! Maid,” make good their title with a ALL RIGAT 3'LL PRve IT T You'! GET THAT - NEWPAIR OF Son YOou BoUGHT well sung minstrel song, a biy o; banjo work, amusing chatter by the girl and a breakdown for a finale. “A Bill of Divorcement,” the screer version of Clemence Dane's New York theatrical hit, with charming Nttl Constance Binney as its star is tho photoplay feature, come for its firs visit to Washington. Besides clevei and meritorious dramatic work, Miss Binney furnishes a delightful toe Qance for the screen and the audiencc applauded it. A laughmaking short comedy, the Movie Chats and the In- ternational News complete a bill ex- cellent throughout for its entertain- ment values. GAYETY—"Broadway Brevities.” Lena Daley, with a dazzling array of gowns—and lack of them—tops the show at the Gayety Theater this week The production, known as Ed E. Daley’s roadway Brevitie: Is a cleverly managed entertainment with many new ideas and a wealth of pretty costumes and beautiful scenic effects. Miss Daley, who makes her first bow to Gayety audiences in this shows 13 a clever entertainer with songs and dances and is no novice when it comes to comedy work. Her part in the shoe store scene was well taken and made one of the hits of the show. Althea Barnes, an acceptable prima donna with a volce above the ordi- nary, wears a number of pretty gowns and is the principal of one of the ettiest scenes ever shown at the Switzerland Alps In a snowstorm. “Babe” Healy, ingenue, contributes in large measure to the success of the production. Jay C. Flippin, in blackface, is the comedian, and he Installed himself instantly as a favorite with last night's audience. His work is along the lines of the late Bert Willlams, hut his talent- is such as to make one forget that he is an imitator. John Grant and Richy Cralg take their comedy parts well, and Walter Brown s a hard-working low comedian. Davis and Chadwick, & colored team, are good in songs and dances. The chorus is youthful and pretty and at times, when the orchestra per- She will help you lw;f%mffl%%;! HETHER you have been married a long time or whether you are a newly- ~wed, you know how much the good nature . of your men folks depends on the food you prepare for them. +So, when we promise that someone’s coming to see you who will help you keep him happy, you are certain to give her a good welcome. She is Miss Davis, the Baking Powder Girl. And she wants five minutes to tell you some vitally interesting facts about baking—to show you why some women always have good luck with baking and why others haven’t. Give Miss Davis the welcome she deserves. She will help you keep him happy! nitted, showed itself possessed of ‘ather good vocal ablility. Colored Players at Playhouse. The Colored Folk Players, whose performance of “Salome"” at the How- rd Theater in this city has attracted much attention, will give tomorrow afternoon at the. Playhouse, on street, a selection from the repertory Jf plays they produced for the Drama ~eague of Chicago. The scenes to be presented will be from Shakespeare’s “Comedy of Er- rons,” Mollere's “Follley of Scapin,” Oscar Wilde's “Salome” and from a play not before seen in this city, “George,” a modern expressionist drama. They are appearing under the auspices of the Penguin Club of this city, which desires to afford an opportunity for the unusual artistic juality of their work to become bet- ter known, PRESIDENT DRIVES ENGINE. SANTIAGO, Chile, April 17.—Pres. ident Allessandri tried his hand at rallroad engineering yesterday. The sccasion was the opening of the first section of the first electrical rallroad between Santiago and Valparaiso. The president drove the engine for thirty miles. BODY FOUND IN RIVER. High water in the Potomac yesterday afternoon sent to the surface the body of an unidentified colored man. It was found floating about 300 yards west of Highway bridge. It was said at the morgue that the condition of the body indicated it had | been in the river all winter. | % |Score of Traffic Accidents Increase VSE& DISCRETION AL THIT 1S THE oMLy @TRA ANY HéeLS OR Tees ™ A PAIR oF Sox You cANT weAR OUT \Hé Heels OR TBES, AN You? S0 ALL You GoTTA STRUCK BY AUTO: WOMAN IS DEAD List of Injured for Month. Bettie Hardman, colored, dled at Gar- field Hospital today, another victim of an automobile accident. She was seri- ously injured when knocked down at 12th and U streets Sunday night by the machine of H. W. Hile, 537 Kenyon street. The woman, who was twenty-six years ©ld and lived at 1019 2d street northeast, was crossing the street when struck by the car. The driver took her to the hospital and later furnished bond for his appearance at a coroner's inquest, which will be held this afternoon at the morgue, A score of traffic accidents yesterday also Increased considerably the list of those injured this month. John F. Mc- Carthy, 2815 Brentwood road northeast, had a finger on his left hand dislocated | last night when a coupe he was driving was in collision with a bus of the Wash- | ington Transit Company at 1Sth and H | streets. An unidentified motorist knock- | ed down Charles King, colored, 1221/ South Capitol street, at South Capitol | and M streets, slightly injuring him. | After colliding with his machine in | front of 15 4th street northeast, Phillp Ridgeway, 1205 Good Ho) road, reported to'the police that tl occupant of the car, & negro, saulted him. have established the identity of his| assallant. Five-year-old John Kelly, 21 6t street northeast, was knocked dow by a machine n ) 7] D as- The police, It is said, | ualty Hospital for treatment, r_his home and cut o|about his head. Dr. G. H. Ral e[1131 8th street northeast, drivi the car, took the injured boy to Ellen Evry, three years old, street, ran into a street car in h!of her home and was slightly inj| niShe was treated at Frecdmen's pital. (8 T i See for Yourself An ADITORIAL AROLD LLOYD has adopted the trade- mark of lenseless spec- tacles. His eyesight is normal, but there's a Chicago girl who can read only when she holds the book upside down—which to her means right sjde up. Don’t Ask Your Friends to See for You. Your realization that you need glasses y come in various ways— perhaps after you've put on a friend’s pair and found they fit you fairly well. ;1f you wear Etz eyeglasses, you'll be in good company and find life more livable. Tell the Etz Optometrists to Look for You Tomorrow. “See Etz and See Better” Ol 1217 G Street N.w, 16 ) Brighten Up Your Home Polish your linoleum occa- sionally with Johnson’s Wax. 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