FRENCH DEPARTMENT PLAY.

The first performance of "Athalie" in Sanders Theatre last evening had more spirit and more smoothness than any of the rehearsals, and by Wednesday, the company will be able to give as perfect a production as can be seen of any play on the amateur stage.

The music and the costumes continue to be the greatest attractions of the play. The costuming of the principals is gorgeous without being in the least gaudy, and that of the female chorus is exquisite. The stage is well lighted by electric stage lights and by calcium lights from the front.

Miss Cushing shows a fine conception of the title role and artistic ability to act a tragic part, not usual in an amateur. Her accent is as good as that of any one in the company except Mr. La Meslee, of the French Department, who plays Abner.

Asst. Professor de Sumichrast is spirited and imposing as Joad, the High Priest. Like Mr. Wright of the French Department, Miss Cushing and Miss May, he reads his lines perfectly, and, like them also, he has the advantage of having a good voice.

The part of Joas, the young king of Juda, is played very simply by Miss Mary Coolidge. Miss May, as Josabell, interprets the part of the timid wife of Joad with a great deal of feeling.

The minor parts are taken by Harvard and Radcliffe students, with varying success. Miss Forbes as Zacharie shows her experience in theatricals.

The audience last night showed keen appreciation of the merits of the acting and of the music, which was rendered by members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and by the Cecilia. Several bouquets of flowers were thrown over the footlights to the players, and at the end of the play the male chorus cheered the principals in turn.

Beside the performances Wednesday and Friday evenings, there will be an extra one on Saturday afternoon at 2, also in Sanders Theatre.