The Washington times., 1901-07-23
AT THE THEATRES.
Chase's-"A Mill. white Flag

Probably the best presentation of Hoyt's
"A Milk White Flag ever given in this
city is that on the boards at the Grand
this week Chase's musical comedy stock
company is at its best in the ludicrous
military farce and the characters in the
comedy seem to have been written around
the principals in this organization. From
the clever work of Otis Harlan and Hen
riette Lee in leading parts to that of the
membars of the chorus there is a breezy
familiarity with business and lines which
results in a finished and enjoyable per-
formance. Little Improvement can be
suggested in any feature of the effort and
Manager Chase is to be congratulated on
the capability of the company chosen to
attract audiences during prohibitory
weather.
The houses which witnessed the two
performances yesterday were reminders
of the gala season of last December, and
seats could not be obtained last night. The
crowds Were evidently well rewarded for
their faith as almost every number on the
programme was repeatedly encored and
the laughter was continuous. As "A Trip
to Chinatown scored a bigger hit than
did "A Black Sheep" so "A Milk White
Flag eclipsed in popularity the previous
comedy AS usual the specialtieS are made
feature of the farce and all are meri-
torious and pleasing. The scenery and
costumes are elaborate and no details are
lacking. The comedy itself is bristling
with good things and when Interpreted
as IL was last night but one verdict could
be secured from a local audience-that of
complete and thorough approval. AS the
Flag" has only been given in this city
once before. the ludicrous slap ut military
pomp comes as an absolutely new comedy
to many, and is consequently found even
more enjoyable than if familiar.
John w. Dunno gets even more humor
out Of the part of Col. Christian Bur
rial than Charles Hoyt could find and
the capable comedian is at his best as the
pompous. staggering officer. Otis Har-
Ian is a whole comedy in himself as Pig
got Luce. the corpse. The part is funny
to the extent of a comedians genius and
Mr.. Harlan has turned himself loose as
Luce. While apparently enjoying his own
fun, he Is a hard worker and was liber-
ally rewarded last night by being COM
PEELED to repeat almost everything he in
troduced Oscar Figman, as Phil Graves,
the undertaken. managed 10 make the part
count and secured goodly share of the
laughter Little Chip, who proved, as
the waiter last night. that he was gen.
ius. has several hours of enjoyment on
tap as Gideon Foote the private In the
regiment. He Is a prime favorite and de-
served the applause he secured. Henri
ette Lee is ever charming and capable in
carried all before her. Mary Marble has
part designed expressly for her as Pony.
the orphan. and she utilizes every oppor-
tunity. Tony Hart, as the regimental
bandmaster and the proud composer of
Hell With the Enemy was funny and
led his band through several merry selec-
tions. Andrew Bode made a command
ing General Hurleigh and carried out his
engagement with the Daily Blues with
honors. The other parts were all capably
filed.
The musical selections are all original
and many catchy airs are introduced.
Some of the specialties worth seeing are
the Italian opera scene by Messrs. Wise
man and Andrada and Miss Mcneil: the
dancing turn done by Little Chip and the
Misses Fanchonetu, and the '.Stepsons
Of the Revolution" as rendered by the
company and the band. Mary Marble is
clever in THE Orphans Contribution. -
and was encored several times. The
New Private" as presented by Little
Chip. scored success. Altogether, the
comedy is delightfully."- rendered and is
well worth seeing. One of the best bits
seen here during the season, is John
Dunnes impersonation of Col Christian
Burial in his Napoleonic makeup. Matt
nees Thursday and Saturday. fr'lE