The Washington times., 1903-05-05
"IMPRUDENCE" EMPL OYS TALENTS
OF AN EXCEPTIONAL COMPANY
Columbia-"The Runaways."

| Columbia-"The Runaways"
Despite the lateness Of the season new
productions are in order, and another
| musical comedy of recent make was
shown at the Columbia Theater last
night in Addison Burkhardt and Ray
mond HubbelTs The Runaways." The
customary large first night audience
greeted the piece and at its conclusion
left the theater apparently much pleased
| with the entertainment
! Viewed from the standpoint of musical
| comedy The Runaways" certainly de-
| serves much more attention than many
! like connections which have been shown
riable lack of plot and purposeless stu
ations essential to musical comedy. But
/ the authors OF the piece have evidently
aimed to produce an up-to-date musical
| farce and The Runaways" should be
viewed. perhaps, in that light alone.
The piece was produced last sum
mer in Chicago as Chow Chow" but
failed and was consequently shelved for
later consideration. New music Las
written. with the result that the comedy
comes today well equipped. There have
been few presentations shown here under
more attractive conditions. Costly cos
| tunes are provided, novel dances intro
duced, and a large company employed to
interpret the piece.
Several of the musical numbers scored
q hale q
dozen encores. Among these were ''Su-
sauna From Urbana,'' cleverly sung by
William Gould and portion of the fem
mime chorus. Another hit was, "A Kiss
for Each Day in the Week." by Arthur
Dunn anG another allotment of the mer-
ry maidens. In fact, Mr.. Huhbell, the
composer, has contributed some tunefuI
selections to the makeup of THE Run
Always" He has shown much originality
except in one instance-the song, Teach
Us the Subtle Art of kissing" The Ii
brettiest, Mr. Burkhardt. and stage
director undoubtedly share in this,
for the number and its arrange
ment are counterparts OF the Flo
rodora'' cextette. The public has
! seen and heard this sextet until it has
wild desire to adopt drastic measures
| III the disposal of the originator, and
composers will do well to follow other
| LIKES and let the dead past bury its dead
OF comedy of the fleeing variety there
! is much that is amusing. Arthur Dunn.
| the diminutive comedian, has ample OPP
portunity to poke fun at himself. While
he is on the stage everything moves at
rapid rate, and the audience thorough
lily enjoyed his work.
| One of the cleverest members of the
cast is William Gould, who plays the
role of a race track follower. Mr.. Gould
the evening by his clever dancing and
quiet, effective comedy methods. Alex
ander Clark makes the most of his OPP
portunities as General Hardtack, a dys-
peptic, and Van Rensselaer, Wheeler's
vocal achievements are still the most
conspicuous feature of his performance.
Al Fields, as the patent medicine fakir,
contributed much of the comedy.
In the feminine contiugeu: il would be
hard to select anyone worthy of much
attention. The Hengler sisters gave an
interesting exhibition of intricate dance
steps, and were recalled several times.
Helen Lord sang Love Is An Ailment"
sweetly, and Dorothy Dorr wore a hand
some gown Suzanne Halpren was an at
tractive army officer, and, according 10
the program, displayed good military
FORM
The spectacular effects in the second
act added 10 the picturesqueness of the
piece. The Runaways' is bound for
New York. where a run is anticipated.
The piece has been improved since its
initial production in Baltimore last
Thursday night, and viii likely prove an
interesting summer entertainment for
Broadway,