The Washington times., 1903-11-03
NAT NJ. WILLS SCORES
IN "A SON OF REST"
Rapid Fire of Witticism
PieaSeS at Columbia.
MISS RoCAMoRA CHARMING
Songs Clever and Catchy, Girls Pretty,
and Costumes and Scenic Effects
Above the Average.

Nat NJ Wills. after repeated ercores
at the Cc..rab.a last evening, at the
conclusion % the first act OF that musi-
cal comedy. "A Son of Rest" was pre-
vailed upon to make a speech. Mr.. Wills
said he was pleased with the evidence
OF his auditors approval On the occa-
sion OF this. his first appearance In
a stellar role in his native city.
And well he might have been. for the
applause which greeted him was spon-
taneous and unlimited. and about every
thing that the clever tramp imperson-
ator did bad 10 be repeated. 1t may be
said there is never dull moment in the
presentation of "a Son of Rest" Mr.
Wills support is excellent, and through
out the list OF players there is not one
who fails to please.
Host Of Clever Songs.
There IS the fimsiest plot. which
serves to carry a host Of clever
songs and to enable Nat to display
his aptitude in moisologue and
queer facial expression. Mr. Wills IS
Hunting Grub, and his entire is from
the awning Of a hotel in a Connecticut
village. where he protests against his
interrupted nap by singing Had She
Only Let Ne Dream an Hour Longer. q"
with pretty women who want 70 marry
him. and gets into no end Of trouble.
His friend Willie. a Liliputian, on the
bin as Gabriel. is as clever a chao as
one could see in a days Journey. He
has both singing and speaking parts. in
both Of which ne wins his way Into the
hearts of his auditors. There are crowds
Of pretty girls. elaborate ballots, and
beautiful costumes.
Miss Rocamora Charming.
Among the women. Susanna Rocamora
is charming as Mrs. Warren Supported
by a chorus she sings The Flag and the
Girl Love and "Sukey Sue" In her
final song the stage is darkened and a
single ray lights her strikingly beauti-
full face. The effect is weird and charm
ing
Other songs that catch the audience
are Tbs Song OF the Flowing Bowl, %
''Demure and Shy" General -Four
Flush, The Moth and the Glowworm. -
and MY Dixie Anna" Among the
cast, each one OF whom is clever. arc
] George Murphy Al Lamar, Thomas J.
I Grady, Edward HAYES. Frank Dearduff
E. Colt Albertson. Alline Colin, and
J Mona Wynne. The audience filed out Of
the theater Vrhistling General Four
Flush" and voting Nat Wills the king
OF funmakers.
Plot Lost Sight Of.
The musical comedy. "A Son OF Rest. a"
/ is from the pen of George Weston, and
the musical numbers and dances are
staged by Sam Marion. But there is
little attention paid 10 the plot" which
is often lost sight of by the audience.
/ Nat Wills is. of course. the life OF the
clay while on the stage, and Il is his
rapid fire OF witticism that most de-
4 lights the audience.
I Susanne Rocarnora is all that could
be desired while she is on the stage.
which Is not half often enough. She is
/ a Washington girl, who appeared some
years ago IN a stock company at the
Empire. She wears some strikipt, gowns
and appears stunning at all times The
audience last night manifested Us pleas
ure In no uncertain manner Contrary
10 what might be expected in a tramp
comedy" there is absolutely nothing
that could be designated as coarse IN
| the entire performance.