Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-12-29
Colunb ia Theater,

Washington theater-goers have shown de-
cided favor toward all the musical comedies
which during the past few years have orig
inally achieved success in the west. and
1.-THE Tenderfoot,'' the latest occidental
amusement device to visit the capital city,
has proved no exception in the estimation
of local play-goers. On the contrary, the
audience which filled every seat in the Co.
lumbia Theater last night to witness the
Initial performance in this city of 1.-THE
Tenderfoot" greeted the play with enthusi-
asm as demonstrative as has been accord
ed here to any Of the previous western pro-
auctions. This latest mirth producer,
which comes from the breezy city on the
shores of Lake Michigan seeking the favor
OF amusement lovers In the nations cap
ital. is styled as an operate comedy, in
three acts. Why the term "operauc' Is
used instead of musical" is not apparent.
It certainly is not because the piece is en-
titled to greater dignity than the latter
term implies. Richard Carle5 the star of
the organization, is responsible for the book
and lyrics, and H. L. Hearth composed the
music. II The Tenderfoot' has plot it
fs as carefully concealed as that of most
other musical comedies. However, 1t has
the same excuse noticed In plays of a simi-
lar nature for introducing ballads and
choruses. But why burden the intelligence
with following plot when the audience
may be effectively pleased without such
mental exertion2 The play has the snap
and vim characteristic of the west, and the
Illusion of that section of the country Is
enhanced by the costumes of the cowboys,
Indians, Texas rangers Senoritas and cow
girls, while the scenes are laid in Texas and
the pictures of the ranch house. barn and
Indian camp lend to the piece an atmOS-
phere Of the wild and unconventional. The
music too, at times. suggests something Of
the weird fascination of the plains.
Richard Carrie appears in the role of Prof.
Zachary Pettibone, LII D., B. A., the ten
derfoot, and upon him devolves the respon-
sibility for producing most of the fun in
the piece Mr.. Carrie brings to his imper-
sonation of the role a deal of quaint, dry
humor, ntmbleness of feet and face as
sour in repose as the ever-present lemon
which he uses to destroy microbes. 1t Is
safe to predict that If such a character
really ever penetrated the confines of Tex
as he would never afterward visit Wash
ington except in a box. There Is plenty of
spontaneity in the personality of the star,
however. and the audience enjoyed the nom
sense immensely. There are few new hits
In the piece and number of old jokes.
Here Is a sample of one of the latter:
why is a man pushing a wheelbarrow up
the side of mountain like an onion?"
because the older he gets he Is stu her
mother" But the audience laughed heart
lily, and the nonsense was apparently as
effective as a good joke. The star was
called before the curtain at the close of the
second act and made speech in line with
the character of the piece.
Miss Bert Davis who essayed the role of
the self-willed heiress, has a good soprano
voice. which was heard to advantage in the
only song assigned to her. Agnes Paul was
a pretty novelist In search of a husband,
and Margaret Sayre was vivacious and en-
tertaindng as the maid. Miss Ethel john
son gave credtable portrayal of char
acter part as Patsy the waif. The cast
also includes a meek-eyed and patient mule
which responded alone to curtain call.
The singing of the chorus was particu-
larly good. especially in the finales of the
first and second acts.