The Washington times., 1903-10-27
"A GIRL FROM DIXIE"
INVADES THE CAPITAL
Miss Bentley and New Musi
cal Comedy Well Received.
A RECONSTRUCTION" PLAY
Encores for Every Musical Number But
One-Ferdinand Gottschalk
Lost in Shuttle.

Lost in Shuttle.
To the merry jingle Of the Old tune,
Dixie" a chorus Of shouts that took
one back to Southern climes and Pic /
turesaue setting of country school. the /
curtain at the Columbia Theater rolled |
I'D last night on "A Girl From Dixie,
one of the seasons new products from
the pen of Harry B. Smith. The theater
was well nlled and just the merest sug-
gestion Of Dixie" from the augmented
orchestra was sufficient to inspire all
the enthusiasm manager and author
could wish.
"A Girl From Dixie" is a musical
comedy in two acts and introduces Irene
Bentley in the principal role. The piece.
as its author announces. has been con-
structed for diversion only. and the mu-
steal element has been made subordinate
to the comedy. There Is sufficient plot
10 keep ones interest throughout al
though the story makes few demands on
ones thinking apparatus. Intertwlned
are many amusing situations. many
bright. catchy songs. and several spe-
cialties that do much toward enlivening
the performance.
setting that will continue to serve au-
thors and dramatists for many, many
years-the South at the period following
the civil war. This has enabled him,
at the least. to introduce several charm
ing Southern types and 70 draw from
history Just enough so-called 'atmos-
phere" to please the cosmopolitan pubic
OF the CAPITAL City. He has done this
only 50 far as it serves his purpose and
with no attempt or intent TO portray
facts. The piece is comedy, pure and
simple. and as such entertained 70
high degree the audience at the Column
bia.
Many Recalls Demanded.
A proof Of this might be gathered
/ from the number of recalls accorded the
musical numbers. or the seventeen
selections which figure on the program
but one failed 70 receive ar encore.
I The contributors 70 the musical col
lection range from Dudley Buck 10 Cole
and Johnson Surely the auditor who
could end nothing between the works
Of these composers to entertain must
indeed be difficult TO please. Among the
most noteworthy selections were Bucks
Huzza, sung by the male chorus.
Bubbles" a picturesque number by
Charles Bowers; Love in an Orchard"
stirring song given by Albert Hart
and chorus, and Johnny Strong" also
sung by Mr.. Hart
Miss Bentley IS aptly fitted with a
role which is apparently congeniai IN
that it gives her full license for the
display OF the many attributes her adj
mirers have known. She is a typical
little Southern girl with all the fire and
independence Of zone OF the oldest
families IN Maryland stamped inden-
l bly, in her character. Miss Bentley is
| spriGhtly and vivacious throughout the
] entire piece. and altogether proves
most delightful type OF The Girl From
! Dixie"
Mr.. Gottschalk and Others.
Gathered about her are several we'll
known and popular stage favorites.
chief OF these are Ferdinand Gottschalk
and y. l. Don, comedians Of far differ
ing qualifications. but most capable en-
tertainers in their individual ways. AIr.
GottschaIk has long been known as a
clever actor and his appearance I'm a
musical comedy. while something out OF
the ordinary. in no way takes him away
from his usual work He portrays the
typical English dude-this time lord
and with the monocle and his well-as-
sumed silly stare he makes the charac-
ter another Of those inanimate ire
proachable drawings he has so often
presented The only regret is that Mr..
GottschaIk has not been provided with
a little more 20 do.
y. l.. Don is one Of those players who
can take an old part and make the pub
&c forget It ever saw II done. before.
He does this In "A Girl From Dixie. -
playing one OF those German dialect
roles which have long figured I'm latter
day musical comedy. Don, however.
realizes the value Of repression and does
not overwork the dialect. His musical
ability is a by-word, and, happily. he Is
given an opportunity 10 introduce hts
well-known and clever piano speciality.
No less than a dozen recalls rewarded
his efforts
4, Louise Middleton-the erstwhile Lou
Of Weber & Fields-sings badly and
poses well. The other members Of the
supporting company are capable.
a Girl From Dixie" promises TO be
among the bellies OF the season.