The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-11-29
neWS cf tbe Stage

comes to the Montgomery Theatre We'd nesday night.
 They claim that thsy bring the produc- ton in detail which characterized its run of 425 times at the Casino theatre, New York. No musical play of modern times has been so universally praised as this particular piece. The music is bright and catchy, the comedy spontane- ous, the feminine contingent having been picked for symmetry of figure, beauty and vocal strength.
 Among the principals are John E. Hem shaw, whose ability as a comedian makes him a valuable factor in any production in which he assists; Miss Stella Travey, Miss Toby Claude. the diminutive come dienne whose ,impersonation of F'ifi Fricot in '"rhe Belle of New York; is a pleas- ant memory; Miss May Ten Broeck. the eccentric comedienne, Charles Prince. formerly leading comedian of the New York Theatre; W. H. Clarke, the well known basso of the Castle Square and Heinrich Opera. Companies, Miss Frances Knight and Edwin Clark.
 The New Orleans Times Democrat of Monday. November 9. says of this at- traction:
 ''Tt Is hard to find just and conservative words with which to express an Idea of the musical comedy. The Chinese Honey moon.' which opened an engagement at the Tulane Theater last night before a large audience. Extreme praise, accord ing to the wisdom of all ages, is to be avoided by the discreet, and blame that Is not tempered by justice and modera- ton is more apt to excite anger and re sentiment than the humility which is the beginning of learning. To be blunt, then; but to be calm and just; to reject as friv- olous the flight of enthusiasm and the fantastic phrase; 1t must be said in cold type. that The Chinese Honeymoon ia one of the finest things of the kind that ever came down the pike It may also be said with due and weighty deliberation that the production glows with light and color; that with its many stars and it's laughing, rainbow-dressed chorus girls, it Is as brilliant as the luminaries Of a Southern sky, and that, with the same Judicial disposition to check back an un- duly diction,its music is delightfully."- tuned and its wit and humor agreeable to the intelligence. In this respect, one does not find that he has been cheated into a laugh by horse amusement. Indeed. the average horse would probably not be amused. but human beings are ticlxled to death. without any fatal consequences
 Eye! Eye! unknit that threatening. unkind brow and laugh. Fin will make you laugh, no matter how gloomy you are. Samuel Pineapple will move you to mirth, and you will be amused by the official mother-in-law and by Cripple Chop, the Lord Chancellor. Here there Is no stint, but prodigality of amuse- ment.
 "There are very few good comediennes, but little Toby Claude, as Fih, is not a comedienne. She is a genius. She Is a sprite. She Is small, so small that you almost need a microscope to see her dain- ty little hand, and yet she pervades a big house like flash of lightning. Energy and excellent delightfulness sparkle up in her as the dancing bubbles rise in glass of champagne. She is not only likely, graceful and excruciatingly funny; she is irresistible; a marvel of quaint humors gracefully grotesque movements and archness of facial expression. "The story is a Chinese fancy. which gives opportunity for brilliancy in setting and costume. Pineapple goes to China on his honeymoon with his bride and her bridesmaids. His wife, made jealous by his fiirtations. permits the Emperor to Kiss her, while Pineapple kisses a royal princess, by reason of which. in accord ance with a special law. the Emperor marries Mrs. Pineapple and Pineapple marries the princess; but affairs are strengthened out in time.
 John E. Henshaw, a capable comedian, who has often been seen in New Orleans, plays the part of Pineapple. His dimpIes have not yet left him, nor has that per- feet grace and ease of manner which im- parts humorous distinction to whatever he says or sings. Edmund Lawrence is funny os the Lord Chancellor especially when he performs the marriage cere- mony. May Ten Broeck. the official moth- er-in-law, does what she has to do witf her old-time skill. Miss Stella Tracy shares the honors with the other princi- pals. She Is chic and pretty, and leads the bridesmaids in their flashing white toilets in a manner that wins her de- served applause. Besides she is A very naive and winning little actress.