The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-03-24
COlumbia-"A Country Girl"

Columbia-"A Country Girl"
The much-discussed musical comedy.
a Country Girl. was disclosed last
night at the Columbia Theater before
distinguished audience. The comedy is
accredited with long run in New York
and $50 performances In London, where
its distinctly English atmosphere is
probably better understood than on this
side OF the water.
"A Country Girl is not a distinctly
entertaining musical comedy as musical
comedies 20. The fact that no less than
five men had a hand in its writing evil
IDENTIFY has something to do with that.
II. however, one is looking for a series
OF pretty pictures, a bevy Of attractive
young women. and many handsome
gowns IL Will be worth while to pay
visit TO the Girl" this week. Certainly
nothing more attractive has been seen
here than the setting OF the second act
with its grand staircase and myriad
lights
After king Dodo." Dolly Warden
and any number OF other popular must
cal productions seen at the Columbia
this season, a Country Girl" does not
come at happy time. There are sew
eral musical numbers worthy Of men
ton, notably the Cooling song by Miss
Freeman, and two unique duets oy vii
liam Norris and Minnie Ashley. The play
nevertheless. does not abound in what
is generally understood to be popular
music.
Its success in America is undoubted-
" due TO the excellent cast its man
ayers have provided. William Norris.
Minnie Ashley. Melville Stewart. Grace
Freeman and Adine Bowler are names
known TO the theatergoing public as as
ISOLATED with many stage successes.
With the combined efforts OF these play
ers IL Is reasonable to suppose that a
musical comedy OF even ordinary merit
may be carried quickly and surely to
| success. That is what has been done
with "A Country Girl" and once more
! evidences the farsight OF the experienced
theatrical manager.
At the same time. there are come
dams almost without number who might
NIL the place now occupied by William
| Norris with success. But there is not
I singing comedian on the stage today
capable of the artistic triumphs Mr.
/ Norris now numbers TO his credit
Considering the comparatively few
really good actors OF the American
stage, IL seems a waste OF time on the
part OF Mr. Norris and deprivation to
the public that this actor should be
playing a part so unequal to his ability.
That he is entertaining In the role Of
Barry. and that he is the busiest man
in the show. are both beyond question.
When William Norris fails TO entertain
his audience in one way or the other
there is something radically wrong.
Minnie Ashley is featured with Mr.
Norris in "A Country Girl" Miss Ash
ley has not been here since her charm
/ ingiy demure performance Of Dudley.
the maid. In san Toy " and her work is
/ still fresh in the memory OF the local
public. Since the old .Pagoda" DAYS
Miss Ashley has taken on a bit OF ar
/ fectation which tends to lessen her
charm somewhat, but she is still the
dainty. graceful and clever coincidence.
Grace Freeman has little to do but
look pretty and sing well. Those who
know Miss Freeman will realize that
her tasks are easy, and her principal
song. Cooling, may be counted the
most tuneful number In the score.
Melville Stewart sings and plays the
lover with his old time ardor Special
dances are introduced by Miss Deyo.
who scored an unmistakable success