The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-11-30
AT THE THEATERs.

If there's better entertainer
among the ranks of comic opera CO.
medians than James T. Powers, who
was seen at the Grand last night in
the far famed Blue Moon he has
not made his appearance In this part
of the country. Powers is whole
show in himself and in fact he is
nearly the whole show as. far ais the
Blue Moon" is concerned. Powers
is inlmitable in more ways than one.
Perhaps the best one is that none of
his comedy work borders on the silly.
1t is pure clean cut fun and IL there
is anything in the line of fun produc-
ing that Powers is not capable Of
we'll that thing is not worth produc-
ing.
1t is pretty safe to say, also, that a
Powers is stuff of his own and has
been interpolated In the piece by
him. The Blue Moon" was original
ly an English production. In fact it
is still running in England and when
its origin is considered it is not reas-
enable to suppose that the original
vehicle provided the sparkling oppor-
tunities that Powers takes advantage
laughter. He undoubtedly created
these opportunities for himself.
AS for the show on the whole, 1t
was just a trife disappointing, al
musical play which has been seen
here for some time. It's more than
two years continued run in England
and a seasons run in New York and
the extravagant promises which were
made of it, naturally led one to think
that the production would be most
unusual one. It was unusual in that
it gave one a chance to enjoy the c1ev-
er Mr.. Powers. but that was all. In
theme it surrounds three or four love
affairs incident to the life at an Eng
lish army post in India, which all ter
inmate happily. Probably its success
in the old country is due to this very
fact But II wifi not last long in this
country. that is no longer than the
time Mr. Powers stays with It, With
him in it. 1t will be hard to beat. With
him out of it-well, what's the use of
prophesying.
There are some other clever folks in
TIE company besides Mr.. Powers,
folks who would be classed as Won
derfully clever in ordinary company
but whose cleverness is dimmed by
the real star. Miss Clara Palmer. the
soubrette. who played opposite to Mr..
Powers is an attractive little singing
and dancing comedienne ana an ex-
cast who do good work are Frank
Harrington, Phil H. Ryley. Robert
Broderick, Miss Nanon Jacques, Miss
Lucy Johnston ande Miss Jennie
Prayer an excellent toe dancer.
The music OF the piece seemed to be
rather ordinary, only two or three
tunes being at all catchy. but several
OF the songs with the chorus gave OPP
portunities for some good incidental
work on the part of the principals
and the chorus. AS for the chorus,
there were few girls in It who would
have the temerity = of entering q
beauty contest Their ensempIe
singing, however, was a good deal bet
Ter than that of the average chorus.
The piece was we'll staged and COS
TUNED and altogether the show was
most entertaining one even If It did
not come up to expectations, except az
in regards to Mr. Powers. s
What promises to be an interesting
and entertaining vaudeville show at
the popular price has been booked
for the Olympic for next week by
Fritz Bryant, the new manager OF the |
house, and WHO Is meeting with sue
cess in booking the best kind Of acts
that are playing on the circuits with |
which the olympic Is connected.
Among the features on the bill for
next week. the opening performances
of which will be given tomorrow az
ternoon, are Prince Bartineo in his
novelty hooproIiing and Juggling act:
Tot Young. a banjo player and plack
faced comedian. who with Grace