Los Angeles herald., 1907-11-10
OBSERVATIONS BY
A FIRST NIGHTER


CIEVERAL years ago there arrived ir
New York from London an unusu-
~ ally lugubrious musical comedy
The piece was so very unfunny that II
made New York theatergoers laugh, but
1t enjoyed a prosperous season. notwith.
standing, the success being due to one
feature-the PONY Ballet" Now the
pony ballet was nothing more nor less
than a dozen or so of girls, little girls
pretty girls and exceedingly active girls
They wore costumes very decollete as
to corsage and somewhat retrousse as tc
skirts, and their hosiery was of the
sheerest black silk, with red silk mono
grams embroidered at the ankle.
This pony ballet became the talk OF
the town. Fabulous rewards were Of
fered to the photographer who could
make snapshot of any one of the girls
showing both her feet on the floor at the
same time. The task was said to be
impossible. Those girls seemed to be the
living embodiment of tireless and un-
ceasing energy. Repose was to them o
thing apart. And of course they made
a hit.
Equally, of course, they had imitators.
Pony ballets became the rage and for
a season or two the pony girls reigned
undisturbed Then came a change in
nomenclature, though not in substance.
Chicago called 'em broilers, even though
the delicate insinuation anent age was
not always verified by facts. There were
sadie Girls and "Polly Girls and
Minute Girls and other girls. And
then came the demi-girls, who were pop
ularly supposed to have awaiting them
outside the stage door each night numer-
GUS demi-johnnies,- plentifully supplied
with demijohns, or better still, demi-
magnums.
They, too, passed. and managerial acu-
men set itself to discover a new name
for the same old bag of tricks. Nor was
the discovery long delayed. There fol-
lowed bevies of "School Girls" hocks
of "Pajama Girls" coveys of part
ridges and a bunch of "Owlets," who
weren't old enough to be so very wise.
Then someone else had an inspiration,
and in the Mayor of Toxic" appeared
the peanut Girls They will be here
at the Mason next week, and they prob
ably won't differ in any particular from
the numerous other adjectived feminines
that have gone before.
The throat of minstrel singer is as
delicately sensitive as those of grand
opera artists. George Primrose. how
ever, has a remedy of his own that
works astonishing cures.
"It's no use, George" silver-voiced
balladist will huskily whisper half an
hour before the curtain goes up. my
throat's as raw as a blue point on the
half shell. / won't be able to sing note
tonight"
"Wen, that's too bad" replies Mr..
Primrose. his honest face aglow with
sympathy. IA magnificent organ like
yours is not to be trified with. What
YOU need is a complete rest"
IT guess I'll be all right for the quar-
tet ~ You'll stand for me cutting out tho
solo," protests the singer suspiciously.
and a trife more distinctly.
mot for worlds, dear boy" answers
Mr. Primrose, decisively. II don't care
II the entire audience demands its money
back. l should feel like criminal If
I caused permanent injury to such a
voice. Take an absolute rest--one week,
two weeks, if necessary. Don't worry
about your job. When you are right
again I'll put you back on the salary
list"
Then the balladist hurries around to