The San Francisco call., 1908-04-06
By Walter Anthony

BY Walter Anthony
Cupid at vassar." appears to be
melodrama somewhat fused UP with
music. At the American theater last
night the audience seemed to like 1T.
and 1. for one, would be pleased to bow
to its judgment if the issue of veracity
were not involved. Many numbers in
the musical play were encored loudly.
Florence Gear, as the leading woman.
rescued every situation in which she
appeared, except when she had to sing,
by her vivacity and giggling girlish-
ness. She is clever and should have a
better show.
If / ever implore for a plot IN a
musical comedy it will be because
Cupid at Vassar" is forgotten, for 1t
is distressed with the most naive child
like plot that ever wandered into mu-
sic. 1t gets in the way of the girls
at Vassar and spoils what somebody
would have turned into regular musical
comedy.
As it is, Cupid at Vassar" is hardly
melodrama because of the songs and
dances { a few of which are very pretty,
by the way) and 1t is not musical COM
edy because of the plot which you are
expected to regard seriously. If the
story were taken out, there would only
be the music, and that isn't good
enough to keep-so there we are with
only the girls and two comedians left.
The girls, for the most part, are at
tractive, and sing little and dance a
little. The comedians are divided
excellence. George H. Timmons, in
the role of Shiny, negro servant,
showed a flash of class, and was at all
times better than his chances. George
Lewis, as Hank, the country gawk,
was only fair at best, though he found
favor with the audience.
Among the novelties introduced last
night was pajama dance executed by
the seminary girls.
In variety and other entertaining
qualities the Orpheum show this week
is well abreast of its best perform
ances and highest standards. None Of
the acts is bad, though one has that
kind of moments, and some are good
enough to be exceptional even at the
Orpheum.
Stella Mayhem, the care free come
dienne," supplied one of the excep-
tional acts, assisted Ly Billie Taylor,
who sits in the orchestra, whence he
sings once in awhile, and strings" the
jolly Stella the rest of the time. You
will call her Stella, too, after you have
seen and heard her. There's nothing
"offish'' about Stella; she gets ac-
quainted with you at once, and has
jovial way Of singing her songs and
springing her fun for your particular.
and. if you like, exclusive enjoyment.
She reminds one of May Irwin; her fun
is not so ''bubbley," but more adroit
and intimate. She is to be commended
on her choice of subjects for song and
joke. They may be repeated any
-
say of those the English Daisy Har-
court sings on the same bill. Miss
Mayhew's methods are wholesome and
her result is immediate and hearty
Her confidential information somewhat
lyrically impaired, to the effect that
somebody falsified to her when he sold
her anti-fat medicine, is as obviously
a correct statement as it is funny, for
she weighs-but on that point refers
thereupon sings In a light, pleasing
tenor an Irish-American song.
Press Eldridge should turn his act
upside down, the first part is so much
better than the last, which includes his
songs. His monologue kept the house
open mouthed or grinning at the very
least, and is the best single talking
act seen and heard at the Orpheum for
long, long time.
Bicycles were formerly a luxury
then they became a necessity. The
Dunedin troupe make them a mystery.
The laws of gravitation and momen-
tum and inertia are temporarily sus-
pended, l am sure. in their behalf, for
they behave too recklessly on their
wheels to permit the suggestion that
there is not a special interference of
high powers on their account. They
are five marvels, surely.
Armstrong and Verne came back
again yesterday for another week. I
did not know they had been away, and
so have something to be thankful for.
Their act is poor; but the male mem
ber of the firm does one or two gags
worth while, and sings a bit of yodel
which If longer would pleasantly sup
press much aimless, witless nonsense.
The Frederick Brothers and Miss Burns
open the bill with clever music. the
best being their triple beatings upon
what appears to be a window pane.
The music thus achieved is tinkley.
rhythmic and pretty Charles Evans
and his company in their sketch. ITS
Up TO You. William are grateful pre-
sentations from last weeks attractions.
and so are Harry Clarke and wife in
some remarkable near music on the
Danjoes. Their playing of old south
ern melodies is excellent banjo music
and their playing of the classics is
surprisingly well done, the medium
of their art being considered. Novelty
pictures projected on the screen close
most entertaining program.
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