The Washington herald., 1908-01-28
NatiOnaI-Dockstader's MinstreIs.

Lew Dockstader and his minstrel COM
pany opened at tho National 'Theater last
night with the large audience and spirit
Of hilarity usually attendant upon his
performances. The elements Of the en-
tertainment are the same az ever, but the
modus operandi of serving out the merri-
ment is somewhat varied from season 10
season. This year the usual alIegorical
references to old-time mlnstrelsy are
omitted, and the performance partakes
largely OF the attributes Of an extended
vaudeville show, the only reminiscent
features being the old-fashioned lineup of
the first part and the passing Of a few
stories and jokes from middle to end. The
remainder Of the bill IS composed of
travesty, farce and song, both senti-
mental and OF the coon variety.
Lew Dockstader himself appears as the
chief high priest of comedy in the
travesty, "a Dull Day in the White
House." IN which he assumes the oharac-
ter or the Chief Executive, and parodies.
with the aid OF Pete Detzel, Park Nc
Greevy, Charles Rozell. and Mike Bell.
the strenuous things which are supposed
TO happen at the White House. He
touches humOrously on the japanese
question. hospital ships. financial matters.
aspiring Presidential candidates, and local
affairs, and manages the whole affair so
that no trace OF venom can be detected
winding up with one of his uproaring
motion picture chases, dumping him, as
usual, breathless before the curtain. He
also interjects some Jokes into the first
part and renders when the Hammer on
the Anvil Rings" a topical song referring
10 knockers in general
In the first part the principal ingredient
is sentimentally expressed by song. with
the interchange Of eccentric and broad
humOT as the secondary consideration
VIII Oakland took the lead vocaIIy, with
My Twilight Queen" and evoked pleas
ant memories by using as an encore a
song famous twenty years ago. Darling.
] Am Growing Old, Silver Threads Among
the Gold" Reese V. PrOsser also scored
with What VIII Your Answer Be?' and
You Have Changed the Winter i'm My
Heart to Glad Springtime" and William
II. Thompson rendered effectively I'm Be
Waiting, Dearie, When You Come Back
Home" The coon and comic songs were
dispensed by Eddie Mazier. in Just a |
Little on Account" John King. with |
Roll On and Neil OBrien in Every |
body Turned Round ana Looked at Me. -" !
Between the first and second parts was |
introduced Joining the Elks." a farce
of the slapstick variety, and then mu- /
sical and dancing speciality along vaude- |
vile lines was introduced under the can
tiOn. "The Land of Nicotine: or. The Tnvo- /
luton of Tobacco" Scene first was 1.-THE |
Cigarette Lad and Lassies," involving /
some lively dancing. and the second scene |
constituted one of the most pleasing vocal /
features of the programme. THE Pine OF /
Peace depicting the peace-pipe smoking /
of the American Indians, Herbert Wilson /
and James g. Reaney taking prominent |
parts; and the final scene, IN Holland.
featured the pipe-smOking Dutchmah and 4
clog dancing. The series is by Jean c. /
Havey and was well conceived and cley- |
erly arranged.
"Reveille at West Point" another spec /
tacle with music and dancing followed. /
bringing out the fun corps Of singers and /
dancers, and at the finish Neill O'Brien /
in the lively farce Quick /
Lunch, finding opportunity to interpolate
many droll sayings and laugh-provoking /
actions lie was assisted by a competent
east OF comedians. The whole show is
framed for the purpose OF enlivening the
spirits, and the fow Of merriment is kept
at hoodtice throughout.