The Washington times., 1909-04-13
MISS MARIE CAHILL WINS FAVOR;
''FOLLIES' BELOW 1907 BRAND
THE Boys and Betty Above
Standard of Musical
Comedy.
Humor Bears Stamp of
Genuine Laughter-Free
From Absurdity.

ITO the Coincidence" Miss Marie Ca
hill is quoted as saying, Laughter is
a tragedy-it is so hard to get, so elu-
sive.''
To the theaterful of people who en-
joyed THE Boys and Betty at the
Columbia last night il would hardly
seem that this could have been her
own professional experience. This is a
thoroughly enjoyable entertainment, in
Miss Cahill's own wholesome, peIva-
sive, mirth-producing style. There was
not a dull moment.
This production justly claims a dis
tinction above other musical plays in
having a connected story. And not the
least interesting feature is the fact that
the story in itself is far from frfvo-
lous. It is true, "a wonderful thing is
this laughter" Change the pitch ever
so little, and it may be no longer
mirth. Betty, with her unbearable
husband, and the stanch devotion or
1.-The boys" is not all comedy. Perhaps
Il is for this reason that the fun is in
a truer key. There is no travesty, or
distortion of the better feelings of HUI
manity; no cheap love making or tire
some coquetry; no barefaced absurdity.
There is love story which one can
respect while not the less amused
are not Betty's lovers. but whole
souled admiring and affectionate
friends and comrades of a most de-
hghtful and natural sort.
The music could hardly be called ex-
traordinary, but it is pleasing, and
much Of IL goes home with you. Tho
Arab Love Song is the musical hit.
Miss Cahill was recalled again and
again for this last night.
Leading Song Hits.
Another success among the songs,
That's the Doctor, BILL" Is given with
novel stage effects. and one of the
cleverest things of all is Miss CahiIPs
Characterization, in monoIogue, of Mon
day morning at the ribbon counter, in
Il Love TO Go Shopping The Tet-
razzini Family" also was exceedingly
good.
There is a general warmth in Miss
CahilTs personality. Her quiek-spoken,
wholesome fun. moreover. always
friend who was cordially received. and
as Mayor Gordon, G. S. A, he gave
a thoroughly delightful impersonation
in addition to the pleasure he gave by
his songs Miss Harriet Burt, who, as
Nanon Duval. was most charming to
look at, possesses a pleasing voice and
led striking and effective chorus
and dance in THE FoIlIes Bergeres~
ard. Betty's lover, received much ap-
plause and repeated encores for his splr-
tied song; and 1.-The boys" by Messrs
Carson, Stewart, Earle, and Harlan,
were most excellently done. the Rudolf
OF Mr. Carson being one of the clever
est and most amusing parts IN the
piece Little Miss Jane Rutledge, as
the wee kitchen maid, Marie AntOinette,
deserves mention in particular, as ike
wise does Miss Anna Mooney, who was
Grace Gordon.
Piece Well Staged.
The production is magnificently staged
and costumed. the chorus being quite
out Of the ordinary in picturesque effect.
The second act, in the Partisan shop, is
a real poem of color, and the last act,
In the grounds of Major Gordon's villa
on the banks Of the Seine, is not less
effective.
This piece has much to commend It.
It is not pure farce, though It is light
enough to be pure diversion to the most
Jaded- 1t offers genuine run and good
spirits, its music is enjoyable, its actors
are good. and It has Miss CahiIl's ever
delightful personality, with excellent
support, TO give it full life and enjoy
ruent