Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-03-08
A NJ u S E NJ ENT S
Belasco.

In the struggle for novelty, which is
particularly energetic in the field where
music and comedy are blended, ii is some
thing to evolve a work fiiat ranks as a
curiositk Just One of the Boys the
piece in which Lulu Chaser is appearing
at the Belasco this week, is creation
on entirely unusual lines. Lacking the
fanc$ul or satirical spirit heretofore
deemed essential to light musical com
position, it plunges into a vein of heart
interest whose richness would delight the
most melo-dramatic of stage managers.
Pho wild west is not tIc locale-the scene
opens in Michigan lumber camp. But
the heroine holds a gang of men in loyal
subsection and affectionate admiration
as completely as did the Girl of the
Golden West" The play is an applica-
ton to literary purposes of a familiar
household device, once much admired
in rural communities. the patchwork
quilt. BY drawing tor material upon
the rag bag of recollection work or
certain effect OF symmetry and proper
ton, has been produced. Miss Chaser,
piquant, charming, and with CLINT of
artistic determine ton behind the genial
abilities to the elucid2tion of role
that is at time sentimental IN
its tendencies as Miss, and ut another
almost as "nergetically comic as SIS
sill, as a signal revives faint memories
of other dramatic presentations OF more
Somber purport.
An exceptionally fine male chorus lends
vim to the music. which has merits TAR
above the average The feminine portion
of the chorus represents bevy of school
girls and the restraint in costume was
praisewortht, save in an Indifference 10
the chic effects, which might be attained
even with conventional attire. The humor-
Gus inclination of the lyrics did not IN
the first act quite dispel the Apprehension
that the Virginian would arrive on the
scene at any moment to organize lynch-
ing party The second act is more In
the accepted style of musical comedy
than the first. The ballroom scene miro
duces the uneducated trio of nature >
noblemen, who proceed to play havoc with
social formalities industrlously as uid
Mr. Maverick Brander's visitors IN Inc
Texas Steer.
With all the recognizable material en-
ployed, some silk and some homespuh'
the piece is interesting because OF us
abrupt departure from traditlonal ioiih.
1t is a melodrama set to music, ana the
music though sometimes unexpected SO
far as any demand of the plot is con
cerned, is always welcome incident.
1t ranges from waltz melodies or gen
uinc musical appeal to melodies whlch'
while preserving strain OF Originality
echo the gleefMl rhythns of the street
song. There is good work in evidence all
through the presentation, although the
stage mana cement has not made me
most of it's opportunities, either III de-
veIopfng dramatic climaXes or IN invent
ing ensemble effects to embellish the
songs. Miss Glaser's vivacious personality
Is. Of course. a charming and Indispensable
element of the evenings entertainment
A comedienne we'll as songStress,
she gives all her scenes the aliurement
of personal magnetism as well as vocal
charm. Ed NJ. Favor contributes cap
ital character study. funny without be-
ing coarse, as the entomoioglSt VINO mas
married the directress of girls school
Jobyna Rowland, statuesquely handsome
and a player of legitimate quality, taxes
the role of the directrcSs i'm a compe-
tent manner and introduces gown
which makes her remarkable Wheh
she turns her back to the audience as
when she faces the footlights. George
Graham is amusing i'll an eccentric
English lord" role. Miss Irene Frizelle
leads some of the numbers dafntilN, ana
the cast throughout is exceptional Tor
it's combina ton of talents for character
deineation with singing ability