Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1910-06-21
MILE. MODESTO
PLAYED BY ABORNS
. MAKES BIG HIT
FRITZ Scheff's Understudy in
Title R0le-Fine Bill
at PrOctor's.
I'm n LIE Modesto" as presented
lM by the Aborn Comic Opera

I'm n LIE Modesto" as presented
'iNE by the Aborn Comic Opera
Company. was both satisfac-
tory and unsatisfactory, the forner as
far as Ada Meade and Robinson New
bold were concerned, and the latter as
regarding most of the other members
of the cast.
Miss Meade is q charming young
woman with q pert, chic manner that
at times is almost too Fritzi-Scheffian
to be true. 1t is only natural that,
after having understudied Miss Scheff
in the role of Fiji for some time, she
should have acquired many of that
young persons little poses and man
nerisms, but she was at her best when
she played herself" which self was
thoroughly winsome and capable. Her
kiss Me Again" solo was rendered
with fine expression and purity of tone,
and there was a vim N a dash about
her rap-a-tap-tapping of a drum In
the soldiers chorus that demanded sew
eral enthusiastic encores. Miss Meade
Is q decided acquisition to the Aborn
ranks.
In the role of Hiram Bent. an &C.
| centric American millionaire, Robinson
Newbold has added another leaf to a
crown which is already well-flled.
There is a nonchalant charm about this
mans humor that would make many
an accepted Broadway star green with
envy. With the lean, pliable mouth OF
the true humorist and the lazy, studied
drawl that gives each phrase Its value
there Is no reason why he should not
take the place hat belongs to him, In
the "comedianistic" first row. The part
of Hiram Bent was small. but in MI.
Newbold's hands 1t acquired import
ance second only to that of Fiji.
The story of mile. Modiste" is
simple. Fiji is a typical little Partisan
m%illiner, with a chic manner that wins
hearts and a voice that charms souls.
But money, or the lack of 1t, keeps
her from introducing said voice to
grand opera until the lavish Hiram
Bent comes along, donates a thousand
dollars and sends her on her operate
way rejoicing. When next we hear of
little Fiji, behold, she has charmed all
England, ever the king and queen.
Fortunes have been placed at her feet.
but her little French heart beats only
for her gallant soldier lover, he of the
tenor voice and the gallant manner.
and she returns to Paris to charm his
equity, ob1ecting uncle, and becomes
his bride (the soldier's).
George O'Donnell won approval by
his blustery portrayal Of the equity
uncle. His II Want What I Want
When I Want It" song was delivered
with q gusto that threatened to over
topple the scenery. Nevertheless, 1t
won undisguised approval. Charles H.
Bowers was adequate as his lovesick
nephew. An exquisite picture to look
upon was Josephine Bartlett, Is Nine.
Cecil, proprietress of the hat shop, but
her performance was deplorably fiat,
which may also be said of. the acting
of Grace Burgoyne and Zoe Fulton, her
daughters. Most OF the time they
"elocuted." Leo Herbert White was
good when he sang, and a failure when
he acted. 1t takes more than wiggly
| eyebrows to constitute a .characteriza-
ton of a Frenchman. The chorus is
charming, showing a careful interest in
its work that is highly commendable.
ADELINE STANLEY CARRICK.