The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-04-12
THE NEW NATIONAL.


Oh 1tBCs
Notwithstanding the fact that the Fol
lies ef 1909 has played one engagement
here this season, there was a large
audience present at the National last
evening Tor the opening night of the big
Eiegfald revue, and its opinion seemed TO
be that If anything. the performance
had improved since seen here last Sep
teulber.
There are the same principals-with the
exception of the temporary absence of
Miss Eva Tanguay. who developed bad
case Of Group and was unable TO play last
night-the same big ZiegfeId beauty
chorus. and the same dazzling scenery
and catchy songs-in a word, a perform
anee typical of the kind exploited by the
Follies OF other years-only different.
The management should offer reward
TO anyone who is able to discover the
semblance OF plot to the piece, for the
authors have made every effort not 20
have one-and they have succeeded adj
mirably. The piece starts out at the
Court Of Venus. where the Goddess OF
Love. tired Of Olympus. decides that she
wants to go where something is doing"
The next scene is the entrance of the
Metropolitan Opera House, where the
characters Of tho opening scene appear,
but after this there is not the slightest
attempt made toward anything but 10
produce an entertainment that will en-
| terrain.
To reach this end, the audience is
transported TO Hammerstein's Office
where they discover the impresario try
ing out various performers for his operas
Bessie Clayton interpolates a dance of
the ballet master, in which she displays
70 fun advantage her mastery OF the
more acrobatic school Of toe dancing. and
VIII Sehrode and Evelyn Carleton do the
Partisan twist
Other scenes in the first act are the
millionaires' ward at the Tombs. sunny
Spain. William Bonellfs screamingly
funny hypnotist stunt-a burlesque Of
Pauline, the hypnotist, who has been
working wonders in New York, entitled,
Pearline, the Great The act ends with
a scene at the Polo grounds, with a ball
game between the Giants and the Cubs
and the song Come on. Play Ball with
Me- Dearie." accompanied by a storm OF
soft canvas balls, with which the chorus
pelts the audience and are pelted in re-
turn.
The second act is only a continuation
OF the first along different lines. Siegel-
Cooper's musical department the New
York Theater, the Brinkley Bathing
Beach. the north pole. the African jungle.
the throne room OF Emperor Williams
palace. and the fleet at Hampton Roads
are all shown in quick succession, all ae-
companied by catchy songs and brilliant
stage settings and costuming. The last
two scenes, especially, are notable for
their lavlshness.
OF the principals of the piece first place
belongs 10 VIII Philbriek. who, In the
absence Of the star. sung not only his
own songs. but also two more. instead
Of the usual Tanguay specialties. the
'Cubanola Glide" and Baby Doll"
which, though not absolutely new. seemed
to take with the audience as much as
any Of the songs during the performance.
William BonelIi. Arthur DEACON. Billie
Reeves, with his Original drunk"
scenes. and the Wild animal acting of
W C. Schrode. E. Monuose, and c.
Woodward all scored other individual
hits throughout the evening.
Outside OF the dancing OF Bessie Clay
ton and Evelyn Carleton, special notice
should be given to the three girls who
took Miss Tanguay's place at such short
nOtice-Rosie Green, whe bore the burden
OF the part; Harriet Du Barry. and
Fawn Conway. While, Of course. the
audience noticed the absence of the star,
il was due 10 the efforts OF these girls
that it was not more keenly felt. The
management announces that Miss Tan
guay's illness is only temporary. and
that the actress certainly viii be able to
appear before many performances.