Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1911-10-25
NO APOLOGY
NEEDED FOR
BRIGHT EYES
TACOMA LEDGER -PRONOUNCEs
1T THE MOST DELIGHTFUL
MUSICAL COMEDY SEEN IN Ia
COMA FOR YEARS.

The Tacoma Ledger of October Z
speaks thus highly of Bright Eyes, "
the musical comedy which will be al
the Grand Friday night, October 81:
Joseph NJ Gates 'begs to offer,
so the program says, Cecil Lean and
Florence Holbrook in Bright Eyes "
Now beg sounds quite humble, in fact
almost apOlogetic, and it is really un-
necessary. No apology is needed.
Mr. Gates has no need for such ex-
cessive humility. He might, instead.
be proud. for if the truth be told,
bright Eyes" is far superior to
many things that have been Offered"
to the public lately in the gufse of
musical comedy
Bright Eyes has a slight plot, at
least one that Is discernable through
out the three acts, and it has a round
dozen musical numbers that are all
above the average. The music is by
Karl Hoschna, who is also responsible
for Madame Sherry"
While the success of Madame
Sherry" was the wonder of the last
season. Mr.. Hoschna might better
boast of his score to Bright Eyes. 4"
It is more tuneful than Sherry"
and his song Bright Eeyes is more
appealing in its melody than Every
Little Movement"
Bright Eyes" begins mildly, the
setting at the opening of the first act
being largely responsible for the lack
of enthusiasm. The finale, however,
gives hint of better things to come,
and the second act fulfills the prom
ise. The third act Is even better than
the second, and it turns away the au-
dence thoroughly satisfied with the
entertainment.
1t has been a long time since two
more agreeable young people have en-
tertained the musical comedy devo-
tees of Tacoma than Cecil Lean and
Florence Holbrook. They are re
sponsible for much of the good fun
to be found in bright Eyes" and
last night they introduced a number
of songs that proved to be hits Of
the most emphatic order.
OF the songs by Mr.. Lean and Miss
Holbrook. Bright Eeyes," "Cheer
Up Honey" Mrs. Casey" and He's
a Fan, Fan, Fan" scored tremend-
Ously, also their unusually clever
chatter" song, which might have
been repeated several times. As
neither Mr.. Lean nor Miss Holbrook
has been seen in Tacoma before and
owing to the unexpected entrance
each makes in the first act, they did
not receive the enthusiastic recep-
ton usually accorded stars, but be-
fore the first act was more than half
finished, they were established in
the lasting good graces of the audi
ence.
OF the members of the supporting
company, Tacomans will be glad to
welcome back Freddie Nice, whose
dancing in "The Gingerbread Man"
is a pleasant recollection. Freddie
did not lay aside his eccentric steps
when he said goodbye to John
Dough" and in Bright Eyes" his
dancing is one of the best features
of the performance. He danced last
night until breathless, anG still the
audience asked for more. Mr. Nice
also has several good songs. He also
has a neat little dancing mate in Ce-
ella Renard, who plays the role of
a German maid.
The piece is prettily staged, and
has large and well dressed chorus,
whose singing needs no apology.
No, it is unnecessary for Mr..
Gates to "beg" to offer Bright
Eyes" No one who saw the per
formance last night will accuse him
of excessive nerve if he comes out
flat-footed about it and presents"
Bright Eyes" with all the assurance
of a manager who has much less to
"offer." The performance will be
repeated tonight.