The Washington times., 1911-11-10
Miss Wright, Author, and
Il Miss Menaugh Make
Distinct Hit.
WRITTEN AND STAGED
BY CENTRAL ALUMNUS
Idea Of Chorus Girl Basis of "Be-
hind the Scenes" A Great
ts Success.

well-known young Washington wo-
mans idea of the typical chorus girl
was the foundation upon which was
builded a delightful musical melange
called Behind the Scenes" written and
staged by Miss Olive Wright. and pro-
duced at Immaculate Conception Hall
last evening by the alumnae Of the
Sigma lambda, the girls sorority of
Central High School.
To the uninitiated who have never
been behind the scenes" Of real
theater the production was a revela-
tion-also something Of a surprise-as
the mysteries" back Of the footlights
were unfolded. The leading parts were
taken by Miss Lillian Menaugh, Mrs.
William seyboth, Miss Gertrude Car
penter. Miss Mary Minnix, Miss Helen
Durnin. Miss Carrie Mckinley. and Miss
Wright herself, who appeared as the
''Yama YamaI girl.
Miss Menaugh's Success.
Miss Menaugh, who has aspirations to
become a real actress, and who dis
played every evidence of accomplishing
her ambition, might have been some
thing Of a revelation to some real. sure
enough chorus girls. AS Tottie Cough
drop she appeared first in what was de-
scribed on the program as the Original
harem-scarum'' skirt. There was no
doubt as to the originality of the cos
tune. and Miss Menaugh was encored
and eneored until the orchestra had to
go ahead with the next number in spite
Behind the Scenes is an opera"
without q plot or a semblance Of q plot,
but 1t was amusing and entertaining,
which was its prime object. The
,at1 hDr
tnal-was good. and the various musical
numbers were interspersed with bright
savings and good comedy.
The curtain goes up with the stage
Along the wall is the long mirror with
its Clipped edges ana the little dressing
tables. Around the walls are the usual
signs, mo smoking" Don't douse the
glim," "Cut the Vow Yow," and the
like.
Miss Carpenter Sings.
Miss Gertrude Carpenter, as Ger
aldino, sang "Wallfowers Sweet"
aided by an attractively costumed
chorus. while two of the hits Of the
evening were "A Flock of Men, and
Sailing on the River Nile" by Mrs.
6eyboth, as Mimi. and chorus. The
latter song was written especially for
the performance by Robert Won Ezdorf,
who also acted as musical director.
Miss Carrie Mckinley, as Smith. an
ssFa ss sas girl society geS is who
wants to 70 on the stage because she
is in love with the tenor Of the COM
rany, displayed considerable dramatic
with Mrs. Esther sullivan. Miss Mary
Minnix, as Miss Patricia OToole, the
gum chewing, slangy chorus girl, fur
ntshed some good comedy. Miss Minnix
lot ,.~I - NJ 1..-t.. At<-lA L n.
doubtedly well founded.
Miss Helen Durnin proved herself a
fancy. dancer of ability, while an anus
ing sketch during the second act was
entitled The Servants Secret" Alex
anders Rag Time Band was led
by Miss Lillian Alexander. which was
only coincidence. Miss Alexander
in her hair, and costumes along similar
lines were worn by the others for this
number.
From behind the scenes literally
while the performance concluded with
Miss Wright as the "Yama Yama" girl
= singing II Like It," assisted by the
whole company.
Girls Who Took Part.
Among the other prominent Washing
ton girls who took part in the enter
tainment, and whose work was deserv-
ing Of much credit. were Miss Harriet
Snow, Miss Jane Grey Gardner, Miss
Edith SWEET, and Miss Belle Meyers.
The theatrical staff of the Sigma
Lambda is composed of Miss Wright,
Miss Gardner, and Miss SWEET.
There was q "bald-headed" row, too,
only the first nighters'' had consider
able hair on their heads. and 1t was
necessary that they convince the blue
coated girl ushers that they were sweet
hearts. husbands, brothers, or some
thing like that to the girls In the play
before they were seated down front. At
the performance there was quite a
bunch Of "Johnnies'' at the stage door
of the "Tobasco" Theater, as Miss
Wright designated II ON the program.