The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-02-26
AT THE PLAY.

The Kiss Waltz, which was a hit
along the Brilliant Boulevard in New
York, was not considered irresistibly
funny or musical by the audience that
observed it in Topeka last night.
Valeska Surratt was up to advertise
ments in the matter of looks and dry
goods, the piece contained one or two
catchy tunes, and the poultry was
pretty and we'll dressed. 1t was not
staged along the lines of Sam T. Jack
show. skirts being worn by all female
members of the company, and the eX-
posures occurring only at the upper
end. Miss Surratt is active and at
tractive, but would hardly be CLASH
fled as a song bird, and the same
might be said of her support. George
Baldwin, tenor, did about all the sing
ing that was done. a limber-legged
comedian helped some.' and Louise
Richmond, a clever little dancer add
ed much to the decorative scheme.
The real feature of the show was the
wardrobe of Miss Surratt. In a half
dozen quick changes she managed to
display the most gorgeous collection of
wearing apparel ever seen on a Topeka
stage Her 35-pound metal kimona,
which one Topeka girl said reminded
her of a bran new kitchen cabinet, was
a revelation in either blacksmiths or
dressmaker's art. The greatest hit on
Broadway was the kissing stunt in the
audience, and the down-the-aisle trip
of the entire company, but it failed to-
bring down the roof or even loosen
any plaster at the Grand. Miss Sur
raft kissed few bald headS-some of
them planted" for the occasion-and
d pleasant time was had, although it
seemed to be a consensus of opinion
that the kiss Waltz was not a two
dollar show. H. G. p
Apparently everyone liked Kitty Cheat
ham-grownups who considered it mos
eyed youngsters from the Orphans Home,
who thought it all right. you bet Miss
Cheatham's appeal is as wide as the wind
some OF her selections subtle
they arc bit difficult to grasp and otl;-
ers absurdy inconsequent they take
You skipping down the happy lane of
childhood You leave the entertainment
at peace with the world, and sure if there
were more Miss Cheathams the men who
the Stage would be at a loss what to do
Who but Miss Cheatham could immor-
talze Stevenson's inadequate Friendly
Cow or John Carpenters plant,
What's the use o. practicing for little
boys like me?
1t never did me any good as far as 1
can seer
Miss Cfea tham,s unique talent was not
given full play either in the French songs
or D'Hardelot's 'Old Romance which
opened her program. But the "Plaint
of the Little Bisque Doll'' won the audi
ence's heart Immediately. The bisuue
doll died of appendisawdust; Mr.. Wade
cleverly introduced into his theme the
WOODY strains or lie Funeral March OF
a Marionette.'
The negro songs and sayings. which
Wee "a a big part tot Of the entertainment,
in Tennessee. had comfortable
nanny of her own. and was quite as
fond of her as the youngster who de-
termined why Adam Sinned.' One of
Miss Cheathams encores was Dixie
which brought down the house.
Ahe more dramatic numbers were But
terflies' and "Punchnello''- to forget
the Little Gray Lamb. which was eA-
quisite in its pathos. The entertainment
closed with Lears delightful ''Owl and
Pussy Cat with the limerick about the
~ Dung Lady of Niger final encore.
The selections numbered on the pro-
gram, however, formed hardly half OF
the performance. The anecdotes intro
ducing them were charning-Miss Cheat
ham is as full of ideas wedding cake
of plums. She considers her art the EEK
preston of a lifetime" Many persons
thought yesterdays matinee the most en-
Pertaining of the Parkhurst Concert
Series. The next number is John Nc
Cormach. the Irish tenor, who is booked
for the Grand March %. A. l. H.