New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-03-09
BY HECTOR TURNBULL.

"Fads and Fancies," the new musical
revue presented last night at the
Knickerbocker Theatre, has some feat-
ures that would seem TO put 1t IN the
running for such success as the other
already famous musical shows on Broad
way have oIned. These particular
features. which must have been CHOSEN
by one expert beyond measure IN SUCH
delicate matters, are brought TO view
almost Immediately the show starts,
and are kept in sight continually
throughout the evening with only
few rests to the eye. Their names may
or may not be includued IN the cast
printed above, but they deserve men
ton. indeed. for III every chorus num-
Der they did yeoman service.
These vital factors. arranged by Julian
Mitchell, are somewhat novel al tnls
stage in theatricals, being an attempt
TO bark back to the old or visible
method of staging choruses. Judging
by the enthusiasm OF last nights au-
dience. the barking was wholly sue
cessful. Other features of the new
show, such as the merry Tom Nc
NauChton and the ever funny Conroy
and Lemaire, were very nearly ecllpSed
by the radiance of Mr.. Mitcheils
satellites. once they came IN sight'
The new show does not lack fun,
however. for Conroy and Lemalre, re-
luctantly parting with their old stand
by. the insurance policy act nave
conceived. with the aid OF several
Junk shops, new partner IN their
skits. a Ford car. II comes right out
on the stage, and slowly but Explosive
Nv disintegrates while they converse.
Conroy. Ford and Lemaire are some
times assisted in providing fun by Mr.
McNaughton. but not quite so often
as one who knows what this comedian
can do might wish
The book. although il starts out
well. resolves itself into nice, com
Portable lire or two whenever 1T Is
necessary TO explain a scene or
rather reconcile resolve of Madge
Leasing. who appears TO be the hostess
Of the evening and gives every kind
OF party from a poodle dinner to
divorce. Frank Moulen. who is pro-
lessor hating happiness, but loving
cocktails and girls with all the hnlsh
of An experienced musical comedy
principal. aids a little in unravelllng
the story and some of the songs. SO
does Paul Morton. who IS lawyer ana
so dances ard sings at every opportu-
rity. Frank Doane has comedy OF the
silly ass English chap variety, but we
can't remember having heard HIM sing
TYLER Brooke is a country boy, and so
he dances with Lydia Lopokova, who is
lust a delightful as ever.
Stella Iloban. mostly big blue eyes
and a soulful voice, has songs, ana
Laura Hamilton, a thoroughly respect
able adventures, has more songs ana
dances. Leo Garlic, the gentleman
who used TO initiate the EXCAVATIONS
of animate and inanimate objects for
vaudeville audiences, IS an automopiie
salesman, and gives some amusing ex-
amples of mis- art. He is at his best IN
his argument with ConrOy and Lemaire.
A GOOD pair of dancers, Miller and
Mack. trim through the show as aids
extraordinary to Tom McNaughton, and
one of these fairly outdid himself last
night in MS enthusiasm.
One of the best actors in the revue
was hidden from view throughout the
evening under dogskin and the name
of Mushagoogoo. This player is David
Abrahams. who has made his specially
a lifelong study and will be remem-
bered as the cat in THE Lady and the
Slipper"
The music was Of the sort best suited
for the requirements of the scenes.
When it was a leggy scene the music
was leggy and when it was time for
sentimental song TO be sung the music
behaved in the very best manner. Some
of the songs, too, had that welcome
reminiscent touch that is always certain
TO make them the more readily accept
ed and popularized.
A timely, touching number was sung
by Madge Leasing with no little feeling.
II is called Well Take Care OF You
Here" and aims TO express in song and
picture the attitude Of the United
States TO the homeless children OF Eu-
rope. Children in the garb of all ma
tons at war are paraded during the
song. and the little Belgian child is,
of course. the centre of attraction and
sentiment
Altogether, and there is q great deal
more in the show than we have sug-
gested. "Fads and Fancies" is :. gay al
fair, with all its scenes and songs. but
with its present chorus. we repeat, 1t
will hardly require further recommen-
datiOn.