The Washington times., 1915-10-26
NATIONAL.

The musical extravaRanza hunger
which gnaws at the heart Of the thea
ter-goer at the beginning OF the season,
can be satiated this week by attendance
at the National TheAter, where Around
the Map" Is being produced for the
first time on any stage.
II was just such a hunger that drove
big audience to that theater last
night. and which. when thoroughly
satisfied. prompted individuals to linger
in the aisles and wave madly at the
singing and dancing host gathered on
the stage for the finale.
And as the audience filed slowly out
with backward glances at the swiftly
flying curtain, there was not one heart
which did not glow with fervor OF
gratitude toward the producers. Messrs.
Klaw & Erlanger. who were responsible
for the costumes shimmering In their
newness. Elsie Alder IN all Of her sim
cerity and charm. and for an excellent
| performance in all Of the zip and ginger
OF Its first night
or the scenery one can but say that
ker; OF the costumes. that they not only
cover the past and present history, but
that they AFFORD material upon which
the fashions for the remainder OF time
| IUdy De IOunueu, VI tHe tdSt, tiiht thS
directory Of their names looks more like
| time table than anything else; and of
the principals, that their interest.
cleverness. and vim was worthy OF the
efforts OF an expe Giant heir In the pres
| once OF the rich and aged uncle.
| Perhaps the best point about the pro-
duction arises from the fact that there
is not bad walt In the course OF the
| entire evenings entertainment. black
| drop did excellent service, and while the
smoothness with which the course OF
events unwound may be due to the In
stage hands and their master, due credi
must be given to Joseph Urban who
composed the scenery. The simple ye
highly effective and easily adjusted
backgrounds with the performers II
front, gave a general effect OF seriei
Of Vogue or Vanity Fair covers.
The first scene arises on a Young ma,
delightful relief from the usual
lying in bed. In the middle of the stage
| while clustered about him are his sports
. man friends. eager to rouse him. and
incidentally. inform the audience Of tn
course of events to follow. The younI
man Is Robert Pitkin. Count Georgie d.
Gal who eventually falls In love will
1 Tootsie. the little sock-darner. who trie
to ensnare him while engaged in a tou
, around the world with an accompani
ment OF the costume Of NJ. Impikoff. bu
who steals his heart when clad In tn
little black and white dress Of the sock
darner.
Pitkin enacts his role with a rare tao,
, which enables him to be as fond. sin
t, cere. eager funny. sad. or indifferen
as any stage struck young woman coul
wish. His voice is pleasing. and hi
. most catchy numbers were when tn
. Right Girl Comes Along" and "Th
: Dear Old Fighting BOYS"
Here Comes Tootsie" Is the song hi
OF the piece. although a nckle publ
may choose some OF the other numbers
since Herman Finck has lavishly pre-
vided pretty airs.
william Norris. in the role OF tn
dressmaker Impikofr. proves himself a
able median, and his disguises Will
marvellous sartorial effects In then
selves. are given distinction by his in
personauons.
I Consistently clever and amusing
Georgia O'Ramey in the role Of Dis
| contented Lulu. Helen Cox as the riv,
dressmaker whose presence in the piec
Is mainly for the purpose OF giving eN
cuse for the introduction of double tn
usual number OF costumes. Is a staff
esaue beauty who sings well.
!. Miss Alder. with her quaint accen
y basket of socks. and glorious costume
is as acceptable to America as she we
J. to Eerlin II the recognition which a
+ tended her premiere performance In tn
i country last night. can be taken as
| criterion. r. r.