New-York tribune., 1915-03-03

By HECTOR TTRNRULL.

"Thc Peasant Girl" presented last
night at the Forty-fOurth Street Thea
tre, promises rather severe jolt TO
those pessimistic playgoers who claim
that New Workers are unable 20 appre-
ciate any form of musical comedy Of
fering good music, we'll sung. To be
sure, these pessimists have had some
cause in the past for their despairing
attitude, as there have been several
worthy attempts to present light opera
In the city which have failed for lack
Of patronage.
The cause, however-and It takes a
production like "The Peasant Girl" TO
make this quite clear--is evidently a
lack OF good comedy. Only a very
small percentage of our playgoing
public will pay to hear good singing
and good songs in the form Of light
opera If there are no intervals OF re-
freshing fun. Whether this vital Tact
struck the intelligent perceptions OF
all the gentlemen see aDove) at once,
or one after another we cannot say,
but there is no doubt Of the fact that
they became aware Of il in time TO
turn the original operetts "Poleu-
blut" into a rare aud whol!y delightful
evenings entertainment
The author of "The Merry Widow"
aided by Edgar Smith, gave it a plot,
not too original to be disturbing, but
still a reasonably workable plot that
proved quite sturdy enough TO hold its
own intact despite the number OF songs
and dances. 1t gives that gnomellHe
sprite, Trentini, an opportunity to pose
as the housekeeper for young Count
who is a perfec dvil among the ladies
and Oh, so handsomei Trentini is in
love with this wrecker of homes and
sets out TO win him. He, the big blond
brute, is inclined 10 chafe under the
housekeeper's whip, but, as the scenario
writer's would put l. needless to say,
she wins him at the end
Trentini is delightfully."- spirited in
the role of the little housekeeper and
her singing alone would make the pro-
duction worth while. IL is TO Clifton
Crawford. however, that THE Peasant
/ Girl" owes most. This debonair come
dian lghtens the entire operetta with
his humor and does 1t all single
handed.
John Charles Thomas, bearing the
incongruous name of Bolo, a leonine
crop OF hair and his body erect. claims
the attention the moment he appears.
I This gentleman is marked for many
mash notes. Not only has he a good
barytone, but he knows how TO use it.,
and besides he looks stunning in blue
velvet. Lefty Yorke, as dancer with
an unpronouncable name, fell IN love
with him at sight, but he left her for
Trentini Miss Yorke bore up we'll.
nevertheless, and sang engaglngly to
the end.
The score, by Oscar Nedbal, the
foremost of the Bohemian composers,
is delightfully."- balanced and contains
many striking numbers that are bound
10 prove refreshing after a long sea-
son of musical comedy hits. Between
these and some additional songs by
Rudolf Friml. there is little choice.
They are all pleasing and should be
popular.
One Of the most attractive features
of the production is the dancing by
Clifton Crawford and Frances Pritch-
ard, a charming girl with exceeding
grace Their best number IS m the
last act. 1t is called Mary Had a
Little Lamb" and as the words and
music are due to the efforts of Clifton
Crawford. further recommendation IS
quite unnecessary.
Melville Ellis has designed some at
tractive costumes, and. lest we omit an
important factor. the staging Of the
play was excellent, likewise the drill
ing of the ensemble numbers. For this
good work credit is due either I. c.
Huffman. J. II. Benrimo or Jack Ma
son. or all three.
All together, cast, chorus and songs,
"The Peasant Girl" Is welcome ar
rival, and can be heartily recon-
mended to all classes of playGoers. not
excepting the most confirmed patron
oF musical "shoWs" "