New-York tribune., 1916-02-29

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m, I'M. Atsie .......... ] VI. Ilsgg
Soclsty -.................... Mls. Dorothy Meyera
New York playgocrs, TO the extent OF
900 members of the Dutch Treat Club,
had opportunity last night 20 witness
the first production on any stage with
the exception of the dress rehearsal
the night before, which went off very
poorly; you know what dress rehearsals
arc. anyway Of James Montgomery
Flagg's entrance Il. c.) into the field Of
illegi,imatc drama. The play may be
said, with all fairness 10 the author, 10
mark new epoch in the development
Of the American stage. That 1t was not
case OF arrested development is due
not SO much to the lsxity Of the police
regulations as 20 the real, earnest
purpose behind TIE production in an
effort TO present a great vital truth in
uncompromising terms.
The basic spirit OF the work is al
legory. This principle is. OF course,
reminiscent of Pilgrim, Progress"
and yet Mr.. Flagg has succeeded in
transcending this earlier work 10 GER
tain degree and has given US some
thing which stands alone. Not only as
an example of absolute technique, but
as an example Of absolute technique, II
demands serious review.
The Office of a newspaper is taken as
the subject for symbolic representa-
ton. and therefore the scene is laid on
the deck OF "A ship. This subtle touch
is doubtless due TO the fact that there
was an old "Pinafore" set leaning
round with nothing to do. To carry
out the spirit OF the thing. the editor
OF the paper is represented as a captain
and the sails are fve-star Home Ed-
tions of The Morning Breakfast Food"
Scandal Hcayed Overheard.
The action OF the piece is rapid, and
yet complicated. In IL VIC find that
loosness OF construction and speech so
typical of the ultra-modernst school,
and nevertheless il is as a unit CO.
herent, even explicit.
The Captain Editor has on board his
ship a girl friend Of his sisters, in
whose career he is interested Her
name j, Scandal. The other members Of
the crew of the paper, having an eye
out for what the neighbors will say,
plan to get rid OF her by foul means or
foul. They therefore induce her to take
one Of the Ad-Fske's pills and arc even
so conscientious about the Job as 10
throw her overheard. But with Sean
dal gone the good ship doesn't seem
the same old place, and when she final
ly climbs back over the side of the ship,
dripping with excelsior, the general
opinion seems 10 be that Scandals
place is in the newspaper.
Then follows a s.rong scene in which
On the Aisle, the Dramtic Critic, cx-
presses his real views OF the show
which are sufficient TO bring down the
ansthema of Mr. Schubert, the pro-
ducer, in the form OF a cancelled adver-
tising contract. Quick curtain-that
is, as quick as il can be on that dinky
stage at Delmonico's.
As for the cast, il is an aggregation
OF players Query: Kelly pool?) rather
than star and supporting company.
Too much cannot b, said, and probably
VIII not be said, about the finish with
which the parts ere done. The pro-
logue. az sung by David Bispham. lends
an air Of artistry, which is continued in
some measure, throughout the entire
piece.
Music Is Very Often.
Mr.. Wells's Scandal is sung with de-
lightful insouciance and restraint, espe-
cially in the peach OF a story" scene.
which. IN the hands of less delicate
artist, would have cen frank.
And right here il should be said that
Mr.. Taylor's musi, is at all times ex-
celent and, oftener than not. even more
than that. Il should be whistled on
broadway for some me to come, or. as
the ast word in praise. il probably will
not be whistled on Broadway for some
time TO come.
The Capiain-Editor is played by Mr.
Hutaf with considerable feeling. espe-
cially in the scenes ofr-stage. and Mr.
Casavant as Cartoon is consistently ef-
fective
Old Subscriber is done by Fontain.
Fox with exquisite shading and some
what in the manner of his own brain
child, Uncle Peleg. In the interest Of