Evening star., 1916-11-24
ADJUSTMENTS
Relasco.

A new musical play. Her Soldier
Boy" the product of combination OF
conspicuous authors and composers,
staged by experts, and sung and acted
by entertainers of proven ability, was
presented at the Belasco Theater last
night. The list of persons responsible
for the piece commands attention.
Taking them in the order of their ap-
pearance on the printed program. the
book is by Victor Leon. author of The
Merry Widow" The English adapta-
tion is by Rida Johnson Young. The
music for the most part is the work Of Of
Emmerich Kalman, the author or
"Sari.' with interpolated numbers by
SigmSund Romberg and three songs in
lighter vein by Clifton Crawford. the
comedian of the piece.
Now that the nervous first night is
over. the producers will consult to-
gether and probably come to the con-
clusion that considerable rearrange-
ment is necessary to make Her Sol
vious compositions which have made
name. fame and wealth for the array
of talent represented in this present
work.
Her Soldier Boy" for there is a
wealth of interesting music, and plenty
of lightsome comedy. several good
topical songs and a very competent
cast.
The two important themes, one serl-
Gus. the other comedy. are carried out
successfully by John Charles Thomas,
a baritone of highly pleasing quail
ties: Beth Lydy,. prima donna whose
clear soprano is indeed refreshing;
Clifton Crawford. whose work as a
comedian is so well known as to make
comment unnecessary. and Adele Row
land. seen lately in Nobody Home"
and a very interesting and delightful
i
Mr.. Crawford. as war correspondent
of the Newport Tattler,' makes laughs,
and his aim is true. Miss Rowland.
with unlimited qualities of entertain
ment, could be given even more to do
in Her Soldier Boy" with probable
success. as her appearance adds great
ly to the enjoyment of the entertain
ment.
The audience last night paid close
attention to the work of Mr.. Thomas
and Miss Lydy 1t was of higher
quality than usually found in musical
plays of today In several duets they
were recalled several times to bow to
the plaudits of a thoroughly pleased
and friendly audience.
The play has a European war touch;
the prologue being short and lively
scene in hut behind the lines in Bel
gium. and the remaining two acts being
based upon the return home of one OF
the young warriors. Frantz Delaunay
is expected home. He does not arrive.
but his chum. Alain Teniers, takes the
sad news to his blind mother. How
ever. Alain is persuaded to pass as the
presumably dead soldier, a situation
helped in the story by the assumption
that the boys family have not seen
him since he was a five-year- child.
The pseudo brother falls violently in
love with the girl who should be his
sister. and this knot is united by the
sudden appearance Of the real brother.
who. of course. was not killed, simply
badly wounded.
The other theme. which furnishes the
comedy, is not at all related to the
main story. Teddy McLane and his i'm
movable English friend. Monty Main
waring. get themselves into many
laughable situations. with no other OBJ
ject than to furnish amusement. Monty
is assumed by Cyril Chadwick. who has
been seen with Mr.. Crawford in other
comedies.
There is still minor theme carried
by pair of youngsters. Ward de Wolfe
and Mildred Richardson, who deserve
considerable credit.
Attention to details of scenery and
costuming have produced a pleasing
spectacle, and the hand of a true artist
is to be discerned in the warmth of
he orcheStration