The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-11-14
1.-THE PRINCESS PAT" SCORES
 SUCCESS AT THE JEFFERSON

l With Hitting airs and a brightly anus | ing plot, "The Princess Pat" as pre-
 sented at the Jefferson theatre last night | by competent company, is comic opera | essentially worth while.
 1 That Victor Herbert wrote the music and Henry Blossom the book and lyrics. | justified expectations of a work above the ordinary musical pieces, and local
 theatregoers were not disappointed The music is in Mir. Herberts best vein /, tuneful, catchy and spontaneous. None 1 of it is rnedicre and much of it Is of ex- i cellent quality. Mir. Blossom, an experi- enced craftsman, has provided lyrics worthy of the music, and a story that 1 is not highly original perhaps, but has brisk movement sparkling comedy scenes
 and just the right proportion of senti- ment. Without the love motive it is hard to ina zine a successful comic opera. The first number last night was encored and the audience speedily caught the spirit of the occasion. The company re- sponded with an admirable performance in which there were no dull spots. Even the minor roles were in capable hands, while the principals were without ex- ception well fitted for the parts they assumed.
 Unusual interest attached to the prima charming figure as Princess Pat. Miss South's home Is in Knoxville, Tenn, and she has a number of personal friends in
 Birmingham. Her sprightliness and vii vacity, together with her vocal ability and her gifts as comedienne, make her ideally suited to play the dashing prin- cess who teaches her husband, an Ital- ian nobleman, a lesson by a harmless Irritation and breaks off a proposed mar riage between youth and old age for a
 better match in which the son takes his fathers place as the happy man.
 Carle Stowe, a person whose propo-- tions remind one of MT. Jess Willard, the heavyweight champion, made the most of his opportunities as Bob Dar- row, the mysterious individual who helps to arrange matters for the lovers. Stan ley Ridges, as Tony Schmalz, Jr., played a juvenile role well, while Lou Powers as Anthony Schmalz Sr., a gay old roue with an eye for pretty woman and enormous wealth to expedite the chase, was one of the most diverting figures on the stage. Charles Meyers, another excellent comedian, was not visible for any great length of time, but he was N'-OAS when drinking champagne, which he mis- took for cider. His song about married life was one of the best features of the performance.
 Elmer Haynes, as the Prince Antonio Di Montaldo, husband of the princess, acted better than he sang, but neverthe- less acquitted himself with much credit
 Nelson Riley as Gen. John Holbrook was also good as an elderly gentleman and added no little to the vocal strength of the company. Ethel Boyd made a win
 some Grace Holbrook, the girl engaged to marry the elder Schmalz for his money, who eventually elopes with Tony Schmalz,
 Jr. Although Victoria Gauran had a mil nor part as Marie, she made the character stand out sharply and in her dancing with MT. Ridges in the third act was ex- | quisitely graceful. The orchestra won much favorable comment.
 "The Princess Pat will be repeated at a matinee this afternoon and again tonight. Patrons of the Jefferson cannot afford to miss this delightful opera. P. C.