New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-09-26
THE CAST

In describing & musical show u IS
customary 10 remark that the music
IS pretty-very pretty, indeed-out
what a book Therefore it is with no
inconsiderable relief that one brings
I'D the matter Of Miss Springtime,
which is endowed with both humor and
melody. All Of the latter is Of an ex-
ceedinsly high grade, and much Of the
former Is clever. Still further, Miss
Sprirgtime" has been staged with tbs
splendor that one has come 20 expect
Of the K. & E. musical productions,
and the cast contains one or two peo-
pie who can sing. So, whatever your
tastes, you are certain 20 be pleased at
the New Amsterdam. Miss Spring
time" is nothing II not success.
Initial tribute IS payable 70 the
music. he composer Is Emmerich
kalman, who did a similar service Tor
"Sari" IL is score which IS almost
consistently brilliant score which
could be called catchy II 1t were not
so far from the commonplace as 10
render such a term und gnitied. To
date 10 Is the best music Of the season,
and the chances are that 10 will con
tinue 20 De so. Gossip among the
standees linked Jerome Kern with one
or two OF the melodies, but the
burden OF the work was Mr.. Kalman's.
Guy Bolton has written the book,
and p. u. WodehOuse and Herbert
REYNOLDS are responsible Tor the
lyrics. When a new joke fell upon
the ear early in the evening one felt
that the piece was exceptional, and
when II was followed by others equally
new-to say nothing Of a set Of work
msnlike and frequently amusing lyrics
the occasion became epOcnal. That
does not mean that the humor is OK
clusiyely original, Tor Mr. Bolton has
not hesitated 20 borrow here and there
when a standard joke would serve his
purpose. In fact. ne secured his best
laugh Of the evening with the one
about the man who made ammunition,
and you couldn't mold a candle 10 his
business.
The scenery is Joseph Urbsn's and
the costumes are gayly colorful. but
the production as a whole is occasion
ally confusing. Il was bit OF sur
prise 10 lind one Of Mr.. Urban's hand
painted drug stores In the heart OF
Hungary, and 10 was equally difficult
20 account for the general atmosphere
OF the Tyrol. the Russian hats on the
chorus and the Prussian uniform on
the officer from Budapest 4 musica.
comedy has nothing 20 lose by being
consistent, even though an audience
does not demand 10. Jack Hazard.
similarly, was an assistant editor IN
tho first act and 4 drug clerk IN The
second. and there vas nary a word OF
explanation.
There is a story 70 which both il
brettist and lyricist pay reasonably
close Notwithstanding about the
love OF a Hungarian maiden for a great
opera singer. She follows him 10 Buda-
pest. and on the stage OF the opera
house az that place Nr. Urban has a
chance 20 distinguish himself with a
truly magnificent setting. The earlier
scenes, while beautiful, are a triie
below Mr.. Urban's high standard.
George MscFsrlane e the mainstay
among the cast. bringing his splendid
voice 70 bear in half dozen fine songs.
The title role is played by newcomer
from Budapest Sari Petrass. She is
pretty, possesses fair degree OF
charm and her voice IS good. although
in no way remarkable. The comedian
is the humorous Mr.. Hazard. who j,
trying 20 do everything on Broadway
this season. Mr.. Hazard is funny per
Sc. and in Miss Springtime" he is
given funny things 20 say and do.
With all Of these things IN its favor.
il is unfortunate that Miss Spring
time" is distinguished by "a strange
bit of miscasting as ever has occurred
on any stage. Il contains a middle
aged, corpulent Juvenile. lie is Charles
Meakins, and he does as well as could
be expected, but not grea. deal is
expected.
Georgia O'Ramey is a ravishing sight
In motor attire, and adds considerably
20 the general merriment. Ada Nav
Weeks and Fred Nice do some Of their
whirlwind dancing. All in ar. Miss
Sprlngtime' - 4 inc thing, despite it,
lapses. You will be doing yourself an
injustice + you miss Il.