Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-11-03
NEXT WEEK GOOD! GRCOUSy

TN CATHOLICITY of composition the
i theatrical menu set before Philadel-
rbians next week is indsputably lavish.
THE public may break its war bread at
home subscribe to meatless Tuesdays,
u,heatless Wednesdays and "hshful" FRI
days but on the footlight bill Of fare that
follows the evening demitasse few limita.
tIons have been made. The shyness OF
Shakespeare these days is primarily due TO
the retirement of L. H. Sothern and Julia
Marlowe and to the comparative obscurity
ri Robert Bruce Mantell. Last season the
Bards standard was triumphantly unturled
nv Sir Herbert Tree, but the death of that
excellent producer leaves none TO execute
his ambitious plans Perhaps Miss Anglin
will exploit the Shakespearean comedies
later in the year. Meanwhile, awaiting her
proiected undertaking, the theatregoer of
irheral tendencies Confronts a footlight ros-
fer acoentng art in certain items and gen
erously replete with variety as whole.
Polite" light comedy, deliciously en-
HANGED by expert acting, is worthily repre-
rented in "rhe Boomerang. There Is farce
in "Mary's Ankle" and the same drama
turgic element will typify Good Gracious !!
Annabelle - which arrives here on Mon
day night Poetic drama makes its spect lc-
ular claim in "The Wanderer," avowedly
frivolous revue" in the Ziegfed "Follies"
operetta in Eileen" and sentimental
comedy in Come out of the Kitchen"
In addition to these, vaudeville exalted
10 pinnacles of lofty art, had its effective
innings this week in the achievements of
two Incompatible stage personalities. Harry
Lauder, whose infectious humor and un-
erring feeling for character drew appreCia
tive audiences to the Academy for four
days, has said farewell Yvette Guilbert
two nights ago revealed her supreme art,
which is not precisely that of singing, act
ing or recitation, but which prominent
critic has described as combining "the finest
beauties of all three" Words are almost
futile in analyzng the Intangible magic OF
her appeal its eloquent and subtle factors
OF poetry, Of humor. pathos rlpened worldly
wisdom that blends irony with pity and
softens steely truth with goddess-like low
ing kindness. Her gifts are indehnable,
and If her fusion of them in her unique
entertainments does not symbolic art then
there is nc meaning in that oft-abused little
word.
ART in humber FORM though perfectly
a suited to its setting, also exacts it's
tribute in the current presentations of
'"The Boomerang" The texture of this un-
pretentious play Is fragile that the
Bolidlty Of it's three years triumph may
possibly arouse in the minds of Philadel-
phians who view the piece for the first time
the inquiry, rs that all?"
Strong scenes, profound philosophy,
heart-quclIening messages are conspic-
uously absent from the well-oiled traffic of
the stage set in motion by Winchell Smith
and Victor Mapes. But Twelfth Night" is
still a masterpiece, although it isn't Ham
let" "Trelawny of the Wells" is charming
play, although It's engaging character bears
scant relationship to The Second Mrs.
Tanqueray."
Reviewers who persistently pine for
what is not'' are inclined to overlook virtues
and sometimes even defects-immedlately
within the normal range of vision. The