New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-11-13

Musical comedy is apparently the one
form of entertainment which IS con-
sistently appealing to the public, and
with the advantage of a composer
starred above the performers, "Her
Regiment" should take its place in the
forefront Of the seasons entertain
ments. Victor Herbert's coadjutor in
the new operetta is william lie Baron,
whose farce, "The Very Idea" has al
ready convinced the public of his com
mand of drollery. The play is far dis
tinguished from the regulation musical
affair by relying mainly on its roman
tic turn, although the locale in itself.
the French province Of Normandy, Is
not entirely unfamiliar to Broadway.
The scenes are tasteful and well in
keeping with the charm of the music,
which is unfailing throughout in love
illness, expertness and exquisite or
chestration, while several numbers
evoked enthusiasm by their spirit. 1t
took some little time, however. before
the affair seemed 10 get under way,
both as regards plot and musical Ter
vor. but two songs at the end OF the
first act engendered an incipient feel
ing of contentment among the nrst
nighters. These were "A Little Farm
in Normandie," the first duct OF the
principals. Audrey Maple and Donald
Brian, and "Twixt Love and Duty,
sung by the tenor and chorus.
The emergence Of the plot at the be-
ginning of the second act brought
marked stimulus. and number after
number swung along with unfagging
verve, "The American Serenade,"
dance by Donald Brian and soubrette,
Art" "Some Day" and the finale Of
the act, cake walk theme sublimated
by a classic touch. In the last act
"Superlative Love-" duet between the
principals, was particularly successful
and the low comedian, Frank Moulan,
won his first honors with topical song,
"As the Years Roll By" Then the
audience would not be appeased until
the genial composer came before the
curtain and paid a compliment to Miss
Maple.
An operetta has a story, Of course,
and, once it is started, that Of Her
Regiment" has something to be said Of
il. Estelle Durvernay, posing as the
daughter IA farmer, has firted with a
Young soldier and has difficulty about
getting away without his following her.
That evening he appears Mt recep-
tion at her home in the Chateau Belle
Vile. A parental intrigue is afoot to
marry Estelle to colonel, who hap
mems TO be the superior OF her lover
as we'll as very fierce specimen OF
the genus martinez. Estelle's view
NJ marriage as matter Of personal
choice helps matters somewhat, but on
the other hand the colonel has the ad-
vantage Of absolute authority over his
young rival.
Severe disciplnarian as he is and
having ample provocation 70 punish
the impudent young gentleman ranker,
Tho colonel is at the same time a man
~ acme sense. and seeing that he has
no chance of winning Estelle's favor
no turns magnanimous and unites the
levers having at the same time hlgh
cnponliment to the bravery OF his rival.
Tic natriotic touch with which the
r1ay ands fails somewhat OF due effect
by its abruptness. -, ..
The play does not allow much scope
IN lie Baron's well known VEIN OF
bnnoor. not being "A comic opera, ana
Inc low comedian, although having tho
stooo 10 himself at moments, ls never
cyactlv convulsing. Donald BRAN WINS
a Good measure Of approval, and audrey
MAMIE charms with her singing as wen
as her distinctive prettiness ana grace.
n is truly said Of the chorus that IL
contains a number Of pretty, giIls'