Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-06-05
ADJUSTMENTS


Between operctta and musical com
cdy there is a distinction with diff
ference, which narrows down pretty
closely TO question of speed. AS
presented by the Comic Opera Play
ers for the first time last night. THE
Red Mill" turned a bit slowly during
the FIRST act. aud did not attain it's full
speed until it had caught its second
wind. so to speak. after the cntr'acte
Then II spun AS merrly as briskly
and as humorously as players and au-
dience could wish. Anyhow, it's a
tricky piece ana as II went last night
IL was good enough entertainment for
anybody, except during the moments
OF the first act when IL dragged. The
Red Mill" is one OF Victor Herberts
tunefui and wcll-orchestrated compost
lions, 10 book BY that clever liDrettist
Henry Blossom, and together they form
rar" combination, as is happily re-
membored from the days of Montgom-
cry and Stone.
Mr.. Cray appeared. OF course. in the
stone part, and handled II cieverly and
most amus!nely Mr.. Marble was an
excellent foil In tho old Monte omery
role, and the TWO worked together as
though they had been playing the piece
Tor "a season or tWo-as maybe they
have They arc unusually able come
dians, both Of them while Mr.. Gray
possesses. in addition to ability, the
sort Of personality that we speak of al
being just naturally funny" Shar-
ing honors with them were Miss Bush
and MIR. Han!cy. both OF whom fairly
earned the enthusiastic approval o..
the audience.
Early in the FIRST act, Miss Bush had
an awkward fall. which very appar-
emily caused sharp and increasing pain
from badly cut and bruised leg
Nevertheless, she kept bravely on
smiling, singing and dancing her pref
ucst-to the admiration and delight OF
the mousse. Apart from It's stoicism. her
performance was particularly charm
nag Mr. Har!ey. whose Italian bit
stood out so last week, PLAYED the
Dutch innkecper and gave a fine ex-
hihltion Of character acting. fully i'm
nued with comedy TO boot. In accent
gesture and movement, his work was
OF high order.
Miss Jersey sang and played the
straight lead IN good style; Mr. Pom
pen was thorough III the unsrateful
par, OF the burgomaster: Mr.. Gutter
the new member OF the COMPANY
made good impression; Miss Ford
and Mr. Bogues We're both more at
ease and more pleasing than In THE
f!rehy, and Miss Hills again supplied
one OF the features Of the performance
by her sinGing-and acting-of the
good song, The Legend Of tho Mil"
with chorus.
Other features were the skilled fool.
cry Of Mr.. Gray and Mr.. Marble in
the Good "A bye John" and ,nc Sher-
lock Holmes scenes; "Mignone,te" and
If You Love But Me-" by Miss Bush
and chorus; whistle IT," by Miss Bush
and Mnssrs Cray and Marble and
Because You're You" by Miss Hills,
Mr.. sosues and the Dutch Riddles.
These last were six just brats. Three
we're dressed girls and three as
boys. but II is strongly suspected only
two OF them will ever have to regis
ter. Their singing and marching were
me hit OF the show, until one OF the
little boys sang solo. Then he was
the hit. until the littlest girl sang
alone. Then the house was hers
In spots. the chorus was ragged
But after all, ii was the opening per-
formance and some roughness was to
have been eNDected-in Just such Spots
And the good little orchestra, with
another violin added. under Mr. Neff's
direction. more than atoned for weak
chorus singing. Altogether, The Red
Mill should pack 'cm in all week.
Douglas Gordon