Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1917-05-05
JOY IN CAPERS Of
mask AND VIC BOYS
"Mr. Rip Van Wrinkle"
Replete With Dancing,
Singing and Color
full Effects
DELAWARE ALUMNI
OF PENN MAKE MERRY

VT TENN MANN MENU
Wilmington theatregoers were ac-
corded "A splendid treat last night
when members Of the Mask and Wig
Club. that nationally famous organ
ization OF the University OF Pennsyl-
vania. presented at The Playhouse the
musical comedy, "Nlr. Rip Van
Winkle," a fantasy OF youth and op-
timism that capitalizes the value OF
a smile. The audience was most en-
thusiastic and appreciative The ap-
pearance OF the Mask and Wig Club
in this city is an annual occasion of
great interest This is the twenty
ninth annual production by the club,
and it would be safe TO say that sell
dom has it put over" a better per-
Torrance.
From the time the curtain went up
on the very colorful opening scene
until Il descended on the grand
finale. which was a triumphant
tableau OF war Times" there was
not dull moment. The show tingled
throughout with ready wit, clever
dancing and tuneful and spritely
music, while too much cannot be said
concerning the beauty and color Of
the costumes and scenery. The
choruses capered in a way which
easily places them above the amateur
ranks while each member Of the cast
enacted his role in such a capable
manner that they could easily be
classed among professionals.
Both acts. the first Of which was
laid on top Of a mountain In Fan
tastic Red Forest and the second
of which represen ~ the estate OF
Mr.. Rim Van Wrinkle at the foot OF
the mountain, were replete with
numerous catchy musical hits and
clever dance reyues which captivated
the audience.
As MIR. Rip Van Wrinkle" Robert F.
McNlurtrie was excellent. His solo,
"Nou Should Never BE Without
Smile which he sang in the second act
with the chorus was one of the musical
hits of the evening. Raymond d. Ste
vens, as "Old Black Joe" the hermit,
also did some remarkably clever work.
he being the star Of the production. His
duet with doctor Oldschool" sylvan II.
liirsch). in the first act was very mirth
provoking, while his solos. "rhe Chill
drens Hour and "Just Try Laughter"
were two other seeded hits His banjo
selections also proved delightful fea-
lures.
The parts of "Mathilda" and Ger
aid" which were taken by Edward
Longstreth and Stephen NJ. Birch. re-
spectively were two Of the funniest IN
the whole show and they were cleverly
acted. The travesty on Antony and
Cleopatra" won prolonged applause.
Features of the evening were the
dancing specialties. The first was
the Marimba specially, my Guatema-
Ian Girl" which was sung and danced
by tom" (Winheld r. Dougherty)
and Katrina (Joseph G. Carpenter)
and chorus. This dance was specially
written by Mariana Hurtado, of the
Royal Marimba Band Guatemala.
The Dance of the MariOnettes, In the
second act, was most unusual and
attractive advertisement. Previous TO
this dance Fate" Is. II. Hirschl
stepped before a specially dropped
scene which represented a theatre,
and following his discourse, the cur
tains were drawn and the Marionettes
suspended with golden strands, danced
with wonderful grace.
One Of the most striking scenes in
the whole production. however. was
the opening OF the second act. a car
nival scene. with all the factors and
actresses" i'm gay holiday costumes
and throwing light colOrod balloons TO
one another Colored lights were
played upon the dancers in mos
effective manner. making altogether a
scene OF unusual beauty and brill
ance.
The theatre was attractively dec
GRATED with the colors, red and blue
and the American flag Even the
electric lights were shaded with red
and blue. The patriotic note was
struck in the closing scene, which
was 4 triumphant march. showing the
boys OF &c, Columbia and Uncle SAM
The orchestra played "The star
Spangled Banner" and the audience
arose and sang the national anthem.
Following the show there we're
many supper parties in the dining and
grill rooms of the Hotel dupont The
Mask and Wig boys repeated many
stunts of the show in the diningroom
The entire proceeds OF the production
will be given TO the University of
Pennsylvania authorities for military
purposes. Just as the supper party,
at which the Mask and Wig boys were
ouaefc ~ fIn Delaware Alumni NJ
Penn, was ended the Mask and Wig
Club sang a farewell toast compli-
mentary to Wilmington, entitled
alrILI......a. Den. L.. OIL n..n