The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-01-24

JULIAN EITTNGE MAKES A
FASCINATING COUSIN LUCY"

As IN jmpersonator Of the gentler
sex, Mr.. Julian Eitinge 10 considered
TO be without an equal on the modern
stage. His reputation In this respect
preceded him hero, attended his an
tire performance and will be peryna-
nentiy established after his departure.
IT justified a packed theaSer. Why II
did not receive one can be accounted
for only by the strong counter attrac-
ton OF q concert at the Auditorium
by a pronounced Richmond favorfte.
Cousin Lucy Is the vehicle being
used by Mr.. Eltinge for the exhibit
ton OF his talent and charm as an
entertainer, and is naturally a made
to-order and exceedingly we'll fitting
comedy. IN which the actor is cast as
young millionaire. popularity sup
posed to have been killed. and who
impersonates a fictitious female cosis-
In and fiancee OF the deceased, nane1
IN the Will as the heiresa TO his for
tune I+pon her arrival in New
York from the West, Cousin Lucy
suddenly fnds himself in the midst
of countless embarrassing entangle-
ments, such as being wooed by =
gay widower. threatened with blaca{-
mail and so on. His extrication from
This unexpected web liz accomplished
by doffiNg female attire and returning
10 the supposedly dead character OF
Jerry Jackson, 10 the utter disooan-
fi:ure and bewilderment of the con-
spirators-
Mr.. Eitinge has lifted female i'm
pcrsouation 10 "A higher level than
has ever been reached by m actor IN
our recollection. All OF his predeces-
shrs have succeeded in giving per-
Torrance that IS usually disgusting,
often nauseating and morbid in its
delineatlon His. on the other hand.
Is thoroughly refined and dignihed,
and altogether Invested of the OBJ
5ectIonable features custom arily as
sociated IN our minds with this cia0
OF work. And Mr.. E1tinge makes q
singularly handsome. yes. beautiful,
woman. and avails himself thereby
~ the opportunity TO wear some eight
or ten elaborate, expensive and mod
ish creations OF the dressmaker and
miliner, His ornate and expensive
wardrobe is sure 10 excite the un-
stinted admiration and envy OF the
feminine contingent And finally, in
male attire, voice and appearance the
actor liz a mans man. making hts dual
characterization all the moro striking
and pleasing.
The personnel OF his supporting
company ia noteworthy. and it's ex-
ceilence may be attested TO by the
fact that the mere role OF Jerry's
valet is PLAYED by no less an actor
than Dallas Wexford. whose work
featured Madame Sherry on its first
showing here, He is Just as promi-
nent and amusing in Cousin Lucy"
Jane Oaker has slangy role. wholly
unsuited 10 her. but sheer ability and
experience enable her to overcome
this handicap. 10 Smith Marba, Mark
Smith. Maybelle Csdars and others
round out q. veE-balanced company
IntysAaced In each OF the three acts
ale enough musical numbers to keep
It from being Just plain comedy.
Mr.. Eltinge and his assistAnts dispose
OF them cleveriy. and these musical
moments and the dresnnakiny estAb-
hshment Of sos two justify TIE In
PRODUCTION OF about a dozen lively,
comedy chorus girls, who display sew
eral dosen goNsAs Of gorgeous hues
ana start1sN1 ~v1es ranging all thA
way from 4,De most . woman can wear
to the least teven on tho STACEY. One
of their number. q enuoslA. 1.-THE and
supple young woman. also Gave . very
creditAble and graceful dance number
Altogether Cousin Lucy is a very
agreeable, unusual and spectacular
entertainment, and Is sure to attract
large audiences and make many
friends at her appearances this at
ternoon and evening. CP