Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-07-15
1.-THE SPRING MAID COMES
WITH SEVERAL NEW PRINCIPAL!

THE SPRING MAID" COMES
WITH SEVERAL NEW PRINCIPALS
An outstanding feature OF ''rhe
Spring Maid" tho exceptionally melo.
dious and amusing musical comedy
which the Comic Opera Players will
present this week at the Academy OF
Music for the eighth week of their
successful summer season. Will be the
initial appearance OF several new prin-
cipalH. New faces also will be noted
in the ranks OF the feminine division
OF tho chorus. and in the orchestra pit
will be . new musical director. And
behind tho scenes always out OF sight
OF tho audience. but occupying one Of
the most important posts in the entire
organization will be a new stage d.
rector.
With feeling Of great satisfaction
the management announces the en-
EaEement as principal comedian OF
Harry Short, noted star OF many must
cal comedy successes in recent seasons,
who comes to Richmond with the repu-
tation OF being fun-maker and an
eccentric dancer OF a high order. He
VIII make his bow as a member OF the
Comic Opera Players in the intensely
amusing role OF Roland. in The Spring
Maid" 1t is of interest that Mr.. Short
appeared in this part with much dis
large touring company. and among the
cities visited by the organization was
Nichmond. The case with which he
provoked mirth and the excellence OF
his performance on that occasion will
doubtless be rccallc, by patrons OF tho
Academy. Roland Is the very type OF
comedy role for which MIR. Short is
ably suited by reason OF his unique
personality.
Norma Brown. young. pretty and
riracious. is the new ingenuc. II is
fair TO assume that she will jump into
instant popularity with Richmond audi
ences. She possesses more than the
average degree Of skill singer,
dancer and acttI, 1t is said. and in the
role of Annamirl will have numerous
opportunities to make good use Of her
talents Miss Brown played opposite
Lew Fields in musical comedy produc-
lions for several seasons. last appear
ing with him in New York In Hands
Up" She visited this city. few sea-
sons ago member OF Savage
company presenting The Prince OF
Pilsen."
Bobby Roberts, fresh from a long
and highly successful engagement with
a big permanent musical comedy or
Banization on the Pacific Coast, joins
the Comic Opera Players this week as
a light comedian and dancer. He has
played important roles in Madame
Sherry" THE Pink Lady" The Rose
Maid" and other pieces that are we'll
known. He Is young and energetic and
bids fair to establish himself fav-
orite by reason of his nimble dancing.
In 1.-THE Spring Maid" he has been cast
for the role of comedy detective. in
which he should not find 1t difficult to
provoke mirth.
Lew Morton. founder Of the cele-
brated Morton Opera Company, Is the
new stage director and producer. Ar
irving in Richmond last week to as
sumo charge of this weeks production,
MIR. Morton learned with pleasure that
many OF tho members of the com
pany had been under his direction in
past seasons in cities in the United
States and on long tour taken by the
Morton Opera Company to South
America. Mr.. Morton bears the repu-
tation OF being one Of the leading d.
rectors in this country. He was for
two seasons at the famous New York
Winter Garden, and few of the stars
whose productions he has supervised
are Marie Cahill. DeWolf Hopper. Gaby
Deslys and Grace van Studdiford. The
new orchestra leader is c. w. Mech,
who has filled this important position
with numerous high class road attrac-
tions and permanent companies. Sew
eral pretty girls have been added to
tho comely chorus. which has become
ono or the important features OF tho
company established at the Academy.
''The Spring Maid" is colorfuI
opera in two acts and three scenes.
with music by Heinrich Reinhardt and
book and lyrics by Harry b. and
Robert B. Smith. It will provide
especially attractive roles for all of
the principals who have become so
popular in Richmond. among whom
may be mentioned Matt FIanley George
Bogues. Florence Mackie, Billie Bush,
alice Hills. Royal Gutter. Ernest Geyer.
and others. Mr.. Short will be seen as
broken-down English Legitimate"
actor. and one OF his funniest scenes
will be burlesque on "Othello." An
other incident OF his which should
prove n big hit will be a recitation
Tho Three Trees" with a musical ac-
compartment that is gem of it's
kind Opposite Mr. Short will be Miss
Hills, In the rolo of Ursula. an anna
teur actress. 1t Is the very sort Of
character part In which she appears
at her best. Mr.. Bogues, as Baron
Rudi. and Mr.. Basse, as Prince Aladar
will both have splendid singing roles
MI. Hanley has a good comedy role,
that OF Prince Nepomuk. and Miss
Bush will be featured in n big dancing
speciality. Mr.. Cutter. who is natural
ly thin. will play himself-that Is, tho
part OF man without an ounce OF
surplus fesh. and his thnness will be
the subject of some Of the fun.
THE Spring Maid tells q delightful