The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-01
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The appearance of the University of Alabama Blackfriars at the Jefferson on Thursday, April 12, is being looked forward to with great interest by Bir- mngham's devotees of the drama in its most artistic and cultured vein. Oscar Wilde's wonderful three-act comedy,
 The Importance of Being Earnest" will be presented. This is. one of the best ana most popular works of the noted English author of Lady Windermere's Fan It has been pronounced by the most eminent Margaret Angin "the play that contains not a single line that could be changed for the better" It has been presented before royalty in Europe and before the most cultured audiences in this country with constant and unvarying success. Its irresistible humor, the clev erness of it's situations and of its lines are unrivalled. To agree again with Margaret Anglin, there is not dull mo- ment in the entire play There is no such thing here as an audience sitting in unsympathetc tolerance while the situa- tions are evolved by means of tiresome conversations and uninteresting action, the strict attention of the audience is : talent from the initial rise of the curtain to the last line of the wonderful comedy.
 The humor of the production lies in tangle of mixed identities resulting partly from the efforts of one Algernon Moncrieff, to gain introduction to Cecily Cardew, who is a ward of John Worthing, and with whom Algernon has faleen in love at first sight. John Wor- thing, Jack" is himself engaged to ,I1xIA. LT {,f, Algernon and Jack become mixed in the \ minds of Gwendolen and Cecy. This situation leads to amusing complications. The complication is enhanced on account of the efforts of both Jack and Algernon to be christened Earnest" because each of the fiances prefers tnat name. When the general mixture is finally untangled, the importance of being Earnest is very clearly shown.
 In the way of a special treat to the Birmingham audience I'rof. E. Hudson Strode will do the part of Jack at the Jefferson. MT. Strode has appeared more than once in this city before the Drama league. and consequently his remarkable talent as an actor and dramatic inter preter is duly appreciated. The produc- tion of the play and the coaching and training of the company are in the hands of Professor Strode, Who produced the same plays at Syracuse university with signal success, He expresses himself a being much elated over the showing made by the company at it's rehearsals, and predicts great success for them on the road.
 The flippant Algernon Moncrieff, with his presumptlous arrogance will be played by Chappell Cory of this city MT. Cory is especially well fitted for this part, and will undoubtedly score hit. He has had experience before the footlights, having appeared in several Blackfriar llnx- or,d for fct,r s,, Iotz Glee club. Miss Hattie Balocl1. who as Cecily Cardew, plays opposite MT. Cory is charming in her role of the innocent and light young ward of John Worthing, who becomes immediately entrapped in the tolls by the eloquent and appealing Algernon Miss Blalock's natural charm and beauty is given adequate field for expression in her lines and action. Miss Blaock intends to enter the film world when she completes her education.
 Birmingham audiences will recognize in Gwendolen Fairfax the dainty and at tractive Beryl Rogers, who was so suc- cessful last season in the title role of, Sweet Lavender" Miss Robers is product of Birmingham of which this city has cause to be very proud. After much successful work at the Birmingham High school, she has devoted herself to drama at the University of Alabama, where her success has been nothing short of remarkable. Her stage voice is beau- tiful. and her talent as an actor is un- questioned.
 The three principal character parts are taken by Anna Boulet, as Lady Brack- nell; Irene Waldhorst, as Miss Prism, and Herman Shulman, as the Rev. Canon Chasuble D. D. Miss Boulet has starred in several previous Blackfriar perform ances. As the exacting and typically snobbish society womaA of London, she has a part which she likes, and which will give her talent full sway. Miss Waldhorst is an actor of ability and strong personality and has an excellent part. MT. Shulman has won applause in several Blackfriar plays. His voice and stage bearing are exceptionally good
 George ONeal and George Frey, both of this city, will take parts in the pro- duction. Roy w. Kimbrough. president of the Blackfriars, will appear in the role of Merriman, a butler.
 In addition to The Importance of Be- ing Earnest" there will be presented as special feature a one-act farce on the high cost of food. The scene is laid in 1950, and the enormous price of an egg at that time is the center of interest. The Price of An Egg has been ac- corded great applause for it's cleverness and originality. The Blackfriars will present Mss Anna Boulet in this one act farce. Her support Is good and this wonderful little comedy will undoubtedly be greatly enjoyed.
 The BldCKIrldrS Will appear III IIlS Clly under the auspices of the Birmingham Drama league.
 Friday evening at the Masonic temple one of the most enjoyable and unique so- cials ever given by the Birmingham chap ter, 11S, Order of Eastern Star, took place. The programme was composed of some of Birmingham's best talent.
 Miss Geneva Hughey deserves special credit for the wonderfully successful man. Ter in which the socials are given on the fifth Friday in each month. As chairman of the social committee she has labored untiringly for the success and enjoyment of the Birmingham chapter and their friends
 After the programme the guests were taken to another floor where living pie lure was presented showed two big grown young men dressed as babies with a nurse in attendance, and well supplied with every joy imaginable and were asked what book they represented and tho an- swer was Heavenly Twins" The young men taking these parts were MT. Frank Barker and Mrs. Frank Jenkins
 h Mr. Emile Levy of the committee of ar- N rangen.ents announces the seventh Sun- 4 day organ recital at Temple Emanu-El tsynder the auspices of Temple Emanu-El N and the Independent Presbyterian church. and the cooperation of the Music Study club, Sunday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock, by Mr. James Tucker Mackenzie. M. A., ganist, assisted by Mrs o. l.. Stephenson, soprano MT. Owen Gillespy, tenor, and Mir Wyatt Heflin bass.