Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-12-30
ADJUSTMENTS
Polls.

Washington had it's first glimpse Of
the oriental fantasy, "Chu Chin Chow"
at the Poll playhouse last night, whose
stage revealed series of scenes
whose splendors have not been equaled
since the revelations of the Ballet
| Russo" The creation is a particular
pet of Mr.. Morris Gest of the produc-
| ing firm of Elliott. Comstock & Gest.
He was on hand for the Washington
Opening, and was so pleased with the
manner in which the big spectacle was
put together in rather limited space
of time that he distributed handsome
largeSSe among those whose quick
work made it possible. Money really
doesn't seem to mean anything after
| you get into the spirit of Chu Chin
Chow. The title is the alias of the
desperate and deSpicable villain whose
| robperies furnished with dazzling opu-
lence the cave discovered by our old
friend of the Arabian Nights, Ali
Bahia Lionel Graham plays the viii
more intense in his evil purposes. OF
course, this villain processes no philoS-
ophies or ambitions which would en-
title him to consideration as a legiti-
mate drama villain. He simply adores
crime for crimes cake, and, though
I'LL yOHu OTeliIlS OIL dSdTlCt, TckuSSS
to retire from business. This obstinate
depravity leads to the doom of boiling
Oil for his robber band and slightly
more dignified Examinations of his own
career, as described in the old story,
which every one delights to recall.
Ali Bahia in this play is Il rollicklng
tippler, d Mohammedan Rip Van Wrinkle,
whose Seniality is made irresistible by
! the acting and singing OF Richie Ling.
| Eugene CowleS drifts iaF away from
the romantic ballads in which his rich
natural basso used to be heard, appear
ing now in the role of groIeSque
pmajor domo. One of the best scenes of
the evening is the one in which he sings
the scenario of gruesome tale of jeal-
ousy and murderouS revenge, which is
acted with dance accompaniment before
the eyes of the audience. Miss Clare
Stratton as the singing slave girl had
excellent opportunities in a score which
is extraordinary in sincere muSicianship
as well as in direct appeal to the ear.
Ida Mule was a welcome little per-
sonage in comedy as well as subject
for happy "reminiscences among repre-
sentatives of the DO You Remember
Club" The orchestra, under direction
of William ANt. played an important
part in an evening of unique diversion.
There was much sincere acting, even
though addressed to purpose wholly
fantaStical. For instance. the work of
could not have been more earnest and
effective had the drama been one of
classic poetry or modern problems.
Neither could that of Albert Howson
as kasim, Bagdad's richest and mean
est man.
The original story has been highly
embelliShed. To tell it here would
be a lengthy undertaking and quite
needless, for it has been reduced to
literary form by Mr.. w. A. Page and
is available to all who wish to be
quite sure of remembering what the
| bewilderinS series of splendors is
about.
Neither is it possible to exploit
definitely and individually all the
dancers whose revelings add the
beauty of motion to that of silent and
colorful perspective. The camouflage
scenes in which the piles of treasure
become suddenly vivified is only an
incident in a procession of spectacu-
lar events. The fashion" display of
oriental mannequins is a dream of re-
splendent extravaganza which out
Ziegfelds Ziegfeld.
Even without words Chu Chin Chow
would be satisfying, so strong is it's
pantomimic interest. 1t is peculiarly
appropriate to the holidays, full of
quaint suggestion and joyous anima-
ton and without a trace of sinister
innuendo. J.