The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1918-06-27
''DADDIES" PROVES
BELASCO TRIUMPH
Washington Star Speaks Very Favor.
ably Of Comedy, Written by John
L. Hobble, Now Playing Inititl En-
Gagement in Washington.

Commenting upon the new David
Belasco production, 'Daddies" writ
ten by John L. Hoble, formerly of
Dodge City, the Washington Times
has the following to say an its pre-
miere, which took place in Belasco's
Washington theatre last week:
David Belasco's heart must have
warmer afresh to Washington last
night when capacity audience greet
ed his newest production, "Daddies"
with the warmth and demonstrative-
ness that the delightful comedy war
ranted. The delay in the opening
from Monday night was justified by
the smoothness and perfection of de-
tail which was accomplished, but it is
regretable that the engagement of
an offering so thoroughly worth while
should thus be curtailed to half a
week.
"Daddies," according to Mr.. Be-
lasco's established custom, was pre-
sented with advance information as
to the story. 1t is thoroughly hu-
man, and of timely and appealing in
terest, carrying potent appeal that
strikes home. 1t is one of the oldest
of dramatic themes, of parent love
awakened by little children, and car
ries a powerful but obtrusive appeal
of the countless little orphans of the
war stricken nations.
The comedy is builded about a
group of confirmed bachelors, club,
the members of which agree, as So
ution of their duty to. society, each
to adopt an orphan. The complica-
tons that follow give rise to almost
a continuous round of humorous stu
atoms.
For "Daddies" Mr.. Belasco has Sc
lected cast that leaves no room for
fault-fnding and has given it set
ting as effective as he always does.
Out of number of excellent por-
trayols there is one that daubtless lin
gers in the mind of everyone who
saw the performance. This is little
Lorna Volare, baby girl, who quite
carried the house "off its feet"
Natural and apparently as though in
her own playroom, with no trace of
the "infant prodigy" this little tot
deserved and got curtain calls all for
herself.
I Another delightful part was, that
of Jeanne Eagles, whose delicate
standings made very charming role
that might otherwise have been a
trifle tiresome. Of course, Bruce
McRae was quite acceptable as the
young author who finds his adopted
daughter" is past seventeen, and
John Cope made an emphatic hit as
the brusk woman-hater from Pitts
burg, who finally capitulates to ba-
by girl after specifying that the or
phan must be boy.
Other roles are in the hands of
George Abbott, Edith King, Wini-
fred Fraser, S. X. Walker, Edward
Davis, Austin and William Boag,
with little Aida Armand and the trio
Of Quinns in the other juvenile parts
With the intrinsic merit, for which
the author, John L. Hobble, deserves
much credit, the Belasco setting and
the remarkably good cast, "Daddies"
seems destined to please theatergoers
for long time to come. Its appeal
is just as gripping to the confirmed
bachelor as to the proud father, and
at times it is uproaringly funny.
Taken all in all it is one of the
sweetest comedies and most delight
full entertainments of many seasons.
The cordial greeting of last nights
audience seems destined to be re-
peated many many times.-Dodge
City Globe.