Evening journal., 1918-01-08
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Carabine. ne....-............G George AVerill /
Francois. ois.................... Nate Ellis |
Estelle Durvernay. Audrey Maple !
Lisette Berler. r.--.....--. Josie lntropldl
Madame Guerrlere. .Paulina French
jeanette .................N Norma Brown
Georgette .................C .Cissie SeWell
Fiji ..................... Georgie cewell
Soldiers, Peasants. Girls. Guests, Ser
wants, etc.
From the rising Of the curtain upon
a vivid mass Of vermillion and horizon
blue. the uniform Of the French sol
diery prior 10 the great war, until the
going down Of the same with the tune
ful finale. "Vive Ia France Donald
Brian and his supporting company
gave a gladsome feast to eye and ear in
that delightful operetta, Her Regi-
ment" at The Playhouse last night. The
musical play. direct from New York
Is here for the entire week, with popu-
lar matinees on wednesday and Satur-
day.
It would be disastrous to give the
impression that only French soldiers
occupied the scenery, for fuffy blonde
and brunette curls, and bright eyes,
peered over military shoulders ano
satin skirts OF butterfly hues swished
among the uniforms, while silk-stock-
inged well silk-stockinged extremities,
danced nimbly and blithely TO frolic-
some tunes Probably 1t was the uni
/ forms, though, that caused majority
Of the audience 10 be men.
But the danger Of giving false I'M
/ pression again threatens. There were
/ plenty Of women in the audience too,
/ and II was a show TO which man
could take his grandmother or his
maiden aunt without the least heslta-
tion.
There are any number Of details
worth talking ab0 = n Her Regiment
and It is we'll 10 start with the most
1 interesting. the star. Donald Brian. Mr.
Brian is extremely good-looking. the
type with curly black hair and eyes
that make speech Of the tongue un-
necessary. But 10 would be a pity TO
deprive Mr.. Brian OF his tongue, be-
cause he has a fascinating talking voice
and can and does, sing most charming
ly. Besides this, Mr.. Brian Is an &C
complished and graceful dancer. Al
/ together, he was as romantic ana oe-
bonair hero as could be wished for.
His leading lady. Audrey Maple. a
fair-h0ired beauty, Who dressed ID
dream gowns OF silver cloth and blue
grays, was lovely to look upon and 10
listen TO IN her soprano duets with the
star. Miss Maple showed herself also
10 be an actress with a way with her.
The audience gave evidence from the
beginning that it liked the play and
frequently applauded and laughed at
the clever Joking which fllled the
piece.
The captivating music which Victor
Herbert has written for William lie
Baron's book and lyrics, came In for its
share Of applause. some Day a duet
between the star and his leading lady
was particularly well liked.
Frank AfOulan, the comedian Of the
piece, Is one Of those naturally funny
men who cannot so much as raise an
eyebrow without putting the audi
ence into a roar. His impersonation OF
Napoleon would have sent an Egyptian
d. mummy into gales Of laughter, ano
the audience encored his song, AS
the Years Roll BY" until he was breath
less.
He was ably seconded in his ioyou;
career by Josie Intropidi, a clever SOU
brette.
4, Hugh Chilvers was convincing as q
colonel with a great belief in dignit!
and discipline.
Frederick Manatt gave a good stud,
+ OF a much-worrled sergeant. Jackson
Hines was an acceptable artist. Paulini
French and Norma Brown took theii
parts creditably.
Z A very charming addition TO th'
I pleasure Of the evening was the dainty
= dancing Of Cissie and George Sewell
Several changes Of beautiful and ex
pensive gowns were worn by the prett!
/, chorus girls. There was an excellen
orchestra, duly appreciated by the audi
ence.
Among the interesting items in thI
operetla is the giving OF the famous
cheer Of the French soldiers, which
g our sammies over there are adopting
: with enthusiasm. It consists Of tapping
Z with one, then two, and so on, fingers
pounding with flrsts, pounding an'
4 stamping. and finally the voice is adde'
2 as a climax.