Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1919-01-27
ADJUSTMENTS
Shnhert.Relasco.

Good Morning, Judge" started early
in the evening in its appeal to in
terest. A large section of the audi
ence represented guest list with the
compliments of managers Shubert and
L. Stoddard Taylor. 1t was not the or
binary guest list, however, but a SOL
der party from Walter Reed Hospi-
tai. It was to be assumed that these
men would be kindly interested in
the musical play that had entertained
London during times OF poignant stress.
They were in full possession of the
mezZanine floor. By noting the ap-
plause from that section it was pos
sibie to get suggestions of the es-
TEEN in which various features of the
evening were held.
The opinion was consistently favor
able: as to this there could be no
mistake. The opening chorus by Joy
and her coterie Of pretty girls gave
assurance of delight to the eye, and the
mezzanine critics gave them hearty
greeting. The average stay-at home au-
ditor might have been a little inclined
at first to resent the Intensely Eng
lish atmosphere of the musical play.
but the soldiers understood it and
warmed Immediately to the magis-
trate who originally gave the title to
the Pinero farce on which the musi-
cal play is built. A series of banali
ties in dialogue including some afro
ciouS punS were received with con-
fident attention.
Overseas experience plainly teaches
man that the London pun has it's
meritorions charm, il you will only sit
quietly and let it work. A phrase or a
gesture that seemed at the outset an
iranity, was SO deftly managed and
held so true to character that as re-
peated from time by that parochiai
Solon tempted for once in a lifetime
to be a sporty boy became the signal
for gales of laughter. George Hasseil
played the part with a wonderful unc-
ton and with rare adaptability that
made him worthy participant in va
rious dashes of song and even in the
dances. Mr.. Hassell is one of those
exceptional actors who knows how to
wreck the personal dignity of a role
without sacrifice of artistic poise An
other incident that received the stamp
of authoritative approval was the per-
formance of Margaret Dale, whose
legitimate comedy gave the refine
ment absolutely necessary to render
plausible the role of the magistrates
spouse, whose innocent little de-
ception as to her age creates a
riotous mix-up which finally lands
her a defendant in her husbands
own court. Miss Dale also sang a lit
tie and danced a little. in gracious and
most agreeable concession to the romp-
ing spirit of the hour.
The story is based on a pretense
that rapid young rounder is only
boy ,of fourteen. This youngster
played with spirit by Charles King
merciiessly wheefiles his stepfather
into a night of adventure that makes
the phrase, Good morning, judge a
salutation of, uproarious Significance
A touch of familiar Broadway is con-
tributed by Mollie King, who danced
and initiated famous actors in q man
ner that won hearty applause.
The company is obviously not as
sembled as q demonstration of oper-
attic talent. But the songs were made
to score by the vim and sparkle the
players were able to throw into Them
The applause amid Ceilings left no ques-
ton as to that. The name OF Lionel
Monckton, who is associated with How
ard Talbot in credit for the score. recalls
many delightful melodies typicai of the
older London musical plays The orches-
trail effects are elaborate and worthy of
more delicate attention than the Gus
tomary aSsemb1ageS Of accompanies
are likely to give. The, music is one
of the most substantial features of a
delightful performance. The special
lie King, and. by little A1eta Dore in
solo claimed generous share in the
convincing applause. which by this
time arose spontaneously from all
parts of the house without waiting
for military direction. The costumes
were Respondent, just step ahead
of anything yet shown in the race for
novelty and beauty that distinguish s
the musico- comic stage.
1t was an admirable show. with an
exceptionally fine and discriminating
audience.