The Washington herald., 1919-11-10
Pon's->Irene.o
By EARL DORSEY.

ny EARL DohoShs
In Irene" the musical comedy that
opened at Polls last night. James
Montgomery gives fresh evidence that
1t Is G.1ite possible to write musical
comedy book that will not insult the
rationality of an infant. He has also
demonstrated that musical comedy
books are best written when the au-
thor has something to say and not a
mere producers commission to peck
the typewriter.
It's difficult to overpraise Irene"
in the face of the tons Of rot that
have attracted our weary eye-wear In
the last SIX months 1t has a score
that is almost as tuneful as She's
a Good Fellow" 1t is costumed more
gorgeously than La, La. Lucille"
and it has the same quaint charm
that haunted Head Over Heels"
though it's a finer piece Of entertain
ment- 1t has a cast that would do
credit to serious drama and II brings
into prominence a young woman
named Edith Day who will have an
awful time dodging musical comedy
stardom. Suggestions as to how
Irene" can escape overwhelming
success will be thankfully received.
Primarily. James Montgomery has
daintily and brilliantly pointed q
thesis that is Shavian in its sardonic
argument He has upheld the at
firmative side of q musical debate
on Resolved: Clothes Make the
Woman" and he has managed to
convey the impression that he's
powerful argufier. This Is a theme
not at all unlike the Shavian argu-
ment in "Pygmalion" and Mr.. Mont
gomery has 1t to his credit that his
ability to develop his idea does not
actually suffer by comparison.
Briefly, Irene Is the story OF
shopgirl who enlists rich young
mans interest through her personality.
He INDUCES in the experiment or doll
ing the lady up In fine feathers to see
whether she will prove fine bird. In
cidentaIIy, he obliges friend who Is
anxious to make a reputation of a
certain male modiste, Mime. Lucy,
by using Irene and two of her Ninth
avenue friends as a trio OF models
for Nine. Lucy's gowns. OF course
IL Is pardonable and not an unpleasing
convention of the plot that results in
the young man falling in love with
his own creation and the transition OF
Irene from Ninth avenue to Fifth Is
accomplished through a genealogical
composition that costs $500 and which
constitutes a telling bit of satire on
those made-to-order family trees.
Harry Tierney has woven about this
production a real wealth of melody
At least four OF them-"Alice Blue
Gown We're Getting Away With
it., Sky Rocket" The Last Part OF
Any Party'-will probably attain at
least semi-permanent favor. These
four. however. are only high-lights Of
a score that bubbles with rhythm and
harmony. The lyrics by Joe Mccarthy
are not startling. but they do not
shame the company they keep.
Edith Day. the tickle toe girl'' Of
Going Up" has learned to act. She
also is a singer of parts. Both these
qualities. however. are subordinate to
a quaint, old-fashioned charm that is
definitely reminiscent of Mizzi HaJos
and they leave Mizzi little II any
margin of superiority. even with her
experience. Walter Regan is a lead
ing man of personality and power.
He's none of your namby-pamby ca
pering idiots who can dance and has no
brains and doesn't care who knows
it. He gives Edith Day the kind of
support she needs. Arthur Burckiy
might have been better as a social
climber, but he'll work into his role
later on. Bobbie Watson, as NINE.
Lucy" il a man with a career be-
fore him. evidently. He handles an
edeminate character comedy role
with a strong grasp and a deep ap-
probation OF its values.
Eva Puck and Gladys Miller have
found a vehicle in Irene" that
should set them far on their way.
Miss Puck scored heavily with Miss
Miller in a latter-part song number
and both lend a comedy value to
their roles that might easily be
overlooked. These two youngsters
are decided high-lights of the per-
fOrmance. Bernice McCabe can
dance prettily. but she cannot sing.
Edward Royce deserves great credit
for the staging of the piece. though
they had their troubles with re-
frsctory scenery back stage last
night
In closing one might suggest that
the climax of lrene's arrival as a
lady of fashion and taste comes pos
sibIy a bit too early in the action.
This results in a first act crowded
with suspense and interest and sec
cnd act that has the sole function OF
merely working out an answer that
has been already discerned by the
audience Carrying over a little of
that suspense into the second act will
help make Irene" the finest new
musical comedy we've seen this year.