Evening journal., 1919-02-14
CAST

constant. t.............C Constant Chandler
courtney. Courtney Collins
NUN n...................Ru Ruth Harrington
Marion. n..-...............M Marion O'Brien
Maxine. Maxine Robinson
Z Ldna. ...................... Edna Hettler
narrlet............. Harriet Perkins
gaHo. ''''sssss...-......... Jane Cobb
ENhily y.''.'................ Emily Russ
Z Guards:
Inc premiere performance Of "rum-
bic ln," at the Playhouse last night,
under the personal direction Of Mr..
Hammerstein, demonstrated that the
new musical play has great possibilities
IN the way OF humor and interest
which VIII doubtless be developed as
the play works out. The audience was
favorably impressed with the musical
score, which contained much OF real
beauty, and OF a quality far above the
average. Not only were there good
voices among the singers, but the or
chestra was remarkably good and given
generous share OF the applause
scenic effects and costumlng were elab-
crate and OF the newest The chorus
was young and bewitchingly pretty.
and gowned In gorgeous satins OF bril-
liant ooloring that made the stage
wonderland.
The cast contained many noted
names. Miss Edna Hibbard, who has
on other occasions delighted local au-
diences. a former Wlmingtonlan ana
a favorite with Wilmingtonians. took
her dainty way through a wlnsome
part last night. She was the pretended
wife OF a recently divorced young man,
Ia p il -.
Aunt Selma from knowing Of the di-
yorce, and make his ex-w!fe Jealous.
The part was excenently suited 10
Miss Hibbard, and her admirable per-
Torrance Of II brought her great deal
Of applause. as well as an enormous
bouquet Of pink carnations, the gift
Of an apprecistive WilmingtoDian.
Lively Peggy ONeil was the chief
fun-producer Of the play, sparkling
with mischief, and splendid vitality
She saw spooks, and sang and dsnced,
with delicious comlcality. II the whole
play can be keyed up TO the buoyant
and pepful acting Of Miss O'Neil. u
will go with a zest.
Virginia Hammond as the divorced
wife who regretted &C. was one Of the
best players last night, putting an
energy into her part and a humor that
made Il an excellent bit Of fun. Miss
Zelda sears, as Aunt Selma, doubtless
will get much more out OF the part
than she did last night. Aunt selma,
by the way, though strictly temper
ance, drank copiously Of a patent medi-
cine tonic that her nephew described
as "a wonderful cocktail"
or the men actors, William Halligan,
as the newly divorced, played leading
part admirably. The way Mr.. Halligan
warmed up in the latter part Of the
play was prophetic that he will make
a notable success out Of his character.
He has a good sense Of humor, and an
ingratiating personality.
Charles Ruggles did creditably as the
friend in need who makes things worse.
Roland Hogue was one Of the most
pleasing members OF the cast because
OF his extremely good voice, which |
brought encores for his songs.
The most hearty applause Of the
evening was given to the Russian
dancers. Olga Mishka and Ivan Stro-
goff, who gave a marvellous whirlwind |
dance that put the house into an up
roar, and seemingly broke all laws OF
gravitation. Strogof tossed the petite
Olga aloft and In circles as II she had
been a feather. Olga first appeared in
a novel chicken" song and dance. In |
which she came on the stage as a coun-
try chick, while Halligan and the chorus |
sang a clever song. After being pop
ped into a copper oauldron on the
stove, the hayseed emerged as a IN |
ished Broadway chicken.
Fred Helder gave several clever burg
lar pantomimes, and a particularly |
sinuous and spooky burglar dance He, |
OF course, furnished the spooks which !
disturb this house party, quarantined /
for the buffers measles. with servants |
1ed. and guards 10 prevent the guests /
from breaking the quarantine. With |
two couples becoming engaged, and |
the divorces ready TO remarry, there /
Is plenty Of plot for troussesu dances, /
which make glittering up-to-date fash
lon displays Of gowns, lingerie and
suits.
Songs that made hits last night were,
Limbo Land" 1--WE Told Ny Love-"
Thoughts That ] Work on the Leaves
OF Ny Heart" and "The Laugh" The
last bids fair TO become very popular
with its catchy air and words.
The play as a whole does not meas
ure up 10 "Mr. Hammerstein's Some
body's Sweetheart" which was one OF
the best shows at the Playhouse this
season, but it is a happy play. and the
music is lovely. Tumble In" will
be at the Playhouse tonight and tomor-
row night, with Saturday matinee.