Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1919-11-03
ADJUSTMENTS
-"The Magic Melody. ("

Both the ear and the eye were over
whelmed by The Magic Melody" at
Polls Theater last night, with q
dreamy and catchy" airs. a company
that for beauty, excellence and size
rivals the best of the huge produc-
tions Of musical comedy, and book
Of more than usual attractiveness.
THE Magic Melody" appears to be
destined to a long and successful
career.
The romantic play" as it is de-
Washington from New Haven, where
its premiere production took place:
Frederick Arnold Hummer, author OF
the book and lyrics, has selected a
storm at sea, a Sicilian vendetta and
a masked ball at the home of a Rus
sian prince in Paris as ingredients.
When the curtain first rises it Is to
reveal wave-tossed boat some
where off the Irish coast. in which
the passengers are perishlng from
exposure and the storm. The erect
produced by electricity, is marvellous.
other scenes equally effective and
also brilliant in their coloring. due IN
considerable part to the gorgeous
costumes of the principals and the
chorus, bring to mind Alladin and his
wonderful lamp. With the present
high cost it Is a brave man who I'M
dertakes to garb SO many women in
such costumes as those exhibited last
night.
The music is the work of Sigmond
Romberg. AS played by the large
orchestra and sung by well drilled
company last night 1T alone would
ence, which filled the theater. The
crchestration was particularly ef1ec-
tive under the leadership of Charles
Previn.
The company is large and capable.
Miss Julia Dean, we'll known to WASH
ington theatergoers as an actress OF
emotional roles. has the part OF Nine.
Jessonda, a Sicilian, who lost her nus
band through the Vaccinations OF an
INSCRIPTIONS Frenchman. Her husband
dies at sea and her little son is iost
ito her for twenty years. she swears
to be revenged upon the man who has
caused her suffering and all his famiiy.
After years of planning, during which
Jessonda has become famous on the
stage, she Is in a position to crush the
remaining members OF her enemy
family 1t is at this juncture that her
appears and sings song from an
opera composed by his father. long
deead. The secret Of his birth Is re-
vealed and Jessonda has to choose
between carrying out her VENDETTA ana
breaking the heart of her boy, who has
fallen in love with a daughter of the
house whose ruin Jessonda has sworn.
The second act visualizes the story
told by Jessonda after she has discov-
cred her son in Paris. 1t takes the
audinece back twenty years to fish
ing village in Sicily. Miss Dean ap-
pears as Gianina, wife Of Beppo Cor
sinh, composer. The act gives an OPP
portunity for admirable acting and is
tragedy within itself. And here the
secret of Miss Deans connection with
a musical comedy becomes applicable
1t is indispensable.
With 80 large and well balanced
cast and so many musical numbers OF
merit. it is difficult to single out actors
McNaughton, as Sir Reggie Chester, an
eccentric Englishman, as might be ex-
pected. carries most Of the comedy.
and does it as only McNaughton can.
John David Merkyl, as Capt. Arthur
Stanley and Beppo Corsini, with Renee
Delting, as Isabel. made great hit In
singing Dear Heart Of Mine" and other
songs. Robert Bentley. Eileen Poe.
Earl Benham. Carmel Myers, 2Flavia
Acaro, Jean Jarvis. Emile De varny.
Walter Armin and Louis MorreD all
are excellent in their parts.
The dancing of Lois Leigh. Fay
monte adds great yto the enjoyment
of the play. Jean Jarvis also ts in
trusted with one Of the song hits OF
the play. I'VE Take It, Just Take It
From You" 1.-THE Little Church Around
the Corner" by Earl BeAham and Car
mel Myers, is another song that was
encored many times. y Eel 81 4