Evening journal., 1921-01-07

! laurette .s.....s.s..-ss.. i3lllah ieuns
''"'S' Members Of the chorus' rus"
Victor Herbert, famed composer,
shared the spotlight with the girl
or girls-last night at the Playhouse.
Not only did he direct his musical
comedy, "The Girl in the Spotlight"
| but he ambled 10 the stage, in re-
sponse 10 plaudits, and made speech
Of appreciation. lie also told his
hearers that he had decided TO stay
In Wilmington the remainder OF the
week TO fuliill some social engage
ments, and personally will direct tle
| performances tonight and tomorrow
"The Girl in the Spotlight" proved
tuneful with its delightful music,
given an added zip and swing by the
magnetic directing OF the man who
had composed H. The songs are beau
iiful in words as well as musical
| investment.
one particularly that appealed was
"I Cannot Sleep Without Dreaming
Of YOU" that furnished a keynote
for the flimsy plot; somewhere
| Somebody Is Calling Iheres
Tender Look in Your Eyes anu
Catch EN- Young" ,.
I
ing wealthy in the fur business, De
cause OF his infatuation for a prlma
donna. decides to produce. an opera.
| Unable 10 compose one himself ne
/ huvs the score OF a young man VINO
Is sadly lacking in this worlds goods
| While dealing with the young man
in room which the latter shares
| with some other down-and-out
| chums. the furrier Is entranced Dy
| the SINGING OF Molly, a housemad'
| and engages her for part IN nus pro-
duction. She Is to be given the lgau-
ing mart since Nina, the prlma
donna. has become IN, but Mia ap-
pears TO take the role. A young man
in love with Molly masquerades as
| wealthy westerner and induces Nina
10 clone with him, so that Molly can
he given her big chance to star. Nina
| retiIrns In time to hear the plaudlts
Of Nolly's triumph, the real westerner
appears 10 claim her the misunder-
stood motives OF Molly's lover are
explained away, and all ends Wen 70
everybody except the furrier, Who hsu
honpd tO marry Nina or Molly
Mary Nilburn. as Molly, sang and
smiled her way into the hearts OF all;
She has "a most wnsOme manner ana
a clear, bell-like voice that Drought
much applause every time she sang.
lula Kelcty had but one opportunity
| Ia Darade the iOnal beauties OF ner
remarkable voice. One would think
such a star would be called on more
frequently 10 reveal her vocal charms.
Hal Skelly, as Watchsm Iripp, lle
stage manager, easily capturtu tle
comedy honors, with his droll man
ner his witty sayings, his singing
and clever dancing. Skelly didnt ap,
near any too soon on the stage, and
he never missed an opportunity TO
produce laughs.
Nat Carr. as Max preiss. the fur,
rler. with aspirations bO become an
lnruressario. also was outstanding IN
his mart. Not once did he overplay
me role OF the ambitious newly
rich ftirrier who could not divorce
, himself from some Of his early-ac-
! mkrcd mannerisms and expressions
and he added a delightful touch OF
+ humOr 10 the story. -,
William Cameron, az BIZ Weed
also proved entertainingly versatile,
, There Is an abundance OF good dane
ing EVELYN Greig's waltz with Skelly
, being one Of the most pleasing dance
: numbers.
The chorus Is really attractive TO
behold, colOrfully cOstumed and sings
and dances splendidly. IL contains a
chorus girl oomedienne, Minerva
Grey. too. The scenic settings are
All THAT cauld be desired, too. The
garden OF orcrhids setting In the last
scene. because Of its sheer beauty
moved the audience 10 applause.
Mr.. Herbert went 10 the stage after
| the first act, in response to many
calls. and made a little speech. lie
said he was sorry he could not keel
his engagemclt TO conduct MY
Golden Girl" in this city a year or 50
ago, but was kept away by illness
that confined him 10 his bed III
2 thanked the audience that nlled the
theatre for IFS appreclative applause
and said such response spurred
!. himself and the entire company on Ia
lbs best endeavOrs. lie congratulated
the members Of the company. too, and
remarked about the remarkable prog
ress Wilmington has made since his
= last visit 10 this city He wound uI
: by saying that ne had decided 90 con.
J duct the performances tonight ant
4 tomorrow nlght. There will be 8
s matinee Saturday.
NJ