The Washington herald., 1921-03-29

1t speaks volumes for the endur-
ing qualities of an entertainment
that enthralled playgoers of a gen
Grafton ago when II can be revived
again IN these days Of hectic jazz
and speed and furnish more genuine
amusement over an entire evening
than the vast majority of the cur
rent girl and music shows. Such is
"Erminie."
1t fascinated a brilliant audience
of capacity size at the National last
night and to the younger students
Of the drama the reaction Is truly
amazing considering that IL was first
performed in 1886, and the present
revival discloses at least two of the
original company still retaining
their splendid talents in the realm
of make believe.
Time has dealt gently with Fran
els Wilson. To be sure his hair has
grown grayer. but his heart and his
limbs and his tongue are still young,
and the 'Cadeaux" of 1921 Is q de-
lightfully comic impression which
leads one to ponder how much the
comedy stage has progressed since
this nunr.. Gus rogue was first con-
ceived for the public edification.
AhoppCA as tht OtuCE nklI
of the rowing and adventurous
genially cast. His "Ravennes'' is q
most nimble witted characteriza-
tion and an ideal foil for the least
venturesome "Cadeaux." Together
they comprise a pair Of funmakers
who suffer not by comparison with
the comedians of the modern school
of low comedy. The dialogue Of
their curtain speech is q sparkling
gem with just enough to make
those inclined to reminisce interest
ed and sufficiently impromptu and
original to WOO laughter from ALL
Many an eye awaited the hrst
appearance of Madge Lessing as the
dashing Capt. Delaney" and the
appraisement was distinctly favor
able for one whose physical charms
were a byword in the theatrical
world.-well some time ago. The
Madge Lessing OF today is yet fresh
and fair to look upon and while the
demands of her role were not exact
ing her every moment was satisfy
ing. There is the well remembered
Jennie Weathersby in her original
part as Princess de Gramponeur."
playing with understanding and
finesse that add to the enjoyment
for the veterans of the playhouse.
OF the new artists Rosamond
Whiteside. the gifted daughter of q
gifted father, makes a captivating
and lovable "Javotte" whose "Ohe
Mama and "A Woman's Dress"
stood out among the big vocal
moments of the opera Irene Will
Jams makes an attractive and COM
petent "Errhinie" and sang with
all of it's old time effectiveness the
enhancing lullaby song which will
ever be popular. To mention others
we'll fitted to principal roles would
include Alice Hanlon, Francis Lieb.
Alexander Clark, Warren Proctor.
Charles c. FATS, Adrian Morgan, E.
John Kennedy, John II. Reed and
Angela Warde.
All the tuneful old music is skill
fully rendered and the soloists are
materially assisted by a large
chorus of well-trained voices that
make the ensemble effect a dis
tinct feature. Norman-Bel Geddes
has provided a brilliant background
for this revival and the costumes
are colorful and romantic period
type that lend themselves to hand
some stage picture.
Those who have seen "Erminie"
will unauestionably patronize this
revival in generous numbers but
for those who know it only by
reputation a visit is worth while
IL only to show what the producer
of a generation ago could do in the
matter of story, &yrics and acting
as compared with some of the pres
ent Broadway impresarios.