The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1921-01-05
FAMOUS MITu RETURNS
TO new YORK CITY AGAIN

~ NAU xV1AA VI i 1OIAA4'
New York.: Jan 5.-Tiny Mitzi
Hajos is still the incompatible Mitzi
She has taken on a few ounces since
her last appearance here and now
must weigh all of eighty pounds
This fascinating, versatile star re-
appeared here at the Liberty theatre
in "Miss Billy" a tailor-made vehi-
Gle, with book and lyrics by Miss
Zelda Sears and music by hitherto
unknown protege of Victor Her:
bert's. Composer Harold Levey will
be popular enough ere Mitzi fits
from these parts on tour. The piece
is sparkling with humor and the music
will undoubtedly be pounded into the
public's ears via monographs and
lance orchestras before the season is
much older.
Mitzi portrays bankruptsRumani-
an countess, who poses as boy and is
.hus discovered by an American engi-
neer-tourist, who prevails upon the
LAD" to accompany him to America
to make fortune as a boy soprano.
The first act is laid in Rumania and
the balance Of the action takes place
in New York's Greenwich village sec
ton. Of course, everybody but the
hero knows that Mitzi is not boy and
the third act is devoted to breaking
the news to him. The best part of
the whole business is that Mitzi must
romp through two whole acts clad in
knickerbockers, which he certainly be-
comes. -
Mitzi sings and dances as charm
ingly as ever, and is exceedingly
"easy to, loot at" Her mere appear
ance on the stage provoked an ova-
ton which was intensified after he1
brilliant performance. Boyd Mar
shall, as the American hero, acts in
an agreeable and manly style, is an
excellent singer-and is Mr.. Mitzi in
private life. Here's domestic con-
cord! Sydney Greenstreet, as a but
Ter, deserves mention, and his song,
1.-THE Worms Revenge" brought him
forth for many encores on opening
night. The chorus can really sing
and dance and those in minor roles
fill them most capably.
It is feared that road cities will be
compelled to wait some time for
Mitzi. Her tours have created for
her a large following and her ap-
pearance in the west and south is to
be eagerly looked forward to.
Bigotry and it's tragic result is eff
fectively told in "Mixed Marriage"
by St. John Ervine. presented here at
the Branhall Playhouse. This early
composition by the author of "John
Ferguson" and "Susan Clegg," was
presented here some nine years ago
by a company of Irish players and,
while not so good as Ervine's later
worls, it is not without dramatic val
ue.
The story is that of Irish life and is
especially timely just now. The CEN
trail figure is a Protestant, a labor
leader, and the head of a family of
four, whose bigotry makes him a vir-
tual fanatic. AS neighbors and fell
low-workers it would seem to the in
terests of the characters to join
forces, but religious differences hold
them apart. The wooing of Catho-
lie girl by his son enrages the Pro-
testant father, who had softened
somewhat in his Observation-Disclosures
and had been working on a recon-
Citation of strikers of both faiths. He
undoes' all the good he had wrought
and when troops are called to quell
the unruly mob, the girl, who feels
that she has. been the cause, rushes
out to stop the firing of the troops
and is killed. : The father renains un.
relenting8 to. the end. / Ia
The story is not pleasant one, but
it ,isounfolded iii language which
touches the heart by its simple elo
quence. ! Scattered here and there
are occasional moments of sparklingly
humorous dialogue and Ervine's def
handling of his subject makes it very
evident that.he knows the people witt
whom heiis dealing. . 81.
Margaret WycnerIy plays the par
of the boys mother and one canno
watch her beautiful portrayal of thu
patient, tolerant, understanding crea
ture without thrill of sympathy.
Augustin Duncan, remembered TO-
his work in ''John Ferguson has ad
mirably grasped the idea Of the in
tolerant father and gives an impress
sive performance. while Angela Nc
Cahill and Rollo Peters as the lovers
lend admirable support.
Subscribe TOR Tho Daily cPionee,