The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1921-02-15
MARY DELIGHTFUL
MUSICAL COM EDY.
SCORES A BIG HIT


The much heralded Mary" which
made its initial appearance last night
at the jefferson theatre, more than
lived UP to it's reputation. Being one
OF the brightest and smartest musical
shows seen in Birmingham this sea-
son the performance lasted until 11:10
O'Clock, and there was not q dull mo-
ment in it. From the time the curtain
rose on the first act MARY" was a
continuous delight, and so pleased was
the capacity house which greeted the
performance that the entire company
was forced to respond to several en-
cores at the finale.
y In addition to the splendid chorus,
young, pretty and full of pep. another
point of favor of the usual excellence
of the company is the music. 1t is
Irresistible, stealing upon ones senses,
it fastends itself on the memory and it
it hardly possible that one could see
the show and not leave the theatre
either whistling or humming the mel :
odies. As for comedy 1t is abundant.
Just the sort of comedy to match lit
ing airs, pretty love story and dane
ing that was a joy to witness
Marguerite Gender, endowed with
youth, beauty, grace and charm. was
Mary, social secretary for Mrs.
keene, a rich widow, and in love with
1850. iNSSnC SUI, JdCh. ne ate m Z
OF Jack, whose fortune has been lost
to acquire a fortune through the sale
OF portable houses, forms a pretty plot
Tor the love story, interviewer with
songs and dancing. The schemes Of
the hero, however, fail to prove profit
able. although it proves a stepping
stone to success and wealth and en-
ables him to return home triumphantfy
to his sweetheart Richard Pyle, as
didly, and his rendition of THE Love
Nest the hit of the show, called for
many encores
However, all the honors were by nc
means carried off by Miss Gender and
Mr. Pyle although to these two is due
much of the success of the perform
ance They were backed up by a we'll
chosen company. Carolyn Lila as Mrs
Keene. was exceptionally good in her
part and caused much amusement with
her love affair, as did Joe Smith Marba
as Frenchman. His enunciation was
good and his ability to tangle the Eng
lish language as well as his. attempts to
use slang was most amusing. Joseph
Medallion, as Tom Boyd, possesses a
good voice and is a clever dancer, as is
Eva Olivotti, a widow, trying to make
a rich match. They were forced to re-
spond to encore after encore. Thomas
J. Grady. as Higgins. the butler, and
Frank w. Shea. the family lawyer, are
above the average.
The special dancers were among the
best seen in Birmingham this season and
were greeted enthusiastically every time
they appeared. seldom have such grace
full dancers as Inez Hall, Carlos Peter
son, Ann Linn, James Templeton, Tiney
Belmont Dave White, Virginia Lee,
John Stanley and George Scully appeared
in this city.
In picking out a few principals for a
word of commentator, it should not be
forgotten that the whole company
worked hard, and for spirit and energy
the performance could not be surpassed.
The chorus is exceptionally we'll chosen,
and in addition to looks, can really sing.
The singing of Mary Is a Grand Old
Name" and 80 Long, Mary hits OF
.Forty-five Minutes from Broadway" by
Mary and male chorus brought down
the house.
Although 1.-The Love Nest is the most
popular song from the show, Anything
You Want to Do, Dear" Tom, Tom,
Toddle," when a Woman Exits Laugh
ing" Deeper" Don't Fall Until You
Have Seen Them All" and waiting re-
ceived much applause.
May" will in all probability be re-
corded rs the seasons best musical show
and can be cheerfully recommended to
provide an evening of real pleasure.
Mary will be at the Jefferson theatre
tonight and tomorrow night, with matt
nee tomorrow afternoon.