The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1921-02-13
APPLE Blossoms" To Be Heard
At National Theater This Week

|
along something that is unques-
tionably worth while and that has an
appeal to the lovers of the finer
things of the theater. Local thea
tergoers will be especially interested
| In the announcement that Charles
Dillingham; will present the popular
operetta, apple Blossoms" at the
National tonight and throughout the
week with Saturday matinee only.
apple Blossoms" proved to be the
one notable light opera event of the
year in New York. where it was pre-
scented throughout the past season at
Mr.. Dillingham's Globe Theater. Fritz
Kreisler, the distinguished violin
virtuoso, and Victor jacob. composer
Of "Sybil." and "The Half Moon" have
provided the score and William Lee
Baron, the author OF 1.-THE Very Idea"
and II Love You" has furnished the
book and lyrics. while the cast in
cludes such favorites as John Charles
Thomas, the baritone: Wilde Bennett,
who has been prominent in various
musical plays; Percival Knight. the
English comedian Adele Fred Astaire,
the dancers; Edgar Norton, Ruth Lee,
| Maurice Darcy, Edna Temple, Marie
Berno, Frank Snyder. Thomas Fitz-
patrick, Brenza Dilston, Dorothy
Haighton, and an especially attrac-
tive chorus of distinction.
Kreisler is the first concert artist
of his rank in this country to enter
the field as composer of operetta,
although his lighter numbers have
gained wide popularity through the
medium of John McCormack's pro-
gram and records. Those who under
stand good music will appreciate the
Significance of the advent of such an
artist as Kreisler in the field OF
American light opera.
Victor Jacob has long since es-
tablished his vogue with theatergoers,
and his scores for "Sybir' and 1.-The
Half Moon" were particularly liked.
Authorities agree that these COM
posers, with markedly different styles
collaborate admirably.
apple Blossoms" is produced in the
customary Dillingham; artistic man
ner. The scenery is by Joseph Urban.
An especially selected and materially
enlarged orchestra will interpret the
Kreisler-Jacobi score. Apple Bios
sons was staged by Fred G. Latham
and Edward Royce.
Miss Wilda Bennett, the prima
donna of Apple Blossoms" was
asked recently how she came to adopt
a stage career.
I'm not so sure that 1 did adopt
the stage. l think it adopted me-
she said. my first glimpse at the
sun was in Asbury Park. N. j., and
| that's no place for a person with tenn
permanent to choose as birthplace.
Providence gave me something of a
singing voice. SO | grew up with the
idea that l was the recipient of a
gift that would carry me somewhere
beyond the State limits of New Jer-
sey That idea grew and grew.
! zone day I revealed my inner
thoughts to some New York friends,
and they connived with me to run
away from home and advance upon
the city of theatrical opportunities.
IT was only a few weeks later that 1
wrote home from New York to tell the
folks that had been engaged to play
| the role of Conscience in Every
woman
81 suppose was saved by the sug-
gestion of sanctimony in the name OF
| the part, for | was snatched back to
the family hearthstone. That first
engagement brought me the offer to
| play the same role in the London
production of 'Everywoman.'
Then came a chance TO play in
! Belasco's "A Good Little Devil and
after that | gathered my thoughts to-
gether and decided to leave the stage
| for year and study singing.
Then followed one of the leading
roles in The Only Girl and several
OF the Klaw & Erldnger musical sue
| cesses. and then | followed julia San
derson. opposite Mr.. Cawthorn, in
'Sybil.' but my present and best OPP
portunity came in Apple Blossoms. q"