The Washington herald., 1922-02-24

The forte Of Dillingham; in the
amusement world has long been
synonymous with successful must
cal comedy, but this astute pro-
Queer has added to his laurels and
the seasons achievements in the
theater by stretching his activities
across the seas to import the Irish
players from the Abbey Theater,
Dublin.
There is a quaint humor OF a re-
freshingly clean kind in The White
Headed Boy" which unfolded its
charms to a capacity audience at
the National last night. There is
delightfully."- droll Characterization
most commendable attention to di-
rection and detail, meticulous care
in the selection OF cast and intrigu-
ing comedy in the story OF Lennox
Robinson group of qualities
that spells nothing but sheer en-
| tertainmept for the average play
Goer.
This segment of Irish folk life
| must react favorably upon those
who associate the Celtic character
of the stage with the BE Gorrsh"
and "shure and I would" shenani-
gans of red-whiskered comedians
Here we have the charming trace OF
the Gaelic tongue In the broEue that
| smacks OF the peat boys OF Bally.
| colmRn and has the true note OF
fealty to Erin. What matters Il for
moment the playwright treads
from the path of delicious comedy
perilously close to the maelstrom
of farce. il he succeed In his major
purpose OF providing wholesome
| laughter.
The "White-Headed Boy" Is COL
loquialikm for favorite son. The
GeoghSeAn family has its pampered
pet who responds to the name of
Denis. For him his sisters have
denied themselves luxuries. his
brothers have stinted until IL hurts
and his doting mother has scrimped
that he may have the education
befitting him to become . great
physician. All this sacrifice Denis
takes nonchalantly and with no
thought of gratitude fritters away
the money sent him from time to
time on race horses and other nom
essentials. Finally comes rebellion
George. the eldest son and foster
father of the family, breaks the
doleful news to Denis that the time
has come when he must needs
forego further education and shift
for himself. Aunt Ellen, fat, con-
ceited. witty of speech and with a
long purse approves of the deci-
sion which seems to mean financial
relief for the family. But Denis is
betrothed to one of the county
bellies with the ceremony promised
when he hangs out his shingle. and
the fair Della must be told the
"white-Headed Boy" is not for her.
Then Denis does a bit Of rebellion
himself and the incidental compli-
cations provide the high comedy
spots of the play. with the self
satisfied. hypocritical and pompous
Mr.. Duffy" father of Della. much
in the action. This is a feeble
fragment Of the plot that conveys
none OF the laughs with which the
piece IL generously studded.
Consummate skill Is evident in
the casting. The contemporary
| stage boasts but few character
4 actors who can equal Sydney Nor
/ gan in the tealm Of dsft char
acterization. His George" in man.
nerisms. speech and adaptability. to
conflicting emotions Is superb and
\ delight to observe. Arthur Sin.
| clair, the Mr.. Duffy" has q
splendid sense OF comedy values
| and the faculty of wooing laughs
by trite expression. Marie O'Neil as
Aunt Ellen" and Maureen Delany
as Mrs. Geoghegan" share in the
honors. The. remainder Of the
players are fitted to congenial roles.
The performance last night
marked the reopening Of the Ma
tional after recent dificulties and
the enthusiasm OF the capacity
audience may have been divided
over joy that the drama has a safe
| and comfortable home and the Quail