Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-12-21
little NELLIE KELLY IS ACCLAIMED -.
the SWEETHEART OF ACAPACITY
AUDIENCE AT AUGUSTA OPERA HOUSE

With a cast of principals perfect
ly selected for their parts, galaxy
of American girls, who could dance
and sing, and wear the gorgeous
costumes, story carrying a sweet
little love theme. and also an element
of mystery, specialties crowded on
one after another until the audience
was left almost GREATNESS, a score
of songs with tunes of the catchiest
sort, the kind one whistles uncon-
siously as he leaves the theatre
the George NJ. Cohan Little Nellie
Kelly" company entertained and de-
lighted a capacity audience at the
Augusta Opera House last evening.
1t has been long time since such
an deliberately staged, satisfyingly
costumed, more tuneful or mirthful
musical comedy has been witnessed
in the Opera House.
The Cohan direction was perfect
ly evident throughout the progress
Of the gorgeous spectacle. Every
member of the cast and every girl
in the chorus was on their toes from
the time the curtain was drawn up
until the concluding pepful finale.
From the audience is seemed as if
every member of the company was
enjoying his or her part to the high
est degree, and their exuberance of
spirits and zestful joy of life was
conveyed across the footlights to the
audience.
A more demure or appealing sweet
Nellie Belly would be hard to itnag-
inc than was Miss Norma Teriss. A
girl from the Bronx, capable, but
still thoroughly a girl, the daughter
of Officer Kelly was the object of the
Il nf \
the storm center of the theme of the
play. Miss Teriss in her singing parts
was no more perfect than Miss Teriss
in her dancing numbers,-both de-
lishtful to a superlative degree.
Nellie Kelly was a shop girl in a
fashionable 9Th Avenue establish
ment. She was the sweetheart of
Jerry Conroy from the Bronx. and
the young millionaire, Jack Lloyd,
also fell madly in love with her at
first sight.
In their efforts to prevent a match
between Lloyd and Nellie the faithful
family retainers of the Lloyd house
hold. and the proprietors of the De-
We're shop conspire, and tangle UP the
situation by casting suspicion of being
responsible for the dramatic theft of
string of pearls upon Jerry. It is the
diplomatic aunt Of Jacks, the aristo-
cratic but absolutely human Mrs. Lang
ford, who finally brings the affair to a
solution by proving Jerry's innocence
of the supposed theft Of her pearls
end also that Nellie and Jerry are just
naturally meant for each other.
Jerry was played by Lester Cole. and
without doubt he had the vast majori-
ty of the feminine members of the au-
dience on his side in his fight for Nell
lies heart and hand. Mr.. Coles sing
ing was always pleasantly received, his
clear tenor carrying to all parts of the
theatre. Jack, his wealthy rival, was
played by Clay Hill. and he, too. was
splendidly cast for the part. Carolyn
Lila was a stately, diplomatic, but
withal lovable aunt. and Marie. her
daughter. was characterized by dainty
little Marion Fairbanks.
Miss Fairbanks dancing was one of
the high lights Of the show. which was
replete with dancing numbers. She is
one Of the Fairbanks Twins of Zieg-
field fame and publicity, and IL her sis
ter is as attractive and clever as Miss
Marion, 1t is difficult for anyone who
was in the audience last evening to
understand why she should forsake the
song and dance type Of show for
drama. Miss Fairbanks was a twink.
ling performer, and It was with ex-
treme reluctance that the audience per.
mitted her to 60 after her speciality ap-
pearances.
Francois Devere. the proprietor OF
the Fifth avenue shop, was entertain
ingiy portrayed by Joe Smith Marba
His work was marked by its enthus.
iasm and delightful activity. The
faithful family butler, Wellesley, was
played by Eddie Girard. and his eccen.
trio lines and novel steps were the oc.
casion of several spontaneous out.
bursts Of applause by the appreciativs
audience.
Both because Of his work In the play
as Ambrose Swift, society detective
and in his singing and dancing spe.
cialtfes with Hazel Mason, Cedric Lind
say won his way to a warm place II
the hearts Of the Augusta folks wht