Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-11-18

Every member of the capacity audi
ence that attended the initial pre-
sentation OF the isle of Smiles'~ would
be willing to tie sentenced to 80 days
there, judging by the enthusiasm man
ifested last night. The Benjamin E.
Smith Post. No. 4. American Legion
went over the top with flying colors
in this production. The big snow GER
; tainly came up to evcryone'S eXpec-
tations. Costumes. scenery and acting
were all par excellence. the whole
thing being an affair that Gardiner
people will talk about for some time.
From the opening chorus to the en-
semble it went smoothly and the credit
for this must go to the director L. ..
Shields, who in his few weeks here
has become as we'll known and liked
as any OF the boys. David Kelley in
the role of Wellington Mcdowell need
cd no Introduction to local audiences.
for his ability is WEI known. The part
of-his friend. Colonel Breese, is played
by Paul Demersc, and the antics Of
this pair are enough to keep any au-
dierce in laughter. Mcdowell gets
into difficulties and is sentenced by TIT
judge (Stephen Monagham to the Jail
at the Isle of Smiles" Percival Pen
ninston Lunk Maurice King), the
sheriff. insists on doing his duty, and
no Plea of Mcdowell can persuade
him TO do otherwise. A maiden aunt
of Wellington's (Gracc Gower). an un-
suspectink wife (Katherine Hickey, Il
flirtatious warden tClyde Cray. a
youthful love affair between Tom Wes-
ton George Desmond) and Polly, Mrs.
MacDowclls sister katherine Des-
mond). and the White-Dark Kind
tFrances Callant). all erter into the
scene and do wonderful job in as
sisting to complicate the affair.
The first act is staged at che resi-
dence of Wellington Mcdowell, while
the second Is the grounds of the peni-
Tertiary. where the leading man Is in
new role--that of a prisoner in the
striped garb of the Jail. The mu-
steal numbers without exception went
over big, the first being Elizabeth Can
avian In Honeymoon Ipn," assisted by
a chorus of girls Then Miss Rather
inc Hickey in 1.-THE Crickets are Call
ing" assisted by girls, was another
big number. "Foolish Questions" by
the ever popular Dave was followed by
loud and continued applause. ANY
thing You Want to Do" by George and
Katherine Desmond. was a number that
met with favor. The Tango Valentino
executed by the director, Mr.. Shields,
and Miss Ruth Richardson, was some
thing unusual that was warmly ap-
plauded. Maurice King in his MFR. and
Mrs" number assisted by dancers was
one Of the big hits of the evening.
"A Girl for Every Month of the
Year" by Paul Demerse was a feature
turn. the girls being costumed APP
propriately. Katherine and George
Desmond made another big hit in the
number The Picture I Want to See"
while Grace Covers act, Il Like to
Talk About IT, was well received.
Mrs. Walter Roberts in the +TangIe-
foot" number lived up to all expecta-
tions and. according to some. far ex-
ceeded them. Stephen Mona CHAN, an
other favorite~with Gardiner audi
ences. did his stuff to perfection in
the presentation of Like Father Used
to Do" while the closing number of
II Follow the Girls Around" was ad-
mirably done by Maurice Kink assisted
by girls.
The Finale by the assembled cast
was fitting climax to a wonderful
nights entertainment. put on with
spirit that has characterized every
production of the Post. Another
record crowd is expected tonight. A
few good seats are left and may be
procured at the Coliseum today.
Birthday Guests, Flower Mission
Girls, Bridesmaids, Dancers
Madeline Bishop. Viola Lovely.
Gladys Belyea, Hazel Strout, Altina
Woodward, Elsie Sears, Marion
Brooks, Ruth Richardson, Katherine
verrfll. Lucielle Potter, Georgia Bug
bee. Lillian Lessard. Katherine Les
sard. Pearl Williams. Mildred Berry,
Leona Delaware. Helen Brisk, Alvina
Ellis. Frances McGraw. Marion Tut
tie. Muriel Chase. Airline Rousseau,
Viola Knight. Anna Peters, Phillis
Hartman, Marjorie White, Phillis
Sherman. Isabelle Hageman. Helen
Cfary. valnecia Sproul. Margaret
Bolger. Doris Purdy. Eleanor~Groder,
Frances Brown Ruth Kelley, Helen
Larrabee, Geneva Keene, Frances
Austin. Ruth Lancaster. Frances
Canavan, Frances Leighton, Mary
Mcdonald, Julia Toman, Ida Boud-
way. Thelma Dill. Myrtle Nichols,
Lucy Marley. Laura Clary. Laura To-
man. Marion Spear, Maxine Hutch
ings. Williamina Lathrop, Madeline
Shea, Francella Cormier. Edith