The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1925-08-31
CLASSIC PLAY
PLEASES AT
AUDITORIUM
Sheridan's Comedy, "Thc Ri
vals, Great Contribution
TO Dramatic Art in
Hands of Famous
Stars

Too small house greeted GALAXY
Of stars in a revival Of Shcridan's
classic, "The Rivals" at the Auditori-
um Saturday evening. The popular
eighteenth century comedy, however,
has wit and humor that tickle the
risiblcs even in this "jazz' and jadcd
are. Mrs. Malaprop's abuse and
misuse Of the kings English has lost
none Of its punch through the years.
The play was first presented $50
syears ago, hut the same human frail-
ties that actuatc the 1925 model flap
per made Lydia LanguiSh the fasci-
mating belle Of Bath The properties
differed, it is true, but love making.
whether clandestincly in lady's
scented houdoir la l775 or in "A twin
six or purring eight of the 1928 model,
has the same Ingredients
Lydia in her superb mountainous
head dress, bobbing hoop skirts,
wasp like waist and languishing dis
position was sweet to look upon and
formed most antique background
for the 1925 flapper.
Probably people do not Xix" to be
transported into the antiquities Of
! so years ago. Those, however, who
braved fear Of boredom in the slow
moving but withal subtle action Of
"Thc Rivals" were pleasantly dis
appointed in the production headed
hv the distinguished actress. Mrs
Fiske. The company was adequate
Those in the leading roles had won
their fame and need little common
dation now to add to the laurcls
heapcd upon them in hundred roles
or more
Mrs. Fiske was n most "scrump-
tious" Mrs Malaprop, quite the
pineapple" Of perfection, to use one
of her own tidbits. Her makeup was
whole show in itself and her swag-
ger quite in keeping with the role.
Despite her years she was active and
her portrayal Of the part measures
up to the best conception Of that
role.
James T. Powers, as "Bob Acres"
role immortalized by Joseph JEFF
ferson. was effective. He was more
of the buffoon in the part than the
polished jefferson, but to have seen
jefferson in the role should not
prompt one to make unfair compar-
isons. Powers is an effective come
dian Of the comic opera type. He
nut the case of "Fighting Bob" across
in "A manner that won the approval
Of those "out in front" Why ask
more?
AS Sir Lucius O'TriGgcr, Chaunccy
Olcott was we'll cast. One expected
him to break into song and an eve
ing with Chaunccy sans my Wild
Irish Rose" is not complete He bub-
bled into song only upon few oc-
casions, but when he did. he got Il
greater "hand" than did the great
Minnie Maddern Fiske. As a bankrupt
Irish scion of nobility, he fitted into
the action admirably.
Lotus Robb as Lydia Languish
was good to look upon. She acted
the romantic, love-sick maiden of the
eighteenth century type as the char
acter has been depicted so often in
novel and poem.
AS the handsome, dashing Capt.
Jack Absolute, Kenneth Thomson was
quite fetching. Thomas A. Wise. as
"Sir Anthony" while not in good
voice, looked and acted the pompous
part.
In the minor parts the company
was adequate. Gerald Rogers as Fag,
Fred Eric as Falkland George Tawdc
as David. Jean Ford as Julia gave
most excellent support to the leading
roles.
But in closing special mention
should be made of the winsome. vi
vacious, intriguing Lucy" maid to
Lydia. The part was we'll cared for
in the pretty person of Marie Carroll
Bismarck was indeed fortunate in
having booked this delightful comedy.
Those who have read it know it's
scintillating humor. 1t ranks with
the great classics of the drama and
no one could imagine more inter
esting cast of characters than was
gathered together on the stage Of
the auditorium Saturday evening.
This combination of artists in the
great revival of Sheridan's master
piece upon the occasion of its ami
versary gave a great and worthy
contribution to the best in dramatic
art.