Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-12-18
Musical Comedy and
Small Crime Wave
BY PHILANDER JOHNSON.

~ oHOi NHSiiiS ny NtuO " am ,
n with spirit Of carnival r.; alan, and
mystery play with the whole public
in evidence as supernumerarieS and
with himself as the star performer
who reigns for the moment unchal-
lenged, he leaves the theatrical pro-
Queer rather cruelty at loss.
Though musicians may offer novel
melodies. the department store cash
register becomes his favoritc instru-
ment.
The crime-play producer salutes
in VAIN with fuSillade by 58-Callber
gats and the musical comedy I'M
presario hangs up rows of silk stock
ings with little expectation that Kris
Kringle will give more than passing
notice.
1t is at this season that the pro-
Queer builds for the future and waits
for the New Year matinee, which
invariably breaks the monotony OF
popular indifference and turns over
a new leaf.
The volume of patronage enjoyed
by the Beatrice Lille exploitation
was beyond what it might have been
reasonable to expect at this partlcu-
lar season. Aside from the attrac-
tions of the versatile star, it is CAPT
tai entertainment, which includes in
its composition the elements not
only of traditional farce, but some
neat specimens of accomplishment
quite independent of the thread OF
story or the relationships OF the
characters in chief.
x X x
1t has become almost the rule for
the first presentation of spectacular
musical comedy to run at least till
midnight Apparently the idea is to
try anything once and depend on a.
subsequent process of elimination for
purposes of reduction.
This reduction is by no means a
comfortable undertaking. The ex-
perienced manager believes in sur
gerry at the final dress rehearsal, and
vet the element of chance, which
often brings to success work in
which experienced observers felt
small confidence, creates a sympa-
thetic inclination to let nature take
its course.
*
One of the greatest musical pro-
ducers saw an act which he was sure
could not find favor. He suggested
taking it out. The performer called
attention TO the work he had put on
it and the highly successful manner
in which he had utilized similar ma
terial in days gone by. A good pro-
Queer is always A diplomat and
sportsman. He agreed to leave the
act undisturbed for tryout in one
of the preliminary cities visited in
advance of the grand hazards for
Broadway glorification.
"You may keep it in" said the pro-
Queer, but I'll wager that if you
don't take it out the public will"
So far as any overwhelming de-
nand was concerned. the public gave
the producer entirely the better OF
the argument.
**
The title shes Ny Baby" implies
4 strong disposition to reconcile the
more severe standards OF English
expected from a London-bre star
with the somewhat impetuous ideas
Of Broadway diction. One of the
great charms of the foreign-disci-
nlined PLAYER is the impression con-
viewed by personal poise and innate
taste which leaves the fun more ap-
pcaling because it belongs not to
crotesque personality but to the
delicate art of studied mimicry.
Mr.. Bottoms play takes up a
theme which thriyes in sempiternal
vitality. as it concerns the necessity
NJ borrowing a baby 10 please a rich
relative who is fond OF children
The method OF utilizing story OF
This kind. one OF the tried and true
friends of stage entertainment, is TO
use il as a shell and fill ii with an
enormous variety Of attractive cpl
codes. This form OF plot is one Of
,he most serviceablc institutions in
the theater. and it would have been
= calamity. indeed. had its originator
found a way OF making it non
Reliable.
The Americanization OF foreign
stars means a process OF very deli
cate adjustment. ATTRACTIONS are not
sIways enhanced by the transition
grom the more sedate and studious
r.reer to which some great players
are limited to the sudden blare OF
The megaphone and the riotous ty-
Biography OF the billboard.
Transplanting is a very scientific
nrocess, and while many stars have
rome over here 10 find immediate
snd enduring admirers. the Bur
banking process has not been such
as 10 fulfill all expectations.
When Lou-Tcllcgan dropped the
hyphen and was billed as Lou Telle-
-an his first and natural audience
was practically dismissed. A new
one, unfamiliar with the polish Of
.ekni.rshin he natiyely REPRESENTED