Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-02-11
PoLrs-"Manhattan Mary"

Ed Wynn, the perfect fool. more ac-
compiished In his foolery than ever,
and with the added attraction of
typical George White show, sums up
Manhattan Mary" this weeks offer
ing at Polls In these days of the
revue, now become vehicle for glori-
fication of the American girl, it is
extremely difficult to produce effects
more startling than those which have
gone before. The best comment, per-
haps. that can be made on Manhattan
Mary" is that Producer White has con-
cocted an offering decidedly original
within the category of musical comedy.
To be sure there are effects which
were popular Ito use an Ed Wynn
expression) in the old Egyptian days of
s'Tootsykamen," but enough variation
and originality have been introduced
into this offering to make 1t source
of keen enjoyment
From the standpoint OF stage effects
Manhattan Mary is the equal of any
similar show that has been seen here.
It abounds in beautiful pictureS-mov-
ing pictures of youth and beauty, Tor
PRINCIPALS and chorus possess delight
full attractiveness, set of to the best
advantage by wonderfully effective
scenery and costume. There are breath
taking ensembles punctuated by the
usual line of chatter, with very
meager and easily discernible love story
that runs to the conventional happy
ending.
Ed Wynn seems to have perfected
new methods in the ambition to retain
his self -asserted position as Americas
champion fool. With all his ridiculous
sayings and actions, however, he must
share honors with cast and chorus
which, no doubt, would be the talk OF
the town anywhere.
The high spot of the production Is
an ensemble of glorious color ana
action in the second act. This ex-
clusiyely chorus number is tribute to
the skill and artistic sense OF Mr.
White. There are other effective bits
In the show, but none that registers
with the audience to such an extent
as this one.
Mr.. Wynn finds congenial partners in
his efforts to please, notably George
Mayo, as Sam PlatE, a bond salesman,
Daniel j. Wakely, assistant stage man
ager of the Scandals: Nick Long, Jr.,
stage manager Of the same show, and
Victor Munro, chieftain of the Hudson
buster gang. There are numerous
others to stimulate the laughter that
starts when Wynn makes his first ap-
pearance as Crickets, q waiter IN
Broadway restaurant.
Doree Leslie, in the title, role, is an
attractive young woman and makes the
most of her opportunities. marguerite
Bell as Helen King, premiere danseuse
of the scandals" stopped the show
with splendid exhibition OF terpls-
chorean art. George Golf justified his
choice as Mary's sweetheart in series
of well sung duets and solos. Andrew
George was amusing as Mr.. Max Duval
IF The "Folies Bergere" Jack Motto was
q convincing villain as r. c. Black,
dishonest bond broker.
A review of the show would be in
complete without mentioning Vivian
Porter, Josephine Deffry, Helen Gesty,
Vada Alexander and the Embassy Boys.
q trio, all of whom. with many others,
contribute to the evenings entertain
ment
Harry Levant. musical director, also
deserves a word of praise for his eff
fective work Under his baton the
melodies of Manhattan Mary were
unfolded in way to make them lnger
in the memory.