Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-12-02
The Weeks Attractions
in Local Theaters
Reviews of New PhotopIays and
Stage Productions

made kiss Me Again" live as
song, appeared in revival of Mile
Modesto" one of the best operet-
tas written by the Irish-Amer-
lean, Victor Herbert. The audience
that listened was we'll worth watching,
for 1t was easy to find scattered
throughout its generous numbers many
who obviously had travelled in complete
accord back with the reversed clock and
were enraptured afreSh with the gla-
mour left by an earlier performance.
There were many soldier boys from
Walter Reed in the audience, too and
they particularly insisted upon repeats
that were so numerous one lost count
of the famous Mascot of the Troop"
when Miss Scheff showed a piquant
mastery of great variety of drumming
effects as she marched back and forth
enchanting the soldier boys out front
quite as obviously as she won the stage
soldiers that gave her colorful, wor-
shipful background. And there were
others, many of the younger generation
to whom the name of FRITZ Scheff had
come down as an inheritance, a tradi-
ton, who found much to admire in
this gallant little trouper who, accord
ing to who's Who" is AZ years young.
In Mile. Modiste, written in 1905, and
one of Herbert'S greatest hits, FRITZ
Scheff created the role of Fiji. the little
hat shop salesgirl. This, however, was
not her first appearance in this coun-
try. Her first musical comedy appear
ance was in "Babette," as she said in
her charming curtain speech given to
standing audience after the last cur
tain. She began singing in the church
choir when five years old, and had her
first appearance in the United States
at the Metropolitan Grand Opera House
in "Fidelio," Beethovens opera, in jan
uary, 1902. Her thorough grand opera
training doubtless accounts for the re-
markable preservation of her voice
which won this new audience last night
completely in kiss Me Again." which
she was forced to repeat twice. But
then, after all, when true VienneSe
sings a waltz song in an IriShman's
operetta, how could such a combination
go wrong even after quarter of CEN
fury has passed?
Miss Scheff is surrounded by an ex-
cellent cast. No prima donna could
wish for more inspiring hero than
Nathaniel Wagner, the young Amer
baritone voice, unusual verve, fine stage
individuality and good looks. AS the
Capt. Etienne, who is so deeply in love
with Fiji, he is even better than he was
in the first cast that sang Maryland,
My Maryland" in which he had the
leading role. He sang THE Time, the
Girl and the Place" particularly well.
Detmar Poppen as the equity old Comte
de ST. Mar, had regular De Wolf
Hopper moment in II want What
Want When Want It." He had not
a few in the audience wondering just
how many pieces of China he would
have on the floor at the conclusion OF
his song, which is interpolated with
many vehement gestures. Alan Brooks
and Sarah Edwards handled the roles
of Mr.. and Mrs. Hiram Bent admirably
and the latter won comedienne honors
with her "Keokuk Culture Club" song.
Flavio Arcaro and Arthur Burckly
would be better if they did not get out
of their French characters so often.
Rowan Tudor was very good and
showed deep bass voice to advantage
as Rene"
A highlight was the solo dancing Of
Marie Girmaldi, a little dancer with
a rich sense of rhythm and charm OF
personality, who appeared as leader
of group of graceful Albertina Rasch
ballet girls.
The chorus and settings were ade-
quate and surely the story OF Nile.
Modiste" does not need repeating at
this late day. The score, however, un-
der Max Hirshfeld'S skillful direction
brings fresh wonder at the wealth OF
Victor Herebert's melodic invention and
the excellent musicianship OF his Writ
ing. FRITZ Scheff is well worth seeing
and mile. Modiste" Is equally worth
hearing. n. r.
GAYFTY Catchy songs, a dash
OF spice, a oramauc
Nrn
Rouge" and com m n a b
chorus work character
lie Moulin Rouge" burlesque attrac-
ton this week at the Gayety Theater.
Nanette Daley, in a number of spirit
ed songs and clever dancing bits, Is an
outstanding member of the company.
Benny "Wop" Moore, character come
dian, alternateS as tragedian In sign
of the Rose" one of the more spectacu-
lar numbers. Contributing broadly TO
the humor is Ned Fine, while interesting
specialties are provided by Tom Fan-
clough Jess Mack, Cecil Reeo, Jean
Lee. Sam Rice and Madeline McEvoy.
big Black and White Revue" with
both white and colored performers, has
been booked for one performance, TO
start at midnight, December 5, accord
ing to announcement by the Gayety
manager. j. N. r.
nAIACr George Bancroft is in
HALASE his element again. In
"The Mighty" the Paramount talking
picture, The Mighty"
at the Palace this week, he plays the
part of a gangster. The role is not as
exacting as his part in THE Under
world but is more appealing. Ban
croft's interesting portrayal OF the
sneering, brutal fellow who is afraid OF
nothing is frightened by moments OF
pleasing humor and heightened by his
own appearance in a uniform OF the
United States Army.
For this time Bancroft goes to war,
a very realistic screen war. He goes
through a back door, so to speak, being
caught in the draft, but he comes out
Mai. Blake Greeson, wearing all sorts
of medals and hailed as a national
hero. All of which amuses Gangster
Blake, who is prepared to resume life
with his family Of SafecrackerS. Before
using his gun on his own account, how
eyer, he has a mission to perform. In
the mud and slaughter OF the front
lines, he buddies with young Patterson,
a nervous lieutenant, who overcomes'
stark fright with one burst of courage
that brings him death. GreeSon prom
tGes his dying buddy that he will tell
his family how he died. What happens
when Mai Greeson calls at the Pat
terson home TO give his message, and
is offered and accepts the job of chief
of police, furnishes the greater part of
the story. To be more exact. young Pat
terson's sister, played quite we'll by
Esther Ralston, furnishes the reason
d'etre.
Lesser lights than George Bancroft
could turn in a convincing performance
re- Nf witt h
mond Hatton to provide humor and
Dorothy Revier as a woman gangster