Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-04-29
OPENING ATTRACTIONS IN WASHINGTON
THEATERS
'THEATERS

BELASCO-Balieff' "Chauve SOuris."
Balieff's "Chauve-Souris" has by this
time become firmly established in this
country. 1t has been adopted by
Americans with all of the Americans
characteristic vigor in adopting things.
1t came to these shores in 1922 as
something fresh from the old country,
with all of the charming naivete,
touched with sophistication, of any
srown-up immigrant. But the process
OF Americanization undergone by this
child of the Bat Theater, in Moscow, be-
comes evident. The program offers such
sketches as The Organ Grinder" and
Love Waxes-snd Wanes," character
istic of their origin. But the same pro-
gram ends with You Ought TO Hear
Olaf Laugh" which is Dutch song
written by two Americans by now only
too we'll known as a radio favorite.
Nikita Balieff's company is incapable
OF mediocrity in any form. It's preSen-
tationS are marked by finish and skill.
II last nights opening audience did not
warm I'D to the spirit of the occasion
during the first half of the evening,
such q reaction is easily explained by
the fact that ones taste for new things
must often be acquired. 1t may be said
to the credit not only of the audience
but Of the actors that. before the eve
ming was over. those present were be-
ginning to catch on to what it was all
about and were enjoying the perform
ance. When they could understand
what Mr. Balieff, as the ringmaster
M 70 x,iY
enjoyed him, too. When they could not
understand, which was easily half of
the time, they were obligingly nice
about it.
Last nights presentation which start
ed late end ID on time by use of the
convenient method of making omissions
IN the program. But one of the omis-
Sions was counteracted by the addition
of the Parade of the Wooden Soldiers"
beautifully done and we'll received
Every one will have his own favorites,
but Les AmourS de Jean-Pierre," q
burlesQue on an old French opera,
seemed an easy winner last night, with
''The Organ Grinder" a close second.
THE Midnight Review" in which Ma
poleon and his marshals review the
ghosts OF his armies, would have been
more effective with a better system of
lighting to develop the dramatic posi-
bilities which lie in this fine conception.
In addition to the beautiful voices
and the dramatic attainments of the
Russians, their use of the art of make
up and costume is a revelation, and
the scenery is always interesting.
POLPS-"BIOSsOm Time"
That hardy perennial Blossom
Time" is back again. beautiful and
popular as ever, as the opening per-
Torrance at Polls last night indicated
There is little. left to be said about
the unusual beauty of this musical play
nor about the story that goes along with
It, Blossom Time" was written about
some of Schubert's most beautiful and
most widely known works by Sigmund
Romberg, past master in light opera,
and the plot revolves about the unre-
Quilted love Of Schubert for Mizi Kranz
one Of his pupils.
John Charles Gilbert brings to the
role OF Schubert satisfactory voice and
acting Of high order. He makes the
character of the great composer domi-
nate the story as it should. and even
when he Is making progress in his siege
Of the heart Of Mizi. he manages to
bring foreboding that it is all in vain.
Genevieve Naegele makes an appeal
ing Mizi and her voice amply fits the
role. Pretty and dainty, Nancy Sheri-