Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-10-26
In Capital Theaters

Presented for many centuries in Ger
many, the play has accumulated many
traditions. Its principal actors inherit
their parts from generation to genera
ton. Adolf Fassnacht, who portrays
the Christus, Is the seventh of his line
to portray the role since the year 1850,
when his family was assigned to it.
Others in the cast have inherited the
roles for four and five generations.
Elsa Fassnacht plays the part Of Mary,
the mother; Amalie FaSsnac1t the part
Of Mary Magdalene.
Gorgeously and automatically cos
TUNED with authentic costumes Of an
Gent Jerusalem, The Passion Play"
besides its great religious significance,
becomes a spectacle and pageant of
magnificence, of gripping power, Of
tragedy and triumph.
Its appearance is Endorsed by many
leading citizens, especially religious and
educational leaders.
After 20 years of playing in the prin-
cipal cities of Europe, 1t is now on its
first tour of America. Mr.. Fassnacht
arranged for it for this country in re-
Spouse to a tremendous demand from
Americans, of whom $1,000 witnessed
the last presentation in Freiburg In
1922.
The Freiburg Passion Play" Is de-
clared a work of the most exquisite art.
Its artistic presentation Of the story of
the Savior makes 1t production with
an outstanding appeal.
BELASCO-"Simple Simon"
WITH Ed Wynn, 1.-THE Perfect Fool"
starring under his own manage
ment, F1orenz ziegfeld's production.
Simple Simon" will be presented at
the Shubert-Belasco Theater, beginning
the week tonight.
Wholesome fun IS provided under the
influence Of that droll comedian and
his associates In the gay masquerade.
Making his stage debut when he was
Is years OF age and beginning his career
on the lowest rung of the theatrical
ladder, Ed Wynn has entertained audi
ences throughout the country for more
than score Of years while steadily
climbing to stardom. Having the in
stinct for humorous expression and
original In writing dialogue and think
ing out Jokes, he has continually sought
to develop and freshen his stage per
formanceS so that they leave the i'm
preston OF novelty. BY doing so he
years or more he has been featured or
starred in Broadway productions. Be-
cause Of his drollery he has been dubbed
THE Perfect Fool" and under the title
he starred in one of the musical revues
for two seasons. That nickname, how
ever, bellies his alert mind and enterpris-
ing character as a comedian. Mr..
Wynn believes In clean stage and he
foments mirth without resorting to
questionable jestS even to please So
phtsticated Broadwayites. His wide pop-
ularity Is proof Of the soundness Of his
policy.
For Simple Simon" the hook
written by Mr.. Wynn and Guy Bolton.
and the music and lyrics by Richard
Rodgers and LorenZ Hart, deals with
characters and happenings In child
hoods fairyland. The theme has been
handled in an original manner that
lends fresh interest. Spectacularly pro-
duced by Florenz ziegfeld in New York
last February, 1t attracted attention
that kept 1t at the Ziegfeld Theater for
nearly five months.
Supporting Mr.. Wynn Is a company
OF 100 singers, dancers, comedians and
specially artists, including Harriet Hoe
tor, whose dancing in Ziegfelds 1.-THE
Three Musketeers' and 1.-THE Show
Grip called forth much favorable COM
ment; Wini Shaw, Margarite Breen,
Marjorie De Haven, Jack Squires, Har-
ry Shannon, Hansford Wilson, Gil
Squires, George Offerman, VIII j. Fer
ry, Frank De Witt, Joseph Schrode,
Pete Da Della, Frieda Mierse, Buff Bull
lard, Billie Seward, Will Mill, Barbara
Hamilton, Jerry Rogers and others, not
forgetting the large chorus of girls and
boys and the Ed Wynn Ballet.
Matinee will be given on Saturday,
but the usual Thursday matinee will be
omitted.
GAYETY-"Speed Girls"
HCPEED GIRLS" the attraction this