The Waterbury Democrat., 1934-02-24

Displaying remarkable boise and genuine dramatic ability the "Masquers" pleased a large audi ence at the Watrbury Women's Club last night with the presenta- ton of their first professional ven- ture, After You I'm Next.
 Giving evidence or excellent di- rection by George Hughes and showing careful preparation of even tiny details, the play proved to be highly amusing in it's lines and situations and was extremely well-acted by competent and well-poised cast.
 Farce comedy, despite the ease with which it is enacted for the eyes and ears of the audience, is more than ordinarily difficult for amateurs, but last nights per formance proved that it can be made successful if given enough detailed attention. Timing, one of the most important elements in a comedy of situations, was espe- cially excellent.
 Built about the efforts of a mys- tery writer to gain himself some free publicity and secure material for further writing, the. comedy began moving at full speed soon after the opening curtain. The complications include the unex- pected return of his wife, the ar rival of a discarded "flame" and a bewildered couple of honeymoon CTS, all of which unite to bring further surprising and humorous developments.
 Though carrying a part that did not rank with others i'll its import ance, some of the best work on the stage was provided by Jack Key ser as the new husband. Display ing a fine sense of comedy, he managed to make restraint the keynote of a fine characterization.
 The leading comedy role, that of a colored servant, was more than acceptably done by Ralph Brandeley. Proving to be the unit about which many of the situa- tions revolve, he handled his many lines deftly.
 Gertrude Samon, playing what turned out to be the conventional feminine leading role, handled her part smoothly. As the wife of the imaginative novelist, she shaded each mood to the requirement or the statge situation. p
 The ex-chorus girl, who man. ages to involve the novelist ana herself in several difficulties, was well characterized by Neva smith. Several comedy situations in which Richard Hegarty. who played the male lead as her husband were extraordinarily well done for non-professionals.
 One of the most believable of the characterizations was offered by Peggy Sheehan, as the resourcelul Sob sister" from a Manhattan daily. Though her role was not particularly meaty one, she, gave it @ convincing realism that made her appearances definite hlgh spots.
 Tom Rianhard, as reporter Phil Young, was more than. adequate, as was Ernest Stance, an apparent and supposed crook. Sally OBrlen offered a distinctive characteriza- ton of the romantic niece of the fiction writer. Helen Lynch dis played fine comedy possibilities as a member of the honeymoonlns pair, while Iris Guevin and Lyn Sheron did very well in their char acter" parts.
 All in all, it was a performance that would do credit to an exper- fenced dramatic group. Their fine showing and excellent reception should encourage the "Masquers to further and equally successful efforts.
 The cast:
 George, Colared Man-serVant
 Ralph Brandely Panzy Delbor, Ex-Show Girl =,
 ......'.' ANo'" Honeymooning Couple