Variety (Sep 1928)

Wednesday, September 12, 1928 L E G I T 1 M A T E VARIETY 55 Plays Out of Town CHEE-CHEE Philaaelphia, Sept. 11. T ew Fields presents Helen Ford In a mufe- tca) narrative by Fields. Kodgors and Hart. Adaoted from tho novel by Charlee Petit, "The son of the Grand Eunuch." Staged >,v Alexander .i;eftwitch; dances and en- ^emWes by Jax:k Haskall; orchestra directed Hoy Webb; entire production under the personal supervision of licw Fields. . marriod, declines. Accordingly, the youngr married couple are driven from the palace and on their travels are .set iipon, through the connivance of the Grand Eiinuch, by various marauders. Philadelphia has had te-w shows In recent years that have caused the comment and th6 argiinient and the discussion that this latest Rodgers- Hart-Flelds musical collaboration has. The delicate nature of the story has resulted in innumerable , gags and stories heard on the street. The radical Innovations in the score, and in the general presentation have been hailed by some as heralding a new era In musical shows, and have been renounced by others as wholly unsatlsfactoi'y. The critics have been divided, although three-fourths are highly in. favor of the new piece. The first-night audience, particularly cold and unapprecjatlve one. couldn't apparently understand what was go- ing on. Business hasn't been good, but right now "Chee-Chee" is begin ning to get another class of theatre goers, and there may be a different story to tell. lit is in the nature of an. Oriental fantasy, often satiric in Its treat- ment, sometimes wistfully and ap- peallngly beautiful. There is. virtu- ally none of the usual musical com- edy hoke., The hero. Instead of being a para- gon of masculine bravery and no- bility. Is an a;bject creature who gets socked and abused from the begin- ning of the play to the end. The heroine, instead of being a sweet, Innocent damsel, is a flirtatious young matron who strays from the straight-and-nari-bw not once , but many times during the course of the action. This in itself will shock a Jot . of people. Secondly, Richard Rodgers' score, In many ways, the most Inspired, and certainly the most musicianly he has ever done, also upsets all familiar traditions.: There are, for examplc» very few set pieces and virtually no use of reprises save in the theme love song. Only a couple of num^ bers are plugged In any way or used for repeated chorus evolutions. In- stead, Rodgers has introduced snatches of lovely melody, closely interwoven Into the story and di- rectly reflecting the spirit of the action at that particular time. These snatches are sometinies only a few measures, and they arie used again. Furthermore, much of the dialogue Is sung, so tjhat the story is advanced In miisica:! as well as in spoken words. "I Must Love You" Is a haunting ballad, a little difficult to whistle; "Moon, of My Delight" and "Better Be Good to Me" are the nearest things to plugged son.g and dance numbers; "The Tartar Song' is a stirring march, arid a new de- parture for Rodgers. Ll-Pi Siao, Grand Eunuch in the Violet Town of Peking, is anxious that his son shall follow him' in his exalted offlce, ..but said son, happily In each ca.se, declaring that she niuist save her husband's life, the little wife gives herself to the leader of. the opposition. In one. case he is a Tartar chief, in another a road bandit, and in a third a Grand Prior. Eventually, they are brought back to'the Palace and the young hus- band is about to be forced to become the, new Gi'and Eunuch when, through the aid of a friend who disguises himself as the doctor, he escapes. To a great many people the sub- ject of "Chee-Chee" will be a little repellant, especially In the last scene. However, it must be admitted that Herbert Fields has handled the theme as delicately and as carefully as possible. If is not a case of any- things being deleted to eliminate BUggestiveness. Everything is in the theme Itself, and it is hard to see how that can be changed. .A few of Lorenz Hart's lyrics may be a bit off-color, but these again have been subtly and carefully worded, and are always in keeping with the story. Incidentally, they represent Hart at his very best, and that means a lot. The cast is generally excellent, with Helen Ford, as the "ever-faith- ful" wife, outstanding. No better choice could have been made for the role because Miss Ford is a shrewd and skillful actress as well as the possessor of - a, charming: personality and a nice voice. George Hassell is better than he has been in a long time, and generally quite funny as the Grand Eunuch, although given to exaggeration and too many nance mannerisms. An outstanding per- foi-mance is provided by George Houston as the Tartar Chief. He has a corkine voice and a nice stage presence. Betty Starbuck Is cute and winsome. "William Williams played the ungrateful role of the hero well, but was not in as good a voice as when with the Ames' Gil bert and Sullivan company.. The costuming is o. k., save for the fact that Japanese wigs never can bring out attractive features of chorus girls. That's undoubetdly one of the reasons why Oriental musical comedies are riot popular. The set- tings are. uneven, a couple of them being badly in need of change. As a whole, however, "Chee-Chee" Is vivid and colorfully bizarre. It's a question whether musical comedy fans will accept "Chee- Chee" .despite all its valuete. Plug- ging of certain numbers with more dance formations might help, espe- cially in the first act, but the three collaborators are trying to get away from just this kind of conventional musical comedy routine. However, the show is extremely smart and clever and sophisticated, and if played to that kind of clientele in New York, may click for a limited period. Waters. the cmbas.'^y for a stay while plan ning a military campaign. Tho love-at-flrst-sight, which took place during a chance meeting in the Gre- ville domicile, is rokiridlod and flames more than ever. Emma comes to the aid of Nelson during a tick- lish political maneuver and her suc- cess further strengthens the bonds of their illegitimate love, Lord Hamilton, being old and a "husband in name only," surrenders his claimS'on his beauteous wife to his friend Nelson and thus the Cur tain drops. . A programed epilogue showing the pier at Portsmouth, just before "Tra- falgar has been bniitted. Miss Smith has shown a greater interest In "the historical angle of her work than in the dramatic. The result Is a none too exciting rehash of a well-known historical episode Although a baby is mentioned as re- sulting from the friendship of the lovers, the play is as pure as ivory soap if not riiore so. In its present foi'm it lacks box office appeal. Much revamping , if not entire rewriting will be necessary if it is to have any measure of success. Messrs. Boothe and Qleaso.n have, lavished many dollars on the stag- ing of the , piece, and the costumes are by Natcha Rambova. Yeftenti's stage pictures are excellent, Selena Rbyle is a decorative and accomipli.shed actress in the title role. Murray Kinnell. as Nelson, is rather flat. This may be due to the weakness of his role. Frederiik G. Lewis brings years of experience into the role . of Hamilton, while Frank Arundel. Daisy Belmore. mother of Emma. Etienne Girardot,. Florence Short and Horace Cooper are admirable In their various as signments. ■■.-.■.•IfftSJ:.) DOROTHY LULL Now/ with the 7th Edition of Earl Carroll's "Vanities" EARL CARROLL THEATRE NEW YORK FRAIL EMMA Detroit. Sept. 11. Barle BootJie and James Gleason present romantic. play in four acts by Genevieve Thompson Smith. Staged by Moffat John- son with settings by Tellentl. Metropoli- tan premiere at Cass theatre Sept. 9. Hon. Charles GrevlUe Frank Arundel Mrs, Cudogan Daisy Belmore Romney John Weetley Sir William Hamilton. .l-Vederlck G. Lewis Nelson Murray Kinnell Kmma Selena Royle Mother Clutter-Buck Dorcas Weaver Paolo. .Clarence Handyslde Giovanni. Archie Thomson Sir John Acton. Etienne Girardot Morchesa Dl Solano Eva Leonard Boyne King Ferdinand of Naples.. .Horace Cooper Queen Maria Carolina Florence Short THE WAR SONG ,' Philadelphia, Sept. 11 Albert Lewis and Sam Harris present an American comedy-drama In three acts by the Spewacks and George Jessel. Staged by Albert l«wls. Presented at the Lyric calls Kdilit' a fi>\v o.luuco names and tells him that heroafter nothing will bo done to make hi.« lot easier. As the curtain falls, tho little aong- pluggor loams ovei* tlio phone that his mother has just died. The tirst scono o£ the third act is laid in an entert.'iinment hut back g£ tho Jinosi Kddio is an vinshavon, unsightly, oxlronu'ly tip.sy object. He doo.sn't givo a rap what happens now; this patriotic stuff is tlvc bunk as far as he is cpnoorupd, Tho final blow comes when, during an informal entortalnmont, he mo,ot.s his swocthoart and linda hor mav rlod. Then oomos a rather heavy inters lude in a isheU-holo that is most effective pictoriallS'; biit hardly moans much otherwise. The final .scene is an officers' quarters in.side the German lines. Eddie Is, a prls oner and so Is the man who be trayed his sister. It looks as if the play was to end on a note of ven- geance, but instead Eddie- dies of shell-.shock, now knowing that the "second looey" was not as black a.s painted, and really meant well by the sl.ster'. This last .«;cene Is the one that will be changed, undoubtedly, but it is interesting at that. The au- thors deserve a flock of. prai.so fOr insisting that the German officers talk only in their native tongiie, ex- cept when an interpreter Is brought in. It's a nice touch. Jessel Is capital throughout, ar- tistically a lot better than he was in "The Jazz Singer." He has toned down and shaded his emotional .scene.s. and his comedy is sure and always in character. In fact, "The War Song" hasn't half the hoke that '.'The Jazz Singer" had. It is un- likely that it will ever be the hit the other was either, but it is a di.stinctly thoughtful, sincere and impres.slve play built . aronnd one character. Water.n. Motoalf ran away with the show in a fat part. Action takes place in two sets, the living room of the Dupont home and the studio of Zoe Zets Tho lat- ter is a lady of the free and easy type. .She posos a-s an artist (with tiie painting all done by a youthful lovor) and hor favors are given to anyone who buys one of hor pic- tures. Robert and raiilette are interrupt- ed on their bridal night by a cus- toms oftlcor calling .at their boudoir . just as they are about to turn oiit. the light. . • "Anything to Dt'clai-e?" This qviostion pops up so frequently during tlio early action that the. young couple do not share domestic freedom for several woek.s. Finally, the suggestion is made to Robert that if he will pay a visit to Zee Zee and purchase one of her paintings he will be able to break the spell and return happily to his bride. At Zee Zee's studio all sorts of things happen, including Palette's father CMetcalf) who happens to be madly in love with the gal. There are numerous spicy situations, es- pecially where Zee Zee "falls" for Robert and tells him the "guest pajamas" are On the chair in her bed chamber. The pay customers lick their chops over this one. r'roi)(>rly speeded uPi "Zee Zee" looks like another winner for Gold- tree. ' Edwards. BON JOUR JACK FORESTER FEATURED CASIPtCLDEJPARI5_ DOUBLING PERROQUET 'American Plays in Germany Send ManusorlptH to FEtJX DLOril ERBEX Berlin. "Wilmcradorf 1 Genevieve Thompson Smith's in- terpretation of the sizzling romance between Lady Hamilton and Lord Nelson, which set all the continent a buzzing long ago, had its premiere perfoiiriTmce befof-e a plaS*-hungry- public Sunday night. Customers who hoped to renew school book ac- quaintances with the noted lovers were disappointed in discovering a glosiscd over, .somewhat aenemic sketching of the romance with the sizzle and the punch pf the original entirely lacking. ^ . ; "Frail Emma" Is about as weak as the title suggests (and the, title seems more appropriate for a merry, merry mtisioal piece). What httle action there is moves with the aban- doned speed of marmalade In an upset jar. _ When the curtam rai.ses on the first act Emma is enjoying one of her early liasons. Her portrait has just been painted by Romney and her master, Hon. Charles Greville. and a group of friends are admiring it An itinerant fortune teller drops in and unfolds the future of those present. Possible suspense is de- .stroyed through this incident. Greville willingly turns Emma over to her uncle, Sir William, when ^a-^handso m e--f ee - =1 s-p ro vi acd.^The gal goes with Hamilton to Naples following his appointment as am- bassador. Once there a marriage is arranged by the conniving parent of the girl and the nuptials take place. Ladv Hamilton assumes her place in diplomatic circles and be- romos quite a fixture. One day Capt. Nelson hops Into Messrs. Shubert and Harris had two tryouts here last week, and "The Big Fight,''' because it marked the stage debut of Jack Dempsey, got most of the attention, and certainly all of the first-night excitement. . "The War Song," starring George Jessel, came In quietly up at the Lyric,. got second and third-string critics, and wasn't heard from much until the middle of the week. Then word got around that "The War Song" had a world of promise. Some of the first-string men, catching it late in the week, gave it preference in their second-thought Saturday and Sunday articles. The piece needs plenty of work, and most of all it needs sometlilng done to the last act. Owen Davis was In town to look it over. The author's are at work now, and some of the re-Wrltten scenes will prob- ably go~ in late this week. The Strange thing Is that the act (the third) causing all the worry. Is, taken by itself, very vivid and ef- fective, yhe maln trouble Is that it doesn't fit In with what has gone before, nor does it seem to be the best solution of the theme that the SpeWacks and Mr. Jessel have evolved. The first act of the play Is laid In a New York apartment In the summer of 1917, and it presents Jessel In the role of Eddie Rosen, a song-pliigger whose chief work, at that time. Is putting across patriotic war ballads. Eddie has, no desire to go to war, and although he can stir up a lot of enthusiasm and sen- timent by his rendering of war songs, he is not stirred by any deep note of patriotism himself. . Eddie's mother, who has lost her husband In the Spanish-American War, is even more determined than Eddie himself that he shall not be caught In the draft. However, th« call comes ("I've just got a post- card from the government saying 'Wish you were with us,' " Is the way Eddie explains It), and a well- meant, but ill-advised attempt on the part of his mother to help him evade the suihrhohs/'kills tCny Chance he might have had of not having to go to camp. Act II has Eddie as a rookie at Camp Upton, Yaphank. He Is gen- erally admitted to be a rotten sol- dier, but he Is smart and likable and is being used as company clerk. His captain is strong for him be- cause Eddie has been ,taking care of him when he. came home stewed from officers' parties. Eddie, isn't happy, but he Is not miserable and from the captain's conversation, it appears that his life overseas will be made as comfortable as pos- sible. The first part of this act Is com- edy, and mighty good comedy too, with lusty, outspoken dialog rem- iniscent of "What Price. Glory." Then hints of tragedy are seen, first with the news that Eddie's mother is very 111, and second, with the arrival of his sister and her admis- sion that she Is to have a baby by her soldier sweetheart who has al- ready gone to wax. Abou_t this time, "word conies that ifiTs parllcuia? EASY FOR ZEE ZEE San Franci.sco, Sept. 7. Sid Goldtrcc pre.senls French oonicdy In throe acts by Pierre DlJon. Ringed by Hugh Metcalf at Green Street, San Francist'o, Sept. 0. ', * ' Lisette .'.. .GrthPl Flair Gontraln Hill M.-irccou Erne.itine ,Gudy .Sw.inHon Lo Baude ..; Jock Phlpps Mme. Dupont ^FIorcno(> Boll M. Dupont ,. ...........Hugh Motonlfc Couzan Larry GoOk Frontlgnac John Lyncb Paulotte •. .El;ilne T>c Vore Robert Bi)b (rhapman Zee Zeo .Alice, Worihlngtop Marlette .Margaret Kohustcr Armand '. Harold Armltage A Gendarme Eddie Nlnzrall After dark since early summer, Sid Goldtree reopened, the intimate , French Green Street with another of those snappy, spicy comedies for which the house has become noted. "E:asy for Zee Zee',' Is even broader than "The Married Virgin" which ran for many months at the house last .season. With a.little pruning and smoothing off it should be on view for a considerable time. Alice Worthington for the name role was not a good choice. She no doubt will be replaced. Hugh CHICAGO BIZ (Cohtlnued from, page t<2) ure of $28,000. Sliced at around $23,000 holiday week. "Good News" (Selwyn, 29th week). Mainstay, attraction. Always has first call with balcony scats at pre- mium. Promises to give k. o. to many of new musicals arriving. Back to : better than $26,000 with extra matinee. , , "Mary Dugan" (Adelphl, 3d week). "Try to get in" slogan for this Whirlwind hit! Every perfCrmance sellout; $30,000 with strong scale. Advance sale tremendous. "Night In Spain" (Majestic. 2d week). Another Instance where re- turn engagements don't measure up to, expectations on strength of orig- inal popularity. Transfer of house from vaiide to Shubert control e8-» tablishod and that's what the Shu- berts wore after with Initial book- ing. "Red Robe" in Sept. 30. "Spain" $25,000: "Silent House" (Garrick, 2d week)," This mystery has 'em talking to ex- tent it may develdp Into winner. Heia-vy coin opening night made $14,000 possible., "Command to Love" (Studebaker, 2d week). Proved runner-up In dra- matic field to "Dugan" and Imme- diately jumped Into big money at $21,000. Intense, plugging to hold It for long run Chi success. "My MarylantT' (Great Northern. 2d week). Babbling brook Idea for this house with big grosses still rolling. Latest tvoe musical yanked out $33,000 and no doubt but what it will be a repetition for many weeks more. ABOVB—Effect ofp«r$plra- •ion on ordinary makeup oj grea$e • paint and powder. {Hagnified.) 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However, in taking her to the train, ho Is sus- pected of trying to desert and the fake pass found on him. That fini.'ihos the captain, who I tddreii »«ek of,.... tor hIiI- 1. fliiU'tin.-loMtl '"h^rfc'<"• Jl '". ^1 I I 66 99