Musical Comedy in Three Acts. Music by Emmerich Kalman, Book by Guy Bol-
ton, Lyrics by P. S. Wodehouse and Herbert Reynolds. Produced by Klaw.
NEW ATTRACTIONS FOR NEW YORK PLAYGOERS "MISS SPRINGTIME" IS DELIGHTFUL MARGARET ANGLIN CHARMS IN "CAROLINE" Musical Comedy in Three Acts. Music by Emmerich Kalman, Book by Guy BolComedy in Three Acts by William Somerset Maugham. Produced by Charles ton, Lyrics by P. S. Wodehouse and Herbert Reynolds. Produced by Klaw Frohman at the Empire Theater, Sept. 20. and Erlanger at the New Amsterdam Theater, Sept. 25. Caroline Ashley Margaret Anjflin Maude Fulton Isabella Trench Coouer Rotiort Oldham Dr. Cornish Rex Cunningham
Florence Edney Viva Birkett Lillian Brennard Charles Dalton Arthur Chesney Rex McDougall
In describing " Caroline " a high comedy, William Somerset Maugham may l>e credited with conceding the superficial quality of a number of situations that border on farce. The obvious intent of the play is to entertain cultivated audiences with a not over deep or serious study of the temperament of an intelligent woman who has reached middle age: also the masculine tendency— irrespective of age—to find feminine charms most alluring when they are unattainable. " Caroline" is sophisticated in tone, cleverly, even brilliantly written at times, true in characterization, despite some exaggerations, and delightfully acted, especially by Margaret Anglin. Depending almost solely on witty dialogue, Mr. Maugham devised little action for his latest play; but save for occasional moments when the conversation seems a bit protracted, the absence of movement is not felt. The situation on which the three acts are based is capital. Estranged from her husband and past the bloom of youth, Caroline has for ten years accepted the adoration of an unmarried barrister, Robert Oldham. News comes of the death of the long absent husband and there is nothing to prevent Caroline's second marriage. Solicitious friends call to offer congratulations—the union of the widow and the barrister is taken for granted. Very adroitly Mr. Maugham reveals the emotions of his two central characters when actually confronted by the possibility for which they had longed. Only under the spur of whiskey and soda does Oldham muster courage to propose, and even a younger and more ardent admirer becomes noticeably reluctant when there is danger of his protestations being taken seriously. Presently Caroline discovers that as a married woman she is most desirable, whereas under freer conditions her charms are ineffective. She meets the dilemma by pretending that the report of the death of her husband was false, whereupon her lovers return. Some of Mr. Maugham's epigrams would not be out of place, in a Wilde play and their point is never lost in the delivery of Miss Anglin and her company. Admirably suited to the character of Caroline, Miss Anglin gives a perfectly finished comedy performance. Florence Edney as a flashy, domineering young woman, is well in the atmosphere, whereas able portrayals are given by Viva Birkett and Charles Dalton.
Paul Pilgrim Michael Robin Henry Wenzcl HUKO Kuans Rosika Wenzel Jo Varady Maiinle Stone I iiistin Stone
