THE IDLER CLUB PRESENTS SPANISH PLAY

In its opening at the Shubert Theatre the "Topics of 1923" showed a varied assortment of songs, music, costumes, and stage settings, which helped to keep its audience well amused. The far-famed chorus was on hand; wearing costumes which even Mayor Curley could not object to. An orchestra leader named Alfred Goodman did a lot to interpret his own songs to the audience and to the suburban radio fans, and they must have had a gala night of it. Alice Delysia, of stage fame that has long been well established, was the last word in Parisian primal-donnas; while opposite her Nat Nazarro, Jr., showed a good deal of agility, and scarcely less histrionic ability. He did more than his share, and the audience showed its appreciation of him.

Comic Glimpses of Royalty

The scenes of the revue itself were for the most part lacking in originality. The first scene was the exception--being a dressing-room glimpse of the show, which only opened officially in scene 2. In scene 3 Allan Prior sang with much volume, but little distinctness, in "Flowers of Evil." Then came two pieces of royal buffoonery, introducing--first Queen Bess and Will Shakespeare, and second a red-haired Oedipus Rex. The act ended with "Her Wedding Day" buffoonery rather less royal, but more effective. The second act was very much in keeping with the first; while throughout the play were comic interludes, with all varieties of horse play, and a good many really original jokes.

If anyone can mention a color, lighting effect, or type of costume, which did not appear in the "Topics of 1923," he should apply for a job as dramatic critic to the Timbuctoo "Advertiser." But it is doubtful if he should see any more varied colors and costumes even in the antipodes.