‘UP IN MABEL’S ROOM'

Evening Star, Issue 19765, 16 January 1928, Page 5

‘UP IN MABEL’S ROOM'

HILARIOUS AMERICAN FARCE American farce, full of vital action, satire, brimming over with humor, which at times borders on burlesque, ‘Up in Mabel’s Room,’ presented at His Majesty’s Theatre on Saturday night for the first time, was bright and breezy production from first to last. The modern farce requires a distinct. not a laborious, plot, which must allow' for complicated and amusing situations and clover and spontaneous dialogue to keep the audience in a continual condition of good humor. And that was how ‘ Up in Mabel’s Room.’ with nil the elements of and rollicking comedy, nave the audience “one long laugh,” Even the gloomiest misanthrope would have to descend from his clouds of gloom and commence laughing at the first of the three nets; and if lie kept bis seat he would probably laugh heartily for the rest of the evening and chuckle on his way home, for the humor of the piece is irresistible..

Though ‘Up in Mabel’s Room’ (like most farces) is not remarkable for plot, it has been admirably constructed, and there is just enough in the theme upon which to hang a sequence of events, which in their happening create paroxysms of mirth all the evening. There is no part _ where the humor is too broad to relish completely, and there is nothing in the dialogue which could not ho submitted to the most critical audience The play strikes certain _ novel lines, and is refreshingly amusing, as was evidenced hv the laughter and applause. Its outstanding ohicet is to exploit the possibilities of fun. and it ablv sueeceds in achieving tbe_ authors’ intention of amusing the audience with absurdity piled upon absurdity, and manv screamingly funny situations.

Enacted in the Long Island home of Arthur Weldon, the story concerns the matrimonial quandaries of Garry and Geraldine Ainsworth, who have* been married for one month, and Jimmy Lardimoot and his wife Alicia, all of whom are guests at a house party. The dapper and whimsical Garry, who adores his young wife, has a blameless past, except for one indiscretion. That was when, two years before his marriage, he present'd to tho attractive young widow, Mabel Essington, a pink silk chemise with tho inscription “From Garry to'Mabel.” This is in the possesion of Mabel (also a guest at the house party), and in spite of her engagement to Arthur Weldon she delights in reminding Garry of his indiscretion. Garry is in a fever of apprehension lest his wife should hear of it and with the assistance of his faithful valet., Corliss, he endeavors to obtain possession of the garment. Mabel carries the fun further hv discussing the snotless career of Garry with Martha Weldon, sister of the host, and with Alicia. They decide that Geraldine could only be made to appreciate Garry if the young man were induced to commit a slight misdemeanor, Alicia is deputed to make love to him. Garry confides in her, but puts matters in such a way that she thinks his indiscretion far greater than it really was. In the meantime Jimmy thinks his wife is really flirting with Garry. There neonis nothing left for Garry’to do but recover the chemise—after 'Mabel has gone to bed. When Garry hides under tho bed iti Mabel’s room, and then discovers that tho faithful Corliss is hidden in a box ottoman in the room; when Arthur, hearing a noise, comes to tho room tn see if Mabel is safe; and when Carry’s wife faints and is carried into the same room, the action is fast and furious. The curtain of the second act descends upon distraught wives,, horrified husbands, and Mabel’s pardonably furious fiance. All i.s confusion, and it seems that everyone should make sonm explanation. Tile third and final act is devoted to these explanations, which provide a piece of comedy that is screamingly funny.

Tlio piece was well staged, nnd tho noting, taken ns a whole, was well done. As Garry Ainsworth Billy O’Hanlon took the lion’s share of the comedy work which he carried with distinct success. When apparently most in earnest he was able to cause great merriment. Tie was nhly assisted by A. Brandon Grenier ns the valet Corliss, with whom sympathetic understanding wns essential for nropor effect of most i tho dialogue. Those two merited the applause which they won. Bliss Zara Clinton scored heavily in the character of Mabel Essington. With a charming stage presence, easy manner, and pleasant voice Miss Clinton upheld the reputation which she had gained in England, America, and Canada, whore she has played important parts in both musical and farcical comedy The other members of the cast, from whom able work was necessary for the smooth running of the piece, were Miss Hilda Attcnhro (Alicia Earehmont), Miss Rvbil Atholwood (Geraldine Ainsworth'). Shirley Cooke (Martha Weldon), Thomas MTtermott (Kruger), Eric Hamson (Jimmy Larchmont), and Jack Beattie (Arthur Weldon). ‘ Bp in Mabel’s Bonin ’ will be staged again to-night and following nights. It- is commenclably short, making no exacting demands on the imagination; in fact, it is just the sort of play to lit in between a. leisurely dinner and a merry light supper.