Charles Richman and Co.

"The Fire Escape" is of two young people, who meet (with logical reason) in a hotel room, while a fire is raging below. They are engaged to be married. The young man has sent his only suit of clothes to be pressed. He is partly in the bathroom, partly without. To make himself presentable, the rubber covering of the shower bath is used to envelop him. "The Fire Escape" is well written, genuine comedy, and one of the most amusing of pieces.

The reviewer is appalled at the lack of morality on stage these days. His ranting comment is "This comment is brought forth by a report that Charles Richman and Co., while playing their delightfully entertaining little comedy, "The Fire Escape." at the Hudson, Union Hill, N. J., last week were marked "in bad condition," because during the action, Mr. Richman appears in his undergarments. Lift your eyes to Heaven and have a little sigh of thankfulness for our God fearing, pious and discreet vaudeville managers." "It's very sickening, this pose of managers or their representatives, especially as in Mr. Richman's case, where he is playing a piece, that, with his name for a vaudeville debut around the circuits for the first time, is worth $200 a week more than Mr. Richman asked for it—and is receiving. Mr. Richman is a finished actor. Mabel Frenyear excellently plays a difficult role. Master Charles Silbin is a child prodigy." The comedy is well written and one of the most amusing pieces.

Variety 21:9 (02/04/1911)