Blanche Ring and Co.

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Full Stage (Special Set). “Oh, Papa.” Barring a very visible, and in this instance unnecessary slowness at the start, “Oh, Papa,” is a condensed version of “When Claudia Smiles,” a former musical play, made over for vaudeville by Channing Pollock and Ren Wolf, looks suitable for Miss Ring’s vaudeville invasion. The scene shows a room in Claudia’s (Miss Ring) apartment. Her maid (Nellie Filmore) is very active when Johnny Rogers (Alfred Fisher), divorced husband of Claudia, arrives. A few minutes of conversation reveals much of the plot, after which Roger exits to allow Mr. Brook (Fred W. Strong) an opportunity to explain his connection. Frederick Walker (Chas. J. Winniger) comes next, completing the cast, a small bit being played by Jas. Duddy in the opening. Claudia, a musical comedy star is in love with her ex-husband, but takes delight in coddling the two “old boys,” married millionaires. A complication is nearly handled by Claudia’s “Oh, Papa” line, when the two old men unexpectedly meet and take each other for the girl’s dad. The finale shows the return of Rogers and the cheerless exit of the two old “chasers.” Two numbers are employed in the piece proper, “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary” and “Dear Old Pet.” The former went exceptionally well. Winniger in a sort of polite German role monopolizes the comedy with a good characterization and makes an excellent foil for the star. Miss Filmore as the colored maid provided some contrast for Miss Ring’s appearance, filling in to satisfaction. Strong fits the type his role calls for and stops at that. Fisher had little to do,  but did well enough. With the skit over, Miss Ring appeared in “one,” for some reason or other, to continue with songs with which she has become familiar in the past. This section could be comfortably shelved, except in cases where an encore is essential. And the opening should be penciled enough to allow for a brief introduction of the plot although the costume changes should remain for the benefit of the women. Until Winninger’s entrance, the cast must depend upon light comedy, and light comedy in vaudeville is more luscious in small chunks. Miss Ring, as was expected, scored an individual hit, with her principal comic running a close second. With the necessary alteration “Oh, Papa” will fill all vaudeville wants.

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