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This is the first New York presentation of “The Squarer” which Nugent and Julie York have been playing all over the Orpheum Circuit. Nugent plays the “soused” but good natured club fellow. The act, strangely enough, opens in “one” with Nugent remaining alone for almost five minutes. He secures some good laughs for this monologue before Miss York appears. Set in a parlor, Nugent feigns illness, consulting a female physician, Dr. Edith Williams (Miss York). It becomes the story of a lost husband (for three days), lost pearl necklace, robbers and the police. Nugent is “The Squarer” who returns the husband and necklace to the wife.
There is some good comedy between the duo, the dialogue is apt for laughs, some lines striking home hard. Nugent is a first rate “souse,” never overdoing the part. The piece is somewhat slow near the beginning, and again at the finale. However, the quiet ending seemed to be enjoyed by the audience. It is open to debate whether a more abrupt finish would be better. Nugent is a good actor and has written a very good sketch.
Source:
Variety 22:7 (04/22/1911)