May 5, 1928 WINNETKA 'TALK "TONS OF MONEY" IS ROLLICKING COMEDY Theater Guild Terminates Sev- enth Season with Genuinely Humorous Production By Rutheda L. Pretzel "For laughing purposes only," might have been printed on a sign posted conspicuously on the stage of the vari- ous auditoriums on the north shore, where the North Shore Theater Guild appeared this week and last in "Tons of Money," a rollicking comedy by Wills Evans and Valentine. For "Tons of Money" offered guild mem- bers a few hours of absurdity, an eve- ning of nonsense and mirth. As witnessed at the first perform- ance, which was at the Central school auditorium, Glencoe, "Tons of Money" rated a high percentage in laughter. The lines are extravagantly humor- ous, and the cast put them over with nerve and spontaneity that made the play sparkle to the last minute. There were unfortunate pauses for prompt- ing, a rare occurence in the Guild productions, but these were occasioned by several changes made in the cast at almost the last minute. On the whole, the performance was one to be viewed with keen delight. Designed for Laughter Those in the audience who searched for a hidden motive, a significance to the string of incidences that rapidly |" followed each other, were disappoint- ed in "Tons of Money," for the domestic adventures of Aubrey Henry Maitland Allington and Louise, his wife, proceed in a kaleidoscopic man- ner. If there is a motive, it is Au- brey's desire for tons of money to pay off his creditors. When Chester- man, his solicitor, informs him that a brother has died and willed him a life interest in $170,000, the Alling- tons are overjoyed. Gloom quickly follows, for Aubrey feels that al- though he has tons of money, if he owes tons of money and pays tons of money, he won't have tons of money left. He is informed that upon his death the fortune goes to his brother, George Maitland, whom he supposes to be dead in Mexico. Suddenly Louise has her first brilliant idea and glowingly tells Aubrey he is to stage an explosion in his laboratory and be blown to pieces, thus cheating his creditors of a share in the fortune. Aubrey objects dolefully, but bright- ens when Louise suggests that he make a get-away and return in three weeks (after a mock funeral) dis- guised as his brother George Mait- land, who will claim the waiting for- tune, and marry the widow. Complications Arise When Aubrey, in a cowboy outfit, shows up, Chesterman spoils the plan by announcing the fortune goes to the widow. Louise cleverly persuades Aubrey to pretend to drown and re- turn later as Ebenezer Brown, an old friend, who will fall in love and marry her. But after Aubrey's second mock death, a brother of Sprules turns up as Maitland to get the fortune. He is enthusiastically greeted by Jean Everard, a romantic widow, who in- sists she is his deserted wife, just as she had insisted to Aubrey's Mait- land. In answer to questions from Louise and her aunt, Miss Mullett, who is persistent and also a little deaf, the imposter feigns loss of memory. When another man appears as the real Maitland, and Aubrey en- ters as a dignified parson, Louise finds herself hopelessly involved, and the situation is screamingly funny. The end of the play occurs when Chester- man announces that taxes and solici- tor's fees have dwindled the fortune down to one pound. As the cheerful, irresponsible Au- brey, Louis Ellsworth Laflin Jr., made a decided hit. It would be hard to _ imagine a more engaging, obliging, comical Aubrey. He was excellently supported by Irene Wicker, who is dynamic, and fairly glitters with dar- ing ideas. Mrs. Laird Bell as the deaf aunt brought in many chuckles with her "Don't shout, I'm not deaf," and her usual able characterization. As Sprules, Oliver Fransworth de- serves much praise, making his butler just subtle enough to elicit plenty of laughs. Julia Hanks Mailor made a charming widow, playing with humor; Paul Faust capably took the role of the crude brother of the butler who disguises as Maitland; and Charles Eastman gave a good portrayal of the real Maitland. William Pearce scored as the solicitor, and Lloyd Faxon made his small part of the gardener stand out. Miss Edith Phillips, a new- comer in the guild, appeared as the maid. HOSTESS AT LUNCHEON Mrs. Melville C. Chatten, the retiring regent of the Kaskaskia chapter, D. A. R., entertained the retiring board members of the chapter at luncheon at her home, 1025 Dinsmore road, on last Tuesday, May 1. Mrs. Donald MacPherson, 644 Pine street, left last week-end for the East to visit her mother, Mrs. Frederick West, who has been ill for several months in Boston. 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